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VIER PFOTEN - Newsletter

Liebe Tierfreundin, lieber Tierfreund,

heute, am 29.05.2006, berichtet das ARD-Politmagazin Report MÜNCHEN um 21.45 Uhr über einen neuen Skandal im Schweinestall. Aktuelles Filmmaterial, das VIER PFOTEN zugespielt wurde, belegt katastrophale Zustände bei einem nordrhein-westfälischen Schweinemäster. VIER PFOTEN hat nach Erhalt der Aufnahmen sofort Strafanzeige gegen den Betrieb erstattet.

Neben schweren Tierschutzdefiziten, zeigen die Aufnahmen Belege für eine unhaltbare Hygienesituation. Dies ist besonders skandalös, da in Nordrhein-Westfalen zurzeit die Schweinepest wütet und deshalb bereits mehr als 90.000 Tiere geschlachtet wurden.

Solche Betriebe erhöhen die Gefahr einer Ausbreitung der Seuche. Mehr erfahren Sie heute ab 21.45 in der ARD.

Herzliche Grüße sendet Ihnen

Ihre Beate Schüler
VIER PFOTEN - Stiftung für Tierschutz

22.05.2006

Anlässlich des Internationalen Tages der Biodiversität* (22. Mai) der Vereinten Nationen (UN) ziehen Artenschützer eine verheerende Bilanz.

http://www.sonnenseite.com/index.php?pageID=6&news:oid=n5313

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/580843335

A message from Eleanor

Primates possess many qualities which were once considered solely human attributes. The central nervous system of Primates and humans is organized in almost the same way, and there are similarities between the social behavior, emotional needs and intellectual capabilities of humans and other Primates. Primates demonstrate the ability to reason, to exhibit friendship and altruism, to suffer fear and stress.

UK and EU legislation has been partially expanded to supposedly protect their specific requirements in the laboratory and afford them a 'higher' status than other animal species under Directive 86/609/EEC. The reality is, however, that this legal provision does not prevent thousands of primates each year enduring terrible pain, suffering and death in the laboratory. . Experiments that would be unthinkable if performed on human subjects should also be considered morally unacceptable when carried out on our genetic cousins.

Researchers use primates as 'models' of human diseases on which the development and progression of such diseases can be monitored and treated. However primates, like other animals, make poor 'models' and attempting to extrapolate test results from one species to another is a fundamentally flawed research methodology. Despite their similarities, there are also many significant differences between humans and others Primates.

The fundamental flaw underlying the research of human diseases in primates is that researchers can only attempt to artificially induce similar superficial symptoms of human diseases in Primates, which is very different from studying a naturally occurring disease in a biologically relevant animal i.e. a human patient.

Primates who are removed from their normal habitat, deprived of environmental stimulants and social interaction, make poor 'models' on which to record the 'natural' development of disease or infection. Like human beings, primates react very differently to disease or illness depending on their physical and psychological states.

The reality is, despite what the research industry would have us believe, primates do not provide a reliable 'model' of the human being. After decades of research on primates, scientists have repeatedly failed to make significant breakthroughs in fully understanding the onset and progression of HIV or AIDS, cot death, epilepsy, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease, or cancer - all human conditions which have been thoroughly, though pointlessly, explored through research on Primates.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/580843335

PLEASE SIGN AND FORWARD *sign*

https://secure2.convio.net/dow/site/Advocacy?JServSessionIdr002=as02v80j62.app23a&cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=425

Alaska’s Cook Inlet beluga whales are in serious trouble. Facing pressures ranging from pollution to increased ship traffic, their numbers have dropped by half in the last decade. Now, this isolated population of white whales may disappear forever.

But there is hope. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is now considering listing the Cook Inlet belugas as endangered under the Endangered Species Act -- perhaps the best chance yet for these special creatures.

Help protect the Cook Inlet belugas before it’s too late! Urge NMFS to list the Cook Inlet belugas as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The deadline for submitting your comments is next Tuesday, May 30.

The beluga whale relies on its sophisticated sonar, using clicks and squeaks to hunt, navigate and communicate. Their unique and varied sounds have earned these extremely social animals the nickname “sea canaries”.

Cook Inlet belugas rear their young and feed just offshore from one of the most populated -- and fastest growing -- regions in Alaska. It's an area that's getting more and more inhospitable to the whales.

Sewage and polluted run-off pour directly into the beluga’s home. Planned development projects threaten to fill in over 135 acres of beluga whale habitat. The toxic waste and spills from region’s oil industry can poison and kill these creatures and their young. Seismic blasting to search for oil can disrupt their sonar and disorient the belugas, causing them to drown.

An endangered listing would require protection not only for the critters themselves, but for the fragile habitat essential for their survival.

Beluga whales need your help. Please send your comments to NMFS before next Tuesday’s deadline.

Just last month, international experts classified this group of whales as “critically endangered” -- the most urgent category for imperiled wildlife. NMFS’s own scientists have charted the dramatic decline of these whales -- and their best estimate is that fewer than 280 remain. Without the protection of the Endangered Species Act, the Cook Inlet beluga whales could become extinct within our lifetime.

Now is the time to act. Please help these animals get the protection they deserve. Write to NMFS today and urge them to protect Cook Inlet belugas by listing them as an endangered species-- before they are gone forever.

With your help, we can ensure that these magnificent white whales live on for generations to come.

Thank you for all you do to protect imperiled creatures everywhere.

Sincerely,

Jim Curland
Marine Program Associate
Defenders of Wildlife

VIER PFOTEN - Newsletter

Liebe Tierfreundin, lieber Tierfreund,

um den Abschuss des in Bayern eingewanderten Braunbären zu verhindern, haben VIER PFOTEN und Stiftung für Bären dem Bayerischen Umweltministerium die Aufnahme des am Wochenende aus Österreich eingewanderten Braunbären angeboten. Gleichzeitig fordern beide Organisationen eine Rücknahme der Abschussgenehmigung.

Die beiden Tierschutzstiftungen stellen ein drei Hektar großes Bärengehege in Bayern zur Verfügung, das zum Ende der Woche bezugsfertig ist. Das Areal entspricht den hohen Standards, die bereits in den bestehenden Bärenschutz-Zentren beider Stiftungen gelten. Damit wäre die nahezu artgemäßen Unterbringung des Tieres sicher gestellt und der drohende Abschuss abgewendet.

VIER PFOTEN betont, dass der erste Braunbär, der nach 170 Jahren wieder den Weg nach Deutschland gefunden hat, nicht abgeschossen werden darf. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer aktuellen Presseerklärung.

http://www.vier-pfoten.de/presse/archiv/2006/23_05_06.htm


Herzliche Grüße sendet Ihnen

Ihre Beate Schüler
VIER PFOTEN - Stiftung für Tierschutz

Nathan driving the Billy G in the Southern Ocean
http://usactions.greenpeace.org/action/start.php?action_id=102

Just a few months ago, I wrote to you from onboard the Greenpeace ship Esperanza in the Southern Ocean. I spent two months driving an inflatable boat (better known as the Billy G) between the harpoons of Japanese whalers and whales. I witnessed some of the most horrific and painful deaths you could imagine, and I will never forget what I saw.

In just over three weeks, the next International Whaling Commission meeting will take place, and the fate of the world’s whales will rest in the hands of a few individuals. Unfortunately, some of those hands are covered in blood money. That’s because the Japanese government has been buying votes on the Commission, and after years of political maneuvering, they may have the votes they need to take over and push to reopen commercial whaling. We need YOUR help to make sure that doesn’t happen.

TAKE ACTION Write the U.S. State Department NOW and demand intervention! On June 16, when the meeting begins, many of the votes will already be decided by the delegates attending. That’s why it’s so important that the nations who are undecided today, are influenced by YOU, and not by Japan’s financial incentives.

http://usactions.greenpeace.org/action/start.php?action_id=102

Another Greenpeace ship, the Arctic Sunrise, will be in St. Kitts to witness the events of this meeting. My friend, Ocean Campaigner Buffy Baumann, will be onboard. You’ll be hearing from her soon, and she will keep you posted during the week-long meeting.

The images of the whales I saw during my time on the Esperanza are burned into my heart and mind. Please, don’t let our efforts be in vain. Take Action now, and follow this story as it develops over the coming weeks. We’ll need your help again, and I hope you’ll be there for us and for the whales.


Your friend,

Nathan driving the Billy G in the Southern Ocean
Nathan Santry Actions Director

The event is in Hoopa, CA, Memorial Day weekend, May 26th - 28th.

From: Andre Cramblit
Subject: Salmon Run
Date: Sun, 14 May 2006 20:51:13 -0700

Attached please find a video link for the National Brower Youth Awards for Environmental and Social Activism. The video focuses on the Salmon Run that was organized by Kayla and Erica that will be expanded this year to "Run to Iron Gate Dam" a 160 mile journey! They are currently recruiting runners for the Memorial Day Weekend Run. If you are interested please let me know, I will add you to the runners list. Mostly runners are needed above Somes Bar on Saturday and Sunday. There is no cost to participate!

If you are interested in participating, but are unable to run, they organizers are currently accepting donations to help pay for T-Shirts and for water.

Please forward to all who may be interested.

Leo Canez lc7gen@pacbell.net
707-825-7640

http://www.broweryouthawards.org/userdata_display.php?modin=50&sortby=&custom2=2005


Subject: Salmon Run
From: Andre Cramblit
Date: Fri, 19 May 2006 22:04:04 -0700

http://www.indybay.org/news/2006/05/1824167.php>http://www.indybay.org/news/2006/05/1824167.php

Native American Students Organize 214 Mile Relay Run to Honor Klamath River Salmon by Dan Bacher Thursday, May. 18, 2006 at 11:59 PM

The young organizers of the Salmon Relay Run have decided to extend the annual 41 mile run to a 214-mile journey - from the mouth of the Klamath all of the way to Iron Gate Dam!

Klamath Trinity Joint Unified School District

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2006

Contacts: Melodie George, Salmon Run Coordinator (530) 625-4976 Leo Canez, Seventh Generation Fund (707) 825-7640 Kayla Carpenter, Salmon Run Co-founder (707) 499-8319 Erika Chase, Salmon Run Co-founder (530) 784-7501 Mid Klamath Watershed Council (530) 627-3202

NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS ORGANIZE 214 MILE RELAY RUN TO HONOR KLAMATH RIVER SALMON Runners will relay to Irongate Dam in support of dam removal

Hoopa, CA. Memorial Day weekend, May 26th - 28TH. The health of the spring Chinook Salmon run will be on the minds of over 100 runners as they trek along side of the Klamath and Trinity Rivers. Runners will include members of the Yurok, Hoopa Valley and Karuk Tribes, sport fisherman, environmentalists, members of the Humboldt Track Club and many other groups and organizations.

Organized by Hoopa Valley High School students, this annual relay run was organized in response to the 2002 Fish Kill, which claimed the lives of over 68,000 salmon returning to spawn. In a year when dam relicensing and fish closures are making headlines, the young organizers of the Salmon Relay Run have decided to extend the annual relay of 41 miles run to a 214-mile journey.

This year's relay also comes at a time crucial for the survival of Klamath salmon. The offspring of salmon that survived the 2002 Fish Kill will be returning to spawn this year, prompting the closure of the depleted fishery from Oregon to San Francisco. Many commercial fishermen will be forced to hang up their trolling gear for jobs on shore, and tribal subsistence fisheries will face closure and restriction as well.

In 2005, organizers of the salmon relay run received the Brower Youth Award for bringing attention to the urgent need for action to save the Klamath and Trinity River salmon populations.

The students hope to unite the communities affected by the fish kill, including tribes, fishermen and river enthusiasts, by inviting them to participate in running a one to five mile leg of this year's Salmon Relay.

The students also hope to raise awareness of the long-term affects of the fish kill on the survival of the species and the river ecosystems, as well as local Native cultures, spirituality, and the traditional diets.

A recent report conducted by the University of California-Davis, titled "The effects of altered diet on the health of the Karuk people," also alarmed the students. The report estimates a shorter life span for younger generations of Native Americans living on the Klamath River. The study linked the decline of salmon to increased rates of health problems. These problems include diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression and suicide in tribes that have been dependent on wild salmon for subsistence for thousands of years.

The runners will be calling for increased water flows and the removal of the lower four Klamath River Dams as steps necessary for restoring the salmon population.

"Since the fish kill, things have only gotten worse for our salmon. That's why this year we're running all the way to Iron Gate Dam. We want to highlight the fact that dam removal is part of the solution," according to Kayla Carpenter, one of the event organizers and Brower Youth Award winner. Carpenter goes on to add that, "PacifiCorp must be held accountable for the damage their dams have caused."

The run will start on Friday the 26th at the mouth of the Klamath River beginning with a boat relay arriving at Johnson's Bar at 7 a.m. In Weitchpec, at the confluence of the Klamath and Trinity rivers, the runners will continue following the routes of the two surviving wild spring salmon runs. One group of runners will continue to the South Fork of the Trinity River, about 5 miles east of Willow Creek on HWY 299, while the other will continue North from Weitchpec on HWY 96 to Somes Bar at the mouth of the Salmon River. Day two will begin at 7 am From Somes Bar to Sara Totten Campground located 25 miles north of Happy Camp. The third day will again start at 7am to end at Iron Gate Dam.

The first day May 26th includes an Elders Dinner at the Hoopa Valley High School cafeteria beginning at 5:00 p.m. Day three of the run is estimated to end at Iron Gate on May 28 between 3:30 and 4:00 pm with a celebration and rally to honor the Klamath River Salmon. All are welcomed to attend and participate in the run and /or the rally.


Peace!

*STRIDER*

A message from Eleanor

Martha’s Vineyard is the quintessential New England vacation destination, complete with quaint villages, charming harbors, and gorgeous beaches. People seeking respite have flocked to the island for generations to be greeted by friendly Vineyarders, whose economy depends on the seasonal influx of tourists.

But the idyllic island image cloaks a sinister ritual sanctioned by local officials. Each summer, entrants in the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament hook sharks; bleed, suffocate, or repeatedly gaff them; and string them up on docks in gruesome, sometimes mocking displays—all for prizes and gory glory. Last year in 2005, some 240 boats killed approximately 2,500 sharks in the span of 3 days.

Mass shark killing contests are not only cruel, but they also target members of already imperiled populations of slow breeding and ecologically important shark species. Like whales, most species of sharks reproduce late in life—some are as old as 20 years—and give birth to few young. It can take decades for populations to recover from being killed in large numbers by fishermen.

Most shark populations are already in jeopardy. A study reported in the journal Science in 2003 estimated that all recorded shark species, with the exception of Makos, have declined by more than 50% in the previous 8 to 15 years. The situation remains dire, despite recent international efforts to protect shark species.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has assessed the conservation status of 62 species of sharks. Of these, 21 were classified as "endangered"—meaning they face a very high risk of extinction in the near future—or "vulnerable"—meaning they face a high risk of extinction in the not so distant future. The other 31 species were ranked "near threatened," indicating that their status is approaching "vulnerable."

Of the 15 shark species found in New England, home of the Monster Shark Tournament, the IUCN has classified the Smooth Dogfish as critically endangered and the White Shark as endangered. Three other species are considered vulnerable and eight are near-threatened. The population data on the remaining two species is insufficient to evaluate their conservation status.

ESPN Aggrandizes the Tournament

In 2004 and 2005, ESPN broadcast the Oak Bluffs Monster Shark Tournament as if it were a legitimate sport. Many in the nation were appalled and called on ESPN to stop aggrandizing the cruelty. The network refused.

ESPN and The Boston Big Game Fish Club has its 20th Annual tournament scheduled for July 20–22, 2006 and ESPN plans to broadcast it.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/463138991

http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=8011&pst=516345

A message from Eleanor

My dear friends - my thanks to Jessie for doing this. I have written to these creatures already and to the Herald and to the Ministers who should take responsibility for this happening on Scottish soil. I ask you to do so. Use Jessie's words and adapt them a bit or write your own, whatever is easier for you. But please tell them what you think! I still cannot believe they did it! But they did! Please do something or this next pack could suffer the same fate!

Thanks Mike for finding this and posting.


Original Message:

Ethical Treatment to Animals and Environmental Protection > Discussions > Topic: Wolf Action Alerts!

Hi all, Eleanor was contacted today by Mike W and told of this horrible murder. Please go to the group (BTW I would really like you to join us) and take as many actions as you can. I have printed the emails I have already sent to: THE PARK RESPONSIBLE THE NEWSPAPERS THE MINISTERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN SCOTLAND

I don't mind you using them (why else would I post them) but, if you do, pls try to personalise and change some things. Thanks to all for taking action. This is OUTRAGEOUS!!

Love and hugs,

Jessie

http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/ETAEP