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One Voice is taking a zoophilous dog sitter residing in Centre-Val de Loire to court

One Voice is taking a zoophilous dog sitter residing in Centre-Val de Loire to court

One Voice is taking a zoophilous dog sitter residing in Centre-Val de Loire to court
09.06.2022
Centre-Vale-de-Loire
One Voice is taking a zoophilous dog sitter residing in Centre-Val-de-Loire to court
Domestic animals

Following a report from a whistle-blower, we are launching a legal attack on a young man, a notorious zoophile, and reporting on the existence of a specialised forum where people exchange (with others) pornographic videos of zoophilic acts. We are therefore filing a complaint today, Thursday 9 June*, at the Bourges Legal Tribunal for acts of bestiality, and asking that the man be given obligatory psychiatric care at the least, and receives a lifetime ban on possessing an animal of any kind. One Voice commits to represent in court all families who have entrusted their dog to this individual free of charge.

On Tuesday 7 June 2022, we received an alarming report. A man boasting about “letting his dog mount him” and sending multiple photos and videos of dog’s genitalia on a social network instant messenger. At the same time, he asked the whistle-blower to send him videos and photos of the genitalia of his dog, and worse still, to entrust his animal to him to sexually assault it. Border Collies, Bernese Mountain dogs, or German Shepherds, the individual seems to mainly attack large dogs, and traumatises them under the pretext of it being “good for them”. The animals were entrusted to him by people totally ignorant to his deviant practices.

Videos sent via Facebook instant messenger

The animal abuser, around twenty, on the surface appears to lead a quiet and well-ordered life. He has a job, qualifications, expresses himself clearly. A life which contrasts sharply with the animal pornography videos sent. In one of them, he performs with a Bernese Mountain dog, his face hidden behind a dog mask. In another, filmed close-up, he shows his sexual parts and that of the dog in full action. The images sent by this man are absolutely sickening. Degrading. For dogs and bitches. And his comments even more so, if that is even possible.

Unbearable images

Our investigators have never seen such scenes of sexual abuse on animals, and neither have our lawyers! Six years ago however, the association had already put a zoophile behind bars who had attacked Léa and Lola. We followed the long process of healing and recovery and found a haven of peace for the families of the two dogs where they could finally enjoy life despite their trauma.

A specialised forum…

At the same time, we discovered the Zoo forum… (we are not giving the name so as not to give it publicity), where those who follow sexual acts on animals discuss their ‘passion’. A European section where the exchanges take place particularly in French exists but is only open to those who are already subscribed. With no precautionary statement for minors of those who are sensitive is displayed, on the contrary the adverts for sex toys in the shape of dog genitalia swarm onto your screen. Various topics are addressed on the forum, for example, the age at which they knew they were ‘zoos’. There are also tips for choosing their profile photo or mailbox host so as not to be traced, and even on how to behave during police custody to avoid imprisonment, etc.

We will do everything we can to get it closed down! The animals cannot, by definition, consent to such acts.

More than 1.5 million animal pornography films watched in France every month

We are working with the campaign from our partner Animal Cross, according to whom 10,000 people frequent classified sites for sexual experiences with animals. More than 50,000 animal pornography videos are watched every day just in France. Our partner has been successful in getting eleven sites of this kind closed down. Since 2020, Animal Cross has asked for a law which strongly penalises acts but also watching animal pornography videos, rape, and sexual assaults on animals. It is therefore natural that they pursue a case in the civil courts with us.

We are also at the disposal of the legal system to welcome and be entrusted with any animal that is a victim of these despicable acts, particularly the dog belonging to this individual. We ask that all families that have entrusted their companion(s) to him contact us at info@one-voice.fr. One Voice commits to represent them free of charge in court.

The link: violence carried out on animals is dangerous for everyone

We have been carrying out a petition for years which condemns all violence, no matter the species of the victim. In fact, the link that exists between violent acts carried out on animals is of the same nature as those carried out on humans. We argue that it can often lead from one to another. A person who preys on animals is a strong indicator of a potentially dangerous person for those around them and for society.

Whether it be someone who mistreats a cat, trains dogs for fighting, lashing out at the family pet to keep their family under control before potentially assaulting them if they upset them, or engages in sexual violence such as bestiality, the acts of such individuals are indicative of a mental imbalance.

Translated from the French by Joely Justice

11 June 2022 will mark the first Day Against Bullfighting

11 June 2022 will mark the first Day Against Bullfighting

11 June 2022 will mark the first Day Against Bullfighting
08.06.2022
France
11 June 2022 will mark the first Day Against Bullfighting
Exploitation for shows

The weekend of 11 and 12 June will be celebrated with the first Day Against Bullfighting in thirty towns in France. One Voice — a member of the Féderation des Luttes pour L’Abolition des Corridas (FLAC) [Federation of Fights to Abolish Bullfighting] — and the Alliance Ethique are at the initiative of this previously unseen rallying, which will result in physical events such as rallies with signs, banners, and information stands; but also with online action, taking the form of a ‘tweetstorm’ of portraits bearing the image of dozens of partner associations using our communal hashtag: #StopCorrida, to shout out to our representatives and to abolish bullfighting [also known as Corrida].

See the Facebook page on the Day Against Bullfighting.

Thirty-three towns in France and worldwide, dozens of partner associations and hundreds of citizens and leading figures condemning bullfighting alongside us.

In nineteen towns, within the framework of a coordinated national action, the One Voice branches will organise audience participation events within the public awareness programme. In Nice, Henry-Jean Servat will be there and we will be implementing a static audience participation event in a circle, as though it is an arena, with videos being broadcast on a large screen. In Paris, Jeanne Mas has been invited. In Captieux, a demonstration will take place in the context of a bullfight.

And in thirteen other towns, our partners from Collectif Nature et Sauvage [Nature and Wildlife Collective], CRAC Europe [Radical Anti-Corrida Committee], 269 Life, Colbac, or even from the Collectif Animaliste Sainté [Holy Animalist Collective], and other private individuals will take over the rallying. Finally, the Aichi Prefecture will also get involved and their virtual action will also be supported just about everywhere in Japan.

Dramatisation is expected, but photo albums will be created with the public in particular, supporting the initiative, which will add to the existing album.

2022 objective: 5000 portraits. Numerous leading figures have already given their support with images for the abolition of bullfighting.

To show your support online:

Choose the #StopCorrida visual in the list of participating associations, available here, print them in A4, take a photo of yourself, your family, your friends, and send your support to the following address: stopponslacorrida@gmail.com.

Shout out representatives on social networks:

If you would also like to take part in the first Day Against Bullfighting but you are not able to travel, here are the posts that you can use (and adapt) at your leisure on your social networks (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and others) throughout the weekend of 11 and 12 June.

One Voice’s campaign against bullfighting:

One Voice carried out an investigation in 2019 in a bullfighting school in Nîmes. On this occasion, a petition was published in order to get these schools, where children learnt how to make sentient animals suffer and how to kill young bulls, closed down.

Towns participating:

Note: you can consult the event online before going
Updated live to assure you that it has not been changed.

Department Towns Facebook Event Precise Location Start Time
13 Aix-en-Provence https://www.facebook.com/events/711183910038773/ Allées Provençales 11:00am to 12:30pm One Voice local branch
80 Amiens https://www.facebook.com/events/371078031575048 Place René Goblet 2:30pm to 4:00pm 269 Life
49 Angers https://www.facebook.com/events/753063312517612 Rue Lenepveu 2:30pm to 4:30pm 269 Life
64 Anglet https://www.facebook.com/events/396223505256285/ Place de la Barre 2:30pm to 6:00pm CRAC Europe
13 Arles https://www.facebook.com/events/1690131144663540 Arènes d’Arles 10:00am to 1:00pm Alliance Éthique
84 Avignon https://www.facebook.com/events/529203915361636 Place Pie 10:30am to 12:30pm One Voice local branch
64 Bayonne https://www.facebook.com/events/398971111780901 2:30pm to 4:00pm One Voice local branch
34 Béziers https://www.facebook.com/events/3466907553536072/ Place de la Constitution, Rue de la République 11:00am to 12:30pm Colbac
33 Captieux / Sunday 12 June https://www.facebook.com/events/1987267141456102 Place du 8 Mai 3:00pm to 5:30pm One Voice local branch
11 Carcassonne https://www.facebook.com/events/744128726786217/ 3:00pm to 6:00pm Collectif Nature & Sauvage
66 Céret https://www.facebook.com/events/703827220950391 3:00pm to 6:00pm Animal libre
58 La Charité Sur Loire https://www.facebook.com/events/550224953017710/ 2:30pm to 6:00pm CRAC Europe
08 Charleville-Mézières https://www.facebook.com/events/309212377835771/ Place Ducale 2:30pm to 5:00pm One Voice local branch
21 Dijon https://www.facebook.com/events/396846792007325/ Place François Rude 3:30pm to 6:00pm One Voice local branch
83 Fréjus / Sunday 12 June https://www.facebook.com/events/994038264810822 Boulevard de la Libération,
Pitchoune Cabane		 11:00am to 12:30pm One Voice local branch
05 Gap https://www.facebook.com/events/1097657121018226/ Place Marcellin 10:00am to 1:00pm One Voice local branch
17 La Rochelle https://www.facebook.com/events/5400141940003985/ Cours des Dames 3:00pm to 5:00pm One Voice local branch
59 Lille https://www.facebook.com/events/280597590944329 1, rue des tanneurs 2:30pm to 4:00pm One Voice local branch
34 Lunel / Sunday 12 June https://www.facebook.com/events/477415034172980/ 11:00am to 1:00pm Citoyen / CRAC
69 Lyon / Sunday 12 June https://www.facebook.com/events/366705902023733/ Place Saint Jean 3:00pm to 5:00pm One Voice local branch
13 Marseille https://www.facebook.com/events/1386432638466168/ 2:30pm to 5:00pm Private individuals
57 Metz https://www.facebook.com/events/522697466174444/ 64 rue Serpenoise 3:00pm to 4:30pm One Voice local branch
34 Montpellier https://www.facebook.com/events/505595037742111 Place de la Comédie 2:30pm to 5:00pm One Voice local branch
44 Nantes / Sat. 18 June https://www.facebook.com/events/1173808456784190/ Place Royale 3:30pm to 5:00pm One Voice local branch
06 Nice https://www.facebook.com/events/380675617254111/ Place Masséna 11:00am to 1:00pm One Voice local branch
30 Nîmes https://www.facebook.com/events/564072878394887/ Esplanade Charles de Gaulle 1:30pm to 5:00pm CRAC Europe
75 Paris https://www.facebook.com/events/1024686061469781/ Place de l’Hôtel de Ville 2:30pm to 4:00pm One Voice local branch
76 Rouen https://www.facebook.com/events/1610223776015646 Place de la Cathédrale 2:30pm to 4:00pm One Voice local branch
42 Saint-Étienne https://www.facebook.com/events/481106270468322/ 2:00pm to 4:00pm Collectif Animaliste Sainté
67 Strasbourg https://www.facebook.com/events/278704907806490 Place Kléber 2:00pm to 4:00pm One Voice local branch
31 Toulouse https://www.facebook.com/events/691223865663473 Place du Capitole 11:00am to 12:15pm Collectif Nature & Sauvage
10 Troyes https://www.facebook.com/events/262823499312963 71 rue Emile Zola 2:30pm to 4:00pm One Voice local branch

Translated from the French by Joely Justice

In Corrèze, there will be no digging out this year; the badgers will live!

In Corrèze, there will be no digging out this year; the badgers will live!

In Corrèze, there will be no digging out this year; the badgers will live!
03.06.2022
Corrèze
In Corrèze, there will be no digging out this year; the badgers will live!
Wildlife

The Limoges Administrative Tribunal has just ordered an urgent suspension of the Corrèze prefectural decree which anticipated the authorisation of an additional period for underground badger hunting with hounds from 15 May to 14 September. It is a truly wonderful victory, which will allow the young badgers from this year to take their first steps surrounded by their parents, sheltered from the risk of being driven out and killed by diggers, surrounded by dogs, something we have continuously condemned since our undercover investigation.

At the hearing on 1 June, we faced the Corrèze Prefecture. The hunters themselves did not come and did not send a lawyer either. After the report from the urgent applications judge, we could express ourselves.

Yes, it was urgent for the badgers in Corrèze

The first thing was to assert the urgency for badgers being threatened with imminent death. The order was from 11 May, the request had been filed on 13 May and the opening date for the additional hunting period was 15 May, for a hearing two weeks after, during which badgers had undoubtedly already lost their lives…

Especially as the Prefecture itself recognises that it is possible that young badgers still depend on their parents and are living in the setts at this time. On the other hand, the state of the badger population is uncertain, to the point where we are asking for them to be classified as a protected species. Finally, as usual, the grounds on which damages are attributed to badgers by the Prefecture are precarious to say the least. And other animals, whose species are protected, can find themselves in setts, which would be drastic.

According to Muriel Arnal, Founding President of One Voice:

«Badgers are intelligent, social beings, they have an essential role in our ecosystems. It is implausible to massacre them. What’s more, in such a barbaric way! We have clearly demonstrated this during our infiltration of a crew. There is no reason to authorise additional periods for this bloody hobby other than as a convenience for hunters because the soil is looser in the summer, and they lack hobbies. Now is the season when the young are still totally dependent on their parents. A disgrace for the authorities who compromise themselves out of complacency! We maintain that, on the contrary, it is necessary to protect badgers, as is the case in numerous neighbouring countries such as England, Wales, the Netherlands, Denmark, Greece, and Hungary.»

Prefectural arguments blasted — as always — by hunters

After the Prefecture revealed their arguments, the President posed questions to their representative on the duration of the hunting period (initial and additional); on the damage caused specifically by badgers, to which the Prefecture responded by hiding behind a graph; and on their choice to spread the decree out throughout the whole department and not only to one part of the area.

Released in open countryside by the hunters, the Prefecture was neither able, nor knew how to, convince

But for us, the important thing was that the decree had been made on the basis of insufficient and incomplete information. On one hand, hardly a third of the local authorities had responded to the survey by the hunters’ federation; on the other hand, the graph released by the Prefecture confirms that the damage that they attributed to the badgers was decreasing! Finally, the Prefecture did not show an absence of other satisfactory solutions instead of killing animals, innocent by definition, again and again.

After this hearing, the urgent applications judge therefore decided that the Prefecture’s arguments did not hold water: the figures were biased and other solutions must exist. In Corrèze, badgers can therefore spend their summer in peace.

This really great news comes as a culmination to extend the first International Badger Day, celebrated in mid-May with our partners. It was an occasion to raise awareness among the public of these very sociable builder animals and to call on them to take part in three petitions that you can of course continue to sign:

Translated from the French by Joely Justice

On 5 June, One Voice is bringing the National Animal Rights Day (NARD) to life in five French towns

On 5 June, One Voice is bringing the National Animal Rights Day (NARD) to life in five French towns

On 5 June, One Voice is bringing the National Animal Rights Day (NARD) to life in five French towns
02.06.2022
France
On 5 June, One Voice is bringing the National Animal Rights Day (NARD) to life in five French towns
Other campaign or multi-campaigns of One Voice

The 2022 year of NARD (National Animal Rights Day), as well as being commemorated in 101 towns worldwide, will be an occasion for One Voice’s activists to raise awareness among the public about animal rights in five towns in France: Bordeaux, Lyon, Marseille, Metz, and Nice, on 5 June.

The event is taking place for the twelfth time and brings together thousands of activists in a growing number of countries across five continents, making this “national” day created by the American association Our Planet. Theirs Too a truly international day, which One Voice is delighted to organize and promote in France. Last year, only the local branch of One Voice in Nice took part, and before the pandemic, an inter-association event in which One Voice participated was usually organized in Paris.

This event will consist, in unison and in the same way in all participating countries, of:

  • a commemorative ceremony, during which activists organize a solemn memorial in honor of the billions of animals abused and killed during the year by human hands, on farms, in slaughterhouses, fur farms, laboratories, hunting grounds, circuses, zoos, dolphinariums, bullrings, and other industries…
  • a festive celebration that will look back on the major milestones achieved during the year to end animal suffering and adopt a cruelty-free lifestyle, with entertainment, speeches, and music. This will be an opportunity to raise public awareness of this sad reality, its impact on animals, the planet, and our health, as well as to highlight existing solutions.

The entire event is free and open to the public!

Céleste, Hannah, Marli, and Patty transferred to Tuscany: a fantastic adventure

Céleste, Hannah, Marli, and Patty transferred to Tuscany: a fantastic adventure

Céleste, Hannah, Marli, and Patty transferred to Tuscany: a fantastic adventure
30.05.2022
Italy
Céleste, Hannah, Marli, and Patty transferred to Tuscany: a fantastic adventure
Exploitation for shows

They made it! The transfer to Italy of four lions saved from the Cirque de Paris has happened. After months of preparation, this long journey represents the last step on the road to happiness for Céleste, Hannah, Marli, and Patty. They are now coming out into a vast haven of greenery in Tuscany, far from the Gougeon family. Help us to take care of them with our ‘ sponsorship ’ involvement (*), and thanks to those of you who have already supported them!

Good news! On 11 May, Céleste, Hannah, Marli, and Patty arrived safe and sound in sunny Italy. Since we saved them from a circus in July 2020, the four lionesses have gone back to being strong and confident at the Tonga Terre d’Accueil sanctuary. The recent death of Jon had however affected them all profoundly. Nonetheless, with time, they had been able to mourn. Finally, after a year and a half of care and recovery, they were unrecognisable. Ready for the great journey to the Tuscan sanctuary of Animanatura that we have been preparing for for months. But what an expedition… twenty-four hours of travel awaited them!

An epic departure

On 10 May at seven o’clock in the morning, alongside the Tonga team, we were on the lookout to get the lionesses into the lorry, with all of the necessary precautions. Not having any idea what was awaiting them, they were not at all cooperative. The only solution to lead them up to the vehicle and lift them on board was to anaesthetise them. When opening the door of the enclosure, Hannah was the most awake. It was she who was shot first. Ten minutes later, she sank into unconsciousness and let herself be handled like a big, limp cat. With Céleste, it was a whole different ballgame. She paced, resisting the anaesthetic for several minutes… During this time, Marli found a way to remove the syringe by keeping it in her mouth, while Patty, despite being more docile, also tried to fight against the effects of the drug… Fortunately, at eleven minutes past eight, the four friends were finally snoring together. Once they had been put into their respective transport carriers, they woke up one by one and at quarter to nine, the convoy set off.

On the road to the unknown!

Thrown on the road to Tuscany, the majority of them were grumbling and only had one wish: to get the blood flowing in their legs! Alas, they had to be patient, and for a long time… Only the placid Patty seemed to accept the situation without batting an eyelid. Where were they going? None of the lionesses knew. One certainty: despite the frequent stops by the driver to give them a drink and make their journey the least difficult possible, the travellers did not like the adventure at all…

Paradise in the end

But arriving at the destination was an extraordinary relief. When the doors of the lorry were opened, everyone was struck with astonishment and marvel. An enchanting landscape unfolded as far as the eye could see with its green, woody hills. The wilderness welcomed those who had never come across it before… Amazed, they took their first steps, each in their own way, in this new environment: Céleste and Hannah burst out of the vehicle; Marli and Patty stepped forward warily and bewildered. For an hour, there was no question of exploring the immense 400 square metre enclosure that we reserved for them. Discovering the pre-enclosure, intended for them to make their first paw prints, and settling into their spacious stalls was already more than enough. After such a journey and so many emotions, they especially needed to recover and to be left in peace. Soon, they will be rolling in the lush grass, hiding behind foliage, scratching their claws on the tree trunks… And the best chapter of their lives will begin. Finally.

Translated from the French by Joely Justice

Animal testing in Hauts-de-France: more rulings in favour of true transparency

Animal testing in Hauts-de-France: more rulings in favour of true transparency

Animal testing in Hauts-de-France: more rulings in favour of true transparency
30.05.2022
Hauts-de-France
Animal testing in Hauts-de-France: more rulings in favour of true transparency
Animal testing

On 18 May 2022, the Amiens Administrative Tribunal returned its decision concerning three case files in which the Somme, Aisne, and Oise Prefectures refused to provide animal testing laboratory inspection reports. Henceforth, the Prefectures must provide the documents requested within two months, without obscuring the names of the laboratories nor the non-conformities observed. Ineris, the University of Picardie and the Nestlé Research and Development Centre in Amiens will be particularly concerned.

A series of rulings for transparency

It has to be said that on 30 December, the Lille Court ordered the Nord Prefecture to submit their inspection reports, leaving the door open to concealments. This was one of the few rulings that accepted anything other than blacking out the names of those employed by laboratories and veterinary inspectors.

The Prefecture took the opportunity to hide non-compliance on the reports released, contradicting with the legal precedent already established by seven rulings on identical case files in the rest of France, following many positive opinions from the Committee for Access to Administrative Documents.

On 25 March, the same court in Lille had ordered the Pas-de-Calais Prefecture to release their inspection reports, this time by restricting the acceptable concealments in the name of physical people, conforming to the legal precedent which then reached around twenty very clear rulings.

When the ruling happened at the Amiens Court, around thirty rulings had been returned in this way by around twenty administrative tribunals.

Vague excuses for protecting obscurity

But around fifteen other identical case files are still waiting to be judged – as if the Prefectures still have any doubt about their right to disrespect the law.

It is always the same story. Prefectures have condemned the ‘violent’ actions of animal activists, without being able to state a single example of this kind of action. They fear the damage that laboratories could suffer if the public learnt that experiments causing animal suffering were happening there, without taking into account the fact that the majority of these laboratories are public establishments that do not hide that they are participating in animal testing. Ironically, faced with the efforts that we must go to to obtain accurate information, numerous laboratories signed a “transparency charter” last year.

When we see the attitudes of the new Minister for Agriculture (in particular responsible for coordinating veterinary inspections in laboratories), we can say that our job is not over and that the fight for transparency and for the animals will continue to be a full-time job for a long time.

Translated from the French by Joely Justice

Discredit and distortion of the truth: Marineland’s games at the hearing on 25 May 2022

Discredit and distortion of the truth: Marineland’s games at the hearing on 25 May 2022

Discredit and distortion of the truth: Marineland’s games at the hearing on 25 May 2022
26.05.2022
Grasse
Discredit and distortion of the truth: Marineland’s games at the hearing on 25 May 2022
Exploitation for shows

At the interim relief expertise hearing following our summons on Marineland, the dolphinarium played the distortion of the truth and discredit card on the experts whose reports we delivered to the magistrates. It is a known method, if you want to counter the truth without any evidence: state that it is a lie and discredit the opposition.

We have just come out of the hearing at the Grasse Legal Tribunal, where Marineland treated us as liars, stated that the experts having written the reports on Inouk and Moana were anti-captivity activists, and even pleaded for us to leave them to work in peace… As if they could change jobs without exploiting animals!

To be precise, we simply requested that the tribunal decide to arrange for an independent expert. Neither did we demand to have access to the animals, or even for the experts that we appealed to have them. The aim is to assess Inouk and of Moana’s state of health (and to a greater extent that of the water and the facilities, but still with the same aim). Following this logic, the management team at Marineland should agree with us! Why refuse?

“The stakes are important in this case file”

The President of the Tribunal announced in the preface: «I know that the stakes are important in this case file. I will remind you nevertheless that we are in an emergency interim hearing and that your defence speeches must not be a mere reading of your respective scriptures.»

Teeth and skin: we have exposed Inouk and Moana’s serious health problems

Our lawyer then spoke and reminded everyone that the subject — the state of health of the orcas who are being kept at Marineland — could be seen as unusual, but that the proceedings remain common. A request for an expert opinion on the state of the tanks, the water, and the problems that this has on the state of health and welfare of the orcas kept at the dolphinarium.

She recalled the damning reports that highlighted a very damaged state of health for Moana, 11 years old, and Inouk, 23 years old.

Dr Visser could see sub-dermal tissue damage on Moana:

«[She] recommends that Moana be taken to a sanctuary beside the sea where there would be more space, with natural seawater and appropriate medical aftercare. At the least, he should no longer be expected to perform circus tricks in exchange for his food, his participation in shows should stop immediately and he should not be expected to perform while he has subdermal tissue damage. Other less stressful activities should be put in place to help maintain Moana’s physical form, including daily exercise sessions during which he is not required to ‘perform’. The aggravation of the sub-dermal tissue damage is worrying because it indicates an underlying problem in this facility. »

As for Dr Gallego, he declared in his testimony:

«The orca Moana’s state of health as it appears in the images seems critical to me and requires urgent veterinary care. The pathological process that Moana seems to be suffering from is likely to put his life in danger. My professional opinion is therefore that Moana should be subject to diagnostic tests as quickly as possible and receive treatment conformant to the best standards of veterinary medicine for cetaceans.»

We added that an extensive medical analysis should therefore be carried out, and that it is for this reason that we are asking for a designated expert.

Marineland’s unchanneled aggression, lies, and fool’s games

The lawyer for the Côte d’Azur-based dolphinarium, on her turn, spoke and demonstrated an astonishing aggression as a defence. Regarding the condition in which the orcas are kept, she stated: “When we read One Voice’s publications, we are given the impression that the park is a kind of no man’s land that does not follow any rules. […] One Voice feels that the orcas should be nurtured in sanctuaries and more so in parks. Whether they like it or not, Marineland has a right to keep and use them.” Even at the detriment of their health, it seems…

Trampling over the diplomas and experience of the specialists we have called on

She claimed that we were breaking the law, then proceeded to a full bashing, dismissing the reports and opinions of marine biologist Ingrid Visser PhD, veterinarian Pierre Gallego, John Jett PhD, and Jeff Ventre MD by not recognising their competence, despite it being proven. “These people are not veterinarians or experts. The reports have been written by anti-captivity activists.” At no point did she say ‘professor’ or ‘doctor’, but ‘these people’, ‘these men’, or ‘this woman’.

Marineland’s argument? They are members of the Whale Sanctuary Project, the sanctuary under construction with which we have developed a partnership (in fact, they are members of the scientific council, which incidentally is not the case for Pierre Gallego, who is only an advisor). According to the park, they are therefore anti-captivity fanatics. From their side, the dolphinarium offers a trainer’s certificate. Including who is capable.

An expert… in training! And a veterinarian that does not specialise in orcas

According to the park, Inouk has had dental weakness since he was little, has been treated for it, and therefore does not suffer.
They presented a testimony from a ‘European zoological expert veterinarian’. Except this veterinarian consulting at Marineland is not a specialist in orcas, or even in cetaceans! It is also worth noting that he does not even reside in the region and therefore cannot ensure regular monitoring of the animals.
The opposing counsel finished by alleging that in the wild Inouk would already be dead… However, in the wild, the only endangered orcas are those that were wiped out by the captivity industry in the 1970s.

Equally for Moana, the dolphinarium swept aside the demonstration work by the specialists. According to them, the report that we presented “contained unclear photos”, and Dr Gallego “flaunted pseudo-problems”.
The dolphinarium then presented a testimonial from Mr Gojceta who took the initiative to come and see the situation for himself, alerted by our publications, we are told. But he is nothing more or less than a dolphin trainer, coordinator for bottlenose dolphins on the European Programme for endangered species. What is the link with orcas? Furthermore, he is not a veterinarian and resides in Attica where Ekinox was sent (Femke’s son), a Greek park condemned for having operated without any authorisation for 4 years.

Lies and crocodile tears

The lawyer claimed that our complaints for Inouk and Moana had been filed with no further action taken. Oh really?! What a strange statement even though we have not until this day received any classification decision. We have brought awareness to the industry that accuses those who defend animals of lying while lying themselves.

Finally, they have tried to appease the court by arguing that “the park staff feel insulted by these proceedings: they bring love and care to the animals” and that they should leave the dolphinarium in peace…

The decision should be returned on 30 June.

Translated from the French by Joely Justice

One Voice is bringing Marineland in Antibes to justice for Moana and Inouk. The hearing is on 25 May in Grasse

One Voice is bringing Marineland in Antibes to justice for Moana and Inouk. The hearing is on 25 May in Grasse

One Voice is bringing Marineland in Antibes to justice for Moana and Inouk. The hearing is on 25 May in Grasse
20.05.2022
Antibes
One Voice is bringing Marineland in Antibes to justice for Moana and Inouk. The hearing is on 25 May in Grasse
Exploitation for shows

We have done everything we can to offer another life to Moana and Inouk, two of the four orcas being kept at Marineland in Antibes and whose state of health is very worrying. And we will keep going! After our campaigns to avoid them being transferred to China, our investigations and rallies, and, finally, the publication of expert reports following the complaints already under way for all French orcas, One Voice is now bringing the park to justice. The hearing will take place at the Grasse Legal Tribunal on 25 May 2022 at 8:30am.

The goal of our proceedings: to obtain an independent expert’s opinion

The objective of these interim proceedings is to obtain the appointment of an expert whose mission will be to establish a clinical assessment of Moana and Inouk’s state and of the conditions they’re being kept in, and to retrieve a number of official documents for this purpose.

In this case, the expert will specifically have to determine whether the state of health of Moana and Inouk allows them to participate in performances, determine whether the water quality and the establishment are capable of guaranteeing the well-being of these orcas, and to carry out all necessary tests.

Damning reports

This request for an expert is based on damning reports on Moana, who has markings on her skin which could be a sign of a serious disease, by New Zealand Marine Biologist Dr Ingrid Vissier who specialises in cetaceans, and on Inouk whose dental condition is one of the worst in all captive orcas worldwide.

The importance of respecting orcas and getting them out of dolphinariums

The animals belong to world heritage, as our guidance to the courts likes to remind us. In fact, without animals in the wild, we are robbing our children of these fantastic creatures who populate our planet alongside them.

And with regard to orcas, dolphins, and whales in particular, experts have reported on their sentience. The UN echoed this statement about the need to protect their cultures. In India, dolphinariums have incidentally been forbidden since 2013.

Complaints still under way

As a consequence of these reports, we have filed two complaints before the Grasse Prosecutor against the dolphinarium that is keeping them. On 8 April 2019 for Inouk and 12 November 2021 for Moana: for acts of mistreatment towards animals placed in Marineland’s custody, the placement or keeping of a wild captive animal in a habitat, environment, or establishment that may be the cause of suffering, and the illegal operation of an establishment keeping non-domestic species of animals.

These complaints are still under way. However, the urgency of the situation requires interim measures to be taken in order to limit the distress of these animals.

In addition, Inouk and Moana’s cases are not isolated cases and they question not only the quality of the care provided but also of the infrastructures and the water. We are just as worried for Wikie and Keijo. That’s the reason why a request for expert evidence has been initiated.

 

Inouk, 20-year-old male orca in captivity, suffering from chronic and extensive dental lesions

Expert report, March 2019 (Inouk, expert report, updated August 2020)

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Moana, 10-year-old male orca, born in captivity, with sub-dermal tissue damage

Report written for One Voice by (Dr) Ingrid N. Visser

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Translated from the French by Joely Justice

An appeal to Air France: stop transporting monkeys to labs!

An appeal to Air France: stop transporting monkeys to labs!

An appeal to Air France: stop transporting monkeys to labs!
20.05.2022
International
An appeal to Air France: stop transporting monkeys to labs!
Animal testing

Air France is a major transporter of non-human primates for research and toxicity testing (poisoning). Each year, the airline transports thousands of monkeys around the world, from Mauritius to Vietnam, flying them to laboratories in Europe and the United States.

Photo: Air France shipping crates with monkeys inside – Credit Cruelty Free International

One month ago, Action for Primates (UK), One Voice (France) and Stop Camarles (Spain) revealed that on 14 April, on its 473 flight from Mauritius, Air France had transported 100 constrained ‘passengers’ under duress in its hold: monkeys. They had been torn away from their families and social groups before being imprisoned in small crates, heading to Labcorp in the United Kingdom, a research company…

The worldwide trade of non-human primates for research purposes is a cruel and brutal activity responsible for the shipping of tens of thousands of monkeys around the world every year.

A journey towards horror…

Air France flights from Vietnam and from the island of Mauritius to the United States involve flight times of 20 hours or more, plus a stopover in Paris. At the end of their nightmarish journeys, these monkeys, destined to spend their lives in a metal cage thousands of kilometres away from their families, are subjected to experiments and tests that make them suffer in an unimaginable way, with death as the only way out; far from their life of freedom in their homes in the jungle.

Many macaques transported by Air France are intended for European primate supply companies, including Silabe (Simian Laboratory Europe), Bioprim in France and Camarney S.L in Spain. The monkeys are then transferred to laboratories and contractual test facilities throughout Europe, particularly in France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom, where they are intended to be used in toxicity testing, a scientific term meaning that they are poisoned. No more, no less.

Toxicity testing is carried out to evaluate undesirable reactions to medications or chemical products, mainly with the aim of developing commercial products for humans. Monkeys are immobilised and the medications are administered in different ways, including intravenously (directly into the blood stream) or by pumping it through a tube that is forced into their mouth to reach the stomach. Tests such as these involve immense suffering and can lead to vomiting, convulsions, weight loss, internal bleeding, organ failure, and even death. Those who do not die are all killed at the end of the tests to study their organs.

Some recent Air France flights…

On 12 September 2021, sixty long-tailed macaques were exported by Vietnam Monkey Breeding & Development Joint Venture and transported by Air France from Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh) to Paris (Charles de Gaulle). On 10 October 2021, once again sixty more took the same journey. On 13 February 2022, one hundred and twenty went and on 13 March 2022, another eighty.

American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines, Eva Air, Air Canada, China Airlines, Kenya Airways…

Following international concern, many passenger airline companies put an end to their involvement in this trade by refusing to transport monkeys to laboratories. Other passenger and freight carriers have also declared their intention not to be implicated in this activity. But Air France continues these trips.

We are urging people to consider these monkeys, who could be imprisoned in the baggage hold beneath, terrified, alone, and far from their homes, before using Air France. Instead of this, choose an airline company that refuses to send monkeys thousands of kilometres around the world, for them to end their days suffering and dying in the cold metal cage of a laboratory.

Add your voice to that of Action for Primates, One Voice, and Stop Camarles in our appeal to Air France for them to stop transporting monkeys for research and to join many other airline companies who refuse to play a role in this trade.

Send a message to
Anne Rigail, Managing Director: anne.rigail@airfrance.fr and copy in: Philippe Boronat: philippe.boronat@airfrance.fr and Guilhem Laurans: gulaurans@airfrance.fr

Translated from the French by Joely Justice

Four emergency interim proceedings in Bretagne and Pays de la Loire to save western jackdaws

Four emergency interim proceedings in Bretagne and Pays de la Loire to save western jackdaws

Four emergency interim proceedings in Bretagne and Pays de la Loire to save western jackdaws
19.05.2022
France
Four emergency interim proceedings in Bretagne and Pays de la Loire to save western jackdaws
Wildlife

This escalation of horror directed towards western jackdaws in numerous departments must stop. We are attacking four prefectoral decrees that once again authorise the massacres of these protected birds in their thousands. We have started an emergency interim proceeding and a plea submission in Morbihan, but also in Côtes-d’Armor, Finistère, and Maine-et-Loire. Several hearings have been set: three in Bretagne on 25 May at 10am at the Rennes Administrative Tribunal, and one in Maine-et-Loire on 23 May at 3pm in Nantes.

The Prefects in the west of the country predicted that 16,000 western jackdaws would be slaughtered in Finistère, 8000 in Côtes-d’Armor, 3000 in Morbihan and 635 in Maine-et-Loire. It is unbearable! We condemn these mass cullings and the fact that the jackdaws that are injured can be dying in atrocious pain while their orphan babies die of hunger.

Let’s not forget that the birds concerned are corvids that benefit from a status intended to protect them, contrary to their cousins, rooks and crows, considered as pests or as a species that can be classified as ‘likely to cause damage’, throughout France.

The cherry on the cake of the State’s inhumanity: not only are the authorisations to kill birds (already in bad shape, given the 6th mass extinction that is taking place right now) published in their tens by Prefectures, but these birds are coincidentally not protected! With their exemptions for western jackdaws, each Prefecture therefore in reality more or less allows their extinction! It is always the same: as soon as we must act for the planet, climate, or animals, private human interests systematically come to the fore, ruining any effort to redress the balance and any hope of change.

Cullings boost reproduction

In several areas, we have too often observed that the attackers are totally unaware of the behaviour of jackdaws!

A recent study from DREAL Bretagne (Regional Directorate for the Environment, Planning and Housing), long awaited and finally published in Spring 2022, incidentally shows that these massive annual cullings do not make it possible to reduce damage and that the fixed quotas of birds to kill are not based on any scientific justification. The study also brings up lines of thought surrounding the evolution of agricultural practices. We should add that this damage is debatable and is not necessarily a result of jackdaws…

We will stop at nothing and will start our work again as many times as necessary to defend jackdaws, crows, or ravens, who are such intelligent birds. We are therefore requesting the cancellation and urgent suspension of these four decrees authorising the massive and imminent culling of thousands of birds from a protected species. Nothing justifies these legalised killings that occur right in the middle of the nesting and rearing period of the young!

In Maine-et-Loire, the urgent applications judge has set the hearing in Nantes at 3pm on 23 May. In Morbihan, Côtes-d’Armor, and Finistère, the hearing date is grouped and finally set for 25 May at 10am at the Rennes Administrative Tribunal.

Translated from the French by Joely Justice