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New scandal in Reunion Island: soon stray dogs to be killed with rifles!

New scandal in Reunion Island: soon stray dogs to be killed with rifles!

New scandal in Reunion Island: soon stray dogs to be killed with rifles!
19.12.2017
New scandal in Reunion Island: soon stray dogs to be killed with rifles!
Domestic animals

On the Reunion Island, a new decree would soon allow the shooting on sight of stray dogs. A cruel and curious way to try to solve the problem of strays! Worse, such a decision could then reverberate in other French departments, turning into targets our companions’ dogs and cats. One Voice will do everything to prevent this nightmare.

Stray dogs, the new victims

After the authorization of the poisoning and trapping of stray cats, it is now the dogs that are in the sights of the authorities of the Reunion Island. This is what the CRAPA, a local association, alerted us to. In a statement on December 11th, Andre Thien Ah Koon, president of the Southern Urban Community, announced that at his request, the prefect of the island was working on the creation of extermination officers, which should be operational during the first half of 2018. In other words, dogs can be killed by rifle shots!

The dog problem

At the root of this incredible decision were stray dog attacks on herds that have angered farmers. Because, on the island, many dogs are born as strays. A majority of so-called stray dogs actually have a family. Unsterilized, they multiply and form packs whose potential danger is proven. Yet massive slaughter is not the answer. Not only is this cruelty unacceptable from an ethical point of view, but they will not solve the problem. Worse, they will create others, opening the door to wild slaughter by individuals, but also the extension of such measures to stray cats … and not only on this island!

One ethical and effective solution against strays

For dogs already neglected or abandoned, the announced massacre is a double punishment. Instead of helping them, we will persecute them! Is this a way to consider managing strays? And especially when we know that scientific studies are not lacking in information, which proves the inefficiency of slaughter in the management of the overpopulation of dogs and cats? There is only one solution, one ethical and effective: sterilization, which must be made compulsory, and not only in Reunion Island! It’s time for us to be heard! It is also time to put an end to cruel pseudo-solutions, which are intended only to appease the anger of some in defiance of the suffering of these animals as an outlet. Stray dogs and cats need to be saved, not slaughtered!

One Voice has already written to the prefect. If the order is confirmed, we will sue him. We also plan to meet the French Minister for overseas departments.

And for a real protection of our companions’ dogs and cats, please sign and spread this petition: Dogs and cats: our family.

The circus holding Maya is suing us!

The circus holding Maya is suing us!

The circus holding Maya is suing us!
18.12.2017
France
The circus holding Maya is suing us!
Exploitation for shows

The circus and its lawyer want to forbid us to speak or to act for Maya, their wish: to silence us. We will not leave Maya to her sad fate as a captive elephant. Nor will we abandon the fight for circuses without animals.

As far as the circus and its lawyer are concerned Maya is « in perfect health ». They demand that we remove the petition signed by more than 104,000 people to get #JusticeforMaya, as well as all articles, tweets and Facebook posts from our sites and pages. We could no longer use Maya’s photo, flyers, or panels talking about her or her photo. They refuse that we conduct demonstrations or gatherings for her.

In summary, the circus demands that we stop purely and simply to defend the animals, Maya in particular, and that we apologize to them publicly in the newspapers and on our website!

They want to be able to continue exploiting Maya, until death ensues and if possible far from sight!

Their choice of words would be very amusing if they did not concern Maya who suffers terribly. We create for them « an abnormal disturbance of enjoyment », that is to say, they exploit the image and life itself of their animals for their own gain, whatever their state and whatever the external signs of their anguish is, and if we try to defend them, Stop Now!

However, Maya has been performing for more than 40 years, shuffling from the arena to the trailer truck, suffering the bull hooks and the ankle chains. Maya is in pain.
They literally earn their living from this, and they dare to say that we are conducting a « smear campaign » against them, while they deny the most basic needs for this elephant!? She needs to end up in a sanctuary, and no, it’s not a « fanciful request » that we would not do lightly.

Her posture is distorted, her body is emaciated. Yes, Maya is dying before our eyes and yes we do defend her and we will continue to defend her and all the other captive animals of the entertainment industry, against her human owners who exhibit her and keep her in unworthy living conditions.

In the fight of One Voice for Maya, allies are with us: scientists, philosophers, entrepreneurs, media personalities, but above all: YOU!

We will go right to the end, the circus may reduce its animals to silence but their defenders will not let go!

International scandal concerning greyhounds

International scandal concerning greyhounds

International scandal concerning greyhounds
14.12.2017
Paris
International scandal concerning greyhounds
Other campaign or multi-campaigns of One Voice

Greyhounds are fine, thin, muscular and fast dogs. For this reason they are exploited by humans, especially in Great Britain, for « racing sports » (greyhound racing, hare racing …). Many gambling events are organized around these animals, and constitute a very profitable industry for the organizers, breeders and trainers…

As if that were not enough, when greyhounds are no longer likely to be a source of profit by competing or breeding, they are sold to the highest bidder. British trainers say that their dogs are exported to countries that are friendly towards them.

It’s absolutely wrong! The reality is that these distinguished dogs are sold in China and Pakistan, where they are abused, turned into meat, and then eaten! The circle of horror is complete!

Kerry Elliman has rescued several hundred of these noble animals, scrawny and sick, on the verge of their last breath, she denounces these actions. « I’ve seen videos where the dogs are boiled alive. I saw a video the other day showing a meat cart with boiling water – the dogs still alive were in the water. We could hear them screaming.  »

We can still identify dogs on the spot, since they often have tattooed ears.

This is an international scandal, on a large scale! An unspeakable massacre.

One Voice takes a stand alongside the British greyhound racing defence associations,

  • Against the breeding and training of greyhounds for racing, which is often very violent and trying;
  • Against hare coursing with greyhounds, as it is a violent and ruthless practice;
  • Against selling dogs to countries that do not respect animals! The British law on racing and animal exports must change, (failing to succeed in China).

A demonstration for the defence of greyhounds is organized in London on January 28th! To echo this, we will gather to raise the voice of greyhounds in Paris the same day, place des Vosges at 2.00 pm.

We invite you to sign the petition.

Decree wolves: a travesty of democracy?

Decree wolves: a travesty of democracy?

Decree wolves: a travesty of democracy?
12.12.2017
France
Decree wolves: a travesty of democracy?
Wildlife

The draft decree fixing the number of wolves whose slaughter is authorized for the 2017-2018 season has been submitted to « public participation ». Despite explicit opposition from a large majority of French people, the decree came into force. One Voice is indignant and denounces this travesty of democracy.

98% of the 6,407 comments received in one month oppose the decree

Some do so briefly and to the point, such as « No to slaughter » or « Stop the slaughter ». Most contributors, on the other hand, express more complex ideas, imbued with disappointment. Thus, the pressure of the agricultural lobbies on the government is often evoked, as well as the status of the wolf, the competition from New Zealand, overgrazing or the uselessness of shooting.

Others are surprised that all orders of this kind are adopted systematically, without regard for public opinion, as if the decision had already been taken. They speak of a sham democracy.

The position of the Minister of Ecology denounced

Almost everyone is sorry that Nicolas Hulot was able to sign such cruel orders! Note that the defenders of the wolves are the only ones to propose constructive solutions and to open themselves to the dialogue with the shepherds, some of whom share their opinion. Most often, in the opposite camp, we are content to claim a world where « the place of the wolves would be in a circus » as recently said by ex-student from the French school of politics.

So? A mockery of democracy?

Once again, the respect that a majority of French people have for the wolf, his intelligence and his beauty, is coldly trampled underfoot in high places.

By delivering this animal to the revenge of the farmers and giving the hunters a predator that is precious to the balance of ecological, the government spares itself the trouble of reinventing a sector in crisis for many other reasons other than 300 wolves. The wolf is a protected species. He has become a real scapegoat. Slaughter will not solve any problem, it is only a political measure to appease the anger of a minority.

One Voice denounces this travesty of democracy and calls for a national referendum on the wolf issue.

Telethon: no to experiments on dogs, yes to innovation

Telethon: no to experiments on dogs, yes to innovation

Telethon: no to experiments on dogs, yes to innovation
07.12.2017
France
Telethon: no to experiments on dogs, yes to innovation
Animal testing

As with every year, the Telethon will help to collect millions of euros for research on rare diseases. Some of the money collected will be used to fund extremely painful experiments on dogs, without necessarily translating into any significant progress that is needed by patients. More innovative work must be done.

In the secrecy of the laboratories

The images broadcast by PETA in 2013, in a laboratory where experiments are shockingly funded by the AFM-Telethon. One of its representatives admits: « It is certain that if we show them our dogs with Myopathy (to the public) it may make them lose a lot of money. That’s the money from the Telethon. It’s used to do this research. « For dogs, which have been artificially provoked with this disease, it’s a living torture, similar to that of humans who suffer from it, with difficulty in moving, breathing and swallowing.

An aberrant justification of cruelty

The sacrifice of dogs could be a necessary evil to save sick children and adults. But what is done to these animals is far from justifiable! It is not a matter of killing dogs to save children, but of perpetuating obsolete experiments, far removed from the progress of science, which is, however, a source of hope for all patients! Thus, the AMP-Téléthon association supports and finances research on neuromuscular diseases and rare diseases, many of which resort to animal experimentation without respecting the principles of replacement, reduction and refinement laid down by the European Directive on animal experimentation, transposed into French law. The reliability of the animal model is indeed widely questioned. Moreover, alternatives that do not involve animals already exist for research on Steinert’s disease, Pompe disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, autoimmune myasthenia and limb girdle muscular dystrophy.

The intervention of One Voice

One Voice wrote to the President of the AMP-Telethon, developing its arguments both legal and scientific. Adding the unjust and unnecessary suffering of sick people and dogs cannot be compared to progress. This association could finance the development of modern and ethical tests, sparing animals and complying with regulatory objectives. This is the urgency to find the solutions that will overcome these terrible diseases.

Hell is paved with good intentions

In support of the Telethon, some initiatives generate more harm than good. Five Brittany municipalities (Plouguenast, Gausson, Langast, Plessala and Saint-Gouéno) joined forces to raise funds. On the program: deer hunting, fox hunting and mass balloon releases. In other words: terror and serious pollution for the planet … One Voice stands against these practices and calls for ethics in fundraising.

A hopeful decision for Maya the female elephant!

A hopeful decision for Maya the female elephant!

A hopeful decision for Maya the female elephant!
06.12.2017
Lot et Garonne
A hopeful decision for Maya the female elephant!
Exploitation for shows

Thanks to the six new expert evaluations carried out by specialists at the request of One Voice, the Prefect of Lot et Garonne is asking for a new veterinary inspection as soon as possible in the circus that is holding Maya. We are all behind her, we will not let go!

At first a disappointing inspection

During the first veterinary inspection carried out following our intervention, at the request of the Prefect of Lot & Garonne, Mrs. Patricia Willaert. Two assigned veterinarians had concluded that Maya was well and that her living conditions within the circus were conforming to the legal requirements. One of them is a specialist in dogs and cats, the other works in a zoo that does not currently hold any elephants, and whose conclusions are in contradiction with those of the elephant representative of EAZA, which we asked for ourselves!

Perseverance

Following this, we organized a rally in Agen for Maya and provided the Prefecture with a new file, supported by 5 new opinions from international experts, in addition to the previous 3. On November 30th, the response we received filled us with hope.

Convinced by the new items that we added to the file, the Prefect is now asking for a new veterinary inspection in the circus that holds the elephant and this as soon as possible! We welcome her decision but remain wary: we did not ask for an inspection, the first had already proved its limits, but an expertise of well-being and animal protection, based on an article of the rural code. We wish that the person who will assess Maya’s health has the knowledge and skills to do so… In response to her mail, we have protested by reiterating our request for an expert inspection with a complete evaluation, and asked to be present or represented when it takes place. If necessary, we will not hesitate to seize the tribunal again to that effect.

8 expert evaluations confirming Maya’s dramatic state of health

The certificates we have obtained are from scientists, renowned worldwide for their expertise with elephants or wildlife (see box below). All, without exception, concluded that Maya was in poor health and two of them clearly declined the necessary examinations to be performed on the elephant, which we passed on to Patricia Willaert. According to Dr. Yaduraj Khadpekar, the stereotypical behaviors displayed by Maya seem to increase in the presence of the keeper. Her physical condition is extremely bad, which is probably due to malnutrition and poor nutrition. Her muscles are so weak that she cannot lift or support her head. He concludes: « (…) it is recommended that the elephant be moved to an appropriate recovery center and receive immediate long-term veterinary treatment and lifelong care.”

The fight must go on

More than 100,000 signatures have already been collected to obtain #JusticeforMaya. Our petition, addressed to the President of the Republic, Mr. Macron is also supported by several public figures (whose names are cited in the petition).
In addition to the letter we sent him, we asked for an appointment with Mr. Nicolas Hulot, Minister of Ecology, to expose Maya’s case and the conclusions of various experts.
For Maya, the fight goes on!

The experts we consulted

Ethologist Lucy Bates, Dr. Peter Gallego, Wildlife Veterinarian, Dr. Yaduraj Khadpekar, Chief Veterinarian at the SOS Wildlife Elephant Care and Conservation Center, Mathura, India, Dr. John Knight, Wildlife Veterinarian wild captive, Dr. Joyce Pool, co-founder and Scientific Director of ElephantVoices, Dr. Scarlett Magda, Veterinarian and Founding President of Veterinarians International, Dr. Willem Schatennaar, EAZA’s Senior Veterinarian for Edwin Elephants, Ed Stewart, co-founder of PAWS, known and sought after worldwide, especially for his experience with captive and wild elephants.

The fox, this unique being in the world: a new report to know him better and to better protect him

The fox, this unique being in the world: a new report to know him better and to better protect him

The fox, this unique being in the world: a new report to know him better and to better protect him
06.12.2017
France
The fox, this unique being in the world: a new report to know him better and to better protect him
Wildlife

In support of its Fox Protection campaign, One Voice releases a new study report. To put an end to the killings of these small canines, this tool allows us to know them better, to dismantle the received ideas and to denounce their massacre.

Who are these foxes, and especially what do they suffer and why? To put an end to the false beliefs, the leathery prejudices or the false rumours knowingly maintained by hunters. One Voice publishes, within the framework of its new campaign, a report of unpublished studies. This tool provides a detailed assessment of the current situation of small canines in our country, including ecological services they render to us and the ordeal that they endure.

Foxes accused of all illnesses

They are also criticized for killing cats, stealing chickens or game, or carrying diseases. This makes them eligible for the list of « species likely to cause damage » and to be tracked all year round. The so-called methods of « destruction » compete in a perverse way: to the shots from these licensed exterminators and in addition to this the cruel traps and the vile unearthing from their sets and dens. All means are good to permit the suffering of those who are still considered as « harmful ». During the hunting season, foxes also become « game » and the persecution intensifies from all sides. While some hunters draw their rifles, others to sound the hunt, and the practice of the unearthing takes the « noble » name of « hunting underground » to attack foxes always with the same sadism. Finally, no less than 500,000 individuals are murdered each year on national soil. At the very least, because not all deaths are recorded.

Stop this frenzy on foxes

It is urgent to put an end to this real relentlessness and to rehabilitate an animal of its bad reputation from this simple ignorance or worse just pure gossip. Because foxes are essential to the equilibrium of ecosystem, because they are not harmful and because they feel and have emotions. One Voice asks them to be removed from the list of « species likely to cause damage ». Ban their hunting!

Please sign and share our petition for foxes!

One Voice organizes a rally to demand animal-free circuses on Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 3pm near the Bormann Moreno Circus

One Voice organizes a rally to demand animal-free circuses on Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 3pm near the Bormann Moreno Circus

One Voice organizes a rally to demand animal-free circuses on Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 3pm near the Bormann Moreno Circus
30.11.2017
Paris
One Voice organizes a rally to demand animal-free circuses on Saturday 2nd December 2017 at 3pm near the Bormann Moreno Circus
Exploitation for shows

Following the death of Mevy the tigress on Friday November 24th, the association One Voice organizes a public gathering around the circus Bormann Moreno, in the Place Balard, Paris on Saturday December 2nd at 15h.

The public must be aware of all the inherent dangers in the presence of wild animals in circuses. They must also know what it means for a wild animal or even one born in a circus, a life of captivity and homelessness, without ever having a place to take refuge. Because once informed about these wild animals who are transformed into mere objects, people suddenly no longer support shows using animals.

Muriel Arnal, president of One Voice elaborates: « For a tiger, a natural being, it needs open spaces and to be able to flee from the threat of something. This simple fear and this legitimate need for freedom do not disappear with a life of detention, even after generations. In fleeing, Mevy certainly expressed for the only time in her life, a natural behaviour for a tiger. Animals have nothing to do with caged circus trucks, literally or figuratively. We will not rest as long as this exploitation is allowed to continue. »

The question is unanimous among the experts: the European association for Zoos (EAZA), the national order for veterinarians agree that these circus shows and the travelling cannot fulfil the conditions necessary for the well-being of wild animals. However, the authorities persist in ignoring the repeated and substantiated requests from the association.

The circuses with animals are private companies that thrive on the permanent stress they put on the animals, all of this with makeup, glitter and fanfare. Mevy escaped while under the responsibility of the circus. This event put the public in double danger: by the presence of the tigress on the public road and that of a man, who was armed with a shotgun, in the streets of Paris and at the same time as the rush hour. Also, in this area there is a hospital, a tram and an RER station.

At a time when 22 countries in the world prohibit circuses with animals, including 10 in Europe, and 68 municipalities in France; where the population is largely in the majority to no longer endorse this type of leisure activity, the French public authorities cannot remain blind and deaf any longer.

One Voice asks the Paris Police Prefect Michel Delpuech not to allow circuses with animals into the capital and to Nicolas Hulot, Minister of Ecological Transition and Solidarity, to ban the exploitation of animals in circuses.

All the documents mentioned in this press release are available on request.

Press contacts: For further information and interview requests:
presse@one-voice.fr or 06 43 26 78 80.

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Death of a tigress: Mevy escaped from the circus, her trainer pulled the trigger

Death of a tigress: Mevy escaped from the circus, her trainer pulled the trigger

Death of a tigress: Mevy escaped from the circus, her trainer pulled the trigger
28.11.2017
Paris
Death of a tigress: Mevy escaped from the circus, her trainer pulled the trigger
Exploitation for shows

One Voice leads a nonviolent fight to defend animal rights and respect all life forms. The organization operates independently and is thus free to speak and act freely.

In Paris, « city of lights », a young tigress was killed on Friday 24th November 2017. Having escaped from the circus, which had obviously not respected the safety standards, Mevy was shot down by her trainer. Angry, One Voice is pressing charges. Wild animals must be in the wild and not kept in a circus trailer!

One Voice presses charges for a failure in safety.

Whether the circus people utter the words sabotage by “animalists” or not, we are convinced of their inability to safely keep animals that they possess and de facto they do not comply with the requirements of the 2011 decree.
And what should we think of public safety or of the neighbouring populations after Friday’s sinister accident?

We accept that there may always be a chance of human error, but is it really necessary to run the risk of seeing wild animals escaping from cages? Must we get to the point of shooting animals down to protect humans? Wouldn’t it be more logical to allow the animals? Disgusted by Mévy, the tigresses’ sad fate, we complain about the damage to the physical integrity of the animal.

Mevy was killed because she showed a natural behavior in escaping from her cage, perhaps this was the only time she could afford to show this in her life: wild animals have no place in circuses!

Mevy’s life in the circuses

The tigress was only 18 months old when she was shot and her existence has merely been one of exploitation for the benefit of entertainment. To give an idea of her daily routine, she had to face long journeys in trucks, sharing living accommodation with 8 other congeners, while the tiger is a solitary animal, and to endure violent training sessions to learn how to parade and stand on stools. In the wild, there are only 3,500 tigers left. Their preservation is vital. Their place is not in circuses.

One Voice, the whistle blower

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. One Voice has, on several occasions, alerted the authorities of the risks incurred by animals in circuses and by the population in their vicinity. During the summer, elephants have « paraded » in the streets without any sanction being given, whether from the Prefects or the Ministry. How many deaths will it take for the authorities to react? Must we recall the sad case of Samba in 2013; the elephant that killed a man while trying to escape from a circus. But why do all these animals want to flee from circuses, despite receiving, we are told, so much love from their trainers?

If, like us, you are appalled to see the same nonsense repeatedly: join us Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 15h, a few steps from the circus Bormann Moreno in Paris, in front of France Television for a rally for Mévy, and all the others.

Tiger shot dead in the middle of Paris: One Voice has filed a complaint and has asked for the ban on animals in circuses

Tiger shot dead in the middle of Paris: One Voice has filed a complaint and has asked for the ban on animals in circuses

Tiger shot dead in the middle of Paris: One Voice has filed a complaint and has asked for the ban on animals in circuses
25.11.2017
Paris
Tiger shot dead in the middle of Paris: One Voice has filed a complaint and has asked for the ban on animals in circuses
Exploitation for shows

The place for wild animals is not in circuses but in the wild. Circuses cannot guarantee the safety of people or the well-being and safety of the animals.

These companies are obviously not able to meet the safety requirements set by the 2011 decree, as witnessed by the accidents that occur every year, escaping animals, and / or attacking humans, which leads to death of humans and the death of the animals.

Circuses know that they risk penalties if they report accidents, so we can question the reliability of their statements. They keep animals that represent real risks to the public. These same animals which, in zoos, are the subject of very strict regulations with regard to security.

One Voice has been denouncing security problems in circuses for years, especially since elephant Samba killed a man during his escape in September 2013 in Lizy-sur-Ourq. Elephants currently in circus menageries are kept enclosed using electric wires, the same system as used for cows.

Muriel Arnal, president of One Voice, says: « In recent months, elephants have been repeatedly » paraded « freely in the streets. We wrote to the Prefects of the regions concerned to ask them to enforce the law. Nothing has been done, the circuses have not been sanctioned, the ministry has not reacted either. Do we wait for an elephant to escape and kill again so that the risks are taken seriously and that legislation is enforced? The trainer, owner of the tiger shot, sits on the commission of the Ministry of Ecology who gives the circuses the authorization to hold wild animals, is this serious? An animal belonging to a protected species according to Appendix I of CITES, is protected because it is in great danger of extinction. One such protected species has just been killed in the city where it should have never been in the first place. Circuses should no longer be allowed to keep wild animals. »

One Voice files a complaint for the violation of an animal’s physical integrity.

Already 22 countries in the world and 68 French municipalities refuse circuses with wild animals. The National Association of Veterinarians and the Federation of Veterinary Syndicates of France (FSVF) have also recognized this, at the request of One Voice, that their well-being is incompatible with the activity of circuses. Ending the exploitation of wild animals in circuses is an inescapable evolution for all modern societies. The culture of the circus must abandon this practice which subjects’ children to a spectacle of violence and the non-respect of animals.

It is time to end wild animals in trucks being transported on the roads in France. Several decades have passed already for elephants that
were born in the wild of Africa or Asia! All have the right to a dignified end of life, in appropriate structures, far from being hit and of boredom.

One Voice, in a letter co-signed with Jacques-Antoine Granjon, CEO and founder of the group Private Sales, asked Nicolas Hulot a few days ago to take a stand against animals in circuses.

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