News Archive - Page 108 of 144

Emergency in Norway: a death sentence for half of the wolves!

Emergency in Norway: a death sentence for half of the wolves!
23.10.2018
Norvege
Emergency in Norway: a death sentence for half of the wolves!
Wildlife

The lupine population is dying in Norway. Already small and fragile, it is about to be halved in the coming months. The authorities want to allow the slaughter of 43 individuals! The association NOAH – for dyrs rettighete fights against this massacre. Let’s unite to express our indignation to the politicians of this country!

It is not only in France that wolves are persecuted and subjects of heated debate or political pressure. In Norway, too, there is a regular struggle between supporters of their protection and the followers of their elimination.

Suspension of the population

However, this wild canine population is extremely fragile in this country. It is even critically endangered and theoretically protected since 1973. Today, there are about 80 individuals, permanently threatened by problems of consanguinity and poachers. Because, the packs are asked not to roam! The authorities have established a « wolf zone », representing only 5% of their territory, where the animals are supposed to remain concentrated. Woe betide those who do not have the pass in their pocket and who are pawing at the limits of the space defined by humans! And too bad if it is about a few wolves leaving or coming from neighbouring Sweden that could have favoured the genetic mixing of a Scandinavian population worthy of the name…

Slaughter policy

To these constant dangers are added political choices and official slaughter permits. Thus, last year already, 31 wolves were killed with the blessing of the leaders. And at the beginning of autumn, the massacre looks worse! Despite protests and letters sent to the government and politicians last winter, regional Wildlife Management Councils have decided to allow the shooting of 43 other wolves in Norway, including inside the « wolf zone » where these large carnivores are supposed to be better protected than in the rest of the country!

Let’s prevent this massacre!

The Minister of Climate and Environment has already given the green light to kill 26 wolves outside the famous zone, but he has not yet confirmed the extermination of three packs (17 animals in total) who live inside. If it validates this resolution of the Regional Wildlife Management Councils, it will sign the demise of half of this alraedy small population of Norwegian wolves! It is time to act, but quickly, to prevent this tragedy! The association NOAH – for dyrs rettighete needs help now, like yesterday, to ask the Norwegian Prime Minister and the Minister of Climate and Environment to reconsider their decision to kill 26 individuals and to confirm that they won’t be executing the 3 packs inside the « Wolf area ». We must send them as many letters as possible! We invite you to send by mail or e-mail (faster and more efficient) a courteous message – to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Climate and Environment of Norway. We rely on your precious voices. The more they will be, the more likely they will be heard and save the lives of these wolves!

Mrs Erna Solberg
The Prime Minister
Postboks 8001 Dep.
0030 Oslo
Norvège

postmottak@smk.dep.no

Mr Ola Elvestuen
Minister of Climate and Environment
Postboks 8013 Dep
0030 Oslo
Norvège

postmottak@kld.dep.no

Decree “circuses”: One Voice against the Ministry of Ecologically and Transition, hearing to be held at the State Council on 25th October 2018 at 9:30 am

Decree “circuses”: One Voice against the Ministry of Ecologically and Transition, hearing to be held at the State Council on 25th October 2018 at 9:30 am
22.10.2018
France
Decree “circuses”: One Voice against the Ministry of Ecologically and Transition, hearing to be held at the State Council on 25th October 2018 at 9:30 am
Exploitation for shows

In view of the evolution of scientific knowledge and animal rights, One Voice attacked the inter-ministerial decree of 18^th
March 2011 called « circuses » before the State Council. One Voice demands that this decree be rescinded, that the possession of any wildlife be prohibited in these establishments and that these animals be transferred immediately to sanctuaries. The hearing will be held on Thursday October 25^that 9:30

The questioning of this decree « laying down the conditions for keeping and using live animals from non-domestic species in itinerant shows » is based in particular on the fact that animals kept in captivity have a new status¹ which defines them as sentient beings, and as such have fundamental rights such as:

the right to a life compatible with the biological imperatives of the species concerned, whose well-being is an integral part;
the right to dignity or to life (unless otherwise required);
the right not to be abused, tortured or abandoned;
the right not to be abused.

The One Voice association has been defending the interests of animals for nearly twenty-five years and was the first in France to bring to court the case of an animal held in a circus. They have saved many who, under their responsibility, now live a life in semi-freedom in sanctuaries.

Before attacking the text in front of the State Council, the association had met the Ministry of Ecologically and Transition and Solidarity and had written to him and to the minister of Agriculture and Food, asking them to cancel the text. But without a response from them, One Voice had to seize the corresponding jurisdiction. What was surprising to them when they learned that the Ministry of the Ecologically and Solidarity Transition, who is supposed to be defending the interests of nature and animals, had expressed himself in a written brief submitted on March 1^st, 2018 to the State Council, requesting to reject the demands of One Voice!

There are only eight countries in Europe that have not yet legislated, France is one of the latter, which continues to blame its municipalities for this responsibility. Children are the first spectators to witness the misery of these animals that are part of our common heritage. How will they protect them if they have this vision of them, when these animals are already experiencing a 6th mass extinction?

Muriel Arnal, president and founder of One Voice says:

«Many countries adapt their regulations to the scientific knowledge and the evolution of their society. Will France be the last to progress by ending the captivity and transportation of wild animals? We know that animal shows in circuses prevent the normal development of empathy in children. However, the Ministry of Ecology allows the circuses to continue presenting wild animals as prisoners and trivialising the violence. We are talking about tigers, lions, elephants here, animals in great danger of extinction. Their place is not in a truck on a road, nor in the circus ring with loud music.»

1.
Article 515-14 of the Civil Code, which states: « Animals are
living beings endowed with sensitivity ».

Map of French municipalities refusing the exploitation of animals by itinerant circuses

Map of countries refusing the exploitation of animals by itinerant circuses

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The Mayor who orders the trapping of cats by hunters…

The Mayor who orders the trapping of cats by hunters…
19.10.2018
Técou
The Mayor who orders the trapping of cats by hunters…
Exploitation for shows

Tackling the problem of stray cats by employing the services of hunters to trap them is the solution chosen by the Mayor of Técou. One Voice strongly condemns this municipal decree and appeals to the judge for summary proceedings. In parallel, we propose a partnership to the Mayor to proceed with a program of sterilization and identification of these stray cats in the municipality.

Editorial extract from Monday, October 22^nd, 2018

We won the showdown against the Mayor of Técou, he repealed his decree on Friday, just before the weekend. But he does not inform the court or us, the hearing was however today Monday! And what do we discover over the market? That he goes to court against the association by claiming that his decree was well-founded, and claims 1500 € costs … to the detriment of the animals we defend.

We won the arm-wrestling contest against the Mayor of Técou, he repealed the order on Friday, just before the weekend. But he informed neither the court, nor us, the audience was nevertheless today on Monday! And what did we discover into the bargain? That he goes to the court of justice against our association by claiming that his order was well-founded and he demands 1500€ of expenses to the detriment of the animals which we defend.

Having fun making illegal orders that harm cats and their human families, and then repealing them only to keep his claims in court. He is wasting the courts precious time and also that of One Voice! What a masquerade!

Editorial extract from Tuesday, October 23^nd, 2018

The Mayor was denied his request. Our proposal for help and partnership is now more relevant than ever.

It is not good to be a cat and have the desire to take a walk on the pathways of Lizes de Gineste. By signing a decree on October 13^th, the Mayor decided, as if the violence towards the life of stray cats was not enough, to engage hunters to trap them and « rid » his town of Técou in the Tarn of them. Obviously, the urgency of stray cats in his city was such that he forgot many legal points (delays, identification, …).

The municipal councillor did not need to look too far to find his mercenaries, members of the local hunting society are already in action and geared up for these deadly safaris. The problem of stray cats is extremely important in our country, but it will not be solved by trapping, euthanasia, or by engaging hunters to attack cats!

Since last Wednesday, this militia, between two massacres of the wildlife already, thus continues to scatter their traps in this corner of Southern France against this ferocious feline horde – if not enough – it seems to be breaking out everywhere in this territory.

The mayor responded to some of his citizens who are horrified by this decree, that after 48 hours in the pound, the animals would be given to the Garric SPA. Unfortunately for him, they said that they had not even been informed and that they could not take care of cats with no agreement and with no means to accommodate them.

The « sheriff » of Técou forgets that « These animals can only be impounded if in accordance with the program of identification and sterilization on site as stipulated by the rural code and sea fishing”. It is evident that this elected official has an unfortunate tendency to forget the law, and in complete disregard for the lives of these poor cats. We are making a point of reminding him.

We seize the judge of the administrative court of Toulouse to immediately stop the trapping and the resulting slaughter considering the situation. We ask the mayor to suspend his bylaw and we propose to him to set up a partnership between One Voice and the local association AGSA that deals with stray cats. We want to carry out the identification and sterilization of homeless cats from Técou at our expense.

Lionesses and lions in the grip of an unlawful wren.

Lionesses and lions in the grip of an unlawful wren.
18.10.2018
Monde
Lionesses and lions in the grip of an unlawful wren.
Exploitation for shows

This circus has the authorization to have four lions yet they have six which participate in the shows. One of the lionesses who performed on stage Wednesday September 26th gave birth the next day to two lion cubs, so we now have eight, double the number allowed. On the following Sunday, this poor beast again in front of the crowd, the sawdust, the canvas of the arena and again suffering along with her congeners. For her new born cubs, no trace. We must save these lions from the clutches of this circus.

An outrageous situation, a powerful mobilization is necessary.

At the beginning of the same week, the authorities contacted us to seize the lions who should not be in this circus. Removal of the big cats and to place them in a secure sanctuary in South African run by our partners Born Free requires complex planning and organization. In two days, our team had put everything in place: specialized veterinarians, a truck to direct them to a place of quarantine in a park in Belgium. The first couple of days would be to prepare them for the departure by plane to their country of Africa. We must commend at this point, the availability, involvement and presence at our side, the gendarmerie. The seizure was to take place on Sunday at dawn. Friday late afternoon, we are told that everything has been cancelled. No seizure and the court case closed. The circus can go back on the roads.

What has become of the lion cubs? No answer. The wild animals return again to the caged trucks, the endless road and this lion tamer dressed in red and glitter. He has not yet understood that we do not want any longer the need of his ranting and raving. May he leave these animals in peace. These animals have nothing to do with these circus games of Paris or anywhere else. Obviously, in high places, we consider that the law is not made for circuses, they are beyond the law. We must believe that in « High places », one is afraid of a revolt with cotton candy or with toffee apples. Of love, there is none for animals in this world.

This circus and the others, that dare everything …

This circus belongs to a « big » circus family, and contrary to the image it wants to give, it is not a small travelling circus, it is a real consortium of entertainment establishments, that all intensively exploit animals and not only wild animals. They have made a specialty of challenging the authorities for years. Do not be fooled by the photo, published in 2017, of this brave man caressing a poor apathetic lioness through her cage. We understand how trainers know how to pose smiling and approachable in front of the lens. This family runs an impressive number of circuses throughout Europe, some of which bear the prestigious name, in this environment, of Zavatta. To read their chosen names on the internet is to give an air of splendour and grandiose. On the flip side is only violence and abuse, it is a prison world where representation and money accounts for everything.

A menagerie of captive animals in danger and suffering

We constantly intervene with the authorities or the courts to try to save all the animals held by these circuses. They are numerous and of all kinds: lions, zebras, elephants, pythons, hippopotamus, bovids, camels, dromedaries…a menagerie that could envy any zoo. Many of these beasts are illegally detained with regards to the law, however insignificant and inadequate, we have condemned and attacked this in front of the Council of the State.

For circuses without animals

Large circus families question their practices and the end of the presence of animals in their shows. We support this awareness and sensitivity of all living things. These are the degrading traditions that these big names of the circus world now challenge, some have already taken the plunge. Acrobats, jugglers, illusionists or clowns will bring more joy to all, than those of wild animals who spend most of their time rotting in cages.

We must save these lionesses and this lion, and find the two lion cubs!

This circus and others do not follow the path towards circuses without animals. Sawdust, where they let these lions’ decay, must clog up their brains. One Voice demands at least the respect of the law, the gendarmes are committed to our side and the majority of the French want these practices to cease. This circus must be accountable and comply with the regulations.

Scandalous record: 400,000 animals tortured each year to test botulinum toxin in Europe

Scandalous record: 400,000 animals tortured each year to test botulinum toxin in Europe
15.10.2018
Europe
Scandalous record: 400,000 animals tortured each year to test botulinum toxin in Europe
Animal testing

A document published by scientists of the European Coalition to End Animal Experimentation (ECEAE), of which One Voice is the French representative, has revealed that no less than 400 000 animals per year are used to undergo appalling tests of botulinum toxin, better known as « botox ». A record number that shows the problem we have been raising for years: there is no real desire to leave animal experimentation.

It is an ordeal imposed on nearly half a million animals, and makes them die in agony. And all this for what? Mainly to test a molecule to temporarily block the formation of wrinkles, and occasionally for medical purposes. For « aesthetic medicine », an absolute disgrace! Recall that the European Union has yet to adopt through the work of ECEAE, a directive banning animal testing for cosmetics, five years old already! But the pharmaceutical industry is not concerned by these rules!

According to official statistics and documents submitted by the Member States, the ECEAE estimates that 400 000 animals per year suffer in fatal experiments, mainly involving mice injected into the abdomen, before dying. Choking slowly of muscular paralysis while they are fully conscious. This is a sad and scandalous record that has just been reached.

Three companies have recently chosen to test cells grown in the laboratory and no longer use animals in these tests. We were then victorious, it was tens of thousands of animals that we managed to save thanks to the citizen mobilization, in Europe and in Switzerland.

Despite many years of campaigning and the development of innovative, ethical and reliable research methods, the number of animals poisoned with botulinum toxin continues to increase. The European directive stipulates that alternative methods must be developed for animal testing. What is that then?

When they discover what hunting really is, the French reject it on mass!

When they discover what hunting really is, the French reject it on mass!
13.10.2018
France
When they discover what hunting really is, the French reject it on mass!
Wildlife

Is this the end of an omerta (code of silence)? According to the results of the last IPSOS survey commissioned by One Voice, the French know very little about the reality of hunting, lulled by illusions of the hunters’ lobby and their self-proclaimed image of field ecologists. The reality is different, and our fellow citizens, like us, do not want it!

Cruel, belonging to the past and dangerous for them, their relatives and their pets, the French have a bad image of hunting. They recommend better supervision of this practice, a ban on hunting during the entire school holidays and two days a week including Sunday (82%). Three-quarters of them, moreover, have a very negative view of the presidential gift of the drop in the price of the hunting license. But more than that, they do not know what types of hunting are still practiced in France and how. And when they discover it, aghast, they cannot tolerate these practices any longer.

Hunting, an omerta (code of silence) that cannot last anymore

The most popular rhetoric, that of the tradition preached by the hunters consists in presenting their hobby as having utility, using the of best terms such as « regulation », « culling » etc. But they never communicate their methods, conditions and places of killing animals. This is the main problem. Because in a democratic country like ours, it is important that information is circulated so that citizens can make informed choices!

Breeding for hunting, digging of setts and dens, hunting with hounds, cruel traps: rejected!

The people want to stop cruel practices such as raising animals for the sole purpose of killing them, digging of setts and dens while nocturnal animals are sleeping and forcing them out with dogs. They strongly reject the hunt (82%), which has made so much talk about this subject since last year.

More than eight out of ten French people no longer want these glue and net traps, these killing traps, which not only kill but cause pain, and which do not distinguish between the endangered species and others.

Pollution and a permanent danger for the earth and the biodiversity

When people learn that the rifle cartridges represent more than 6000 tons of lead and plastic spilled on the wetlands and in the forests of France, the deleterious impact on the environment can no longer be ignored. They obviously condemn them.

Unsecured protected areas!

Finally, 9 out of 10 French people are unaware that animals can be killed during the breeding season, and hunted in national parks, nature reserves or biological reserves, and they themselves are as much to want these practices!

How is it that political decisions do not follow the opinion of the people? Empathy is a vital force that needs to be strengthened, the coexistence on our planet of humans with animals should be a prerequisite for any reflection on the rest. Instead, it is all about absurd and deadly traditions, while all signals are red regarding the environment and the animals that populate our blue planet.

We will be with more than 40 partners in Paris this October 13^th, to demand a major and in-depth reform of hunting, pending its ban. Please sign our petition and join us!

Decoys, these birds are taken hostage against their will

Decoys, these birds are taken hostage against their will
12.10.2018
France
Decoys, these birds are taken hostage against their will
Wildlife

They are called « callers ». A pretty name that sounds like a pretty song. But this is live bait! Many species of birds are kept in captivity to encourage their wild congeners to get closer to the hunters’ rifles. One Voice protests against this odious practice where animals are turned into weapons against their own brothers!

Different hunting practices compete with horror and cruelty. But if there is one that reaches the pinnacle of cynicism and cowardice, it is this: using captive animals to trap their wild congeners. But yes, what a rich idea! Hiding individuals in despicable conditions, depriving them of their natural behaviour and environment, making them reproduce according to our good will, manipulate them without any respect, with one and only goal: to attract those who are still free, at a sufficient distance to be able to fire and to execute them!

Live bait

Many species of birds are thus exploited as live bait by these amateurs of still life, in particular by the hunters of « waterfowl ». The National Office for Hunting and Wildlife (ONCFS) lists about twenty species authorized for this job on the metropolitan territory, provided that the individuals were born and bred in captivity. They are mainly species of geese, surface ducks and diving ducks whose hunting is allowed, as well as coots. Among these sad puppets of hunting, the mallard is a « must ». He will be particularly handy and able, against his own will, to give the illusion to the birds of the sky that the pond on which he seems to be resting is out of danger…

A macabre stage show

This is because hunters have more than one trick in their game bag! When the urge to pull the trigger arrives, they release « their » captive bred ducks in view to putting them in the water. But be careful, do not be misunderstand here! No intention to allow these prisoners to splash with envy… No, the idea is to place them strategically on the surface of the water so as to make them sing and answer more or less the calls of others and to attract these migrants to them. Hunters use this practice to form « teams », composed of males and females, which they position at their leisure by depriving them of freedom of movement.

All means are used to prevent these animals from flying or moving away … They can be « fixed » in different ways, such as with rings attached to their legs, connected to ropes, connected to ropes and weights anchored to the bottom of the water or on pallet stakes or on floating trays. In all cases, the « callers » remain under the absolute control of those humans who exploit them. When wild ducks approach, flying over this rustic-looking scene, they are not suspicious. On the contrary! With a gregarious instinct, they want to meet the community that calls to them … When they join, their fate is almost sealed. They are welcomed by a hail of bullets few of which miss their target.

Sordid conditions of captivity

Both actors and spectators are helpless in this tragedy, captive ducks endure real suffering. Their legitimate cries of distress seal the fate of the others as the bodies fall around them. When their owners have finished, that being the time when those who had the misfortune to fly over their heads have been shot down. The decoy ducks are then taken back to their cages where the word life has no meaning.

One Voice had the opportunity to discover a hiding place of captive mallards, in the Yonne, which was reported to us by a sympathizer. We will take the case to the ONCFS for an investigation to be conducted on site. The enclosures are deplorable: located in the darkness of the undergrowth, devoid of the least enrichment or a pool for bathing. Inside, there are tiny shelters made of plastic cans, some corn grinders and stagnant water bowls, and scarce pieces of bread on the ground.

Prostrate in a corner, next to the corpse of one of them, or what remains of it, the ducks observe as a permanent provocation the beautiful pond which they could benefit from…if they were free…if the world was turning, if some humans knew how to be « human ».

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IPSOS / One Voice survey: the French overwhelmingly reject hunting and support the radical reform advocated by One Voice and its partners

IPSOS / One Voice survey: the French overwhelmingly reject hunting and support the radical reform advocated by One Voice and its partners
11.10.2018
France
IPSOS / One Voice survey: the French overwhelmingly reject hunting and support the radical reform advocated by One Voice and its partners
Other campaign or multi-campaigns of One Voice

In the wake of Nicolas Hulot’s resignation from the Ministry of the Ecologically and Solidarity Transition, One Voice launched a call for the impetus against hunting and its lobby, for the safeguarding of our wildlife.

The petition launched the same day by the association has more than 132,000 signatures in one month and is supported by forty associations for the defence of animals and nature.

The results of the IPSOS poll for One Voice confirm that the public massively rejects hunting and support the radical reform advocated by One Voice and its partners, who will gather at 2.00 pm on Saturday October 13^thfor a unified march in the Place de la Republique in Paris.

Among the elements to remember, only 19% of French people are in favour of hunting, they find this practice dangerous (84%), cruel for animals and certainly part of the French heritage, but from another age !

The feeling of insecurity for humans and for their pets

A notable change from previous polls, the French are afraid of being shot in the countryside, they fear for their pets, their family and for themselves. Since hunting resumed, a pink flamingo which is a protected species has been found riddled with bullets. A mass grave of wild ducks was found in a wood, a girl was seriously injured, a family had been targeted. It is therefore no surprise that 82% of people are calling for a ban on hunting and trapping not only on Sundays, but on a second day in the week and also on all school holidays.

Another demand supported by the French to reduce the insecurity due to hunting, 93% are in favour of a mandatory annual medical visit for holders of hunting permits with an eye test. Three-quarters of the population finds that lowering the price of a hunting license is a bad idea !

Cruelty to wild animals

They reject hunting in all its forms. The number of French people opposed to hunting is increasing (79% in 2010, 82% in 2018). 73% of people had no idea about underground hunting, which consists of hunting a sleeping animal with dogs down into its burrow and also hunting their young. 83% of people are for this ban.

Trapping of birds with glue, nets, and other cruel and archaic methods (which does not distinguish between species) is also rejected by over 84% of the population. The new minister has just signed 11 ministerial orders authorizing the type of cruel trapping of birds.

French people (65%) are mostly in favour of the ban on the releasing of farm reared game into the wild, which is in total contradiction with the image of the active hunter.

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An intolerable life sentence for Dumba the elephant

An intolerable life sentence for Dumba the elephant
11.10.2018
France
An intolerable life sentence for Dumba the elephant
Exploitation for shows

We continue to demand that the suffering of this elephant comes to an end. One Voice is fighting for the Cirque de Paris to stop exhibiting this exhausted animal like all the other animals it also shamefully exploits.

Forty years of loneliness and stress

From a young age and now at 41, Dumba lives the drama of the animals of circuses. In an immense solitude, this elephant languishes in a life sentence of misery in prison conditions. For many years, with our partners of the FAADA Foundation and the support of the Catalan authorities, we have asked its « owners » to bring, at the very least, its facilities up to the required standards. Nothing works. However, animals in general and Dumba in particular have nothing to do with life under these blasted tents.

Observations, nothing but observations

The observations made by the veterinarians, who evaluated Dumba from videos and photographs, are without appeal. Dr. Yon holds a PhD in Animal Physiology. She has been working on elephants and studying them for twenty years. Dr. Jaume Fatjo holds a doctorate in animal behaviour. He is a graduate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine. What do they tell us?

« It appears that this elephant has a significantly lower NEC (Body Condition Score) than was observed in Asian elephants in freedom; knowing that wild elephants generally have a lower NEC than captive elephants, there is something to worry about here… For us, it is clear that this elephant is very clearly underweight. This may be due to: an inappropriate diet, and / or a health problem that renders it unable to properly ingest, digest and metabolize the food available to it, and / or some other kind of systemic disease. Whatever the cause, it must be remedied urgently: it is for the health and well-being of this elephant « .

They added: « In addition, as veterinarians, we are concerned about the postures and positions of the elephant on these photographs. Some of these positions (the elephant standing on its hind legs, or sitting on a stool) are not natural for elephants and put strain on his joints. Such positions are of concern if the elephant is forced to adopt them as part of regular and repeated activities, as this carries a high risk of degenerative disease affecting various joints in her back, hips, limbs and feet. We have serious concerns about the health and well-being of this elephant, and we consider that an examination and evaluation of this animal is urgently needed. »

What more can be said? These words are terrifying. Observations, nothing but observations.

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Now facts, nothing but facts

The elephant Dumba is now in the hands of the Cirque de Paris. The owners have a multitude of entertainment companies and all exploit animals. They have made a specialty of challenging the authorities. We continue to intervene with the authorities or the courts to try to save all the animals held by these circuses. They are numerous and of all kinds: lions, zebras, elephants, pythons, hippos, bovids, camels, dromedaries and domestic animals. Many of these beings are illegally detained, in regards to the regulations that we criticize.

We must free Dumba from the yoke of his trainers

We still remember our friendship and our admiration for the Circus families who had the courage to turn their back on a centuries-old and barbaric tradition, abandoning shows that included animals. The circus of Paris and others are not among them.

They continue to live from animal exploitation. We will continue our fight, with strength and determination, such as Jean Valjean.

Please sign the petition!

Hunting dogs suffer too!

Hunting dogs suffer too!
10.10.2018
Dordogne
Hunting dogs suffer too!
Domestic animals

It is a fact; hunting dogs are not always happy! Contrary to popular belief, many of them receive no consideration and only let off steam very rarely. Some live even in hellish conditions. Return to an investigation in Dordogne on cases of proven abuse.

When we talk about the damage from hunting, we often forget the affect it has on dogs. We imagine them happy, satisfying their predatory instincts and their need to work for which they have been selected. But for some, these moments are rare and their daily lives have nothing to do with this idealized image. It looks more like a nightmare.

A site under surveillance since 2011

Since 2011, our investigators had closely monitored a very suspicious site in Dordogne. At the time, they had discovered live dogs in what could be a shady, shady lot, where different materials and objects were stored … including barrels and carcasses of cars serving as niches! Thus, the owner held his animals not at home, but in his hunting ground, in the forest, out of sight, without any precise address. No trace of food on the horizon, just bowls of stagnant water. Except for a few dogs in pens, most of them were attached almost permanently with chains around their necks! The metal chains were even rubbing away their hair because of the permanent friction.Some had rough wooden kennels, but one could only doubt how waterproof they were. In case of rain, only a concrete building could serve as a shelter worthy of its name. Problem: it was designed to accommodate only two dogs at a time! For others, whether it’s snowing or windy, no shelter, no dry litter… just the dirt and mud! Their hidden conditions were so insalubrious that some had disturbing diseases. Faced with these alarming findings, we were eager to file a report to the Departmental Directorate of Protection of the Population of Dordogne. The authorities were committed to acting quickly themselves.

Nothing has changed

How can one close their eyes to these cases of obvious animal abuse? As hardy as hunting dogs are, they need, like any other animal, at least a roof, attention and exercise! However, during our last visit of the site in September of this year, the unfortunate animals continued to endure the same ordeal.

The only notable difference is that their numbers have greatly decreased. Today, they are only twenty. Where have the others gone? We hope that it was not the diseases that took them away! Certainly, those we saw seemed this time in an « acceptable » physical state. On the other hand, their moral distress is still so blatant. Withdrawn into themselves, completely abandoned, they have lost the habit of contact with humans. At our approach, some were still searching for it, desperately, as a last call for help. But others, definitely frightened, preferred to move away. Our investigators even observed a poor female, the nipples drooping implying a recent birth. The puppies? Vanished. We therefore assume that she is used for breeding purposes. But what about the declaration of a breeding activity, in this case?

We press charges

All voices deserve to be heard. Including those hunting dogs, abandoned and stored in the « lockups » – similar in this case to a dump – between the two! The relationship of hunters to animals is sometimes so perverted that they consider their four-legged teammates only from a utilitarian point of view. And again … Because some objects, such as guns for example, they often take more care of them… It’s too much! We press charges.