animals TODAY

Pig ‘Welfare’ Code Egypt Investigation Sea Shepherd ... and much more!

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007

The magazine speaking up for all animals animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007

Examination of the review processes reveals We’ve been conditioned by past generations that, despite what government and industry to accept the eating of animals. Yet more and would like the public to believe, they had little more we are learning of the health impacts to do with animal welfare. Rather, the priority connected to the consumption of animals, has been for the ‘welfare’ of industry operators. the impact of animal agriculture on the envi- ronment, and the suffering of animals in the Does government have a responsibility to production and slaughter process. We know consider the welfare of the millions of non- that we don’t have to eat animals to survive or voting Australian animals in this country? The to be healthy, meaning that the tremendous answer is yes – both legislatively and ethically. suffering inherent in the production of ‘food’ However, for as long as the responsibility for animals is totallly unnecessary. It becomes a the welfare of agricultural animals is deter- personal choice , and with that choice comes mined by Primary Industries Ministers – whose repercussions for animals, humans and the main interest is the furthering of rural indus- environment that few people are willing to tries - there is no prospect of animal welfare acknowledge. being given appropriate consideration. This ‘conflict of conscience’ has played a Directions... It is impossible not to acknowledge the com- significant role in assisting governments and mon denominator regarding those animals industries to reduce ‘food’ animals to the During the past seven years Animals Australia whom our legislation is failing to protect: They status of ‘commodities’ in our legislation. ‘Out has been involved in two government reviews are the ones that we call ‘food’. of sight, out of mind’ is a convenient mind set of Codes of Practice relating to intensive for producers, consumers and governments. animal industries – the battery hen review in Paul McCartney once said that if slaugh- 2001 and more recently the review of the pig terhouses had glass walls the world would There is no doubt that within the range of Code of Practice. be vegetarian. I believe that he is not far off human thought we see represented an entire the truth. And what does that tell us about spectrum of opinion: from those who believe The outcomes of both reviews have been humanity? That somewhere deep down we that animals are here solely to benefit human- nothing short of tragic for Australian animals. have a conflict of conscience. ity to those who believe that our role on this planet is that of guardian, carer, or equal. Amidst such diverse human opinion, what is clear is that, when it comes to suffering, an animal’s ability to suffer is no different from Contents our own. We have ethically determined that we have the responsibility to legislatively Pig ‘Welfare’ Code: It was Never About the Pigs… 4 protect some species from harm - we must now accept that we have the responsibility to SaveBabe.com Update 5 protect all species from harm. In Brief 6 Recent positive international developments Animals Australia Investigation: Why we had to Re-visit Egypt 7 - such as the announcement by the world’s Promoting Animal Rights by Promoting Reform 10 largest pig producer, US-based Smithfield Foods, that it will voluntarily phase-out sow Why the Caged Bird Sings 11 stalls and Burger King’s (US) decision to source Edgar’s Mission: Interview with Pam Ahern 12 eggs and pork products from more welfare- friendly systems - reveal that thankfully the Sea Shepherd: Chasing the Whalers 16 path to change is not dependant on the Interview with Steven White 18 decisions of politicians; rather, it lies within the power of consumers expressing their con- Ticks & Crosses 20 demnation of animal cruelty through making Reviews 21 compassionate and cruelty-free choices. Piper’s Page 22 Member Societies and Acknowledgements 23 Glenys

Glenys Oogjes, Executive Director

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY  Pig ‘Welfare’ Code It was never about the pigs…

The disappointing outcome of the pig ‘welfare’ Code review provides further proof of the complete political disregard for animal welfare, and the close alliance between government and cruel animal industries in Australia.

On April 20th the Primary Industries The Code recognises that: “the Ministerial Council (PIMC) consisting of state basic requirement for the welfare primary industries ministers and Federal of pigs is a husbandry system, agriculture Minister Peter McGauran rubber- managed by trained and skilled stamped recommendations that will allow stock-people, appropriate to the cruel confinement of over a million pregnant pigs’ physical, health and and mother sows for the next decade. behavioural needs”.

An examination of this government-led The Code recognises that one review process reveals its total disregard for of the basic needs of pigs is the community opinion, international precedents, ‘opportunity to display appropriate Farrowing Crate compassion and ethics. The review process patterns of behaviour’. disregarded even the pre-eminent pig welfare science that underpinned the phase out of Not even the most consummate politician Whilst we are outraged by this further sow stalls in the EU. could argue that sow stalls or farrowing crates confirmation of the political disregard for provide for pigs’ behavioural needs – and yet the welfare of production animals, thankfully The brazen nature of the government/industry PIMC Ministers voted to continue to allow this is one cruel animal industry that doesn’t alliance is further revealed by the PIMC deci- them, confirming that this review was never require the intervention of government to sion which shamelessly ignored the welfare about the welfare of pigs, but about the bring it to its knees. requirements stated in preliminary of the ‘Code’. welfare of industry operators. Consumer pressure has been responsible for recent positive developments in the US – including the world’s largest pig producer, The new Code will continue to permit: Smithfield Foods, which is three times the size of the entire Australian pig industry, announc- ing that it will voluntarily phase out sow stalls • The keeping of sows in stalls so small they cannot turn around, for up to the entire 16 over the next 10 years. A week later the largest weeks of each pregnancy, for a further ten years; Canadian pork producer Maple Leaf followed • The use of ‘farrowing crates’, again, so small that the sow cannot take more than a suit. step forward or back and not turn around or properly interact with her piglets; The key to change for pigs in Australia rests • The tail-docking of piglets without any pain relief; not with politicians, but with every member • The teeth-clipping of piglets without any pain relief; of the community who cares about animal welfare refusing to financially support this • The castration of male piglets without any pain relief; cruel confinement of breeding pigs. • The lack of any requirement for bedding, nesting material for sows, or manipulable materials for these curious animals; This appalling and unjustifiable government decision provides savebabe.com with greater • No requirement for fibrous food for pregnant sows such that their hunger is chronic. ammunition than ever before! •

 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 SaveBabe.com Update

Since the launch of savebabe.com in 2004, Our Pro Pig Pledge initiative has been hugely an Australian animal protection organisation our campaign to highlight the plight of successful, with more than 30,000 caring resulted in the homing of 42 piglets who millions of Australian pigs and to change Australians making the Pro Pig Pledge not would otherwise have lived short, miserable the way these curious, intelligent animals to support the cruelty of factory-farming by lives in factory farms. We were also delighted live has reached many hundreds of opting to buy only free-range pork – or not to to be involved in the making of ‘Where are thousands of consumers around Australia. buy pork at all! Individually, these Pledgers are they now?’, a bonus feature on the world- making a huge difference to the lives of indi- wide release of the Charlotte’s Web DVD. Our vidual animals – together, message that pigs are they are sending a clear intelligent, curious, The overwhelming message that informed delightful animals will response to these animals’ Australians will not tolerate be heard by millions of cruelty, however disguised it people throughout the plight has been shock— may be by glossy marketing world – and we hope people simply don’t know and packaging! that many of them that behind the closed will think twice about We are also delighted to where pork, bacon and doors of factory-farms have been involved in a ham come from; pigs and behind the glossy somewhat unlikely partner- who, just like Wilbur’ ship – when savebabe.com ‘don’t want to die’! marketing and packaging teamed up with Hollywood of pork products millions of film studio Paramount Dakota Fanning with Pam Ahern & Wilbur Our savebabe.com Pictures to help pigs! We at the premiere of Charlotte’s Web campaign is going pigs are subject to terrible were thrilled to be involved from strength to suffering. in homing the 42 piglets used to play ‘Wilbur’ strength, and we hope that you will help us in the Hollywood blockbuster version of to inform even more people about the plight E.B. White’s classic story Charlotte’s Web. This of Australian pigs. You can do this in many But by educating consumers, savebabe.com unlikely partner- ways; donate to our campaign to fund further is changing the way these animals live. ship between a advertising, ask us for a free Action Pack with Through our innovative ‘rec- Hollywood film heaps of campaign material to make it easier ipe’ advertising campaign studio and to do more, donate your time and become which ran in national a Pro TAKEPig Volunteer ACTION! or buy a savebabe.com newspapers across t-shirt for yourself or a friend. And if you’re Australia and our ‘It’s not not already a member of Animals Australia, natural’ billboard campaign, we would be delighted to welcome you to we have informed hundreds our growing voice – please join us in our call of thousands of consumers to change our relationship with animals from that they have the power to one of misunderstanding and exploitation to change how these animals one of understanding and compassion. live. Each and every one of us, through our shopping habits, Thank you to everyone who has supported can change the lives of these savebabe.com. Together, we are changing the animals from one of misery to way these animals live! • one of simple pleasures. ‘Recipe’ advertising campaign

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY  In Brief...

Tasmanian Rodeos Update Animals Australia Conference 2006 Annual Conference 2007 – Adelaide (and correction) A large audience at Trinity College (University —open to the public for the first time! Despite calls for a ban - sparked by a number of Melbourne) heard key speakers address The inspiring presentations by speakers at the of deaths and injuries - on rodeos during broad ranging topics such as the need for 2006 conference led to a unanimous decision the 2006 rodeo season, Tasmanian Minister zoos to design habitat to benefit animals by the AA Executive to open future confer- Llewellyn has instead decided to introduce rather than visitors, animal welfare science, ences to the public. Speakers for the October a Code of Practice (called a Standard in the difficulties of reforming and enforcing 2007 Conference are still being confirmed, Tasmania), and make it mandatory to have animal welfare legislation (from the view of a but for the first time will include international a veterinarian in attendance. Following Government officer and an RSPCA inspector), speakers. We can confirm at this stage that the the recent decision to ban electric prods Australians assisting animal welfare programs President of Egypt’s leading animal protec- at the Sydney Royal Show rodeo and the in third world countries (the Winsome tion organisation, the extraordinary Amina SA Government’s ban on the small electric Constance Kindness Trust and ‘Vets Without Abaza, will travel to Adelaide to talk about the prod from rodeo sites, AA had requested Borders’), and some of the inspiring campaign challenges of pioneering an animal welfare the Minister also prohibit electric prods at issues of AA and its member groups. movement in her country. Tasmanian rodeos (due to ongoing misuse), but he has so far failed to do so. Wildlife in Peril – After an address by If you wish to reserve your seat for the confer- Maryland Wilson of the Australian Wildlife ence please register your interest by contact- Cruelty charges were recently proved against Protection Council, the meeting endorsed ing the office (03 9329 6333, or a Tasmanian rodeo worker in regard to the a call for significant wildlife corridors to be [email protected]). bull ‘After Dark’ - which was severely injured at established across Australia to enable disparate the Carrick Bull Ride (as reported in AT 14/1) native animal populations to remain viable, and but not immediately euthanased. a further requirement that all new planning applications require an environmental impact We reported in the last edition of AT that statement to ensure the protection of wildlife an injured horse at the Ulverstone (Tas) habitat and the welfare of native animals. rodeo lay for 40 minutes before being killed. Information subsequently received indicates A new President – We are pleased to advise this information was incorrect and that the that Joy Verrinder was elected as President horse was immediately restrained and then of Animals Australia at the AGM. Joy is a euthanased by an attending veterinarian. former Secondary School Vice-Principal from Queensland, and is currently the Strategic This incident demonstrated the importance Development Officer at the Animal Welfare of having a veterinarian onsite at all rodeos League Qld. Last year Joy co-organised the (there was no veterinarian at the 2006 Carrick first Pet Overpopulation Summit to be held Bull Ride) and a requirement that seriously in Australia. Yvette Watt (an artist and lecturer Thanks to Bio-Distributors, injured animals are killed in situ (if necessary). at University of Tasmania) of Against Animal Biodynamic & Organic Wholesalers of Regrettably this does not always occur – as Cruelty Tasmania was elected AA’s Vice Tasmania for their sponsorship of this demonstrated at two other rodeos in SA President. Joy and Yvette replace Dominique issue of Animals Today. where horses with broken legs were dragged Thiriet and Mark Pearson respectively, both www.biodistributors.com.au of whom have contributed greatly in these off the arena while still alive at the Two Wells ph/fax 03 6491 1439 (2005) and Marrabel (2004) rodeos. important office bearer roles over many years. Cynthia Burnett continues on as AA Secretary.

The AA Team Grows

Through the generosity of two wonder- Alexis Lacy, who previously worked with magazine!), and has volunteered hundreds of ful benefactors (Shirley Brine and Judy Advocates for Animals in Scotland, has been hours of her time over the past 12 months. We Cambridge) AA has been able to welcome a welcome addition to our team for the have now employed Karen two days a week in some fabulous new additions to our staff. past eight months whilst Lexy and husband recognition of the many different areas where Mike were enjoying an extended stay in her design skills can contribute to our work. Late last year we were joined by solicitor Dr Melbourne. We are very grateful to Lexy for Malcolm Caulfield as our new Legal Counsel. her contribution and wish her and Mike well Laura Krause has joined the AA team as cam- Malcolm had helped us on a pro-bono basis for on their continued travels and adventure. paign co-ordinator after contributing her skills several years, particularly with the ‘Al Kuwait’ and time on a voluntary basis. Laura is passion- live export case in Western Australia. He now Animals Australia’s campaigning outreach ate about animal welfare, is multi-skilled and works for us from his home in Launceston has been significantly boosted through the has a degree in marketing and communica- which he shares with his wife Dr Heather brilliant design skills of Karen Nilsen. Karen tions. After traveling the world with fiance Cambridge (a veterinarian) who also generously is responsible for the design of our campaign Nick, we are very pleased that they have now assists AA with scientific and veterinary advice. emails and monthly e-Update (and this decided to make Melbourne their home.  animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 Animals Australia Investigation

Why we had to re-visit Egypt

The decision by Federal Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran to suspend the live export trade to Egypt in February 2006 was perhaps the most significant political decision ever made in Australia in response to animal welfare concerns.

Would Minister McGauran have made this decision had he not known that 60 Minutes was going to air that night revealing the full horrors of a Cairo abattoir that the Minister had stated had been dramatically improved due to Australian industry intervention? Probably not. Political embarrassment appears to be a greater motivating factor than evidence of animal cruelty.

For the first time interviews were requested with animal Local Egyptian with a live Australian sheep advocates in Egypt—and importantly for the first time & Animals Australia Director, Lyn White the barbaric practices in Egyptian slaughterhouses—

long denied by the Egyptian government and Egypt was already more profitable to Australia veterinary authority were exposed. that the live trade, proving that the supply of live animals was unnecessary.

The answer lies, as it does with all agricultural The evidence to support this statement lies in the first time animal advocates in Egypt were animal cruelty, in the leverage that rural the government’s decision to reopen the live interviewed by leading media outlets, and, industries have over governments – the threat trade to Egypt, despite evidence of the brutal importantly, the endemic barbaric practices of losing the ‘rural vote’. treatment of animals that is commonplace in in Egyptian slaughterhouses - long denied this country, despite the pleas of the leading by the Egyptian government and veterinary Throughout 2006 Animals Australia met on a Egyptian animal protection group SPARE not authority - were exposed. number of occasions with Minister McGauran to send further animals into the country, and and other senior government staff. Political despite overwhelming public opposition to Rural vote more important than lobbying on behalf of animals is a fascinating this trade. animal welfare and mass public and frustrating experience because one wit- opposition nesses first-hand the battle between personal SPARE (Society for the Protection of Animal Why, then, would the Howard Government conscience and political/party alliances. In Rights Egypt) witnessed first-hand the determine it appropriate to send further the end, as in this case, issues of conscience results of one nation taking a stand against animals into Egypt? Even with its ongoing and justice are disregarded even when the the barbaric treatment of animals in Egypt: support of the live trade why not simply truth is not in debate, and priority is given to the Australian suspension of the live trade stamp the ‘troublesome’ Egypt as being no making decisions most relevant to winning made animal welfare a leading news item on longer a destination for Australian animals? re-election. Egyptian television and in the print media. For After all, Australia’s chilled meat trade with

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY  Memorandum of Understanding of Australian livestock exported to Egypt will the first shipment of sheep exported to The cruelty witnessed in Egypt by Animals be protected in line with agreed international Egypt since the re-opening of the trade was Australia’s Communication Director Lyn White standards.” imported specifically for distribution during was so extreme that the Howard Government the Eid-al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) religious knew the public who had seen the footage Flaws of MOU outlined by festival. During this festival -which is part of of cattle tendon cutting and eye stabbing Animals Australia the Hajj – Muslims purchase live animals and would not simply accept a reopening of However, during meetings with Minister slaughter them on the morning of the Eid as a the live animal export trade with Egypt. The McGauran and senior department officials re-enactment of the story of Abraham in the Government’s answer was to negotiate a Animals Australia conveyed that the absence Old Testament. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with of animal protection laws in Egypt meant Egypt wherein the Egyptian government that the Egyptian government had no ability Realising there was little chance that the committed to treat all imported Australian to enforce compliance with these minimal Australian government would keep its own animals in accordance with international standards. Furthermore, we highlighted that end of the ‘bargain’ in the MOU – that it would standards. The international standards referred Australian sheep are primarily imported into monitor all initial shipments for compliance to in the MOU are OIE (World Animal Health Egypt for public distribution during religious with the MOU – a decision was made to send Authority) standards which provide very basic festivals for home slaughter; such widespread Animals Australia’s Lyn White back to Egypt to guidelines as to acceptable treatment of distribution of animals has the obvious end document the treatment of this shipment of animals. result that there is no possibility that the animals and determine MOU compliance. conditions of the MOU could be implemented In publicly announcing the signing of the or enforced. Lyn once again joined forces with the MOU and the re-opening of the trade with wonderful UK-based independent investiga- Egypt Minister McGauran said, “Egypt has Despite the acknowledgement by govern- tor whom we cannot name to ensure his provided assurances that the health and welfare ment officials of Animals Australia’s concerns, on-going safety in his work. To this man we owe a debt of gratitude.

Eid-al-Adha— The following international a festival of animal suffering (OIE) animal handling Over 4 days and nights Lyn and her partner standards agreed to in documented the purchase of Australian sheep the MOU were continually from 7 different selling outlets around Cairo. breached in Egypt: Nine hours of footage was obtained show- ing sheep being trussed with rope, dragged aggressively by one leg to buyer’s vehicles Transport vehicles to have ventilation • and shoved into boots of cars. On many and bedding (3.7.3.4), and animals to occasions two or more sheep were loaded have room in a vehicle to adopt a normal lying position (3.7.3.6) into car boots for journeys of up to two hours to neighbouring cities. Investigators • People loading animals to do it without documented three trussed sheep loaded onto noise or force or harassment (3.7.3.7) the roof racks of a vehicle and followed the vehicle and the struggling sheep along the • Ramps and unloading races to be main Autostraad in Cairo. available and used (3.7.5.3) to avoid escape, fear and injury. One major selling point near Bassatin abattoir offered a ‘delivery’ service for bulk buys of • Painful procedures, physical force, sheep resulting in trucks with trussed sheep implements not to be used to move packed in on their backs with their legs in the animals (3.7.3.7) air packed like sardines for deliveries. All of the treatment documented was in clear breach of • The throwing or dropping of animals, the MOU. or their lifting or dragging by body parts… tails, head, horns, ears, limbs, “It is extremely unlikely that Egyptians even wool, hair etc, not permitted. (3.7.5.2) knew of the existence of the MOU. It has not been reported in the Egyptian media – the • Conscious animals not to be thrown or one avenue that the government could dragged (3.7.5.2) have taken to ensure that local people knew that the abuses of sheep that we witnessed Methods of restraint causing avoidable • should not be occurring,” said AA’s investiga- suffering… should not be used on tor Lyn White “There were clearly no welfare conscious animals because they cause ‘limitations’ on completing a sale. It someone severe pain and stress wanted four sheep and had a small car, they would find a way to pack the trussed and terrified animals into the vehicle.”  animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 The events on the day of the Eid, and the days The truth—and the betrayal region which is yet to acknowledge humani- preceeding it, are not ones that anyone who Despite Animals Australia’s investigation ty’s moral obligations to animals. Similarly, cares about animals would wish to witness. documenting extensive evidence of Egypt’s Australia’s willingness to trade with member On the night preceding the Eid animals are clear disregard for the conditions of the nations of the OIE (World Animal Health tied to lamp poles on footpaths or in drive- MOU (and thus also the World Animal Health Organisation) which have failed to meet basic ways throughout Cairo awaiting their dreadful Organisation/OIE Guidelines), and against the OIE standards for the handling, transport and fate the next day. advice of the Australian Veterinary Association slaughter of animals undermines the ability of and all major international the OIE to encourage countries to raise their animal protection groups, animal welfare standards. Minister McGauran has stated that Australia will This investigation revealed the truth; that the continue to export animals Howard Government had simply used the to Egypt. MOU as the door opener to get past com- munity concerns. It was all about trade – not The negative consequences about animal welfare. When put to the test for animals of this decision with evidence of a worthless MOU and the are significant. severe welfare repercussions for Australian animals – the Howard Government failed The only power contained miserably, prioritising profits over welfare.• within an intergovern- mental MOU relates to the perceived consequences Watch the investigation videos at by either party of non- www.LiveExport-Indefensible.com compliance. The Howard Government’s willingness On the morning of the Eid Animals Australia to ignore Egypt’s disregard of the MOU por- investigators left their hotel at 4.30 am know- trays an equal disregard for the importance of ing the sacrificial slaughter would start after animal welfare. Egypt knows it has nothing to morning prayers. An Egyptian who professed fear through continued non-compliance. WA Live Export to be an importer of Australian sheep had Cruelty Trial invited Lyn and her partner to witness him Furthermore, the signing of MOUs with five slaughter Australian sheep at his premises. The Middle Eastern importing nations regarding More than 3 years after Animals Australia slaughter area was the quadrangle of a shop- the (guaranteed) unloading of Australian lodged a complaint that a live export ship- ping centre which turned to a sea of blood as animals has been used to reassure the public ment of sheep to the Middle East breached investigators documented Australian sheep that a Cormo Express type disaster could not the WA Animal Welfare Act, the matter being brutally slaughtered. again occur. Their joint disregard by Australia was heard in an 8 day trial in the Perth and Egypt of this intergovernmental MOU Magistrates Court in February. At the same location the appalling final reveals how little confidence can be placed minutes of a terrified young bull were docu- in any MOU’s effectiveness and exhibits that WA live exporter Emanuel Pty Ltd and two of its directors were charged with breach- mented. The treatment of this animal was one signatories can confidently disregard such ing Section 19 (1) of the WA Animal Welfare of the worst abuses of an animal investigators agreements without fearing repercussions. Act; a person must not be cruel to an had documented. Whilst in Egypt investiga- animal, S.19 (3) (a) transporting an animal in tors documented at three different loca- The message from politicians to an Australian a way that is likely to cause it harm; (3) (b) tions cattle having their tendons slashed to community increasingly disturbed by confining an animal in a way that is likely to disable them prior to slaughter. Although no Australia’s involvement in the live export trade cause it unnecessary harm and (3) (d) not Australian cattle have as yet been sent back to is to repeat live export industry propaganda; providing proper food. Egypt, the results of this investigation showed that through our involvement in the trade we that this barbaric method of ‘controlling’ can influence improvements in animal welfare Whilst we are of course hopeful of a ‘guilty’ cattle is routine and considered completely in importing countries. There is no evidence verdict which would have immediate acceptable. to support this proposition despite three repercussions for live exporters, regard- decades of Australian industry and govern- less of the outcome the information and “I had heard that on the morning of the Eid ment involvement in the Middle East. evidence presented during the trial will the streets of Cairo flow with blood. I didn’t provide crucial support for our calls for this think for a moment that this could be true. Indeed, contrary to this claim Australia’s industry to end. Much to my dismay I was soon to learn that willingness to supply animals leads those who this was an accurate portrayal of this terrible purchase, handle, transport and slaughter The magistrate’s verdict was due to be day. In every street crowds were gathering Australian animals throughout the region to delivered on 23rd April. However, she has watching animals being slaughtered on believe that as a nation we approve of their delayed her verdict . At the time of going footpaths and driveways.” treatment of animals. No more counterpro- to print we are awaiting notification of a ductive a message could be provided to a new date.

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY  The Longest Journey Begins With a Single Step: Promoting Animal Rights by Promoting Reform

By Peter Singer & Bruce Friedrich

In recent years, there has been an odd concessions made by the fast food industry controversy in animal rights circles as some leave much to be desired. But would animals activists fight against welfare reforms for be better off and liberation further along if farmed animals. A few groups have gone so the animals suffer more while we fight for the far as to argue against campaigns for better ultimate goal? Of course not. slaughter practices for chickens, better living Australian battery hen farm conditions for hens, and have even picketed If one were to believe what those who Whole Foods for trying to make living and oppose welfare campaigns are saying, one dying conditions better for the animals they might imagine that before these reforms, be able to walk? Would you prefer to be hung sell. We find this to be both curious and coun- large numbers of people were refusing to upside-down by your feet and then scalded terproductive to the goal of animal liberation eat meat, but now they have decided that, to death or lose consciousness when the that we all share. because animals are not treated so badly, crate you are in passes through a controlled they can eat meat again. That is not the case, atmosphere stunner? If, as we all believe, each Not only is it possible to work for liberation of course. Rather than salve consciences, individual animal deserves to have her inter- while supporting incremental change, such passage of the AWA and HSA, as well as the ests considered as an individual, then welfare change is inevitable as we move toward advance of the fast food campaigns, have improvements are good. We can’t ignore the this goal. The vast majority of people, if they placed the issue of cruelty to farmed animals vast suffering of these billions of animals for care about animals, will support incremental before millions of people as an important some hypothetical future goal. improvements, even if the increments do societal issue. That can only help to advance not liberate the animals. People are likely to the day we’re all striving toward. Conclusion: Whose Side Are You On? progress in a way that causes particularly Fast food campaigns and the campaign to abusive systems to be improved or eliminated As another example, look at countries where ban battery cages, which have been heavily before full animal liberation is achieved. animals have no protection from slaughter supported by the hard work of tens of thou- by the most inhumane methods. Sadly, these sands of grassroots activists, have improved If society says that animals have no rights or countries also have few vegans and animal the lives and deaths of tens of millions of interests at all, moving from that mentality rights sympathizers. If the anti-welfare reform animals. As the industries shift, the improve- to complete liberation will be impossible. camp were right, one would expect them to ments will apply to billions every year. As just However, once society understands apes, have more vegetarians than countries like one example, the stocking density changes chickens, pigs and other animals have some Britain, where animals are better protected. for hens in the USA, although meager, mean interests that must be respected, that certain that conditions have gone from 20 percent things are not okay, the view of animals in The Philosophy of Animal Liberation annual death rates to two to three percent society will change, and bigger changes Demands That We Work for and annual death rates; for all of the animals, this become possible. Now that some of the Support Reforms is a marked improvement. Transport and world’s largest corporations are saying, “Yes, Put yourself in a chicken’s place today: Would slaughter standards for chickens are also a U.S. animals can suffer; this is a real concern,” you prefer to live in the horror you’re in, first, and are improving lives and deaths for suddenly the discussion has moved to our bred to grow seven times more quickly than millions of animals annually—billions once playing field. The philosophical argument natural so that your bones splinter and your the entire industry is forced to shift. granting chickens freedom from battery organs collapse, or would you prefer to be cages also logically demands that we cease to able to live without chronic pain? Would you People who denigrate the improvements exploit them for our own ends. prefer to live your life crammed into a small that the fast food corporations have imple- cage, unable to lift your wings, build a nest, or mented are not, we suspect, reading the In the USA, the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), the do almost anything else that you would like industry journals, which are filled with anger Humane Slaughter Act (HSA) and the recent to do, or would you prefer to, at the very least, that the animal rights movement has forced

10 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 Why the Caged by Sarah Evans Bird Sings

For many people, the bird is a symbol of a higher freedom we long for. We dream of being like a bird, to ‘soar like an eagle’, ‘be free birds is evidenced in the famous line ‘A robin as a bird’ and ‘have wings like a dove’. redbreast in a cage puts all of heaven in a rage’ (Auguries of Innocence) and in the poem We have a wishful envy of the bird’s ability to “Song: How sweet I roamed from field to field”. seemingly fly away from everyday trou- William wondered if we imagined ourselves in bles, safe in the blue skies and somehow a similar circumstance would we still continue untouched by earthly hardships. How cruel to imprison birds in cages. it is then, that we snatch them from their home - the sky - and imprison them in cages. Sri Chimoy said, ‘What is joy? It is a bird that we all want to catch, it is the same bird that It was in ancient Egypt that birds were first we all love to see flying’. caged, prized for their beauty and mystery (The History of Birds as Pets http://ecol.web- Shouldn’t our love for birds allow them the point.com/pets/birdhist.htm). Sadly, they freedom to be the free spirits that they are? have since been seen as popular companion I believe we should simply be contented by animals. their presence in the sky, the trees and our backyards. Their song, beauty and freedom According to the Australian Bureau of would then be all around us. • Statistics, there are more birds kept as them to improve conditions. Nor are they companion animals in Australia than dogs putting themselves in the place of the and cats put together. Whereas cats or dogs animals involved, whose living and dying generally have some choice over their com- I know why the caged bird sings conditions have improved. It’s instructive, ings and goings, birds are held in a confined The free bird leaps perhaps, to look at who agrees and who space, forced to hobble on two legs and On the back of the wind disagrees. Those who oppose the reforms wonder what it might be like to fly with And floats downstream implemented by Burger King and the oth- wings that now hang uselessly at their sides. Till the current ends ers include the National Chicken Council, And dips his wing In the orange sun rays the National Pork Producers’ Council, and The caged bird is not a happy one. It is often And dares to claim the sky every other meat industry and anti-animal depressed and angry, exhibiting destructive trade group. mood swings as one would expect when But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage denied the ability to participate in natural Can seldom see through his bars of rage His wings are clipped and We understand the appeal of battle cries behaviours such as flying, choosing a mate, such as “not bigger cages, but empty His feet are tied belonging to a flock, building nests and dust So he opens his throat to sing cages.” But a bit of comfort and stimulation bathing (Captured or Captive Bred Birds for an animal who will be in that cage her http://www.peta.org/mc/factsheet_display. The caged bird sings With fearful trill of the things unknown whole life is something worth fighting for, asp?ID=32). The mental suffering that captiv- even as we demand empty cages. Not But longed for still ity causes some birds can result in abnormal And its tune is heard only is it the best thing for the animals in behaviours such as feather plucking, exces- On the distant hill for the caged bird the cages, it’s also the best thing for animal sive vocalisation, fear and aggression (Louise Sings of freedom liberation. It’s another stepping stone on Perin Vale, 2003 Environmental Enrichment the march. The free bird thinks of another breeze • and Welfare in Caged Parrots). And the trade winds soft through the sighing trees

And the fat worms waiting on a dawn-bright lawn Peter Singer is the author of Animal Why do we do this to birds? Is it due to a cruel And he names the sky his own Liberation and professor of bioethics at streak of jealousy of their freedom? Does it But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams Princeton University. Bruce Friedrich is vice make us feel better about our predicament? His shadow shouts on a nightmare scream president for international grassroots cam- Or is it that many of us see a lack of beauty His wings are clipped and his feet are tied paigns for People for the Ethical Treatment of and happiness in our own lives and hope So he opens his throat to sing Animals (PETA), www.PETA.org. that the bird will bring this into ours? Are we The caged bird sings allowing our selfishness to pave an often long With fearful trill This article originally appeared in Satya, a and unhappy life for these animals? Of things unknown but longed for still magazine of vegetarianism, environmental- And his tune is heard on the distant hill ism, animal advocacy and social justice. For William Blake, the English mystic, poet For the caged bird sings of freedom Re-printed with permission. Visit www. and painter, the caged bird symbolised an Maya Angelou satyamag.com for more information. obscene act of cruelty. His distaste of caging

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY 11 Edgar’s Mission interview with Pam Ahern

On Sunday 1st October 2006, after months—or more accurately, years—of preparation, ‘Edgar’s Mission’ officially opened to the public.

Situated in the foothills of the Great Dividing recent Garryowen champion), Pam Ahern. reared for food, and highlights to the public Range at Willowmavin near Kilmore, Victoria, Edgar’s Mission - named after Edgar Allen Pig, the individuality and uniqueness of each and Edgar’s Mission is a 60-acre sanctuary for its first resident who was rescued as a piglet every animal, regardless of its species. rescued farm animals and is the culmination from an intensive farm - promotes kindness of years of hard work by its founder (and and compassion towards animals that are At the opening of Edgar’s Mission, visitors were treated to enlightening and inspira- tional talks from philanthropist Phil Wollen, Animals Australia’s Communication Director Lyn White and Pam herself, and were able to meet all of the animal ambassadors. Visitors and resident animals were also joined by Victoria’s Attorney-General Rob Hulls, his wife, leading Barrister Carolyn Burnside, and their two young boys, who thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the animals at the sanctuary. Pam and the animals also received a special visit from TV and radio celebrity Susie Wilks, a long-time supporter of Animals Australia’s savebabe.com campaign. Susie was delighted to catch up with ‘Miss Pompy Do’, who may be better known to many readers as ‘Bella’, the star of Animals Australia’s savebabe. com campaign.

Visitors to the centre can walk the unique ‘Kindness Trail’, a peaceful and insightful walk amongst the animal residents where they’ll be inspired by animal rescue stories and quotes from some of the finest human minds. School parties are especially welcome and children of all ages can interact with the animals and take part in various educational activities to suit their age. All activities are based on recog- nising the individuality of the animals and encouraging young people to make compas- sionate choices that are kinder to animals.

Here, we talk to Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern about how this animal sanctuary came to be, how she can tell the resident sheep apart and what you can do to help Australian animals.

12 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 What prompted you to start Edgar’s Mission? All the other Edgars that are unable to be rescued. In Australia we kill around 5 million pigs each year, 420 million chickens, ten mil- lion sheep, seventeen million lambs, 8 million cattle and one million calves not to mention the other animals that are farmed to produce fluids, fibre, offspring or eggs. Realistically we cannot save them all, but I hope to create here at Edgar’s Mission a sanctuary for res- cued farm animals who in turn can be ambas- sadors for their kind; a place where reverence for the natural world abounds and a sense of awe inspires peace and compassion. It is through these qualities that people will be encouraged to make compassionate choices in life that reflect this reverence. I want them to leave Edgar’s Mission asking themselves “If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we?”

Farm animals in particular need rescuing because our legislation has failed them. We are a nation that prides itself on justice and a sense of fair play, and a nation that loves animals. We have this enshrined in legislation called the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, yet few people are aware that the major- ity of animals in human care, some 500 million animals that have been deemed farm animals are excluded from our animal protection legislation. As such they are able to be treated in ways that would not be tolerated if it were your cat or dog. Codes of practice make this possible.

Animals have much to teach us; they teach us to overcome the limits imposed by difference, to live outside of words and to expand our awareness by caring for another living being.

Sadly, mankind has become adept at discon- necting with animals and the suffering our lifestyle choices impose upon them. None of us consciously decided to eat animals, it was something we inherited from our care givers. The challenge is to awaken an inner humility and goodness for living a non violent life. The most compelling reason we have to stop harming and eating animals is that we do not need to do it.

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY 13 What are the aims of the Mission? Not many can say that a pig chartered their perished. Geoff and John were found wander- In a nutshell, Edgar’s Mission aims to: future course in life – but this is an admis- ing the streets of Melbourne; we have it on sion I willingly and humbly make. James good authority they were looking for direc- • promote an understanding of farm animals’ Cromwell’s (Farmer Hoggett in Babe) presence tions to Edgar’s Mission! lives and their uniqueness; in Australia in 2003 provided an opportunity to raise awareness of the injustice of intensive raise awareness of the welfare impacts of Do all the animals have different • pig farming. To ensure the interest of the production systems; personalities? How do you tell them media, a piglet was needed and it was at advocate for equitable laws to protect the all apart?! • this moment that Edgar Alan Pig came into welfare of farm animals; The animals, just like people, show prefer- my life. His presence guaranteed a feature advocate through all of the above the ences for the company they keep and the rou- • article in The Age on the horrors of pig farming importance of consumer choices and that it tines they have in their day. Miss Pompy Do is – and in return Edgar was guaranteed a life is possible to live a healthy, fulfilling and one madam of a pig, while dear Daisy is just at Willowmavin protected from the tragic prosperous life without harming others; and the sweetest pig one could meet. Melbourne existence that 5 million of his kind endure in • the power of kindness. the sheep loves to come into the house for a Australia each year. wheatbix treat and will carefully sneak away from the flock while the other sheep are not …although if you asked Edgar, his mission Where did the animal residents at would be to eat as much as possible intermin- watching as he knows that when they are all

gled with tummy rubs all the while kicking Edgar’s Mission come from? at the backdoor he cannot come inside, but They came from various backgrounds yet all back in his wallow. when he fronts up on his own he can come in! share the common theme that they would Nelson loves a cuddle and wags his tail in glee How did you become involved in most likely have ended up on someone’s each time he gets one. Chloe is the friendliest plate. As a black and white piglet, young and most trusting sheep. And Edgar, what animal rescue work? Faith was rescued from a livestock market just can I say? He’s one hell of a handsome man Edgar’s Mission is the culmination of a life before Christmas along with Gladys Goat and who just knows it! He has perfected the art long commitment to the welfare of animals. Tony Blair the turkey. of opening the feed room door while you From a young age I was active in rescuing are inside and will proudly grunt once he has and rehoming cats and dogs. In a moment of The young pullets were the result of a school done so, suggesting rather loudly that he honesty, I realised that saving some animals hatching project, supposedly designed to teach needs a good feed. One look at his tummy while condemning others to lives of misery children about lifecycles. However, with the and one knows this is not the case! through my dietary choices did not sit well project complete, the chicks became expendable. with my sense of justice. My life changed for Many would be surprised to learn that the ever and I became a passionate advocate for All the sheep and lambs bar (excuse the pun) ducks, chickens, and turkeys all, too, have farm animals. Geoff and John came to Edgar’s Mission as individual characters. Dear Daphne the duck orphan lambs who would have otherwise will stare you in the eye leaving you with little

14 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 doubt there is a thought process happening. How can readers help the animals at animals enormously by everything we do Phantom the duck is most indignant about you Edgar’s Mission? in our lives and encouraging others to live carrying him to his yard, while Shrek has a fet- By hands-on volunteering or financially compassionately. It can be frustrating, almost ish for feet and loves escaping from his enclo- supporting our work. We have many projects suffocating, to live in a world swamped by sure. Tony Blair the turkey is very protective of planned for 2007 including fencing, a new the depth of animal cruelty, suffering and his ladies, Diana Chook and Cherie Chook. animal barn, and tree planting. Suggestions indifference but we must always remember on improvements are also most welcome. that most of us at one time ate animals. We Many may say this is mere anthropomorphic made the change not because someone was drivel, yet who is to say that humans have a And what can readers do to help mean or belittling to us but because they monopoly on emotions and why should they animals who are not lucky enough to were kind and compassionate and helped us stop at our species given the numerous neu- make the connection. By making compassion- be in Edgar’s Mission? robiological similarities we have with them? ate choices and choosing wisely we can go The short answer is to stop eating them! Ask Charles Darwin put it well when he said the “... a long way to waking up to a kinder gentler yourself: if you really, truly love animals - why differences between animals and humans was way of living. eat them? Each and every one of us can help in degree not kind”. Edgar’s Mission is open to the public 7 days a week. Visitors can meet and interact with all of the animal residents whilst enjoying the wonderful views of the Victorian countryside and the Great Dividing Range.

If you would like to visit Edgar’s Mission, please call Pam on 0408 397 301 to arrange a date and time – Pam is always busy and is often out and about, so please let her know that you are coming so that she can be there to greet you! If you know a youngster who would like to visit with their school class or a few of their friends, Pam will be delighted to show them round. Again, just call to arrange a visiting time.

More information on Edgar’s Mission, the animal residents, and how you can help—including animal sponsorship information—can be found at www.edgarsmission.org.au •

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY 15 SEA SHEPHERD

Christmas morning deserved a blood red sunrise, but at the ends of the world, the sun never sets. Streaks of briny water, torn off the crest of waves, swept over the wheel house. Beyond the rip and tear of the Jolly Roger, holding fast on the fore mast, we could see the Japanese floating abattoir emerging out of the fog...

With each new confused wave, the hulking For the past thirty years, we’ve defended number of criminal operations we shutdown mass plowed through another salty trench everything from sea cucumbers to fish to and the number of lives we save. We’ve been with its funeral procession of killing ships. In dolphins. But during the 2005/06 Antarctic called everything from terrorists to pirates and its hold and beyond its sights, our clients lay summer, when Japan decided to double its yet the words “police officer” would describe scattered - many already slaughtered. illegal quota of minke whales to 935 and us most accurately. target, for the first time in 20 years, endan- Our clients are a diverse lot. We’ve got billions gered fin and humpback whales, it was for our For the past thirty years, we’ve acted under of them. And to make things more compli- largest clients that we set sail. the United Nations World Charter for Nature, cated, they belong to thousands of different law enforcers in a world where the law has species. Many of them are endangered. It would not be the first time that we were not failed the oceans, but a lack of political will They’re unable to speak for themselves, so to sail into harm’s way in their defence. Since on the part of the nations of the world has. To we’ve taken it upon ourselves to represent 1977, we’ve rammed seven illegal whal- be honest, we shouldn’t even have to exist. It’s them. We do it pro-bono. They’re all that mat- ing/driftnetting ships and sunk another ten the world’s navies that should be defending ter - saving them is our job. in their ports. We measure our success by the the whales.

Perhaps it’s because the oceans are out of sight and out of mind, or maybe it’s because the Persian Gulf is prioritized over the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary, but the Australian Government continues to refuse to send a warship to the Southern Oceans. So on the 11th of December 2005, we headed due south out of Melbourne, on course for the Australian Antarctic Territory.

We weren’t planning on protesting. We had every intention of upholding the law by treat- ing the Japanese whaling industry as the crim- inal operation that they are - no different from drug traffickers or ivory smugglers. Year after year, the Japanese whaling fleet has ignored a number of international agreements, not least of all the International Whaling Commission’s 1986 Ban on Commercial Whaling.

16 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 Their rap sheets reads like a “what’s what” of eco-violations: disregard of the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary; violation of the Bonn Convention on Migratory Species; defiance of the Australian Antarctic Territory; and breach of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

And yet the only reason that the slaughter continues and that the perpetrators remain at large is because the world’s governments refuse to act. Sure, when poor Indonesian fisherman are caught longlining off Darwin, Australia is willing to go on a four week cruise across the Indian Ocean to protect dwindling Two weeks out of Melbourne, we ambushed full-scale resumption of commercial whaling, fish populations, but confronting Japan, a the Japanese factory ship. We tried to foul the likes of which we haven’t seen since the major economic trading power, despite their their propeller with a heavy mooring line. They 1980s. Where would further diplomacy lead driving the great whales to extinction, is out turned tail and ran. For fifteen days, not a sin- us? Perhaps to even more laws and regulations of the question! The laws are in place, the only gle whale was killed as the marine conserva- that would remain unenforced? thing missing is for someone to enforce them. tion vessel Farley Mowat kept them on the run. Then, on the 9th of January, we escorted the If we have learned anything from our past killers out of the Antarctic Whale Sanctuary. campaign, it’s that the Japanese consider us Enter our all-black, ice- An illegal Japanese whaling supply vessel was a threat to their illicit whaling activities. And strengthened, converted rammed with a seven-foot long blade welded rightfully so. We refuse to stand idly by and North Sea trawler, R/V to the starboard bow of our vessel, after it watch as the largest, and arguably the most refused to leave. The mother-of-all-can-open- intelligent and social life forms to ever grace Farley Mowat. Christmas ers, like a judge’s gavel, convinced them to this planet are driven to extinction. For us, pas- Day 2005 would mark the promptly change course back to Japan. sivity is complacency. It is for that reason that we plan to return to Antarctica by the end of first day in the history of the For the first time in decades, Japan was short the year, this time with two ships, a helicopter, Japanese whaling industry of their illegal quota. And yet, the Minister of and an arsenal of small water craft. When the the Environment Ian Campbell’s immediate whales need nothing short of a navy, we’re that their illegal operation response was to accuse the Farley Mowat’s sending them an armada. We’re calling it would be brought to a uncompromising skipper, Captain Paul Operation Leviathan. grinding stop. Watson, of setting back the whale conserva- tion movement by thirty years. As Japan’s As always, we’re a non-profit organization deadly explosive-tipped in desperate need of funds. Please consider harpoons cooled for the sending a donation to the Sea Shepherd first time in the history Conservation Society. We translate your sup- of the environmental port into direct action. In return, we promise to movement, we were continue doing what we’ve been doing best called “rogues” and for the past thirty years - saving marine wildlife. “pirates”. It was nothing new. In a world where Together we can end whaling in our lifetimes. the only value attributed to animals is economical, Peter Hammarstedt acting on their intrinsic Ships’ Liaison Officer value is controversial. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Maybe even radical. But www.seashepherd.org the most radical action • must be the passivity of governments that allow the slaughter to con- Japanese hunters were met on their most tinue. As the Ministry of recent hunt in February 2007 by two Sea the Environment cranked Shepherd Conservation Society vessels. out another few thou- Despite the attempts of the Sea Shepherd sand “save our whales” crew, the whalers killed 508 whales, bracelets and continued 452 short of their target and, despite to debate the issue for claims that the hunt is carried out for the a further decade, Japan purpose of ‘scientific research’, the meat of was moving towards a the butchered whales will be sold to the Japanese public for consumption. Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY 17 Interview with Steven White

After working as a Senator staffer, as associate to Justice Bill Pincus on the Queensland Court of Appeal and more recently as a commercial lawyer, Steven White is now lecturing in the Law School at Griffith University in Brisbane.

Steven White is now undertaking a PhD which will critically examine the way in which the welfare of companion and farmed animals is regulated federally and in Queensland. Steven is the Course Convenor of Queensland’s first ever undergraduate elective law course in Animal Law which was offered as an intensive course early this year.

Cynthia Burnett spoke to Steven non-human animals are some of the signifi- the judiciary is yet to come to grips with the about his interest in animal law. cant changes implemented in 2001. These significant increases in maximum penalties changes are important because they reflect introduced in 2001, with sentencing deci-

community sentiment that the historically sions consistently criticised as still reflecting You will be aware of the formation of a low standards of care and responsibility for pre-2001 standards. Overall, there is a gap variety of animal law groups in Australia non-human animals in Queensland were in between the aspirations reflected in the Act in the last few years. What do you think is need of improvement. and what is achieved in practice. behind this sudden proliferation of groups consisting of practising solicitors, legal I think, though, there are three main problems A more fundamental issue - and this is a mat- academics and law students in Australia? with the legislative regime, involving structure, ter of philosophy as much as law - is that the implementation and philosophy. legislation does not challenge the basic legal It’s difficult to say. I think the potential has position that non-human animals are property. been there for some time, but it has taken In structural terms, the legislative regime effec- the leadership provided by a few individuals tively exempts the vast bulk of non-human The debate about the legal status of to galvanise this dormant interest. In the last animals, farmed animals, from the protection animals and animal law in general has 10-15 years there has been an increase in the of the Act (other important categories of gained a strong momentum in the number of law schools and law students and non-human animals are also exempted, such as USA. How problematic do you believe increasing diversity within the legal profes- those used in scientific research). The treatment the current legal status of “animals as sion, perhaps providing the conditions for a of farmed animals is governed by codes of con- property” to be in terms of the ability of wider range of views about a number of social duct, and these codes are not subject to the the law to offer adequate protection? issues, including issues related to non-human cruelty standards established under the Act. animals. There is no doubt that an exemption from On the issue of implementation, the RSPCA, legislative cruelty standards for a certain Activists and lobbyists generally have the Department of Primary Industries and category of animals, such as farmed animals, fairly strong views on the pros and cons Fisheries (DPIF) and the Queensland Police are reflects a view that non-human animals are, of animal legislation. How do you assess the main bodies responsible for investigation first and foremost, commodities. If the law Queensland legislation as it applies to and prosecution under the Act. In practice, were changed so that non-human animals no nonhuman animals? the RSPCA carries out the bulk of the work, longer had the status of property, and instead mainly dealing with companion animals. enjoyed enforceable rights such as a right to Judged in the context of animal welfare And while the RSPCA does an excellent job, life and a right to bodily integrity, the position legislation around the country, the main it would not dispute that limited resources of non-human animals would be immeasur- Queensland legislation (the Animal Care and mean it is unable to prosecute all cases oth- ably improved. But the issue is how and when Protection Act 2001) is at the leading edge. erwise deserving of action. The Queensland this is to be achieved. Increased penalties for cruelty offences, the Police prosecute some cases, but animal introduction of preventative animal welfare cruelty cases rank well down on its priority Francione suggests that anything short of directions and the imposition of a statu- list. And the DPIF engages in very, very few overturning the status of non-human animals tory duty of care on those responsible for prosecutions. There is also a concern that as property is illusory progress. In an abstract

18 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 sense this might be so, but, focussing on the lived experience of non-human animals in the here and now, I don’t take quite as pessimistic a view. A great many positive changes can be made without overturning the status of non-human animals as property, even if this remains an overriding goal. Existing standards can be more effectively enforced, and the standards required can be progressively made more exacting. Other legal reforms, more easily achievable than overturning the status of non-human animals as property, can also lead to improvements in the quality of life enjoyed by non-human animals. For example, an important change would be to expand the pool of those who can take legal action to protect the interests of non-human animals.

Now for a “chicken-and-the-egg” question. Do you think it is changes in public attitudes or conceptualisation about issues that are the best drivers for change in legislation or do you think it is the other way around?

They work together. The best driver for legisla- tive change is education. Law, for example, can only take you so far. Lawyers can try to be crea- tive and push the boundaries of legal doctrine. They can identify shortcomings in legislation. They can provide informed criticism of the way the legal system does or doesn’t advance the interests of non-human animals. But if signifi- cant change is to occur it will be on the back of a more informed public placing pressure on It has always struck me as a great conflict agency (ie. outside the primary industries politicians. One prominent US lawyer argues of interest that animal protection portfolio), and enforced by the RSPCA and that Peter Singer’s book, Animal Liberation, has legislation should be in the hands of each other specially appointed animal welfare been influential not because of the philosoph- State department of Agriculture. Do you inspectors. This would help to ensure nation- ical and ethical arguments it advances, but see this as part of the problem? ally consistent standards, but still retain because it graphically exposes cruel practices state-based, ‘on the ground’ knowledge inflicted on non-human animals. This is an issue which I wish to explore in my through the state-based RSPCA and animal PhD research. I would have thought there is a welfare inspectors. Federal responsibility Conceptualisation about issues is important, clear risk of “regulatory capture” of the regulator for administering the legislation would also because it frames the way the public receives (the state departments of agriculture/primary make the establishment of a national animal information, especially through the media. industries) by the regulated (the farming indus- welfare database easier, providing reliable and Whether non-human animals should be try), given the significance of the agricultural publicly accessible information on investiga- regarded as property or should be imbued industry to the domestic and export economy. tions, prosecutions and sentences. A national with rights can be an abstract debate which Inspectors appointed by the department often database could also provide co-ordinated is easily misrepresented or trivialised by the have a primary industry background, leading information on other important but under- mainstream media. But a campaign highlight- to the possibility of an insulated and homog- reported matters, such as how non-human ing, for example, systemic cruelty in a particular enous culture. Very few prosecutions are animals are used in research, including the industry, together with inadequacies in legisla- initiated and, anecdotally, those that are tend numbers involved, the extent of so-called tion, can provide the context in which more to be initiated by the same few officers. “necessary” suffering, and so on. The avail- significant changes are possible. And as in all ability of information through such a database areas of public policy, a degree of opportunism Ideally, animal welfare legislation would be would then make it easier to establish a case and luck, as well as consistent advocacy over a cooperative federal-state responsibility, for policy changes and, ultimately, changes in time, is required to effect change. administered by an independent government legislation. •

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY 19 British retailers go free-range international fellowship of academics drawn sible to grow cultured meat in quantities Three prominent UK retailers have gone free- from both the humanities and the sciences large enough to offer the meat industry an range. Roadside restaurant chain Little Chef has dedicated to pioneering ethical perspectives. alternative source of supply. Growing muscle announced that it will source only free-range More information can be found at cells in a nutrient broth is easy; the difficulty eggs and that all sausage meat will come from www.oxfordanimalethics.com. is persuading those cells to form something free-range pigs. Marks and Spencer, a leading that resembles real meat. Researchers hope food retailer, will sell only free-range ducks, First Animal Welfare Political Parties to rectify this problem by stretching cells with geese, turkeys, and pigs. It has also reduced Two new European political parties – Party for mechanical anchors. More than 50 billion stocking densities for its chickens -30kg/m² the Animals in the Netherlands and Animals land-based animals are killed for food every which falls well below the normal density of Count in the UK – are the first political parties year. Researchers hope that new this latest 38kg/m². Ducks sold by supermarket chain in history to put animals at the top of the technology will significantly reduce this hor- Waitrose will be given a 15x15m swimming political agenda. Party for the Animals gained rifying figure. pool with poolside gravel, ramps for easy 2 seats in November elections and Animals access, and umbrellas for shade. Count will stand in Welsh elections. The par- Jumps racing to end in Tasmania ties will encourage other political parties to The Tasmanian Thoroughbred Racing Council New Oxford Animal Ethics Centre raise the bar as long as they fail to protect the has axed jumps racing from the Tasmanian The new Centre is the first in the world weaker individuals of our society and will put racing calendar following a review which con- dedicated to enhancing the ethical status of animal welfare at the top of all of their political cluded that it was not financially viable for the animals through academic research, teach- decisions. industry to continue. Despite the obvious wel- ing, and publication and will operate as an fare concerns to the horses made to compete independent ‘think tank’ for the advancement Lab meat a reality in the ‘sport’, the decision was made based on of progressive thought and public debate Meat grown in vats, rather than in the form economic factors, with declining Tasmanian about animals. It aims to put animals on of animals, could soon be on the menu. participation and resultant mainland reliance the intellectual agenda and consists of an Researchers believe it will soon be pos- cited as reasons for the decision.

University’s research death-toll tivity and many zoos have removed elephants ment willing permitted up to 200,000 of these Information obtained through freedom of from their collections due to the species’ lack migratory birds to be slaughtered for nothing information has revealed that most of the of suitability to be kept in captivity. more than fun. Animals Australia joined mem- 20,950 animals used for scientific procedures ber society Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania at the University of Newcastle during 2004 and Caged hens failed again by legislation and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust to call 2005 were euthanised following the research. Australian egg-laying hens are already on the State government to end this hunt Guinea pigs, possums, birds, frogs, lizards, rab- condemned to short lives of misery confined with resultant media coverage and increased bits, cats, dogs, cattle, mice, rats, and wallabies in cages, but new legislation means that mil- public awareness about this cruelty and inap- were among the animals used in eight types lions of birds will be kept this way for another propriateness of this wildlife massacre. of procedures performed during the period. 20 years or more. Although 2008 will see a Experiments conducted ranged from observa- requirement to scrap old-style cages, newly Kangaroo meat industry exposed tion to the use of rats for biochemical analysis. installed cages need only provide the slightly as ‘unsafe and unsustainable’ Blood sampling, minor dietary or environ- larger 550sqcm per hen in shared cages Many The kangaroo meat industry has been mental deprivation, trapping and releasing hens will still have just 450sqcm each (permit- exposed as endangering the kangaroo popu- and stomach tubing were amongst the other ted for 20 years after the cages’ original instal- lation by killing large numbers of females and experiments carried out at the university. lation). Even the new requirement provides leaving dependent joeys to die. A two-year less space per hen than an A4 sheet of paper. investigation found that 70% of the kangaroos Taronga Zoo buys elephants from If you buy eggs, choose only free-range! killed were female. The investigation also Thailand revealed the presence of dangerous bacteria Five elephants have been bought from Muttonbird slaughter continues – including e-coli - in kangaroo carcasses Thailand by Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, while 3 in Tasmania destined for human consumption. In light of others were purchased by Melbourne Zoo. The annual muttonbird (shearwater) slaughter these findings, Animal Liberation NSW and Taronga spent more than $25 million on was permitted to go ahead this year, despite the Wildlife Protection Association of Australia purchase, transport, and housing for the calls from animal welfare and environment Inc. are taking the message to Europe, urging elephants. Protests and legal challenges by groups to have this cruel hunt stopped. The importers and retailers of kangaroo meat to activists in Thailand and Australia delayed 2007 hunt, which took place in late March to withdraw their support for this slaughter of the transfer of the animals for more than 18 early April, saw the issuance of 1,158 recrea- Australian wildlife. months. Elephants do not breed well in cap- tional hunt licenses, meaning that the govern-

20 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 Reviews

Reviewed by Thomas Ryan using and introspective human being is the benchmark against which all prospective Most of us would be familiar with how the moral candidates are to be assessed. This ‘us- commandment ‘All animals are equal’ in ism’ is problematic not only for animals, but for George Orwell’s Animal Farm has in time been many humans. altered to ‘but some animals are more equal than others’. It is better, Sharpe argues, that we acknowl- edge that we are ‘creatures like them’: mortal I would suggest that most people would be and fellow animals who are subject to the surprised by Lynne Sharpe’s detailed argu- same vulnerabilities and vagaries of everyday ment - in her book Creatures Like Us?- that this life, for whom social bonds are central. Creatures Like Us?: is precisely how even some philosophers, who A Relational Approach to champion the cause of animals, conceptualise Creatures Like Us? is an accessible and engag- the Moral Status of Animals moral status. ing book which is written with great clarity and draws directly upon the experiences of Author: Lynne Sharpe The problem, Sharpe contends is directly those who share their lives with animals. It Published by Imprint Academic related to how we respond to the question, confirms that how we think about ourselves 2005, 229pp. ‘Are animals like us?’ Philosophers generally and our fellow animals is of the utmost practi- ISBN 1 84540 017 8 have assumed that the rational, language cal importance. •

Capers in the Churchyard: Animal Rights Advocacy in the Age of Terror Author: Lee Hall counter-productive and Published by Nectar Bat Press, Connecticut USA have most likely given RRP USD $17.95 (amazon.com) the general public the wrong idea of what animal rights are about Reviewed by by Lynette Shanley thing more deeply because they focus atten- than you have, tion on these groups’ Capers in the Churchyard is one of the and yet provides violent acts rather than most important books to have ever been all the evidence on the animals and the written about the animal rights move- that allows you to exploitation they are fac- ment, as it takes the reader on a thought- advance your own ing. Hall explains that the provoking journey through some of the thinking’. animal rights movement most important issues facing animal is a peace movement and advocates today. For me, the most important message that we will only slide backwards if we resort to came out of the book was that if we had not violent methods. No other book on the animal rights/welfare interfered with animals in the first place there movement has made such an impact on would be no exploitation today. The book Lee Hall’s book is very important. My hope is me. I found that the book forced me into shows that we need to work for better condi- that she goes on to write more books as this is thinking more deeply about animal rights tions and to fight for animals’ rights. Author of what is needed in the movement. Lee’s argu- issues than anything else I have ever read. the book, Lee Hall believes the first step is to ments are presented in an informative way cease the consumption of animal products. which is easy to understand and which allows I agree with the author of When Elephants the reader to think about the issues. Weep, Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, when The book also addresses domination and he states in the book’s forward that ‘there violence. Lee points out that some of the Don’t miss this book! • is no experience so exhilarating as to read activities of Stop Huntington Animal Cruelty somebody who has thought about some- and the Animal Liberation Front have been

Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY 21 Piper’s Page a view from

...the couch

Dear Friends, if it meant putting up with Mummy A full-page photograph of me looking grumbling about the couple of wisely into the sky (actually I was I don’t want you to be upset, extra kilos that I have put on (in pondering on what I was going to but this may be my last column preparation for the colder months of eat for lunch) and finally, I found a in a free publication depending course). journalist who recognises my unique on the advice of my new heritage - that way back in the past manager Harry M Oh, how I love being one of my forebears did something a Miller. Whilst the a star! There I was tad naughty with a polar bear! last thing I want being cuddled in the is to disappoint my warm sun in Mummy’s The other really exiting thing that devoted fans, the arms whilst that has happened since my last column is fact is that I have bum-licking Border that Auntie Alexis came to visit all the been inundated Collie Rosie was way from Scotland! She is the first with new admirers racing around on the Scottish person I have ever met! Did and requests for ground trying to get you know that Scottish people are public appearances attention. But what very tall, eat lots of potatoes and are since my full was really funny was psychic? The first day Auntie Lexy page photograph Boss Glenys: because came into the office, I looked up at appeared in The it was nap time, I her and thought “wow – doesn’t it snow Bulletin! had a little bit of way up there?” Then she looked down trouble keeping my eyes at me and said, “This must be wee The Bulletin photo shoot was open so Boss Glenys was jumping Piper”. My jaw dropped! I have been fun - even if it did interrupt my around behind the photographer like keeping my incontinence problem a morning nap! The photographer a clown trying to get me to wake up secret for years by smiling sweetly, wanted Mummy Lyn to hold me up and look at her! I obliged, of course, pointing at the wet patch on the to the sun so that I looked like even though ‘eyes open’ shots add an carpet and then at Rosie – and the an angel in her arms. I was very extra ‘0’ onto my paycheck! first thing Auntie Lexy says ‘outs me!’ happy to accommodate How did she know? his wishes even The result was, well… as you can see, just breathtaking (even if I do say so I bet there are many of my fans myself!). reading this column who are sympathetically nodding knowing that nature can be cruel and that things go a little slack when you reach your mature years. At Harry M’s request I have diligently doubled my daily pelvic floor exercises as he says that the piperazzi will just be waiting to get a photo of me squatting in the wrong place to sell for a squillion dollars to a trashy magazine. I can just see the headlines now…

The price of fame, eh? Speaking of which, I am available between morning and afternoon naps to sign your own personal copy of The Bulletin – just ring Harry M to make an appointment…

Love, Piper

22 animals TODAY Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 Member Societies

Victoria New South Wales Western Australia

Australian Animal Protection Society Kangaroo Protection Cooperative Dog Aid International Inc. (03) 9798 8421 (02) 9651 2557 (08) 9323 9488 Animals Australia www.aaps.org.au www.dogaid.org Native Bird Liberation Alliance 37 O’Connell Street North Melbourne VIC 3051 Animal Active! (02) 9918 3817 Animal Rights Advocates (ARA) 0408 666 987 0403 671 560 www.animalactive.org Cat Protection Society of NSW www.ara.org.au Phone: (03) 9329 6333 (02) 9519 7201 Freecall: 1800 888 584 The Aust. Catholic Study Circle for www.catprotection.org.au People Against Cruelty in Animal Fax: (03) 9329 6441 Animal Welfare Transport (PACAT) [email protected] World League for Protection of (03) 9347 2851 (08) 9430 8861 www.AnimalsAustralia.org Animals (WLPA) www.pacat.org Australian Wildlife Protection (02) 9817 4509 Council www.wlpa.org The Australian Orangutan Project 0417 148 501 (AOP) animals TODAY www.awpc.org.au Animal Liberation NSW (08) 9337 4507 is the magazine published by (02) 9262 3221 www.orangutan.org.au Animals Australia. Blue Cross Animals Society www.animal-lib.org.au (03) 9722 1265 Compassion for Animals The opinions expressed in this Help in Suffering (08) 9375 7852 magazine are not necessarily the Ballarat Organisation for Animal (02) 6654 3865 views of the editors or publisher. Rights (BOAR) People and Animal Welfare Society 0414 816 509 Hunter Animal Watch (PAWS) (02) 4957 7949 (08) 9228 2435 Animals Australia is a peak animal Choose Cruelty Free www.paws.org.au protection body that represents (03) 9328 1377 animal groups throughout www.choosecrueltyfree.org.au South Australia Australia. Queensland Humane Society for Animal Welfare Cat Protection Society of S.A animals TODAY (03) 9328 4028 (08) 8332 0436 Wildlife Protection Association of Editors Australia Project Jonah Australia Animal Liberation SA Dominique Thiriet 0408 711 344 (03) 9427 0281 (08) 8231 8785 www.wildlifeprotectaust.org.au Sylvia Cooper www.animalliberation.org.au Save-A-Dog Scheme Rhonda Prentice Animal Welfare League of QLD (03) 9885 1188 Vegetarian Action (07) 5581 7600 www.saveadog.org.au (08) 8352 5691 Front cover photography www.awlqld.com.au www.vegetarianaction.org.au Emma Haswell, Animal Aid Animal Liberation QLD Brightside Sanctuary (03) 9739 0300 Cats Assistance To Sterilise (CATS) (07) 3392 6102 www.vaat.org.au (08) 8331 0476 www.animalliberationqld.org.au Back cover photography Victorian Advocates For Animals Lyn White Animal Activism QLD 0416 228 696 Tasmania www.animalactivism.org victorianadvocatesforanimals.org.au Design and layout Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania Vegetarian / Vegan Society QLD Karen Nilsen Bendigo Animal Shelter (AACT) (07) 3300 9320 0417 382 741 0408 970 359 www.vegsoc.org.au Printed on recycled paper www.bwc.com.au/bas www.aact.org.au

Wildlife Victoria Animal Rescue Tasmania Inc. 0500 540 000 (03) 6362 3606 www.wildlifevictoria.org.au Visit Animals Australia online! News, videos, monthly e-Updates & more! Australian Capital Territory • www.AnimalsAustralia.org Animal Liberation (ACT) www.SaveBabe.com (02) 6247 4358 • www.LiveExport-Indefensible.com www.al-act.org • Vol. 15 - No. 1 - 2007 animals TODAY 23 CRUELTY FREE COSMETICS “I hope to one day become the person my dog believes me to be.”

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