The Greek zoo Attica Park fined 44360 €. Let’s demand its closure!

The Greek zoo Attica Park fined 44360 €. Let’s demand its closure !
27.10.2018
Grèce
The Greek zoo Attica Park fined 44360 €. Let’s demand its closure !
Exploitation for shows

In Greece, trained animal shows are forbidden. But at Attica Park, dolphins and including Ekinox sold by Parc Astérix after being torn from his mother Femke, were forced to perform under the hot sun. The zoo has just been fined 44360 €. We must go further and ask the authorities to close this park.

It took two years of campaigning and several complaints against shows using captive dolphins in the Attica Zoological Park in Greece for state inspectors to officially find that the park was in complete violation of Greek legislation with regard to these representations.

The report is without appeal. The park has worked without any authorization for 4 years between 2013 and 2017! But why would they stop there? Thus Article 13 of the Greek Law N.4039 / 2012 stipulates that « keeping animals in parks is allowed on condition that no show is organized with the participation of animals« . What would the inspectors note during their visit on November 3, 2016? And although for an additional € 3, visitors to the zoo could watch a dolphin show at 11:00 for 20 minutes. What could be more logical…?

Already, just a simple respect of the law did not seem to be a strong point of Attica, it was not necessary moreover to ask them to follow the
evolution of the law! Thus in 2014, when articles 12 and 13 of the law N.4039 / 2012 were modified, with article 12 thus taking the title of « It is prohibited to use any animal in any kind of exhibition and similar activities » , one should not expect the zoo to read the following prohibitions:

• 1
  – It is forbidden to keep any animal in a circus or variety show if the animals are used in any way whatsoever and for any reason in their program, during shows or when a walk or in front of an audience.

• 2
  – It is forbidden to use any type of animal in entertainment companies, car shows, music festivals, folk festivals or any other artistic or entertainment event if the animals are used in any way whether in their programs.

• 2a
  – Without prejudice to the provisions of Article 7, it is forbidden
  to present animals to the public for economic gain.

And besides what did the park say after the inspection? That the inspectors had « a misinterpretation of the law, and were biased » and provided « efforts to create negative impressions » and that in doing so there was no violation. The park also claims that since January 2017, no fees have been charged for the dolphin show, but only the price to enter the zoo. They should really have read the articles of law that concern them because this statement shows the for-profit nature of their activity and therefore the violation of presenting animals to the public for economic gain.

On our side, we congratulate Parc Astérix for tearing Ekinox from his mother, Femke, to be sold with another dolphin, little Naska, to this establishment that is trying so hard to break the law.

The Dolphinaria Free Europe coalition, of which One Voice is a member, will continue to support all attempts to get the Greek authorities to enforce the law banning shows with animals.

Demand the closure of Attica Park.

Send e-mails to the following person as well as to the Greek Embassy in Paris to urge them to enforce the law with immediate effect:

Mr Giorgos Stathakis

Minister of the Environment

secmin@ypen.gr

The Greek Embassy in Paris

Ambassador: Aglaia Balta

gremb.par@mfa.gr

This article is a free translation of the article published on the website of Dolphinaria Free Europe.

But where is Martinha, the dolphin saved then held in a tiny pool for a decade?

But where is Martinha, the dolphin saved then held in a tiny pool for a decade?
26.10.2018
Portugal
But where is Martinha, the dolphin saved then held in a tiny pool for a decade?
Exploitation for shows

A coalition, of which One Voice is a member of, made up of marine mammal advocates and experts, is asking for answers from the Portuguese government and an NGO to find out where Martinha is, a dolphin saved and then locked up in a private pool for ten years.

Martinha, a female common dolphin, was stranded on the Portuguese coast in September 2007. Her rescuers left her languishing in a swimming pool, whose water was reaching her waist for ten years. They have repeatedly promised Martinha’s rehabilitation and release to the sea, but there is strong reason to believe that she is still detained in conditions that seriously affect her well-being.

In 2014, Dr. Ingrid Visser, a New Zealand marine biologist and cetacean specialist, and Alexander Sanchez, a Spanish expert on cetaceans, including the rescue of dolphins, conducted an inspection. The report, following this visit, has raised many concerns about its living conditions. After these revelations, many scientists, marine mammal and conservation scientists, as well as NGOs from around the world, formed an informal coalition dedicated to Martinha’s well-being. The coalition demanded information on the release of Martinha and offered to help the authorities responsible for her care.

« In studying Martinha’s situation, we learned that the NGO Sociedade Portuguese da Vida Salvagem (SPVS) that had rescued him, had a second common dolphin named Barra, who shared the same pool as Martinha, » Alexander Sanchez said, member of the coalition.

« Unfortunately, Barra died after barely three years in captivity. This same NGO had, in the past, already saved a pilot whale, which was then transported to the Lisbon Zoo to perform in a show alongside larger dolphins. He too is now dead.  »

« This kind of intervention is extremely disturbing, » said Alexander Sanchez, « it’s not really about rescues, on the contrary, these animals are doomed to suffer for years. »

Martinha was not born in captivity. It is therefore the responsibility of the Portuguese Government. The Portuguese authorities and the NGO SPVS refused to reveal the exact location where she was detained. They did not confirm that she was still in the private pool, despite requests from the coalition.

Since August 2014, the coalition has continued to offer support to the NGO SVPS in order to independently assess Martinha’s well-being. They also proposed to provide a relaxation program and solutions to promote general well-being and improve the living conditions of Martinha.

In August 2016, despite many efforts to establish a dialogue, the NGO SPVS stated that the coalition had no reason to raise such doubts and certified the welfare of Martinha link to SPVS statement. However, to date, the SVPS has not provided any evidence.

« I have visited more than 30 structures around the world holding dolphins in captivity and the pool of Martinha ranks among the worst, » said Ingrid Visser. « Given the appalling conditions in which Martinha and Barra, who I myself witnessed, were detained, I was very disappointed to learn that the SVPS rejected all the help offered by world-renowned experts. »

The coalition is making continuous efforts to help Martinha. They contacted the Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas (ICNF), the Portuguese CITES Management Authority, as well as the body legally responsible for protecting Martinha and supervising her care. In February 2017, the ICNF responded that Martinha had the best possible medical care and conditions of detention in a newly built releasing facility. However, to date, no other information, including the location of this establishment, has been provided and all other requests have been rejected by the ICNF.

Martinha is a dolphin born in the wild and currently hidden by its « rescuers ».

« Today, we do not know where she is, what her physical and psychological condition is, whether she is held alone in captivity, let alone whether she is still alive, » Alexander Sanchez said. « For all these reasons, we have decided to make public our concerns, hoping that the public will lobby the ICNF and / or SPVS for more information on her condition. Of course, we continue to offer our expertise to improve the situation of Martinha and give her the most enjoyable life possible. Please sign and share this petition!

To receive information and news:

• Follow #WhereisMartinha (Twitter)
• Visit the site

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^th at 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.