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Sticky trap hunting: Is the public rapporteur finally on the side of birds?

Sticky trap hunting: Is the public rapporteur finally on the side of birds?

Sticky trap hunting: Is the public rapporteur finally on the side of birds?
19.11.2019
France
Sticky trap hunting: Is the public rapporteur finally on the side of birds?
Wildlife

Wednesday, November 20th, 2019 will mark a turning point – hopefully, decisive – against hunting with glue, cruelly trapping small birds by this method which prevents them from escaping free, forces them to panic, injure themselves or even die. Never before had this happened: the public rapporteur is preparing to conclude the referral of all ministerial decrees on the hunt with glue, which we attacked at the State Council in 2018. Before this it was the court of justice of the European Union, and for that, it takes up the argument that we had developed against the decrees of 2019.

Unsurprisingly, the public rapporteur confirms in his conclusions the suspension of the decree on the extension of the 2019 wild geese hunting season by asking for its cancellation once and for all. So obviously, we absolutely do not prejudge the final decision of the judges of the State Council, but the function of the public rapporteur is to indicate to them the ins and outs of the appeals and to advise them on a direction.

Coincidence?

At the same time as we filed the appeals on the 2019 decrees, the Ministry of Ecological and Inclusive Transition expressly asked all the Prefects concerned to carry out checks on the quotas of birds hunted. Why? Because we asked for proof that the birds hunted are in small quantities, since this is what the ministry claims… How many, where, when and which birds are trapped, which ones are released? Since we are told that the traps are selective, the minimum would be to be based on facts! And to say that the defenders of the planet and of animals are often considered at best as just dreamers, at worst as ridiculous ultra-sensitive… But as soon as we demand accountability, we realize that there is none! Who is rational in history?

The interest of hunters is not the general interest

Biodiversity is depleted, birds disappear while they are part of the common heritage of Humanity. The interest of hunters has for too long been confused with the general interest, namely the conservation of our heritage, and therefore of the individuals who compose it. The fact that the European Commission has given France formal notice confirms the non-selectiveness of the glue hunting, as well as the lack of supervision and control by the authorities, which gives us good hope for a probable end to the glue hunting in the medium term. Even more so (other « traditional » hunts, the lengthening of the duration of the hunting of wild geese, etc)!

We await with determination the audience of Wednesday, November 20th and the decision that will follow for glue hunting and that of wild geese, as well as the repercussions of the formal notice of France by the European Commission, a procedure in will failure be triggered? For the other traditional hunts such as that of the falling wire traps, netting on land and on the lakes, we will continue to systematically attack those arrested and who have targeted small birds.

When the birds fall from the sky

When the birds fall from the sky

When the birds fall from the sky
15.11.2019
France
When the birds fall from the sky
Natural habitat

From the skies of our countryside and cities, birds are disappearing everywhere. Dying from hunger, under a hail of bullets or from hunting with glue, what else remains for them, hope? For each of them, we will fight to the end.

Birds are disappearing everywhere. This phenomenon is general, it spares neither birds from the cities, nor from the countryside. 421 million birds have disappeared in less than 30 years in Europe and 73% of Parisian sparrows in 13 years.

The causes are multiple and cumulative: phytosanitary products, the disappearance of insects, sites where to nest and climate change… As if that were not enough, they must also face so-called managers of nature, those who seem to above all want to eradicate all in their path.

In Deux-Sèvres, partridges are in very poor condition, with eight birds missing from ten. Yes, partridges, the very ones that are supposedly well managed by hunters. Having to endure the local shoots and then the reintroduction to the countryside of these birds by means of the hunters efficient breeding schemes…

Irresponsible right up to the end of a rifle

And some speak of « responsible » hunting? But where is the responsibility when one takes to the forests that are deserted by walkers with a gun in hand to shoot all that moves? And of course, there have been mistakes made – damage to a protected species (dogs, cats and even residents who dared to go out into their gardens have been targeted)! Where is the responsibility when we release weakened, fattened animals, who have been selected to be easy prey? Where is the responsibility when using ancestral methods that blindly trap or kill? Where is the responsibility when a bird from a migratory species, has be reintroduced or protected in another country, only to be slaughtered while crossing ours?

Concerning responsibility, well there is obviously none when you see the disappearance of species. And what is left? A bloodthirsty leisure activity which desperately tries to justify its killings when its country’s population is largely opposed to it.

All for one and one for all

So, for all the bird victims, we chose the path of appeal, because a single bird killed by hunting is a bird that will be missing, an individual who had the right to live. For each and every one of them, we will go all the way. And not one case in law through the courts is to be feared in case of failure.

In France, the courts and tribunals are not bound by their previous decisions, but a new act of law can be opposed in a new case. So, nothing to fear then, quite the contrary, for those whom we will protect and continue to fight for without stopping. And since the State Council seems to have taken the side of the hunters by dismissing our requests, it is before the European Commission that they will have to justify their actions!

We will be on November 20th at 2 p.m. be Infront of the State Council for our appeal to the merits concerning these orders of cruel traditional hunts (using glue, etc.) which trap and injure, even kill, blackbirds, thrushes, and many ‘other little birds. We will also be there to cancel the ministerial order authorizing the killing of wild geese during February, while they are crossing our skies and are in full migration. At the beginning of February, we had obtained the suspension of this order.

Letter to Elisabeth Borne, Minister of the Ecological and Inclusive Transition

Letter to Elisabeth Borne, Minister of the Ecological and Inclusive Transition

Letter to Elisabeth Borne, Minister of the Ecological and Inclusive Transition
14.11.2019
Letter to Elisabeth Borne, Minister of the Ecological and Inclusive Transition

Dear Madam Minister,

We know your interest in the cause for animals which was expressed in particular through your involvement concerning the bear Micha.

This is why, we would like to bring to your attention the major dysfunctions of the veterinary inspection services of the departmental directorates of social cohesion and population protection (DDCSPP) in terms of animal protection.

The death of Micha, on November 12th within the La Tanière zoo-refuge in which he had been placed in September 2019, is unfortunate proof of this.

Indeed, in the case of Micha as in the case of the elephant Maya, the lion Elyo (Nale) or even the hippopotamus Jumbo, the inspection reports of the DDCSPP did not raise any breaches of regulations that were in force or danger concerning animal welfare.

For these four individuals, as for many others, we must wait until our association mandates independent veterinary experts and publishes images from these investigations before the alarm bells are sounded.

Elyo was legally detained in a circus under intolerable conditions. It is only after the filing of our complaint for acts of cruelty, that the public prosecutor of Dunkirk had mandated a veterinarian to inspect the animal. The report is final, Elyo is in physical and psychological suffering. However, our complaint will be dismissed by the prosecutor, forcing us to summon the defendants to appear in court.

Maya, was exploited for 40 years in a circus and was released in 2018 after years of fighting led by our association. After reading the unanimous reports from six independent specialists mandated by the association, the Prefecture of Lot-et-Garonne finally agrees to mandate an independent investigation which leads to the same conclusions as our experts.

Maya lived in conditions unsuitable for her age, her needs and in violation of the legislation in force.

Another iconic example is Jumbo, the hippopotamus that we still fight for today. The veterinary services of the DDCSPP consider that the living conditions for this hippo are in full compliance with legislation. On the contrary, following our complaints, both ONCFS agents and our experts demonstrate that the animal’s physiological and biological needs are not being met.

These examples highlight the failings of the official veterinary services to identify and put an end to situations of proven animal abuse.

DDCSPP inspections today consist only of a summary verification of the animal’s sanitary conditions. These animal protection services do not fulfil their missions.

Such failures leave situations of lawlessness in France, where not only the regulations in force are not respected, but where wild animals, protected on a national, European and world scale lead to suffering and mistreatment which can lead to their death.

This is why our association calls for an end to the exploitation of wild animals in circuses. In the meantime, we ask you to take measures to put an end to these failings. These measures could consist of:

  • The creation of an independent authority responsible for the control of establishments holding captive wild animals and capable of removing animals in the event of serious breach of the legislation in force.
  • The urgent establishment of a network of independent veterinary experts specialized in the different species and read to mobilize within 48 hours after their referral, to organize a controlled visit of establishments and the removal of animals where necessary.
  • The involvement in emergency procedures of specialist veterinarians appointed by the applicant associations.

Our association is of course willing to provide its expertise on this subject and remains at the disposal of your Ministry for any appointment it wishes to grant.

Thank you for the attention you have paid to this letter, we ask you to believe, Madam Minister, in the assurance of our consideration.

Muriel Arnal
Présidente de One Voice

Micha died on the 12th November

Micha died on the 12th November

Micha died on the 12th November
12.11.2019
Micha died on the 12th November

After a few days’ antibiotics were discontinued to see if he could regain his strength by himself, Micha’s health then deteriorated sharply. He would have to be anesthetized to undergo surgery and tests. Several days were necessary before the Tanière could recive this permission…Micha never woke up. He had tumours everywhere, even in his brain.

At the beginning of September, we had already denounced the conditions of extreme misery in which he and his companions were living in at their winter quarters of the Poliakov’s, in Loir-et-Che. The Minister of Ecology, Élisabeth Borne, had then discovered like the rest of the public that his paws were infested with maggots, his breathing was difficult and then she chose to intervene on his behalf.

Micha left behind him Bony and Glasha, whose suffering is evident, probably less glaring but equally serious, and Mina the little monkey and several parrots, horses and a dromedary, the of which has just died…

Even so, he still lived a real bears life be it only for a few weeks or so, a real bear’s life, eating until he was full, having recovered weight and a well-tempered character. All this after suffering horribly for hours, days, weeks, months, years…

But for the officials, the Prefect, the veterinarian and trainers, who have for too long permitted that no improvement takes place for the animals of the Poliakov’s, will they eventually be held accountable! Several law suits are ongoing, including one on November 28th, we will be facing the Prefect of Loir-et-Cher Administrative Court in Orleans.

For twenty years we have been demanding the liberation of the Poliakov’s bears. For almost two months we have been demanding that Bony, Glasha and the other animals are released from their infamous jails. For twenty years we have been calling for the cessation of the exploitation of animals in circuses. How many more deaths will there be before the publication of a ministerial decree prohibiting this medieval practice ?

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Micha, Bony, Glasha: The mistreatment continues in circuses!

Micha, Bony, Glasha: The mistreatment continues in circuses!

Micha, Bony, Glasha: The mistreatment continues in circuses!
09.11.2019
France
Micha, Bony, Glasha: The mistreatment continues in circuses!
Exploitation for shows

Micha, is still in a critical condition and requires urgent care. Bony and Glasha are being ignored by the public authorities, despite of their state of health and conditions of detention. As we launch emergency procedures for them, the Prefect conveniently requests silence from the zoo-sanctuary. Do the authorities perceive the PR disaster that is coming after turning a blind eye for so many years? For Bony, Glasha and Micha, we will not be silent!

After regaining forty kilos and returning to a state of healthiness from that of a previously unhealthy state, Micha’s condition has become very concerning. In recent days, he has required emergency attention. In order to be able to help him, the zoo-sanctuary has had to beg for permission from the Poliakov’s to treat the bear-because yes, the torturous couple still own Micha!

A code of silence from the public authorities

In the online press release and the open letter Published by the prefecture three days after the filing of our appeal against it, the authorities boast of having obtained the consent from the owners, while expressly demanding that Micha’s condition be kept silent. Would the Prefecture try to put a leaden weight upon what these three bears have already endured? This code of silence around Micha’s health worries us about the survival of Bony and Glasha lingering in the depths of their infamous jails.

These outlaw trainers, still protected

During the ten years that Bony, Glasha and Micha were locked in the 2 m² cages of a circus truck, the authorities closed their eyes. Then they continued to keep their eyes closed when the bears found themselves locked in dungeons in disgusting conditions, beaten on all sides by the wind, exposed to diseases, etc. And this has been going on for 7 years. How can these trainers be so well protected? How can we treat these animals with such impunity?

Festival des Arts du Cirque 2005, Micha, Glasha et Bony filmés dans les cages du camion où ils vivaient. En 2012, ils seront transférés dans les geôles des Poliakov où sont encore Glasha et Bony. Quand auront-ils enfin le droit de recevoir soins et attention?! #CirquesSansAnimaux pic.twitter.com/IccJ3M7ab9

— One Voice (@onevoiceanimal) October 13, 2019

 

Our attack, has triggered a response from the Prefect

With this announcement, would the Prefecture hope to disarm those who defend Micha, Bony and Glasha?

A few days before its publication, Tuesday, November 5th 2019, we filed a suite on the merits for the excess of power, against its inertia, its poor appreciation of the situation, and its silence in the face of our requests for the last two months.

Friday, November 8th, 2019, we also filed an urgent suspension:

  1. to have the trainer’s certificate of competence withdrawn,
  2. cancel their authorization to open
  3. and to seize Bony, Glasha and the others animals from the clutches of the Poliakov’s.

Attempt to justify the unjustifiable

No, Mr Prefect, until the month of September all was not well! Maggots do not just appear in a matter of a few days in a living being, nor does serious malnutrition and nor does the greenish traces seen in the bottom of the feeding troughs. There is also the matter of rats in the dungeons and in the enclosure. How is it that the Poliakov’s were able to drag poor Micha into a performance with a certificate from a vet? (We question this horse vet! – in front of the Council of Order).

In conclusion, the Poliakov’s only allow the care of their animals when they are absolutely obliged to do so. The Prefecture does not wish for this mistreatment to be known. Also, since we have to get there…, our lawsuits continue on to get the truth and to secure the rescue of the other animals.

The hearing of our interim-suspension against the inaction of the Prefect will take place on November 28th at the Administrative Court of Orleans.

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Dog training: The solidarity of hundreds of dog trainers

Dog training: The solidarity of hundreds of dog trainers

Dog training: The solidarity of hundreds of dog trainers
09.11.2019
France
Dog training: The solidarity of hundreds of dog trainers
Domestic animals

For these hundreds of professionals, our investigation into dog training and the violent techniques used in this type of education is a relief for them. Professional trainers join with us to denounce « these heinous acts described and proven by (our) videos », encouraging us to persevere in our actions! They oppose those who have attacked us in court: they do not represent these people. Their solidarity touches our hearts and strengthens our determination to help the dogs who suffer at the hands of these violent dog trainers.

Contrary to the claims of the thirty or so trainers who have brought us to court, we have not been denounced by the dog training world, rather the opposite “the integrity of real professionals”. As proof, the solidarity of three hundred and fifty-seven professionals (to date) who along with individuals have been moved by our undercover investigation. These people were able to have their say, those who speak very rarely in public.

Enough is enough!

Several recent publications by those who claim to be spokespersons on social networks have put light to the powder keg. Those in the dog training industry and who have nothing to hide support us and want to say it loud and clear: they do not feel  » unfairly criticize » or « accused » by our investigations. On the contrary, they have mixed feelings, our survey has never questioned the practices or values of dog educators as a whole, far from what has been targeted.

United against the violence!

To put an end to these barbaric methods, we will always call for a ban on training dogs to bite and the training of so-called defence dogs, transforming them into weapons by means of violent training methods. We repeat, every dog deserves to live in a loving home. A good communication and complicity between human and dog cannot be based on shouting, hitting and nor the pain caused by collars with sharp spikes or collars that discharge electric shocks… And in this venture, we are all united, associations, professionals and individuals, against a minority who practice this harmful method of training towards our companions of more than 30,000 years, dogs!