/PRNewswire/ -- The American Humane Association urges Congress to act immediately to protect animals from abuse, in light of Monday's U.S. Supreme Court decision to invalidate federal law that prohibited videos, photographs and other depictions of acts of cruelty to animals for commercial gain. The law, the Depiction of Animal Cruelty Act, was intended to prevent the creation and sale of dogfighting, other animal fighting, and "crush" videos that show real and intentional harm to animals for "entertainment" purposes.
"Congress must take immediate action to pass legislation that protects animals from the type of horrific cruelty this law was meant to prevent," said American Humane's interim president and CEO, George C. Casey. "Deliberately killing animals for entertainment has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Americans are within their right to keep blatant animal torture and killing out of the marketplace, and the Supreme Court should have made that the priority over the supposed protections of those who take sick pleasure in this material."
"We are extremely disappointed that the Court felt it necessary to throw out a law that so obviously was intended to stop criminals from using the First Amendment to defend their horrendous and illegal behavior," Casey said. "Now we call on Congress to act quickly to remedy this unacceptable situation."
American Humane's deep concern about this ruling directly relates to the organization's mission to protect both children and animals. The connection between violence to people and violence to animals is undeniable, and many studies indicate that animal maltreatment is part of a complex constellation of family violence. While not all children who harm animals go on to become violent adults, and not all adult animal abusers necessarily harm their partners or children, there is compelling evidence to view animal abuse as a signal for potentially more, and even more violent, antisocial behaviors.
American Humane urges Americans to learn about The Link® between violence to people and violence to animals at www.americanhumane.org/link and to demand that Congress pass new legislation making it unlawful to produce, sell or own videos and other entertainment materials showing illegal acts of animal cruelty.
The case addressed by the Supreme Court's ruling is the United States of America v. Robert J. Stevens. Stevens was convicted of selling videos of dogs fighting each other and attacking other animals. The section of the law in question states: "Whoever knowingly creates, sells, or possesses a depiction of animal cruelty with the intention of placing that depiction in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 5 years or both." The exceptions are "any depiction that has serious religious, political, scientific, educational, journalistic, historical, or artistic value."
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Showing posts with label abuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label abuse. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Friday, October 30, 2009
Battered and Bruised - Abused Elephants to Be Rescued in Zimbabwe
/PRNewswire/ -- The rescue of nine cruelly abused elephants from a commercial training facility in Zimbabwe will begin on Monday, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW - www.ifaw.org) has announced.
The elephants were confiscated in April 2009 after an inspection by the Zimbabwe National Society for the Protection of Cruelty against Animals (ZNSPCA) found cruel and torturous methods were being used to "tame and train" them for the elephant back safari industry - a popular tourist activity in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in southern Africa.
The ZNSPCA requested IFAW to step in and assist in translocating the elephants to a safe haven with a view to rehabilitating the elephants and releasing them back into the wild.
"These elephants have been subjected to the most appalling cruelty, all in the name of servicing an indefensible form of safari industry," said Neil Greenwood, spokesman IFAW Southern Africa.
"In fact 10 elephants were originally caught for training. Tragically one - a young male named Dumisani - died of malnutrition and the abuse he was subjected to. Given all of this, IFAW has assembled a top team of capture experts to translocate the remaining nine elephants to safety with the least possible stress."
The elephants will be transported from a privately owned ranch in the West Nicholson area, south of Bulawayo where the elephants were being "trained," to Hwange National Park, some 700 kilometres (437 miles) further east.
The wild elephants were originally caught on protected land in October 2008. In April 2009 when the ZNSPCA inspected the training facility they discovered some of the following abuses taking place:
-- Elephants chained on one leg and being fed from a distance requiring
them to stand on three legs and strain at their chains to reach their
food. This practice was intended to enforce the dominance of the
handlers and caused severe wounds to the chained legs.
-- Restricted access to water and shade.
-- Varying degrees of wounds caused by training techniques and chaining.
-- An adult female elephant separated from her male calf causing
unnecessary stress and physical suffering to both calf and mother.
-- Chaining for long hours preventing the elephants from socialising with
each other.
The translocation of the elephants will begin on Monday afternoon, 2nd November and has been mandated by the Government of Zimbabwe. The elephants will be darted and transported in a single group to Hwange National Park overnight before being released into a large rehabilitation boma for monitoring before eventually being released into the park.
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The elephants were confiscated in April 2009 after an inspection by the Zimbabwe National Society for the Protection of Cruelty against Animals (ZNSPCA) found cruel and torturous methods were being used to "tame and train" them for the elephant back safari industry - a popular tourist activity in Zimbabwe and elsewhere in southern Africa.
The ZNSPCA requested IFAW to step in and assist in translocating the elephants to a safe haven with a view to rehabilitating the elephants and releasing them back into the wild.
"These elephants have been subjected to the most appalling cruelty, all in the name of servicing an indefensible form of safari industry," said Neil Greenwood, spokesman IFAW Southern Africa.
"In fact 10 elephants were originally caught for training. Tragically one - a young male named Dumisani - died of malnutrition and the abuse he was subjected to. Given all of this, IFAW has assembled a top team of capture experts to translocate the remaining nine elephants to safety with the least possible stress."
The elephants will be transported from a privately owned ranch in the West Nicholson area, south of Bulawayo where the elephants were being "trained," to Hwange National Park, some 700 kilometres (437 miles) further east.
The wild elephants were originally caught on protected land in October 2008. In April 2009 when the ZNSPCA inspected the training facility they discovered some of the following abuses taking place:
-- Elephants chained on one leg and being fed from a distance requiring
them to stand on three legs and strain at their chains to reach their
food. This practice was intended to enforce the dominance of the
handlers and caused severe wounds to the chained legs.
-- Restricted access to water and shade.
-- Varying degrees of wounds caused by training techniques and chaining.
-- An adult female elephant separated from her male calf causing
unnecessary stress and physical suffering to both calf and mother.
-- Chaining for long hours preventing the elephants from socialising with
each other.
The translocation of the elephants will begin on Monday afternoon, 2nd November and has been mandated by the Government of Zimbabwe. The elephants will be darted and transported in a single group to Hwange National Park overnight before being released into a large rehabilitation boma for monitoring before eventually being released into the park.
-----
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Saturday, November 29, 2008
Number of Unwanted, Abandoned Horses Rising
Problems with the economy, drought, rising costs of hay and increases in the cost of euthanasia and carcass disposal are leading to a nationwide rise in the number of unwanted, neglected or abandoned horses.
With the help of equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, horse owners and related groups, the problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide initiative by the Unwanted Horse Coalition. Everyone with an interest in the welfare of horses is asked to take a survey at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/.
The survey is phase I of the study. It will collect information from people most affected by and involved with the issue. This will help researchers learn more about the problem and possible solutions.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners says unwanted horse are "horses which are no longer wanted by their current owner because they are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, fail to meet their owner's expectations, or the owner can no longer afford or is incapable of caring for them."
By Allie Byrd
University of Georgia
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With the help of equine associations, veterinarians, breeders, horse owners and related groups, the problem of unwanted horses is being studied through a nationwide initiative by the Unwanted Horse Coalition. Everyone with an interest in the welfare of horses is asked to take a survey at http://survey.ictgroup.com/uhcsurvey/.
The survey is phase I of the study. It will collect information from people most affected by and involved with the issue. This will help researchers learn more about the problem and possible solutions.
The American Association of Equine Practitioners says unwanted horse are "horses which are no longer wanted by their current owner because they are old, injured, sick, unmanageable, fail to meet their owner's expectations, or the owner can no longer afford or is incapable of caring for them."
By Allie Byrd
University of Georgia
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Saturday, August 9, 2008
The Humane Society of the United States Applauds AAEP White Paper on Horse Soring
The Humane Society of the United States applauded recommendations set out in the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ newly released white paper, “Putting the Horse First: Veterinary Recommendations for Ending the Soring of Tennessee Walking Horses.”
The Association’s recommendations include: immediate implementation of a drug testing program at horse shows; the abolishment of the industry-run Designated Qualified Persons self-regulation program, turning inspection duties over to qualified veterinarians; 24-hour security personnel and inspectors in the stabling areas of show grounds where violations are known to occur; and the establishment of much more severe penalties for Horse Protection Act violations than in the past.
“The soring of Tennessee Walking Horses is one of the most egregious forms of equine abuse and it is time for it to be brought to an end”, said Keith Dane, director of equine protection for The Humane Society of the United States. “Ending soring is a top priority of The HSUS and the AAEP paper echoes many of the same concerns we’ve raised and the changes we’ve been recommending. We are very pleased that AAEP has taken a stand for the welfare of the horse and believe its influence will be a valuable asset in the continued fight to end soring. We urge the Walking Horse industry to immediately end the cruel treatment of its horses.”
Soring involves the use of caustic chemicals, chains and other irritants on the legs of Tennessee Walking Horses and other gaited breeds, causing severe pain and forcing an exaggerated, high stepping gait. Soring is considered so cruel that, in 1970, Congress passed the Horse Protection Act giving the U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to inspect horses at shows and other venues for signs of soring. While the HPA was intended to eliminate soring, inadequate funding and spotty enforcement of the law has allowed widespread soring to continue.
Because USDA does not have the funding to attend every show, the agency created the Horse Industry Organization program of self-regulation, which allows trained civilians, known as Designated Qualified Persons, to conduct inspections at shows. Many of the DQPs are directly involved in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and The HSUS has long criticized the effectiveness of the HIO program, calling it a case of “the fox watching the henhouse.” The AAEP white paper cites similar concerns with the DQP program and calls for its abolishment.
In addition to the Horse Protection Act, there are several state laws that prohibit soring. Currently, The HSUS is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction under Tennessee's anti-soring statute. Earlier this year, The HSUS and other horse industry groups formed The Alliance to End Soring to work with the USDA, Congress and Tennessee Walking Horse industry stakeholders to advocate for increased enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and raise public awareness of the pervasive use of soring in the industry.
In 2006, the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn., failed to name a World Grand Champion when most of the finalists were disqualified for violations of the federal Horse Protection Act.
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The Association’s recommendations include: immediate implementation of a drug testing program at horse shows; the abolishment of the industry-run Designated Qualified Persons self-regulation program, turning inspection duties over to qualified veterinarians; 24-hour security personnel and inspectors in the stabling areas of show grounds where violations are known to occur; and the establishment of much more severe penalties for Horse Protection Act violations than in the past.
“The soring of Tennessee Walking Horses is one of the most egregious forms of equine abuse and it is time for it to be brought to an end”, said Keith Dane, director of equine protection for The Humane Society of the United States. “Ending soring is a top priority of The HSUS and the AAEP paper echoes many of the same concerns we’ve raised and the changes we’ve been recommending. We are very pleased that AAEP has taken a stand for the welfare of the horse and believe its influence will be a valuable asset in the continued fight to end soring. We urge the Walking Horse industry to immediately end the cruel treatment of its horses.”
Soring involves the use of caustic chemicals, chains and other irritants on the legs of Tennessee Walking Horses and other gaited breeds, causing severe pain and forcing an exaggerated, high stepping gait. Soring is considered so cruel that, in 1970, Congress passed the Horse Protection Act giving the U.S. Department of Agriculture authority to inspect horses at shows and other venues for signs of soring. While the HPA was intended to eliminate soring, inadequate funding and spotty enforcement of the law has allowed widespread soring to continue.
Because USDA does not have the funding to attend every show, the agency created the Horse Industry Organization program of self-regulation, which allows trained civilians, known as Designated Qualified Persons, to conduct inspections at shows. Many of the DQPs are directly involved in the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and The HSUS has long criticized the effectiveness of the HIO program, calling it a case of “the fox watching the henhouse.” The AAEP white paper cites similar concerns with the DQP program and calls for its abolishment.
In addition to the Horse Protection Act, there are several state laws that prohibit soring. Currently, The HSUS is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction under Tennessee's anti-soring statute. Earlier this year, The HSUS and other horse industry groups formed The Alliance to End Soring to work with the USDA, Congress and Tennessee Walking Horse industry stakeholders to advocate for increased enforcement of the Horse Protection Act and raise public awareness of the pervasive use of soring in the industry.
In 2006, the annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration in Shelbyville, Tenn., failed to name a World Grand Champion when most of the finalists were disqualified for violations of the federal Horse Protection Act.
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Monday, January 21, 2008
NEWNAN-COWETA HUMANE SOCIETY AND AMERICA'S GIVING CHALLENGE SPONSORED BY PARADE
The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization chartered February 27, 1975. Our mission and dedication is to prevent euthanasia of homeless animals in animal control facilities and to fight against animal cruelty and abuse.
The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society works very hard to carry out our mission and dedication. We post pictures and videos of the pets at local kill shelters on our two websites (http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and http://www.shelterrescue.petfinder.com/), host a local cable TV show called "Adopt-A-Pet" filmed at Coweta County Animal Control featuring the homeless pets at that shelter, hold fundraisers to help pay for medical costs of rescued pets and hold local adoptions to find our rescued foster pets forever homes.
We also help educate the public to the importance of spaying/neutering pets to help prevent pet over population, how to be a responsible pet owner and safety tips to follow for pet safety by visiting local schools and public announcements.
By having a strong partnership with Bark Busters and our local Bark Busters dog behavioralists, Barry and Jessica Sechler, we have gone a step further in helping homeless pets. Many pets are surrendered to kill shelters because of behavioral problems resulting in frustration and giving up on the pet on the part of the pet owner. Bark Busters is a vital member of our team because we have become better foster parents resulting in well-behaved foster pets who are more easily adopted and when we receive calls or emails from people not wanting to give up on their pets because of behavioral problems, we know who to call!
Despite all that we are doing, many homeless pets still need our help and we are up for the challenge but we need your assistance! We are asking for your help in winning a $50,000 grant to be awarded by Parade.com as part of America's Giving Challenge. The eight groups with the highest number of donors giving at least $10 win a $50,000 grant from Parade.com and the Case Foundation!
Go to http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and click on the big orange "donate" button on our charity badge. (Note: You may need to click more than once). ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS DONATE $10 by clicking on our charity badge to make a HUGE difference in the lives of homeless animals!!!
Please......help us to help them.
The Newnan-Coweta Humane Society works very hard to carry out our mission and dedication. We post pictures and videos of the pets at local kill shelters on our two websites (http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and http://www.shelterrescue.petfinder.com/), host a local cable TV show called "Adopt-A-Pet" filmed at Coweta County Animal Control featuring the homeless pets at that shelter, hold fundraisers to help pay for medical costs of rescued pets and hold local adoptions to find our rescued foster pets forever homes.
We also help educate the public to the importance of spaying/neutering pets to help prevent pet over population, how to be a responsible pet owner and safety tips to follow for pet safety by visiting local schools and public announcements.
By having a strong partnership with Bark Busters and our local Bark Busters dog behavioralists, Barry and Jessica Sechler, we have gone a step further in helping homeless pets. Many pets are surrendered to kill shelters because of behavioral problems resulting in frustration and giving up on the pet on the part of the pet owner. Bark Busters is a vital member of our team because we have become better foster parents resulting in well-behaved foster pets who are more easily adopted and when we receive calls or emails from people not wanting to give up on their pets because of behavioral problems, we know who to call!
Despite all that we are doing, many homeless pets still need our help and we are up for the challenge but we need your assistance! We are asking for your help in winning a $50,000 grant to be awarded by Parade.com as part of America's Giving Challenge. The eight groups with the highest number of donors giving at least $10 win a $50,000 grant from Parade.com and the Case Foundation!
Go to http://www.shelterrescue.org/ and click on the big orange "donate" button on our charity badge. (Note: You may need to click more than once). ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS DONATE $10 by clicking on our charity badge to make a HUGE difference in the lives of homeless animals!!!
Please......help us to help them.
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