News Archive - Page 103 of 145

Slaughterhouses on trial…

Slaughterhouses on trial…
21.02.2019
Houdan
Slaughterhouses on trial…
Other campaign or multi-campaigns of One Voice

One Voice is a civil party in the case involving the slaughterhouse Houdan (78) of which has on many occasions already been postponed, finally to be judged this February 21st…The terrible images, revealed in 2017 by L214, highlight unsustainable industrial practices.

In the slaughterhouse’s bays, you can read signs that leave you wondering … « Do not push more than 7 pigs at a time into the CO2 supply corridors », « Respect animals, you will respect yourself ». Pious advice distilled by the management of this establishment ensuring the killing of about 2,500 pigs per week (finally just a small drop in the ocean of slaughter practiced in France by several hundred other structures, sizes and methods vary).

Speech’s … and methods

In Houdan, the pigs are stunned before they are bled and dispensed of, this technique boils down to those who evoke something similar to that of the miners of Germinal. They move the animals to an atmosphere charged with carbon dioxide (CO2). Gas has its « advantages »: the dead animal is less tense than killing them by electrical methods, for example, in addition to contracting the flesh and making them less suitable for cutting, an industrial problem. So, they invested in these techniques for the welfare of pigs destined to for the dinner plate, among the thirty million slaughtered animals per year in France1. We are actually talking about « good » dying and not about well-being. And again, it’s okay…

Extremely violent practices

Before our eyes, there is absolutely no question of their well-being! CO2, during inhalation, causes awful distress in the animal, screaming convulsively in endless seconds before it slips into unconsciousness. But it’s not just that … To get there, in these techno cookers, pigs are driven violently by employees who are quick to accelerate the pace, using electric prods to excessively, hitting out at these pigs piled up on top of one another, because, let’s face it, the facilities are badly designed. The flow is not fluid enough, packed together in the dark, compressed, without access to water. Live pigs that are already meat on which we harp and bang on about, even the veterinarian delegated by the state shows the same example. Worse still, exposure to CO2 seems to have been reduced to speed up the process.

Serious failings

One Voice reminded the judges that pigs are highly studied animals, “a moral subject of extreme complexity and sensitivity.” The least we must do for these sentient beings that are sacrificed on masse on the altar of consumption, would be for the slaughterhouses, without which breeding would no longer exist, is to develop more virtuous practices like that of the breeders.

To marry an economic balance, respect of sanitary conditions and animal welfare is possible. But here, faced with the needs of the industrial flow, there are numerous offenses: non-compliance by these facilities, lack of training of staff for using good practices, only abuse. In short, despicable practices added to the daily horror. Fines incurred personally will be minimal on these defendants, the managers and employees of this slaughterhouse. But they remain highly symbolic: we cannot proceed in this way, especially under a notice board claiming rightly « Respect animals, respect each other… ».

You can also, as more than 500 000 other people in Europe have done, join the citizen mobilization to put an end to cage farming.

(1) Figures 2015, in Parliamentary report on slaughter conditions for slaughter animals in French slaughterhouses

Animal experimentation: One Voice defends its evidence against dog breeding at the Paris Court of Appeal

Animal experimentation: One Voice defends its evidence against dog breeding at the Paris Court of Appeal
19.02.2019
Mézilles
Animal experimentation: One Voice defends its evidence against dog breeding at the Paris Court of Appeal
Animal testing

In Mézilles, near Auxerre, there is the largest dog breeding centre of – Beagles and Golden Retrievers – in France, destined for laboratories. One Voice has obtained from a judge of the tribunal de grande instance of Auxerre that a bailiff complies a report to know exactly what is going on there. Subsequently, the breeder has made a referral to prevent the association from denouncing the living conditions of these dogs.

One Voice having won in the first instance, the farm now is appealing and claiming 10,000 € in damages. The hearing will take place this Thursday February 21 at the Court of Appeal of Paris at 2.00pm.

The issue is important, since One Voice has filed a complaint for acts of cruelty, ill-treatment and negligence and wishes to point this out with this statement of proof: the bailiff has highlighted several problems in the breeder, who does not operate in accordance with his authorization. This is why the association, of which animal testing is part of the fundamental battle, will fight at the Paris Court of Appeal.

Muriel Arnal, Founding President of One Voice, says:

«We are determined to shed light on the breeding conditions of these dogs, whose only future lies on laboratory benches. »

Moreover, this breeding operation has expanded and was regulated by the Prefect of Yonne, while the European directive is moving towards a reduction in the number of animals subjected to experiments and that in France, 83% of the French population is against experiments on dogs (survey « The French and animal abuse » One Voice / IPSOS, December 2016). One Voice disputes the decision by which the prefect authorized to increase the capacity of this place to 3200 dogs; this appeal for excess of power is under investigation at the tribunal de grande instance of Dijon until early March.

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The rescue of Jesko, a security dog locked in a car

The rescue of Jesko, a security dog locked in a car
18.02.2019
Paris
The rescue of Jesko, a security dog locked in a car
Domestic animals

On the morning of Friday February 1st, thanks to our hounding and our investigations day and night the police were able to proceed to the seizure of Jesko. This four-year-old dog had been tortured by a security guard who had kept him confined in the trunk of his car in a region of Paris. A rescue in line with the regulations by the Zoé Cell of One Voice!

All winter in a chest to call for help

From morning until night in November, December and January, Jesko was locked in the boot of the car of a security guard who, it seemed, was using him for his work. The rest of the time, therefore, he was stored in a cage, like a tool in his box, the misty and dirty windows barely ajar at the back, under heaps of blankets and objects of all kinds. We couldn’t see him easily as the car was hidden. Some days only the muffled barking of his distress could be heard.

Our investigation to prove this abuse

After an investigation day and night, we discovered the extent of the situation that this dog had been suffering in since last summer. Sometimes invisible to the passers-by, locked up in a heap of mess, whatever the temperature. Sometimes spending the whole night by himself turning aimlessly around and around inside the car, deprived of a decent shelter. His life was complete loneliness, most of the time locked up in the darkness.

Without rescue, Jesko would have slowly died.

Following this investigation and our complaint for Jesko, the prosecutor allowed Carine, Nicolas, Elise and Erwan, the officers of the police brigade assigned to his case, to proceed to his seizure whilst he’s was being held in the car on Friday February 1st during the morning.

In the trunk, neither water nor food. And in the cage, he could not even stand up. How could he move? Or to relieve oneself? Impossible. No love or warmth of human comfort were offered to him. A scenario of the worst was to be confirmed. Death was prowling around him, watching and waiting. The veterinarian noted his muscular atrophy; he was dehydrated and wasting away. A Malinois of his age in good health generally weighs 40 kilos. Jesko was barely more than half this weight.

Jesko is now in a shelter and the security guard is in custody.

He will never return to this « dog handler ». Our Cell Zoe is assured of this. We are taking care of all the veterinary costs for Jesko and we collected him that afternoon, thanks to the agents who were very concerned about the fate of this unfortunate one who passed from home to home.

We also thank and congratulate the police and justice services that have allowed this rescue to take place under the best conditions. The offending man immediately spent the night in custody at theGrand Court of Créteil. The prosecution has already held against him crimes of serious abuse. His trial will be held on March 13^th. We will do everything to ensure that he is sentenced to a lifetime ban on the possession of an animal.

A convalescence surrounded by attention

For the moment, Jesko’s distress is palpable: he stares at the doors eager to get out of any enclosed space and throws himself on the water bowls. To be fully happy, he will need loving and caring people. We will bring to him all the necessary care.

Jesko is now waiting for a family in Loire-Atlantique, near to a veterinarian who will follow him for as long as he needs it (expenses fully supported by One Voice).

2015: A turning point in Norway in the realization of the importance of the Link

2015: A turning point in Norway in the realization of the importance of the Link
14.02.2019
Norvege
2015: A turning point in Norway in the realization of the importance of the Link
Domestic animals

Link-related initiatives are now emerging throughout Europe. This is the case in Norway as of 2015: Siri Martinsen, veterinarian and director of NOAH – for animal rights gives us her testimony.

In Norway, until 2015, the link between violence against animals and humans was not well known or acknowledged.

In 2015, political leaders launched a pioneering project by creating an « animal crime unit » consisting of a small group of police officers in a specific district. This unit was supposed to deal with cases of animal abuse and violence and to find the best way to collaborate with the Food Agency (agency also responsible for the control of animal welfare). In addition, a national cooperation agreement between the Food Agency and the police was to be set up. The special police service dealing with environmental crimes and offenses should also specialize in crimes against animals, as part of an increase in police skills.

The breakthrough achieved in 2015 was preceded by a campaign lead by NOAH for an « animal police » in Norway, recalling that the police almost never acted on any offence or crime against animals; and that when the authorities reacted to violence against animals, even for serious offenses, the sanction rarely went beyond a small fine or a sentence of two weeks to two months in prison (often conditional). Although the destruction of inert goods (fences, bicycles, etc.) was often sanctioned more severely. This was the case even though the animal protection law provided for a one-year sentence for the first offense and a three-year sentence for recidivism and serious offenses.

The NOAH campaign has achieved remarkable public support, and researchers have also begun to take a greater interest in it. NOAH organized a demonstration with the presence of well-known researchers who delivered speeches in parliament.

After that, the political party FrP organized a seminar inside the parliament with the same good speakers. In-depth political work has finally resulted in a majority in favour of the creation of an animal police unit in Norway, thus recognizing the need to take crime and crime against animals more seriously.

«Awareness of the link between violence on animals and violence against humans has been an important part of this process. The police themselves have also admitted that previously this type of offense had not been satisfactorily addressed.»Siri Martinsen, veterinarian and director of NOAH – for animal rights

As this project is initiated, the police and the Food Agency organize annual seminars to improve the quality of their work. The Food Agency itself has also gradually recognized the need for the police to intervene more in case of serious animal abuse. The number of cases of animal abuse being the subject of a legal response has increased, and the level of punishment has been increased for serious cases. However, the maximum sentence of three years has never been applied, although there have been several serious cases including severe suffering for a significant number of animals. After 2015, public awareness of the importance of filing a complaint with the police against animal abuse has increased. Policymakers realized that more units were needed to combat animal crime, and in 2018 five units were operational or in the process of being operational.

In February 2018, a new coalition government issued a platform in which it promised to establish animal crime units in all police districts in Norway. In recent years, researchers specializing in the study of violence and criminology have been interested in the link between violence against humans and violence against animals.

There is also a growing interest in this area from institutions that train police personnel and those who train veterinarians. Much remains to be done in the area of cooperation between agencies dealing with human victims and those dealing with animal abuse. Currently, (in 2018), there are no lines of cooperation allowing the discovery of human victims in a situation of animal abuse, nor of animal victims in a situation of domestic violence. However, the first unit set up to deal with animal crime has indicated that its interventions in cases of animal abuse have also allowed it to uncover cases in which human victims needed help.

The masquerade has lasted long enough! Stop underground hunting

The masquerade has lasted long enough! Stop underground hunting
13.02.2019
France
The masquerade has lasted long enough! Stop underground hunting
Wildlife

Which government listens to its people! 80% of the French want a ban on the cruellest and the most insane hunts, and what does the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition propose? After the « makeover » of the hunting with dogs another nice « makeover » for underground hunting, unanimously approved by … the National Council of Hunting and Wildlife on January 8th. Please join this public consultation!

A draft decree under the influence of hunters

Make no mistake, this is a proposal for hunters, endorsed by the services of François de Rugy, while 83% of French people are for a ban on unearthing animals from their homes. The Department rarely asks animal lovers for help in writing an order for « species classified as likely to be a pest ». He prefers to be advised by self-proclaimed « field ecologists », basically advocates of the trigger and knife. Analysis of the text.

Here is what the draft decree from the Minister for the Ministry of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, a man who is supposed to be the chief protector of wildlife. Hang on.

The public was told from the outset: « Today, and in order to respond even more to the consideration of animal welfare, hunters have proposed complementary measures to those decided in 2014 ».

Seeking improvements in well-being

We are talking about « well-being » here and we are looking for it! Where is well-being mentioned in this text, only changes in the way to kill without questioning anything?

See for yourself: the draft decree « prohibits the direct capture of animals by dogs and limits the suffering of animals that are captured« . When they say « captured », what do we hear? it means « biting » and « ripped apart » by dogs. From now on foxes, badgers and their young will still be captured with iron tongs, after suffering long hours of anguish at the bottom of their burrows, hearing the dogs and then the pick axes of the hunters who dig to reach them.

Because the unearthing process is just that: the methodical and merciless hunt for foxes and their terrified cubs.

Renaming simply to justify

The project specifies the means that are authorized for digging. Are you ready for this?

Among these, « the prohibition of championships and competitions, now replaced by training days for the hunters and their dogs » farewell to « competitions », now we say « training days” … nice euphemisms. In other words, we take the same people, the same events, and instead of calling it « events », we will now speak of « training », instead of giving medals, we will now give certificates. We can now justify continuing to do the same things, with the argument that: hunters, we are training!

Promises of sanctions in case of discrepancy. How was it before?

A mention is made of « the need to stop digging when a protected species is present« . Still happy! We understand, for those who did not know, that this was not the case in the current decree … Remember that 83% of the French want to prohibit the hunting of animal species « in risk of extinction », and 77% believe that this is already the case.

The last change is « the possibility for the Prefect to suspend or withdraw the certificate for a pack in case of a serious breach of the prescriptions regarding the decree”. Good grief! Still happy (bis), so it’s new. What happened in case of non-compliance with the decree? Nothing visible. Great princes, these hunters! And who will control each pack in each meadow?

For foxes and badgers who just want to live in peace, just like us. Please take part in this public consultation, take the time to give your opinion on this draft Ministry order, conceived by hunters!

Advice:

No copy and pasting of text, this will not be taken into account.
No offensive messages
No overly general messages calling for the outright abolition of underground hunting.

Help to argue (be careful, without copy and pasting text, use your own words):

Cruelty:

This is the cruellest mode of hunting in Europe
For obvious reasons of animal abuse, all other European countries have banned the practice of underground hunting on their territory
The capture, before killing the animal (or its entire family) can take hours, mistreatment of these hunted individuals (badgers, foxes …) and dogs are used by hunters

Biology:

This practice takes place even during the breeding season and the rearing of their young
Badgers, of which this species is considered as game, « benefits » in this project from a complementary period allowing hunters to dig them up during the breeding season. This measure exists only for their species!
Foxes are tracked also all year round, their species passing from the status of game to that of « pests », thus excavated according to this practice. Where is the so-called proof of their destructive damage, on the contrary, their presence helps fight against Lyme disease, and they regulate their population without the need for human intervention.
Badger burrows, mainly, can host protected species (forest cats, small horseshoe bats, …). The digging destroys a large part of these burrows, destroying the habitats of many protected species.

An unnecessary measure:

In most European countries (Ireland, United Kingdom, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands), badgers are classified as protected species. In Germany hunting is allowed only three months in the year. Switzerland and Liechtenstein have banned the practice of unearthing without causing an overabundance of the badger population, badgers self-regulate their own populations.

Go for it Alexandre Vauthier, you too can go fur-free!

Go for it Alexandre Vauthier, you too can go fur-free!
11.02.2019
France
Go for it Alexandre Vauthier, you too can go fur-free!
Fashion

For ten years now, Alexandre Vauthier has delighted our eyes with his creations. For ten years? No, please no longer! It’s been a decade since he did this in his own name, but before that, he had moved into the most prestigious of luxury fashion houses. Alone, but still a big problem, he continues to use real fur. Let’s encourage this Haute Couture fashion designer to adopt an ethical fashion!

Young, brilliant and recognized by his peers, he should also be able to the think about the future of the planet and the beings who populate it without any guilt or complexity. This is why One Voice challenges today a talented artist and entrepreneur, Alexandre Vauthier, by inviting him to get involved with animals on the ground of which he excels.

The French designer works with Saga Furs, a Finnish brand whose name touches a nerve when we know the millions of animals that are killed each year for them.

However, we have reasons to see the glass half full: Saga Furs has announced a significant decline in profits for the year 2018. In question? The West’s growing disinterest in fur clothing and accessories and the slowdown in the growth of China.

For a while, Alexandre Vauthier officiated at the design house of Jean-Paul Gaultier, who has just announced that he wants to permanently discontinue the use of fur.

The young creator whose house has earned the title Haute Couture, dresses Beyoncé, who recently launched with Jay-Z a contest to reward their fans if they become vegan with free concerts for life. One of his customers with a major influence is therefore on the side of the animals for committed acts. They are almost the same age!

Why not, therefore, switch to fur-free? By being supported by a clientele that is turning away more and more from fur, following the global movement of the world of fashion and accompanied by connoisseurs of ethical labels such as us, French representatives of the Fur Free Alliance, therefore there is nothing simpler.

With us, encourage him to take the plunge:

by writing to him / her with the help of a standard letter by email contact@alexandrevauthier.com or mail: Attn Alexandre Vauthier, 3 rue Christophe Colomb 75008 Paris – France
by sending him a message on social networks:
- on Instagram @alexandrevauthier
- on Twitter @ALEXVAUTHIER
- on Facebook @ vauthier.alexandre
Examples of messages:
- @ALEXVAUTHIER, your creations are splendid, a pity that some of them result from the suffering of sentient beings. Today, sign up with @onevoiceanimal for fur-free fashion, and adopt for the FFR label!
- Silky and shiny as fur is, it does not belong to us. These are the bodies of animals killed for this purpose alone. @ALEXVAUTHIER break away from fur! @onevoiceanimal wants to help you in this perspective!
- The pollution created from the fur clothing industry is deleterious for life as a whole. Your creations are despite the beauty of the execution & your vision a sad reflection of this industry. Show the example @ALEXVAUTHIER, go with @onevoiceanimal fashionable without fur!
- You are young, bright, recognized, @ALEXVAUTHIER, today say #VisitsLeRespect and #StopFurrure, adopt the label @onevoiceanimal @furfreeretailer

The administrative court of Strasbourg takes the side of the foxes!

The administrative court of Strasbourg takes the side of the foxes!
09.02.2019
Strasbourg
The administrative court of Strasbourg takes the side of the foxes!
Wildlife

The decree of July 10th 2018 by which the Prefect of the Moselle regulated the organization of hunts particular foxes by the specialist hunters of the Louvre has been cancelled. In way of compensation, the State will pay 1500 euros to the association One Voice.

Muriel Arnal, Founding President of One Voice, says:

«More than half a million red foxes are slaughtered each year on our territory, they are sentient beings and are essential to the balance of our ecosystems. They are persecuted, there is no other word for it. They can be killed all year round, right down into their burrows, including during the breeding season! No need to say more. This wonderful victory will allow the funds recovered to be allocated to the defence of wildlife and to foxes in particular.»

The court took the defence of the red foxes, who were wrongly accused

For an order that was relaxed to authorize these continued hunting periods, it is therefore necessary not only for the State to provide proof of the « absolute necessity » of these additional hunts, but also to prove the « significant damage » caused by foxes, which it does not need to do, but eventually did not succeed.

For the court,

«The Prefect does not provide any evidence to establish the need for special fox hunts, whereas the latter are already classified on the list of game species to be hunted for the 2018-2019 season. Moreover, the only circumstance that the department of the Moselle, as is apparent from the articles and press releases in the file, intends to favour the poultry farms «Red Label». They could not further justify the contested order, in the absence of any evidence that foxes would be likely to cause significant damage to these otherwise protected and closed farms. »

Victory after victory against the hunt, One Voice hits the mark

This is the second time in a row that a Prefectural order in process is cancelled following a request from the One Voice Association to defend the foxes, wrongly accused of all ills. Previously, only expired bylaws were found to be illegal, making the victory bitter because the foxes had already been slaughtered.

Damage? But what damage?

To keep red foxes on the list of species classified as likely to cause damage (pests), it is still necessary to estimate their number. One Voice has therefore made the request to all the French departments of the list of damages caused specifically by these small canids.

We must believe that this request from our association worries more than one: the FDSEA Loir-et-Cher has reminded all its members, including through the press, the importance of these statements by the operators. Because without damage, it would call into question the necessity of the wanton destruction of foxes …

And for good reason, they are falsely accused of all evils and suffer from a bad reputation, the opposite of all reality! Or how to take a problem backwards, that is to say to seek justification for the maintenance of a morbid « past time ».

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Jumbo needs us!

Jumbo needs us!
09.02.2019
France
Jumbo needs us!
Exploitation for shows

For three years we have been publicizing the desperate case of Jumbo. Many towns and villages have seen the truck which holds this amphibious hippopotamus, ignoring his pain and suffering. But we have never lost sight of his suffering or stopped our actions. Today, our pressure on the Muller circus is at its maximum. Join with us by signing the petition to release him!

The miserable life of Jumbo

The darkness of the inside of a truck, the incessant noise, time which stretches on and on, the loneliness, the inadequate food … That’s his life. Three years ago, when we started our investigation about Jumbo, we noted his time out of the truck: 30 minutes a day. To be lightly sprinkled with water from a garden hose, drinking and then to be photographed.

Jumbo is presented to the public as “the largest hippopotamus in Europe”. His routine after the show is to be paraded in front of the customers and their children, this serves to ensure the show continues. Without this photo shoot, he would never get out of the confines of his truck.

Faced with this situation, we seized the services of the Prefecture and lodged a complaint for ill-treatment.

A swimming pool was opportunely assembled during the inspection by the authorities

Like all amphibious hippopotamuses, Jumbo should spend his days in the water, to relieve his joints. If the circus stays in the same place for more than 3 days, which is almost never happening, maybe it would be possible for him to swim. Because the “pool” dedicated to Jumbo needs to be put together and then be filled, the water must be heated and after swimming, emptied, dried, dismantled and stored. In other words, this is not done often enough!

In August 2017 as part of this appeal an inspection – whose circus had been warned upstream! – took place. The firefighters had been called to fill the basin with the communal waters so much needed. Who can believe for a moment that they are solicited at each installation of the circus? The height of cynicism, the inspection had nothing to say about the conditions of life of Jumbo, and we had been rejected.

Three years of investigation, meetings and legal proceedings

In August 2017, as part of this appeal, an organised inspection took place – the circus had been notified upfront! Firemen had been called to fill the pool with water from the community, as much as was necessary. Who would believe for a moment that this would be the case every time the circus stops and sets up camp? To add to the cynicism, the inspection found nothing wrong with Jumbo’s living conditions and our complaint was rejected.

Our complaint of ill-treatment against the circus holding Jumbo, filed at the same time with the prosecutor of Valencia is still ongoing, supported by many factors and expert opinions.

Animals held in circuses who have become sick or who have lost their minds due to living conditions which have contributed to the psychological and physical suffering. We have asked the Ministries of Agriculture and Ecology to cancel the 2011 decree regulating the detention of animals in itinerant circuses. Our demand is unanswered, we appealed to the Council of State, which ruled … and has upheld the order.

Faced with violence, we were able to flee, but not Jumbo

On September 2, 2018, just over a year after the sad anniversary of our battle in court to have him urgently rescued from the circus. It was difficult for us this day to place right in front of the Muller circus, at the location authorized by the prefecture. We were attacked physically by an extreme force of aggression, treated to blows and a hail of stones. But on this occasion, we were able to go home, find comfort with our loved ones, when the captive animals of this circus and especially Jumbo, remained at the mercy of the trainer.

We will never give up Jumbo

Following the aggression towards our team, we suspended our gatherings and reinforced our investigations and the monitoring of this circus along with the accumulation of evidence. The reports from our investigators are edifying.

As we did for Maya and Lechmee, please sign the petition to remove this hippo from the circus, so he can live in a sanctuary. To live a true life of a hippo and all he needs in terms of care and well-being, safe from exploitation!

Victory: The State Council suspends the decree authorizing the hunting of wild geese in February!

Victory: The State Council suspends the decree authorizing the hunting of wild geese in February!
06.02.2019
France
Victory: The State Council suspends the decree authorizing the hunting of wild geese in February!
Wildlife

In 2018, Nicolas Hulot had stood firm against the National Federation of Hunters: the hunting period of wild geese had not been extended in February. Yet this year, the new Minister of Ecological and Solidarity Transition, François de Rugy, gave them this mortifying gift. The number of advanced geese is only a false pretext to allow hunters to indulge their past time.

The European directive, respected by all European countries except France, requires that the authorized hunting season stops at the end of January. More than 10,000 wild geese are killed in flight. By what right does France arrogate to itself the right to slaughter 4,000 additional individuals, who are only migrating through our skies?

After hearing the arguments from One Voice during an emergency hearing on February 5th, the State Council decided: that it suspends this order today, Wednesday, February 6^th, 2019 !

Muriel Arnal, Founding President of One Voice, says: «What joy, what a relief! Geese migration should be a source of wonderment and respectful observation. Yes, we won this time but this situation should not happen again. We expect the Minister of Ecology to defend Nature, already so vulnerable from the rifles. Not the opposite.»

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Mark Randell tells us about the training on the Link carried out by Greek and Ukrainian police

Mark Randell tells us about the training on the Link carried out by Greek and Ukrainian police
06.02.2019
Grèce Ukraine
Mark Randell tells us about the training on the Link carried out by Greek and Ukrainian police
Domestic animals

In Greece and the Ukraine, the police are trained in the theme of the Link. Mark Randell shares his perspective as Operations Director at Hidden-in-Sight.

The Panhellenic Federation for the Protection of Animals

Many animal welfare associations and other stakeholders are now talking about “the Link” and “the Cycle of Violence “. Police officers recognize that animal abuse and violence against humans are intertwined, but many opportunities have been missed for decades because this awareness has not been translated into action. Lives have been lost, and unfortunately, violence and crime have occurred while they could have been avoided if the early warning indicators had been taken into account.

I became acquainted with a very professional organization, active in Greece, the Panhellenic Animal Protection Federation (PFO), which enjoys a very good reputation in professional circles and whose strategy can truly advance the protection of animals in Greece. This strategy includes the training of NGOs, police personnel and prosecutors whose responsibility is to enforce the law.

It’s not just about raising awareness of animal welfare issues, but also about how to identify the “Cycle of Violence” and how to
solve the problem. In November 2015, the launch of this program took place at the Benaki Museum in Athens. He was well received and gave a powerful boost to the process. Over the next eighteen months, many negotiations took place, considerable planning took place, and much convincing evidence was introduced.

In September 2017, the next phase made a sensational debut in the Greek police training program. Very well organized and innovative, this initiative has largely overshadowed the application of the law as it is observed in Europe, which is remarkable for a country facing significant financial and political problems. «In the space of two weeks, 200 police officers from mainland Greece and the Greek islands were trained on the” Violence Cycle “and the link between animal abuse and human abuse.»Mark Randell, Director of Operations at Hidden-in-Sight

This is a very remarkable result, and this sharing of knowledge makes it possible to consider the possibility of making a real difference for animals and for society.

Avant-garde Ukrainian police on the theme of the Link

The awareness of the hitherto neglected link between animal abuse and various anti-social activities such as murder, child abuse and domestic violence is spreading across the European continent today and is increasing, authorities in various countries, apply this concept to improve the quality of life in society. This week they reached the Ukraine, the first training in the “Link” activities in the Ukraine took place in Kiev in 2018.

It was a structured training program for animal welfare associations, municipal officials and Kiev police officials. This program highlighted what we already know and the positive impact that the fight against animal abuse would have on current strategies and priorities, as well as on community relations. He was very well received and the Ukrainian police are very avant-garde in their approach.

«This training is about to be given also to the 2,000 policemen of the municipality of Kiev.»Mark Randell, Director of Operations at Hidden-in-Sight

It will focus primarily on police patrols and animal welfare NGOs, and will also focus on how to respond quickly to animal abuse, taking into account the possibility of a relationship with others, offences or crimes that are “hidden”. For the new police services formed since their independence, it will be necessary to take charge of the establishment of a constant practice in the recognition of the Link. Knowing that these representatives of the order will be the first responders to the crime scene, we consider it essential that the training be focused on this side. We thank the Ukraine for its foresight in adopting this approach to address animal welfare issues and the prevention of violence.

This training has already been provided to the police officials of Kiev, it must also be provided to the 2,000 patrol officers, and it must extend to a wider audience. Training was also provided to municipal officials, who are now developing new processes in the field of animal welfare, and to some of the most motivated animal welfare associations. It basically explains why it is important to deal with animal abuse, what are the links with other forms of delinquency and criminality? How rare is it that it is exercised independently of anything else, and how to prevent crimes related to this? Treating these issues professionally is also a way to build trust with the public.

It is not uncommon at all to see cases of extreme violence against people, which might have been avoided if the warning signs had been identified and if had been followed up. This is one of the reasons why crimes and crimes against animals are now part of the FBI’s indicators.

In the Ukraine, for example, a group of young men who tortured and hanged stray animals then murdered 21 people one after the other. Knowing that the organization fighting for animal rights can bring back 50 000 euros and that this activity can be in connection with drugs, firearms and even child pornography, it would be advisable for the police to see their possibilities of prevention rather than an extra charge.