News Archive - Page 117 of 148

Maya finally released after a tireless fight!

Maya finally released after a tireless fight!
06.07.2018
Italy
Maya finally released after a tireless fight!
Exploitation for shows

Maya will now live in a park in Italy, far from the spikes of the ankuses and the dark interior of the transportation trucks. Now, back to how we fought for her.

What a magnificent victory! Thank you! Maya has just been released from the circus that ran its business from city to city for more than 40 years! This victory and this great relief for the elephant, were obtained thanks to all of you who believed in us! After a long campaign, enriched by a long-term investigation, expert evaluations, and several lawsuits for her, Maya will now live in a park in Italy, far from the spikes of the ankuses and the dark interior of the transportation trucks. Now, back to how we fought for her.

First milestones: investigation and judicial proceedings

As of September 2016, we are setting up an investigation on elephants held in circuses. Very quickly, the case of Maya, an elephant of 49 years, captured as an infant in Asia, challenges us. The evidence gathered during this investigation, available in our July 2017 report, leads to the conclusion that the decree regulating circuses had not been respected. The conditions of the detention of Maya do not meet the basic needs of her species. No security is put in place during the shows for the public and for her. Despite her advanced age, Maya must comply with the trainer’s orders by adopting painful postures which are far from natural for her.

In the spring of 2017, Maya’s state of health is worrying: we ask to have access to the reports from the veterinary inspectors who were mandated by the Prefect. We put in place extraordinary procedures that we were unfortunately denied. And in May, Maya is nowhere to be found! Our investigators then return to the field and actively search for her.

An expert evaluation that hits the mark and a reserved place in a sanctuary

In September 2017, our investigators find Maya and follow the circus that exploits her. Film footage that was gathered confirms that she is in great distress: John Knight, veterinarian and international wildlife specialist, consultant for One Voice, says her physical condition is so appalling that he raises the issue of euthanasia. Dr. Joyce Poole, Co-Director of « ElephantVoices » and Lucy Anne Bates, Ethologist at the University of Sussex, related to the « Non-Human Rights Project » are unanimous on herdeteriorating state of health.

We then register a complaint with the prosecutor of Agen for « acts of cruelty » to an animal held in captivity and ask the court in Bordeaux that the Prefect of Lot-et-Garonne removes Maya from the circus. A press conference is organized at the « Elephant Haven » sanctuary which is under construction, to which One Voice donated € 50,000 in 2016: we are preparing Maya’s highly anticipated release from the circus, reserving her place so that she can finally take a well-deserved retirement.

Institutions are committed, the first gatherings and a popular movement

The announcement is historic! We receive letters from two institutions of reference for veterinarians in France, the National Veterinary Order and the Federation of French Veterinary Trade Unions (FSVF), both of which condemn wild animal shows in itinerant circuses and thus legitimize our fight for the liberation of Maya. Our hopes increase as the trial approaches!

October 17th, we are in Bordeaux: the objective is to convince the judge to lean on the Prefect, guarantor of the protection of animals, on our behalf! The decision fails: the judge believes that Maya is fine … He relied on the reports produced by the opposing party.

We immediately launch a petition with the #JusticePourMaya, signed by famous personalities such as Corine Pelluchon, Jacques-Antoine Granjon, Christine Bravo or Laurence Parisot and supported by other associations. In just a few hours, several tens of thousands of signatures are registered, claiming along with us the release of Maya!

We meet in Paris on October 28th at a silent gathering in Place du Québec, near the Ministry of Ecology to make heard the plight of Maya. There are more than 200 of you who joined us, with the support of associations like Vegan Impact and the CCE²A. We continue the fight for her, by setting up other gatherings (in Cannes on November 4th in front of the circus, and on November 16th in front of the Lot-et-Garonne Prefecture in Agen).

The Prefecture sensitive to the expert reports, and to the weight of support

True moment of emotion: November 24th, the image of Maya appears on the facade of the building of Jacques-Antoine Granjon, founder and CEO of the group vente-privee. During 48 hours, no less than 350,000 motorists see Maya, accompanied by #JusticePourMaya. « For my part, I support all the fighting of One Voice, and especially that for circuses without animals, » says the entrepreneur. He then co-signs with the association a letter addressed to Nicolas Hulot, the Minister of Ecology, to put an end to the ordeal of these animals.

At the beginning of December 2017, at the reading of our new health report compiling the expert evaluations from six internationally recognized specialists, the Prefect of Lot-et-Garonne finally made the decision for an independent inspection. As far as the support of activists and supporters is concerned, it does not weaken, 100,000 signatures on the petition has been reached!

Time seems to stretch, the results of the actions undertaken are delayed. In desperation, we propose to the circus to buy Maya, because a sponsor is ready to help us. We contact the circus directly and our lawyer contacts theirs. No answer…

A vain attempt from the circus to censor us

The circus then attacks us in the court of Strasbourg. These include the withdrawal of the petition, all articles about the elephant, tweets and Facebook publications. After casting a rumour that Maya was dead, yet hiding her and leaving our anxious correspondence unanswered, the circus confirms during the hearing that she is alive. His lawyer adds that she had an abscess treated, and that the veterinary inspection requested by the Prefect had taken place the day before …

On February 22nd, our freedom of expression is maintained, as it should, and we continue the fight! It is then necessary to find Maya, the circus does everything to hide her. We find her in Alès, locked in her trailer while the lawyer of the circus owner had said during the hearing that she was retired in the Lot-et-Garonne. We urgently write to the DDPP (Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations)!

We win the case, but nothing is certain yet

In March,the veterinarian reports on Maya’s state of health are mandated. He reaches the same conclusions as our specialists: her diet is not adapted to her needs, she suffers a lot from her feet and always has an untreated abscess. His record is clear: « Maya requires stable breeding conditions with longer and longer breaks between shorter trips. » The director of the DDPP added that circus activity is incompatible with Maya’s state of health. Direct consequence: The Prefect then asks the circus to communicate within a period of fifteen days, in which fixed place he now intends to allow Maya to live, where she will be placed on June 30th at the latest.

In April, we learn that Maya would go to Italy, to a wildlife park. We would have preferred a sanctuary, of course, but in this park, she will be free from her truck and travelling, and she will be able to get the care she so badly needs.

The delay of fifteen days is reached and from the side of the Prefecture, it is radio silence! In Bordeaux, the administrative court, which we summon again, considers that the Prefecture has not remained inactive, and that the state of Maya has not worsened since the first appeal in October. We denounce the immobility of the administrative court and the silence of the Prefect.

It is with great difficulty that we released at the end of April images of Maya, locked up in her trailer. Her stereotypical behaviour is strong. A courier leaves the same day to request an appointment with the Agen prosecutor as well as news of our complaint for « acts of cruelty ». A letter is also sent to the Prefect of Lot-et-Garonne, this time to ask her to transfer Maya to a sanctuary under our responsibility or it forces the circus to leave her at her winter quarters.

At the beginning of May, the philosopher Corine Pelluchon writes a tribune in the press, co-signed by leading figures in the defence of animals, such as Laurent Baheux, Thierry Bedossa, Allain Bougrain-Dubourg, Sophie Dol, Loïc Dombreval, Pascal Durand , Yolaine de La Bigne, Frédéric Lenoir, Laurence Parisot, Jacques Perrin and Franck Sorbier. The petition at the end of May has 150,000 signatures!

After all the rumours, comes the real light at the end of the tunnel

At the end of May, without news from the authorities, we raise the alert by going in action in front of the circus, located in Montredon-des-Corbières near Narbonne. On site, we can only see Nelly and Brigit. Maya is left inside the tent.

In parallel, we learn from our British partner, the Born Free Foundation, that an old elephant coming from France would be expected in Great Britain. The place is unsuitable. We are writing to the Minister of the Ecological and Solidarity Transition to support our request for a shelter that truly meets the needs of Maya.

On June 12th, the prosecutor of Agen receives us concerning our complaint for « acts of cruelty » which is still being investigated. We now know that Maya’s release is very close. It remains now to confirm the place of retirement. But even once Maya is liberated, there can be no allowance for impunity, we will make sure of this.

July 5th, 2018: Maya is finally out of the circus!

For Maya, the life of roaming around in a truck or living in car parks, is finished! She is now in Italy, in Milan, in a park where she enjoys space, a pool, and care. We went there to learn more about her living conditions. How happy she looks on this photograph taken in the moments following her arrival!

We are authorising our Italian partner association, LAV, so that they can regularly ensure the well-being of Maya.

The scandal of Dépakine (Thalidomide): Animal experiments prove again to be dangerous

The scandal of Dépakine (Thalidomide): Animal experiments prove again to be dangerous
05.07.2018
Monde
The scandal of Dépakine (Thalidomide): Animal experiments prove again to be dangerous
Animal testing

Tens of thousands of children have been born with early neurodevelopmental disorders, victims of the effects of Depakine, taken by their mothers during pregnancy. Depakine, such as Thalidomide and Distilbene have however been tested on animals before they were placed on the market, as required by current regulations. How many human and nonhuman people will still have to be victims of the obsolete, cruel and dangerous procedures of animal testing?

Tens of thousands of victims, human and animal

How many thousands of animals have been sacrificed? How many mothers of monkeys, rats and rabbits who have been injected with teratogen products, that is to say likely to alter ineluctably the development in utero of their young? How many babies, who as soon as they were born or snatched from the womb, were euthanized and underwent autopsies?

No, it is not a blessing in disguise, it is a frightful evil for another evil, which is just as bad.

After Thalidomide and Distilbène, Dépakine is the new health related outrage. Indeed, these three drugs have been tested on animals, including during pregnancy. Animals have been killed so that these substances can be sold. But this could not prevent the disasters related to their use by pregnant women.

The biggest scandal was that of Thalidomide in the early 1960s: 10,000 births with very serious malformations (absence of limbs, damaged organs) which caused some babies’ death. In the case of Distilbene (whose harmful effects were discovered in the early 1970s), children and even grandchildren of mothers who took this drug, were born with reproductive system pathologies, including cervical cancer.

The toxic effects of depakine on the fetus

Depakine is an antiepileptic medicine marketed in France since 1967. It has been recognized as causing malformations and developmental delays in exposed children during pregnancy.

The first case of malformations suspected to have been caused by Depakine dates back to 1980. Yet it took twenty-six years for the Ministry of Health to advise against its use by pregnant women. By the end of 2017, the laboratory’s responsibility has been established. Last June, the number of children with neurological disorders (including autism and mental retardation), after being exposed to Depakine, was estimated between 16,600 and 30,400!

Animal experimentation is worse than unsuitable, it is dangerous!

According to our scientific team, animal testing does not make it possible to obtain the certainty of the safety of a drug, especially during pregnancy. Gestations between humans and animals are not comparable: the embryonic and foetal phases are organized differently over time. In the case of Depakine, the human embryo develops skeletal malformations at much lower doses than animals.

But if animal testing cannot confirm a safe dosage to avoid such obvious effects, how can one still believe that they can help identify more nuanced effects, such as autism and developmental delays?

Towards modern science

We are undoubtedly living in an age where scientific knowledge is the most advanced in the whole history of mankind. But paradoxically, we do not know how to apply them intelligently! How many health disasters must we endure to ensure that the reliability of animal testing is finally called into question? Persisting to resort in using species that are separate from us as a reference is a nonsense which must not be continued for both animals and for us.

The reoffending abusive breeder finally judged

The reoffending abusive breeder finally judged
03.07.2018
Bergerac
The reoffending abusive breeder finally judged
Domestic animals

Four years! It took four years of investigation to obtain a judgment of this abusive and repeat offender, who subjected along with an accomplice in her 60’s like her these poor and defenceless cats and dogs to the worst in the Dordogne. July 3rd will be the trial of Mrs. A. in the court of Bergerac.

Editorial:

At the end of the hearing on July 3^rd,the deliberation was fixed at August 21^st, 2018

Mrs. A was sentenced to a 1-year suspended sentence, 5-year ban from breeding and all animals confiscated and entrusted to One Voice. The veterinarian involved was sentenced to 2 months suspended sentence and a fine of 5000 euros.

We obviously maintain our surveillance in order to be able to intervene quickly in case of reoffending.

Between them, they had set up a smuggling ring of animals, medicines and microchips had been hidden, mistreated animals, in short, all done to circumvent the law and exploit these animal companions while making a profit out of their innocent lives, regardless of their well-being and health. Thanks to One Voice’s investigative work, the scale of their trafficking has been revealed, the animals have been saved, and these cold-hearted women are being sued.

While she was forbidden to raise animals, Mrs. A. continued her trade of living beings. While letting them perish in unhealthy conditions as their fate was only equal to her greed for the money that she could get out from them.

An historic rescue for the Zoe Cell

In 2014, our investigation and rescue centre thought to save twenty cats, it is an atrocious reality that eventually came out into the open: 181 animals were discovered, all in a deleterious state both mentally and physically.

More than 80 animals were found in June 2014, in an appalling stench. Puppies just a few days old, a kitten crawling in a litter on the ground looking for its mother, a cat in a rabbit cage… but that’s not counting the corpses of cats burnt in barrels. Air so bad it burns the lungs. Dozens of sick animals that had to be treated urgently!

Mrs A. was banned from raising animals for reasons of health and hygiene. In February 2015, the gendarmes discovered almost fifty dogs and cats that were hidden at her home and as many as this at the home of her accomplice. In addition to this, veterinary products obtained or given without authorization and without prescriptions. The traffic of electronic chips probably removed from dead cats, and re-implanted into other living cats…

Traumatized animals in need of love and their wounds dressing

At the time, the emerging Zoe Cell, with the help of our partner shelters, made sure to place all the animals with host families, which proved to be extremely loving and became real allies in the re-socialization of those sentient, gentle and intelligent beings so badly abused by these two shameless women.

Among them, Colombe a survivor of this breeding place from hell, was placed in foster care during the summer of 2015 pending the end of the investigation and the final verdict. Unfortunately, her elderly human companion has just died, and this little dog of 11 years had to change family.

In February this year, Colombe met Pascale, her new human companion and his own dog a Bichon Maltese. The agreement between the two white dogs is immediate, and Colombe then meets the whole family, and her new home, filled with the joy of life and animation. A home with several children and active adults. But she has lived many traumatic episodes, and remains fearful.

The contact with the Bichon who is almost the same age as she is a real facilitator. Cuddles, strolls, meals, everything is done in duo, him ahead, protective, her behind withdrawn. And the more she acclimatizes, the more she lowers her guard. Two months after arriving, she begins to wag her tail to express her joy at the time of going out, and to bark nicely at the return from work the father of family.

Pascale tells us: « We get to approach her more easily when our dog is sitting next to her and we caress her. At these moments, she accepts caresses, even on demand. She did not experience the affection of a family in her younger years, she was not used to being touched, caressed. »

Given her behavioural problems, to help Colombe, One Voice has taken on a session with Dr. Nathalie Simon, who will help her feel better again.

Long live Colombe, far from the trauma of her youth, and congratulations to those loving animals, human or not, who helped her and still help her to gain confidence in herself and others.

We will be at the hearing of the court of Bergerac July 3^rdto plead for an exemplary punishment for Mrs. A., having made life a nightmare for more than 180 sentient beings like Colombe and they are still struggling to recover today.

Young dog beaten and stabbed, Cell Zoe appeals for justice in the case of Mylanne

Young dog beaten and stabbed, Cell Zoe appeals for justice in the case of Mylanne
02.07.2018
France
Young dog beaten and stabbed, Cell Zoe appeals for justice in the case of Mylanne
Domestic animals

No social or emotional precariousness can justify the violence suffered by animals and their murder ! No addiction can serve as an excuse to mitigate the gravity of this gesture ! Mylanne lived only a nightmare with the man who had obtained her. The young German Shepherd would have been the scapegoat of this dangerous human.

Editorial:

The defendant was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment and a lifetime ban on keeping an animal.

Mylanne lived in terror

Two years ago, Mylanne met an alcoholic and violent man. He took her home, with the intention of training her the hard way, « so that she could eat the other animals in the household because they were pissing him off ».

Since then, the young dog was beaten so hard, and so regularly, that neighbours heard it through the walls. They crossed the drunken and aggressive man daily, who had already attacked them. He even scared his neighbours because he was so insulting and threatening, what could she do, so helpless in the face of his anger ?

Like any dog, she sought so much to be loved, seeking the tenderness in her eyes, but found only bitterness, resentment, instability and unleashed anger …

Mylanne was scared of it.

On March 10^thhe returned home smelling of alcohol. She barked to keep him at bay, fearing again his excessive violence. But what was waiting for her was worse than anything before. Terrorized, she was stabbed in the back by this antisocial, heartless, irascible individual. The blow was so strong that the knife was bent … she moaned. He finished her off, dragged her down the stairs of his building, and threw her body into the collective garbage bin.

Fortunately, a witness called the gendarmerie. The traces of blood left between the local garbage and the home of the torturer, the weapon of the crime found at the home and the body of Mylanne, left him confounded.

Zoe Cell fights cruelty once again

We will be in Pontoise, in the courtroom, on the 2^ndof July, so that this man, with already previous charges, clearly a public danger, will receive an exemplary sentence. Cell Zoe will take care of it in its plea. We filed a complaint for cruelty against this man « alcoholic, impulsive and unstable » according to the doctor who admitted his analysis of this criminal.

Once again, we urge governments to recognize the Link between violence against humans and animals, and to amend the law accordingly.

Please sign and share our petition to condemn all violence, regardless of the victim.

50 dogs killed by a breeder on the island of the Reunion: One Voice is angry!

50 dogs killed by a breeder on the island of the Reunion: One Voice is angry!
30.06.2018
Réunion
50 dogs killed by a breeder on the island of the Reunion: One Voice is angry!
Other campaign or multi-campaigns of One Voice

A deer farmer boasted that he had slaughtered 50 dogs on Reunion Island. And our complaint against this illegal act would have been dismissed? The Prefect would even consider hiring professional hunters to solve the problem of strays. Faced with this outrage, One Voice, angry, wrote to the Minister of Overseas Territories, lodged a complaint with the Attorney General and filed another against the Prefecture. The state must take its responsibilities and enforce the law!

On June 13, we filed a complaint against a deer farmer who had published the photos of dogs he had slaughtered, more than fifty according to him! This act of retaliation is totally illegal: it is forbidden by law to kill domestic animals, strays or not. The fact that dogs have killed sheep, goats and deer is not a valid motive.

Two goats injured and abused

On June 28, two wounded kids who were allegedly attacked by stray dogs were taken by truck to the law firm defending the association One Voice. The breeders concerned, in their way of thinking, demanded compensation « Since we defend the dogs » and following the complaint of 13 June 2018 to deal with these animals!

As we were first and foremost concerned with relieving the poor goats of their suffering and injuries, bearing in mind the appalling treatment that they had been submitted to on the road in the back of the truck. We immediately decided to take charge of them. But the breeders, obviously more interested in an article in the local paper than concerned about the pain of two dying beings, finally left with them, claiming to take them to the vet to be put down.

Our complaint dismissed?

It was through the press that we learned that our complaint against the deer farmer has already been dismissed. It must be said that, for the Prefect of the Reunion, the question of starys seems to have to be settled with a gun. He even intended to appoint professional hunters during the hunting of these strays to deal with the crisis! Because yes, there is a real problem with strays on the island, but slaughtering dogs and cats is by no means a solution. Not only is it cruel, this method is ineffective. We already have a procedure in place to demand that « useful measures » be put into practice by the Prefect.

We have therefore filed a complaint against the Prefecture and sent a letter to the Minister of Overseas Territories to alert her of the situation and ask her to put an end to an emergency situation. We also filed a complaint with the Attorney General, because if our complaint against the breeder is dismissed, who has already killed 50 dogs, animals that are best protected by French law, we fear this could be the adopted method of dealing with things. It’s an implied license to shoot them with a rifle. One Voice will not let it go.

Sign and share our petition so that cats and dogs are really protected!

The martyrdom of Nikita, a young pinscher dragged along the tarmac

The martyrdom of Nikita, a young pinscher dragged along the tarmac
28.06.2018
Tarn
The martyrdom of Nikita, a young pinscher dragged along the tarmac
Domestic animals

How could they forget Nikita, tied to the back of a car? The young pinscher who died in agony. Neglect and alcohol cannot be a valid excuse to escape one’s responsibilities. The Zoe Cell will be present in court on June 29th 2018.

Dragged over 25 kilometres behind a car by a drunk person

25,000 meters of unsustainable suffering, skin flayed, flesh torn off, shredded bones, incommensurable pain. This is what Nikita, a young black and fiery pinscher, lived through, barely two years old, with a deep and sharp look. This is the especially atrocious way that the woman she believed was her protector, her friend, a drunk at the wheel, killed her.

A birthday, alcohol, discussions and music in the car of the woman, her companion and their friends, that’s the atmosphere that prevailed in the car, while Nikita lived her last moments after a while. Left behind the vehicle, dragged at high speed along the road…

Hiding the wrongdoing, an attempt to escape justice

A motorist told them that a body was under the car. To hide their wrong doing, Nikita was then thrown into the Tarn.

They then went off all three of them, as expected, to celebrate the birthday of Madame at the restaurant. Nikita’s poor body was found in the water. It is her identification chip that allowed the veterinarian, shocked by her condition, to find the person responsible.

The Zoe Cell will not let up

Being under the influence of alcohol cannot justify, let alone apologize, forgetting that her companion was attached to the back of her vehicle! And believing or being described as loving above all to this martyred animal, cannot in any way diminish the sentence expected. We filed a complaint. The Zoe Cell is taking over this case.

At the Montauban High Court on June 29^th, 2018, we will seek the requalification of the facts in acts of cruelty to a domestic animal. The facts are so serious that they cannot be exonerated!

Please sign our petition so that our companions are better protected by law.

Nestlé responsible for cruel botox animal tests

Nestlé responsible for cruel botox animal tests
26.06.2018
Europe
Nestlé responsible for cruel botox animal tests
Animal testing

One Voice is joining, as part as the ECEAE coalition, the Aerzte Gegen Tierversuch’s campaign.The goal is to end the mice experimentation for the botox market, by Nestlé.

Edit on August 30, 2018:

Thanks to the mobilization of citizens, we have obtained from Ipsen that alternative tests to the poisoning of mice with « botox » be set up!
The horrible suffering of a death by slow paralysis and choking, after very painful injections in the abdomen, will be spared tens of thousands of mice each year in the European Union and Switzerland!

Science must equip itself with other methods that are more reliable than animal experiments, and devoid of cruelty. This victorious episode demonstrates that this is possible. The tests will now be performed on cells grown in the laboratory.
What a leap forward for animals! It’s a magnificent victory.

The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE), an alliance of leading European animal organisations has unveiled the involvement of Nestlé in cruel poisoning tests on mice for botulinum toxin (commonly known as botox). The Swiss-based food giant has entered the lucrative botox market. While some botox manufacturers are already using non-animal tests, Nestlé sells products for which there is no animal-free test approved, and thus becomes responsible for immense additional animal suffering. During a Europe-wide Week of Action (Name of group) and their European partners in the ECEAE are calling upon Nestlé to push Ipsen to stop selling Dysport® and Azzalure® until a humane test is approved by the authorities.

Occasionally used for medical purposes, the bacterial poison botulinum toxin is best known for its cosmetic use to temporarily reduce facial lines and wrinkles. Each batch of botox is tested in the controversial LD50 (Lethal Dose) poisoning test. Groups of mice are injected in the abdomen with different dosages of botulinum toxin in order to find the dose which kills half the animals. This involves appalling suffering for the animals who suffocate slowly through muscle paralysis while fully conscious.

Continuous public protests have led to the manufacturers Allergan and Merz using humane cell-based tests since 2011 and 2015 respectively, replacing most of their LD50 tests on mice. Nestlé, however, sells the botox products Dysport® and Azzalure® of the UK-based manufacturer Ipsen. Ipsen has recently claimed to have submitted an animal-free test to authorities but it remains unknown if this test will be approved. In the meantime Ipsen continues to commission the LD50 tests, using tens of thousands of animals every year.

By taking over the Galderma venture it had together with L’Oreal, and the purchase of marketing rights for Dysport® in North-America from the American company Valeant Pharmaceuticals – the main competitor of market leader Allergan – Nestlé has developed a hugely lucrative and fast-growing market.

The Swiss food company is again in the focus of the Europe-wide protest against botox animal testing. From 25^thto 30^thJune ECEAE members in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland will be holding a Week of Action across Europe to protest against the cruel killing of hundred thousands of mice for botulinum toxin. The Swiss ECEAE member organisation Swiss League against Animal Experiments and for the Rights of Animals (LSCV) has launched an online petition against Nestlé’s animal tests. The Europe-wide annual protest marks the first approval of an animal-free test on 30^thJune 2011.

(Name of speaker of a group): “By entering the botox market Nestlé is responsible for cruel and outdated animal tests. It is appalling and unacceptable that hundreds of thousands of mice are cruelly poisoned for the mere profit of the world biggest food company. The public doesn’t accept animal experiments, especially when it comes to beauty products.”

The pot calling the kettle black…by the veterinarians

The pot calling the kettle black…by the veterinarians
22.06.2018
France
The pot calling the kettle black…by the veterinarians
Animal testing

Further to raising the alarm on what dozens of rabbits go through, used as guinea pigs and then killed when the vets training ends, we have received an answer from this veterinarian school. In the meantime, the course has been cancelled! This is how forty rabbits have been saved from these experiments.

The director of the veterinary school wrote to us. She brandishes as a banner the 80% reduction of animal use and the development within the school of alternative methods to correspond to European law. What she forgets to mention is that the binding European legislation to Reduce, Refine and Replace the use of animals has been put in place only by repeated actions and relentless pressure from the animal’s defence associations.

And it is precisely these methods of investigation in denouncing injustices that the school holds against us, not the content. She proposes that we work hand in hand after insulting us! What a funny way to work in good intelligence, if it’s really what she suggests. We can most likely doubt it: the veterinary school accuses us of « denouncing » and speaks of « espionage », while evoking their « havoc on past occasions ». Here is a beautiful example of the expression “the pot calling the kettle black”.

One cannot be denouncing in a non-violent way injustice and even the suffering of those who are voiceless and weaker or more vulnerable than us and at the same time be on the side of those who are the perpetrators of this suffering. To seek justice is not the law of retaliation. Our methods, namely the field investigations, the publishing of expert testimonies, the production of documented reports, petitions and public gatherings, have nevertheless allowed the introduction of laws strictly regulating these practices. Without our struggle for the liberation of sentient beings and the ending of their servitude, they would still be suffering in much greater proportions.

Is animal testing really a necessary evil? Many scientists argue the opposite. As Dr. André Ménache rightly pointed out, « as far as animal experimentation is concerned, the scientific argument joins the ethical argument« . One thing is certain; France is not sufficiently committed to the 3 R policy of Reduction, Refinement and Replacement. By choosing additional arguments, the veterinary school tries to change the subject.

In conclusion, would it be in reaction to our article? The course we mentioned, regarding anaesthesia, sterilization and dentistry on rabbits was not reprogrammed, and was removed as an initial training tool at this school. Forty rabbits have been saved from experiments this semester and also for the ones that follow!

Help us get a lion called Sultan out of his prison!

Help us get a lion called Sultan out of his prison!
21.06.2018
France
Help us get a lion called Sultan out of his prison!
Exploitation for shows

Sultan is being held by a circus in the worst conditions of his life. One Voice is fighting to save him before captivity takes his life.

How long has he been suffering this ordeal? How long has he experienced each second of each day in this living hell? Sultan, an eight-year-old lion in full strength, is imprisoned by William Zavatta in unbearable conditions.

Deprived of a lion’s life

Out of sight, locked away in a small truck which is sometimes covered over and with no contact to the lionesses, this handsome male lives his life alone, often in the dark. Deeply alone. Motionless or trapped in stereotypical movements. His trainer represents his only contact with the outside world. Completely at his mercy, his entire existence is reduced to nothing but emptiness.

How can such suffering be imposed on an animal that, in the wild, would spend its days roaming a vast territory of up to 100 square kilometres? How can one cut this lion off from the contact of his own kind, a feline by nature who is extremely sociable? Lions need to live together for their stability. The size of their groups can reach forty individuals in the wild! Sultan, he has nothing and no one to occupy him in his life. He therefore sinks further into despair.

From isolation to the commotion of the parades

Absolute cynicism: His only « outings » take place in the summer, during the time of the circus parades, to announce the shows. Very roughly, his jailers suddenly shoo him from his loneliness and darkness to brutally expose him to the hubbub of the horns, yells and booming music, while the sound of the trucks carrying animals is prohibited … Nearly falling to the floor with each press of the brake pedal, Sultan appears in the vehicle, completely haggard. What a gloomy « spectacle » of this noble beast, broken by humans, used to gain the public, what a stressful and frightening experience for him.

Sultan calls for help

Crushed in this way, Sultan could give up and die. But despite the horror of his meaningless daily life, Sultan is still resisting. One Voice has witnessed it. In the evening, sometimes, from his tarpaulin truck, from the depths of the darkness, a heart-rending cry escapes. He calls out! He calls us to his rescue! Since 2016, our association has already filed a complaint twice for ill-treatment in order to save him. But nothing has changed, justice is too slow! We do not abandon it. Today, we make Sultan’s voice sound even louder by launching a massive campaign on his behalf. Join us in this action to obtain his release from the circus William Zavatta and to have him moved to a sanctuary. His only hope of a dignified life, of a free life, of a full life, is in our hands and yours.

Please sign and share the petition!

Little Boy, young Cane Corso stabbed and impaled on a branch: trial on June 20th

Little Boy, young Cane Corso stabbed and impaled on a branch: trial on June 20th
20.06.2018
Bethune
Little Boy, young Cane Corso stabbed and impaled on a branch: trial on June 20th
Domestic animals

Rejected from all sides, abandoned several times, without anyone to love him, Little Boy, a young dog Cane Corso, had already experienced many disappointments with the human race. He was coldly murdered by people he trusted. Our Cell Zoe will be at the court of Bethune for him on June 20th.

Editorial:

On Wednesday, June 20^th, the court adjourned the hearing to July 9^th, 2018.

That day, Little Boy was tied up. Then, the blows began to rain down, he was stabbed several times, gutted and impaled on a tree where he was abandoned, still whining. His identification chip was removed, but fortunately it was not enough … And his terrible journey was traced.

Locked most of the time on the balcony, the daily life of Little Boy was only solitude. In four years of existence, humans have never been faithful to him, he went from one owner to another, given away by ad on the internet, without ever a person of confidence to finally bring him the protection, the security and the love he needed.

On the day of his death, did his torturers act on orders from his owners who had already tried to get rid of them? Did Little Boy happily believe in a welcome stroll, a break from the balcony to which he was assigned, or did he sense the danger and was terrified. He followed his torturers reluctantly? Still, they premeditated their gesture, since they took with them two knives when they took the dog. The two or three men, it remains to be determined, they reject each other’s blame. The record of this massacre still contains many inconsistencies and grey areas.

What happened to Little Boy is torture!

Living with a dog entails responsibility. It is not an accessory that you can get rid of or dispose of at your leisure. Not being able to bring him what he needed, and above all, to have considered then proceeded with his assassination, they must be severely punished. What happened to Little Boy is torture! The people who killed him must be judged with all necessary force!

We will be on June 20^that the trial, our Cell Zoe will defend the memory of Little Boy and claim justice for him in court.

We are fighting to have the “link” recognized by the law

Some of the people involved had already been reported for violent behaviour, this cannot continue, these people are proven to be a danger to the whole of society.

We recently renewed our appeal to the Justice Ministry to highlight the link between violence, whether the victim is human or animal, in order to change the law in this area.

Madame la Garde des Sceaux, @NBelloubet @justice_gouv, nous vous écrivons de nouveau car les #violences perpétrées sur #animaux familiers doivent être punies très sévèrement du fait de leur lien fréquent avec les #ViolencesDomestiques. Il est temps de changer la loi! pic.twitter.com/6A8SDgU0wO

— One Voice (@onevoiceanimal) 7 juin 2018

Please sign our petition to support us in this fight.