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Revelations about the death of Aïcko, the dolphin of Planète Sauvage – One Voice calls into question the official version and the neutrality of the experts report.

Revelations about the death of Aïcko, the dolphin of Planète Sauvage – One Voice calls into question the official version and the neutrality of the experts report.
24.07.2018
Port Saint Père
Revelations about the death of Aïcko, the dolphin of Planète Sauvage – One Voice calls into question the official version and the neutrality of the experts report.
Exploitation for shows

Aïcko died on November 6th 2016 in Planète Sauvage, before reaching the age of seven and just when One Voice was alerting the public of his alarming state of health. According to the dolphinarium, the young dolphin was suffering from an unidentified illness and would have flung himself against a wall. The » impartial » expert’s report ordered by the summary judge at the request of One Voice and at its expense is strangely lenient towards the park. One Voice contests the dolphinarium’s version and the experts report and will challenge the judges again.

One Voice had requested the services of Dr. Pierre Gallego, a specialist in cetaceans. He analysed the park’s veterinary documents and Aïcko’s autopsy report. His report is damning of the dolphinarium. Comparisons:

Months of poor veterinary care:

Although incomplete and deficient, the veterinary documents still make it possible to trace the state of health and the causes of the death of Aïcko, the young dolphin of Planète Sauvage. The medical follow-up and Aïcko’s autopsy report revealed a loss of weight of the young dolphin for many weeks, which obviously did not alert anyone, even though Aïcko should have been in full growth because of his age. May 4^th2016, Aïcko weighed 179kg, October 31th 2016 it had dropped to 105kg, it would represent a loss of 30kg for a human adolescent of 75kg, in a little less than 6 months! For Dr. Gallego:

«This initial weight loss had not caused any concern to the veterinary team, whereas it is one of the first signs of cetacean disease.»

The blood tests prove that he was dehydrated, chronically anaemic, and weakened by many otherdiseases. The expert judged the analyses to be consistent, referring to a 30-year-old bibliography…

Dangerous living conditions in captivity:

The daily reports from the park show that Aïcko suffered daily aggression from the older dolphins, without obviously being able to escape from them, since they all lived in the same pool, the other two pools being at the time assigned for maternity purposes. Aïcko became their whipping boy, captivity leads to this kind of behaviour. Four days before he died, in solitary confinement, he suffered and called out for help by tapping the water with his tail, between pain and despair. But stress causes a collapse in the immune system in dolphins, which makes them vulnerable to infection.

The expert, however, only admits to « discomfort » in Aïcko, but refuses to admit that he was sufficiently stressed to fall ill, which is contrary to our specialist:

«Aïcko was viciously and frequently assaulted by the other dolphins, which has probably caused a lot of chronic stress, which can reduce the immune system and render the animal more susceptible to possible infectious diseases.
»
Dr. Gallego The supreme irony, the expert considers that dolphins in captivity avoid the stresses of foraging! It is true that the life of a prisoner, when one is locked up with his aggressor, far from the protection of his parents cannot be a source of joy and fulfilment…

Revelations about the death of Aïcko, a blunder bordering on amateurism:

For Planète Sauvage, Aïcko would have deliberately thrown himself against a wall of the pool following his illness, on the odd occasion « forced-feeding » was applied but this has no link to this…

Reading the autopsy report reveals that Aïcko had his jaw broken and his larynx was dislocated, other documents show that he was forcibly fed. Whole fish were pushed into the back of the throat (instead of administering ground fish by gastric tube), he was then returned to the water as he regurgitated through his air hole! One thing is certain his airways were blocked, and he drowned.

Our veterinary surgeon adds:

«The fact that Aïcko had his larynx dislodged during a capture and that he vomited through his air vent, and was then returned to the water without remedial action is a serious professional misconduct […]. That was the cause of Aïcko’s death.»
Dr. Gallego

For the expert, the disruption of the larynx could have occurred post mortem, but he does not exclude asphyxia due to swallowing the wrong way…

Differing conclusions from our veterinarian specialist and the forensic expert:

Dr. Gallego is unequivocal:

«In summary, the medical management of the dolphin Aïcko’s is very questionable because despite clear signs of pathological processes in progress, nothing has been implemented until October 2016. There is in addition, a flagrant medical error with Aïcko being returned to the water with a serious respiratory problem, Aïcko died as a result of his handling during his last capture, and not because of any illness. Moreover, nothing was done to solve the problem of the attacks to which Aïcko was constantly exposed.»

For his part,the expert noted shortcomings in the realization of the autopsy. But did he have a choice? We had already produced the opinions of two luminaries in the middle of all this, Doctors Mazzariol and Cassart who concluded in this direction! Let us note, all the same, vis-à-vis the dolphinarium that performed an imperfect autopsy is to preserve findings that could confirm errors in the treatment of Aïcko disease…

This expert report with its confusing conclusions, has not yet been able to deny the evidence: the aggressions, the stress, the sloppy autopsy … The one who conducted this report is visibly attached to captivity and with his own conception of animal wellbeing. Preferring obsolete decrees, he did not worry about judging Aïcko’s living conditions using the most recent methods of analysis or the applicable regulations as requested by the President of the Tribunal!

One Voice will not stop there, we will continue to collect the opinions of recognized experts until a counter expert report is carried out!

Annexes

To go further:

At the time of the facts

We had visited Aïcko a few days before his death, accompanied by veterinary Doctor Naomi Rose, and filmed him. His condition shocked us. His wounded skin showed how he was the whipping boy of adult dolphins, with no chance of escaping, as he could have done. We also noticed his thinness. We then launched a petition to stop dolphinariums and then started legal proceedings against it.

Legal aspects surrounding Aïcko

We already had a complaint of abuse against Planète Sauvage (June 7th 2016). Following this visit, we filed an additional complaint for Aïcko. On his death, we launched a referral for an expert review on the conditions of this demise, which allowed us to obtain a copy of the medical records on the follow-up of Aïcko, and his autopsy report, which we were then able to have appraised.

One Voice finally obtained an injunction order ordering the expert report on January 26th 2017. The judge reiterated one of the arguments put forward by the association, in particular that it reserved the right to continue the proceedings before the courts for violation of human rights and the dignity of animals.

What was the expert’s mission?

Go to the dolphinarium,
Visit them in the presence of all interested parties and gather their claims;
Determine the cause of death of the dolphin Aïcko;
Give an opinion on the conditions of the rearing of Aïcko the dolphin in the dolphinarium facilities, in particular with regard to the applicable regulations;
Proceed to the hearing with all available knowledge;
Examine all the documents that the parties thought they should communicate to them and have them issue any documents they considered useful for the performance of their duties

This expert evaluation step was extended at the request of the expert twice with two requests for additional information from the expert. He reported on May 18th 2018.

Other cetaceans defended by One Voice

Femke the dolphin kept in Parc Asterix, which has been dying since her son Ekinox was torn away from her in July 2016, Galeo …
Inouk, one of the five French captive orcas whose flipper was torn at the beginning of the summer, but also Wikie, Moana, Keijo and Shouka.

An appointment at the Ministry for a new decree

An appointment at the Ministry of Nicolas Hulot is set for July 26th 2018 to discuss the rewriting of the decree taken by Ségolène Royal, and cancelled in 2017 for a technical detail by the State Council.

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One Voice at the heart of Superpod 6

One Voice at the heart of Superpod 6
21.07.2018
San Juan Island
One Voice at the heart of Superpod 6
Natural habitat

One Voice was at the global meeting of cetacean specialists, Superpod, in San Juan Island on the peaceful border between the United States and Canada.

One Voice was at the global meeting of cetacean specialists, Superpod, in San Juan Island, on the peaceful border between the United States and Canada. Muriel Arnal presented our fight for orcas and captive dolphins in France.

Superpod

In 2011, a small group of enthusiasts and cetacean experts came together to reflect and coordinate their actions for the defence of marine mammals. Superpod (the name given to the meeting of several pods of cetaceans) is the cradle of the Blackfish effect. This is where the idea of the documentary film came from, released in 2013, retracing tragically the birth and life of the famous orca Tilikum. This is where this big movement started that finally changed things, at the origins of the abandonment of the Seaworld breeding program of orcas. Since then, the event has brought together scientists, experts, former trainers, journalists and NGO leaders from around the world, working towards an end to the exploitation and hunting of cetaceans.

One Voice at Superpod 6

Thursday July 19^thMuriel Arnal made a presentation during the 6^thedition of Superpod, the fight of One Voice for dolphins and captive orcas in France: Femke, the broken hearted mother of dolphins that we filmed just floating motionless in her pool last May. But also, the orcas Wikie, Inouk, Keijo and Shouka that we still follow closely. With great emotion, Muriel recounted the tragic fate of Orca Valentin at Marineland and that of the little dolphin Aïcko to an audience of internationally renowned experts, such as: Naomi Rose, Ingrid Visser, Lori Marino, Ken Balcomb. All were touched by the story of these broken lives, which motivates our fight for a new dolphinarium decree to be passed and finally these captive cetaceans can be released.

Together for cetaceans

Other speakers spoke of the fate of Keiko, Morgan and Lolita; one of the goals of Superpod 6 is to share information and to work together. The dramatic situation of the local resident orcas, Lolita’s family, was also at the heart of the debates. Their population has been decimated by their hunting to supply the dolphinariums in America and Europe, and today they are dying from hunger because of human activities. The only population of orcas to die in the world, a sanctuary that would feed them is now reflecting. Another big problem is dozens of dolphinariums under construction in Russia and China. How many dolphins, belugas, sea lions and other marine mammals are going to be torn from their families or perish because of these hunts needed to fill these newly built pools? More than ever, we must stand together to face this industry, wherever it develops. Together we are stronger.

In France, One Voice continues its fight for the closure of dolphinariums and the placement of captive cetaceans into marine sanctuaries. On July 26^th, we will be meeting at the Ministry of Ecology, as French representatives of the Dolphinarium Free Europe coalition, alongside our partners Sea Shepherd of France, and Cetacean Networks. Please sign and share the petition for the adoption of a new decree and the closing of dolphinariums!

We owe Lechmee a well-deserved respite!

We owe Lechmee a well-deserved respite!
19.07.2018
France
We owe Lechmee a well-deserved respite!
Exploitation for shows

We are determined to liberate Lechmee from her chains. Enough is enough! She should be retired given her condition, but on the pretext that she needs to live with Mina and Kamala, the circus does not release her. It would be a noble act to leave her … No … to let the three of them finally live other experiences than the ankus, the truck, the noisy parades and the circus ring.

According to what is written in the « circus » decree of 18^thMarch 2011, Lechmee should have been for a long time now staying in a permanent place, with her companions, with access to quality care, and a relaxing daily life! Nothing has been done for her other that the life imposed by the circus. The incessant journeys, the noise, belts from the ankus, the chains…

Yet she is still on the road, despite her advanced age, her disabled leg and blindness. It’s a scandal, nothing has been done to give her a respite! The circus shows no sign of clemency, as for the ministry and the authorities, they seem deaf to her obvious suffering.

After the death of Diana on the roads of Spain in early April 2018, we wrote to the Minister of the Ecological and Solidarity Transition, when we discovered that the three old elephants were forced to parade in the streets, and therefore still on tour. No response from him since then.

On the justice side, our complaint of ill-treatment was filed several months ago, and we are expanding our case by launching an expert summary procedure before the judicial court, directed against the circus. Previously, we had launched unpublished procedures, which had been rejected.

In May, two videos shocked us. Mina was hit in the face by one of her keepers, and Kamala received an electric shock from another keeper. We immediately alerted the public and launched a specific petition for them.

At the beginning of June, we saw Lechmee in a tiny enclosure, barely 20 m² in a quaint city square. We alerted the mayor of the city, and the newspapers were able to denounce with us the cynicism of the circus. The latter made « looking into » the next day by a bailiff, the size of the enclosure after having moved the barriers, to justify suitably the minimum regulatory surface, with a pen of 380 square meters. But their ploy fooled no one! MP Loïc Dombreval was moved by this scandalous manipulation, and made contact with Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, to reinforce our request to refuse henceforth the circuses with animals in his community.

While waiting for our complaint to be investigated and for the new appeals that we are currently preparing, please continue to sign and share our petition along with the story of Lechmee. The mobilization of all is vital for this old lady elephant and her friends, also martyrs of this industry.

Shouka, the forgotten one

Shouka, the forgotten one
12.07.2018
Antibes
Shouka, the forgotten one
Exploitation for shows

Shouka is the first orca to be born captive and to have survived in France. She was a friend and a big loving sister. Then, at the end of many trips to dolphinariums around the world and missed reunions with a male with whom she could have had children, she then suffered 10 years of isolation without other cetaceans of her kind! While waiting to finish her days without even having founded her own clan, she now socialises with the oldest of captive orcas.

Shouka is a 24-year-old female orca. She was the first orca to be born and to remain alive in France. Her mother was Sharkane and her father Kim 2.

She is forgotten to often, but she is one of five French captive orcas.

At the time of innocence, Shouka was raised by Sharkane who was still very much friends with Freya. When she was three years old, Freya gave birth to Valentin and the two children became extremely close by playing together. Her own mother gave her two more playmates, Inouk in 1999 and Wikie in 2001, whom she cared for lovingly as a big sister of orcas do.

With all the knowledge acquired from two females born at sea, Shouka would probably have made an excellent mother. Marineland’s plans for her were different.

In 2002, after an endless flight, Shouka was first taken to Six Flags in Ohio, USA. She had to meet a « fiancé » named Kshamenk captured in Argentina, but he never arrived. In 2004, she was moved to California’s Six Flags, where she had to stay alone for ten long years.

Ten years of isolation! Even American law forbids leaving a cetacean alone without someone of its own kind. Shouka received companion dolphins and had no more contact than with them and the trainers until the end of 2011. After the first attack, she was separated from the dolphin Merlin, then it was Cupid, another great dolphin assigned to keep her company which then also had to be removed from the pool following the rage of this poor orca. After a brief failed attempt to send her to Marineland Canada, it was decided that she would end her days at SeaWorld in California. She arrived there on August 20^th2012 almost in emergency: solitude had made her violent and turned her insane to the point of attacking her trainer several times.

In spite of all her hardships, Shouka gradually managed to socialise again, thanks to the loving help of the oldest captive orcas in the world, Corky who is 50 years old.

On the other hand, the one who should have had two or three children at sea will remain alone forever. This is what parks call « conservation of an endangered species ». Reproduction is now banned at SeaWorld, and that’s good. Orcas should live free, in groups they have chosen!

Photo JerryFrausto – CC BY 2.0 – The photo has been modified to fit the format of the site.

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.