Cruelty Free International and One Voice reveal scandalous information about Air France transporting monkeys from Mauritius destined for experimentation

A new fashion from La Redoute “no fur”

A new fashion from La Redoute « no fur »

A new fashion from La Redoute “no fur”
15.06.2017
France
A new fashion from La Redoute “no fur”
Fashion

It is a great victory: one of the French heavyweights of mail ordering adheres to the program « without animal fur » publicized in France by One Voice.

We all have one more reason to love La Redoute! The national leader in fashion and home e-commerce had already committed itself in early 2017 to support sustainable agriculture and responsible cotton by joining the Better Cotton initiative.

Now that this global group has just joined the Fur Free Retailer program developed by our international coalition, the Fur Free Alliance: You will no longer find in the collections offered by La Redoute articles made in animal fur.

Nathalie Balla, co-president of La Redoute, commented on this ethical choice:

« I am proud to announce La Redoute’s membership with One Voice, the representative in France of the (Fur Free Alliance). Many years ago we made the responsible choice of not having real fur in the design of our products or in the selection of products distributed by La Redoute. The decision to join the Fur Free Retailer program in 2017 is in line with our sustainable development plan and in our resolution to support an ethical belief around animal rights. This public commitment by La Redoute to society corresponds with a desire to be influential and to contribute to a more beautiful world. «

This commitment has formalized and perpetuated a policy already carried out for several years by La Redoute. It concerns of course the international subsidiaries of the European Union and outside (Belgium, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Russia).

In France, 91 mainstream brands have joined the program (Armani, C & A, Esprit, H & M, Hugo Boss, Zara …) and around 500 others around the world. Let us not forget that the high fashion house of Franck Sorbier’s also recently joined us.

One Voice is working and mobilizing so that the retailers will make this responsible choice, which allows animal suffering to retreat in our country, mink farming in appalling conditions, as throughout the European Union, where about 48 million animals are annually sacrificed for their fur.

On the march against violence!

On the march against violence!
13.06.2017
Var On the march against violence!
Domestic animals

One Voice will participate on June 17th in this event for the cat Chevelu, tortured to death. Another recent case of violence against a woman and her animal companions shows that it is urgent that France finally adopts a real criminal policy of domestic violence including that of family animals!

At the end of May, in the city centre of Draguignan (Var), Chevelu came, confident, to these young barbarians who would become his executioners. Shards of bottle, they tortured him, tore out his eyes before throwing away his lifeless body. The perpetrators of these vile acts are still wanted, but are they really worried about the criminal consequences of their violence? These unnamed brutes have tortured this living being without fear of having to answer for their crimes before the law. By name, this cat was known as Chevelu. It is to do him justice that One Voice has filed a complaint.

It is also to ask for protection and repair for the cat Ganja and the dog Moana that the association was civil party in the trial which took place in Lorient, on the 8^thof June.

Yulin 2017, no truce

Yulin 2017, no truce
09.06.2017
Yulin
Yulin 2017, no truce
Other campaign or multi-campaigns of One Voice

The next Yulin festival in China should see a temporary ban on the sale of dog meat! A first since the existence of the massacre each year of at least 10,000 dogs. The mobilization of One Voice and the supporters for the cause of animals has paid off. Let us not lose sight of this!

21st of June Edition. We have just learned that this atrocious « festival » is taking place despite the city’s ban on traders selling dog meat. Together with our ACTAsia partner in the field, we will endeavour to monitor whether the authorities are carrying out the checks that were previously announced. We will verify that the sellers of meat are condemned by these new fines in the case of non-compliance with this prohibition.

Good news! The infamous « Yulin Dog Meat Festival » in China is expected to shed less blood this year. The sale of dog meat at this event according to our sources could be banned by the local authorities from the 15th June until the 21st June. It has been reported that in the event of a breach of the ban, restaurants, street vendors and merchants will incur a fine of up to 100,000 Yuan (approximately US $ 14,500) and / or an arrest for a violation.

One Voice is pleased with this first step in the right direction! Remember last year, we asked for your mobilization to denounce this gigantic open-air massacre, responsible for the deaths of at least 10,000 dogs every year in atrocious suffering. The petition we handed over to the Chinese Ambassador in France has borne fruit! The mobilization has been international and the media have seized this subject! Thus, local authorities began to measure the scale of the scandal and have tried to calm international anger by making this positive step…

However, One Voice remains always vigilant. The official ban on the sale of dog meat will only be temporary. In addition, we fear that these murders will continue to be perpetuated, only this time in the backyards and just outside the city limits of Yulin where the trade will remain legal. Our work therefore aims to initiate a change in practices in depth. Through our « Caring for Life » program and with our ACTAsia partner we strive to educate the population, especially the younger ones, in order to change people’s attitudes and to lay the foundations for a more compassionate life with a regard to all beings, whatever they may be.

This approach seems much more effective than the bogus rescue attempts and their vested interests. For some time now we have seen the explosion of a new market: to satisfy the associations that want to « save » dogs, they now sell those who are sick and who would not be palatable to the consumers … This juicy « business » was born following a move by a certain Marc Ching in 2016. This entrepreneur made a great noise by calling for public generosity, formally to finance the purchase of 1000 dogs and then place them in Western homes. The operation turned out to be a dark scam. An inquiry by the British newspaper the Mail on Sunday revealed a few months later that nearly two-thirds of the so-called « survivors » were finally dead, crammed into cages or abandoned and left to their own fate.

Only the action of local participants and the education of minds are likely to lead to lasting social changes with regard to animals. Consciousness takes time. Many Chinese people are still convinced that dogs are no better than « just objects ». So One Voice is not ready to give up and continues fight!

An exemplary judgment demanded by One Voice for a woman and her abused animals

An exemplary judgment demanded by One Voice for a woman and her abused animals
07.06.2017
France
An exemplary judgment demanded by One Voice for a woman and her abused animals
Domestic animals

Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Mr. B returns home, intoxicated. Taking the pretext that Moana, his one-year-old dog, had urinated on the toilet floor, he suddenly grabbed him by the cheeks and pretended to strangle him
in front of his partner who is also afraid.

Annoyed by the reaction of his partner, he tells her that he will go after her cats next. Unable to catch them, he grabbed the dog by the leg to lock it in his transport cage. Armed with a kitchen knife, he then wounds Gandja one of the cats at its lower back, then shows the blade of the knife stained with blood to his partner, telling here that her cat is dead.

The plight of the animals does not stop there because he grabs again the wounded Gandja and forces lactose powder into its nostrils before enclosing it in the transport cage along with Moana. He then puts the transport cage into the bath tub and sprinkles them with a toilet gel product and bleach tablets.

Ms. H is in turn abused and threatened with the knife as she tries to protect her animals. She manages, however, to leave the apartment while her attacker sprinkles the animals with water and other products. She will eventually be rescued along with her animals a few minutes later by police doing their rounds in the neighbourhood.

The investigation will establish that this is not the first episode of violence against this woman and her dog. She will confess that a violent fight broke out a week before, during which he attacked Moana by throwing her against a wall.

Despite the seriousness of the acts committed and the threats made, Mrs. H decided to return to married life, like many battered women, and to keep her animals near her.

One Voice, who was a representative civil party, will be present during the trial which will take place on June 8 in Lorient to ask for protection and compensation for the cat Gandja and the dog Moana.

Muriel Arnal, president of One Voice says: “We are very concerned about the plight of the victims of this case when they return to their abuser. Animals being the first victims of violent individuals allows their torturers to assert their power and to reign terror on the children and their spouses. Several studies have shown this behaviour to be true. It is time for France to adopt a real criminal policy for domestic violence involving pets. This is already the case in the United States, which allows for temporary or definitive custody measures of the animals.”

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Fur: from victory to victory, following Germany and the Czech Republic!

Fur: from victory to victory, following Germany and the Czech Republic !
07.06.2017
Allemagne et République Tchèque
Fur: from victory to victory, following Germany and the Czech Republic !
Fashion

One Voice was in Prague last October with its partners from the Fur Free Alliance, and our work with the deputies was successful ! The animals will no longer be skinned for their fur in the Czech Republic.

It is a very large majority, practically unanimous the Czech deputies who voted for the ban on breeding animals for their fur: 132 against 9! Thanks to this decision, validated by the Senate on July 20 and on January 31 2019 all farms will have closed. Thus, 20,000 minks and foxes will be spared each year …

The work done with MPs with our Fur Free Alliance partners proves once again here its effectiveness. On June 5, Germany announced a similar decision. Last December, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands put an end to the exploitation of mink, saving no less than 6 million animals a year! In November it was Japan and in October Wallonia, which explained its position in the best way possible, saying that « the farms are incompatible with the dignity of animals. »

We are still waiting for the decision from Estonia where 69% of the population is calling for the end of the exploitation of animals for their fur and where the issue is under debate between the deputies.

With farms banned also in the United Kingdom, Spain, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia,
Macedonia and Serbia (see map below), the decline of the fur industry is clearly felt in Europe. France must also position itself! We met the Minister of Agriculture last February. It is time that our country, which plays such an important role in the world of fashion, also prohibits this cruel industry!

To support our request please sign and share the petition ! VisonsLeRespect !

Two girls and 36 animals abandoned in 80m²!

Two girls and 36 animals abandoned in 80m²!
07.06.2017
Lamballe
Two girls and 36 animals abandoned in 80m²!
Domestic animals

How far can horror go? One Voice has filed a complaint in this sordid new case of mistreatment once again illustrating the link between the violence.

It was a kitten dying on a sidewalk that gave the alert and triggered the questioning of the owner. On February 13^th, the gendarmes discovered the horror in an apartment near downtown Lamballe (22). In desolation, saturated with strong odours of excrement, sheltering in this house without hygiene two little girls (18 months and 5 years) surrounded by 19 cats, 6 dogs, 8 puppies and 2 rats. All, including the children in a real state of physiological misery.

If One Voice is a civil party in this case, it is so that all light is shed on the responsibilities of the young couple renting this council house. Housed in such distressful condition’s these children and as many animal companions, without any provision of necessary care. Behind all of this a social situation that is obviously difficult, unfortunately all too common, is probably hidden a new case of mistreatment combining humans and animals. The couple will have to answer for deprivation of care and food to minors under 15 years old and for abuse, acts of cruelty and maltreatment towards animals.

One Voice has been fighting for a long time to ensure that animal abuse receives an appropriate penal response, taking into account the existing link with the facts of violence against humans. In this case, letting so many animals and children waste away in such insalubrious conditions seems unimaginable. The two girls were taken care of by the social worker and the animals were collected by the SPA of Rennes. The hearing will take place this month.

I am an animal, an original exhibition in Paris

I am an animal, an original exhibition in Paris
06.06.2017
Paris
I am an animal, an original exhibition in Paris
Other campaign or multi-campaigns of One Voice

In central Paris, on the 29th of June, at the invitation of One Voice, Jo-Anne McArthur will present her thoughts on a selection of her best portraits. On display in an exhibition open until the 28th of August, each image describes a life, tells a story, talks about an existence… And gives hope to changing points of view.

From the 29th of June to the 28th of August, the town hall in the 2nd arrondissement (district) in Paris will host Jo-Anne McArthur’s photographic exhibition, organised by One Voice.

On the 29th of June, the artist will be present for an exceptional conference, during which she will talk about her experience with each of the individuals on display.

A photo is not just a moment in time. It can also tell a story. Each of these individuals immortilised by Jo-Anne has a life, has his or her own existence. From their birth until the moment the photo is taken, they have grown, lived, had experiences, experienced emotions, and shared with others. They are an integrated part of this world. Their destiny has been shaped by the human. By saving them or condemning them, by imprisoning them or freeing them, by exploiting or showing them respect, the human has irrevocably influenced their life-path.

The moment captured by Jo-Anne is sometimes beautiful, often terrible. For the person discovering it it provokes strong emotion, a wake up call. And these lives, changed by the human, could modify the human in return. Perhaps these captured moments will help save lives, a flicker of the past painting the future…

For One Voice, working with Jo-Anne was an obvious choice. Her work captures the individuality of each being that she has come across, which One Voice is defending and wants to to be made known. They are animal people with their own experiences, and above all, the need to be protected. By organising this exhibition, One Voice hopes to touch people’s hearts, change the way they look at these sentient beings, and influence current practices.

Independent investigation launched by One Voice to save them!

Independent investigation launched by One Voice to save them!
23.05.2017
Independent investigation launched by One Voice to save them!
Exploitation for shows

Five elephants, five tragic stories. Trapped in circuses, these animal persons need to be rescued urgently. For them, One Voice calls for freedom and launches for the first time procedures usually reserved for humans.

Lechmee, Mina and Kamala

Lechmee‘s permanent suffering, caused by a problem of stiffness in her forefoot which prevents her from walking properly, this is a particular concern. Her blindness is already a serious handicap, to the point that it is Mina who must help her to eat! She does not participate in the shows, unlike her two companions Mina and Kamala who, despite their advanced age, continue to be exploited. Dr. Pierre Gallego, a wildlife specialist, described the case of Lechmee as proven maltreatment and judged that the three elephants in this circus were in a state of physiological misery! According to him, it is « imperative to get them out of the circus to offer them a retreat in an environment appropriate to their species. Moreover, it is necessary to plan to keep these three elephants together because they have forged very important social ties whose survival depends. »

Samba et Maya

Two other elephants: Samba, for whom One Voice has been fighting for since 2005, as well as Maya, are both also in a desperate and urgent situation. They do not have in their respective circuses any comfort or enrichment to their lives. Their captivity and isolation makes their daily lives unbearable to the point that Samba escaped in December 2013, jostling and killing in his wake a local person…

Elephants are animals for whom social and family ties are of extreme importance. According to a 1997 report by Drs. Gsandter, Pechlaner and Schwammer at the request of the Environmental Commissioner of Vienna, « because of their biological characteristics leading to highly developed social behaviour,
it is impossible for circuses to hold elephants under conditions in accordance with the needs of each animal. »

Animal Personhood

The Act recognizes that animals are sentient beings and must be held in conditions that are in keeping with their physiological needs. For One Voice, who has embarked on this reflection with Steve Wise’s Nonhuman Right Project, this is sufficient to recognize them as animal persons and grant them fundamental freedoms and, in particular, the right to live in accordance with their nature and their needs.

Two new procedures to save them

For Lechmee, Mina and Kamala, whose situation is particularly serious, One Voice therefore wished to initiate a special procedure in parallel with a standard procedure. Since their fundamental rights were clearly being violated, on 12 May the association filed an application for a referral of freedom with the Judge at the Court of referrals in Toulouse. This request is usually addressed to human persons whose freedoms are violated. But, for One Voice, these animal persons must also be able to benefit. Furthermore, the association has also referred the case to the Inspector in chief for freedom deprivation centres for them and for elephants Samba and Maya (as well as for the hippopotamus Jumbo). This move is usually only reserved for human prisoners, but justifies itself by the completely outrageous conditions in which these animal persons are being kept.

One Voice calls for an immediate transfer of Lechmee, Mina, Kamala, Samba and Maya to a sanctuary. And to put a definitive end to the exploitation of wild animals in circuses, the association has launched a petition for the annulment of the 2011 decree. Please
sign here and share!

Breeders under surveillance: Seizure at the repeat offenders

Breeders under surveillance: Seizure at the repeat offenders
22.05.2017
Oise
Breeders under surveillance: Seizure at the repeat offenders
Domestic animals

On May 5th, the Zoé branch of One Voice was back in the Oise. Thanks to the vigilance of her investigators, breeders who had already been convicted of acts of cruelty were again taken into custody for repeated offences.

7.00 am in the morning. The shutters are closed. The house remains in dilapidated and sad state. It looks as though it is growing out of the mud that surrounds it; the area is strewn with rubbish. The gendarmes come in first, followed by the DDPP veterinarians and then One Voice.

In the field: there are dozens of dwarf goats left to their own devices and some with babies. The condition of their hooves indicates a lack of care. And then a goat, in a box of dirty concrete, exposed to the wind and rain, without water or food. Another frightened in a muddy mesh enclosure, tries to shelter as best it can under some planks of wood. An old plastic pet’s bed is filled with urine.

Cats are also there, some roaming free others kept in enclosures on the ground covered with excrement. The smell is unbearable. Their makeshift and filthy shelters do not even protect them from the cold. They do not trust humans and hide in the corners, out of sight. How are they fed? Bones hang there, as well as a bowl filled with pasta.

Behind a door, we discover a cat’s corpse, abandoned long ago.

In the house everything is dirty, very dirty. The images from the first seizure 6 years ago come flooding back to us. Fewer dogs this time though, « only » 4 French Bulldogs. A bitch underwent a caesarean section, apparently without the intervention of a professional vet. And again more cats, then a hen, at least what remains of it. Its poor body, already dry, lies in a transport box in the kitchen, since when?Our partner sanctuaries are there. Some took several hours driving to be there and then to put these animals into shelter and safety.

Since 2004, we have been investigating this couple who call themselves breeders. In 2011, they were given a final ban on keeping animals, as well as imprisonment for serious offenses and acts of cruelty. We had brought out 46 dogs from their home. Luckily today, thanks to the surveillance that we had maintained, they were placed in custody and the animals that were at their home were seized. A legal procedure is now in progress. We will do everything we can to ensure that the punishment they receive will be an exemplary one.

One Voice would particularly like to thank the gendarmes and the DDPP who have been working on this case since it began.