FALL 2020 / VOLUME 69 / NUMBER 3 Institute Jill Carey economic considerations to beweighed whendeciding companies to build projects incriticalhabitat, allowed protections for threatened species, madeiteasier for made lastyear that,amongotherharmful things, curtailed proposal follows three changes to theESAregulations populations ofthreatened andendangered species. This because criticalhabitatsetback, isessential for stabilizing designated ascriticalhabitat. Thiswould represent asevere the effect ofwhich would be to restrict areas thatcanbe change to theEndangered Species Act (ESA)regulations, In August,two federal agencies proposed yet another attacks thathave unraveled decades ofprogress. Our country’s vital protections are facing ongoing Wildlife Protections onContinuing Assault SPOTLIGHT Alan E.Kessock, CPA, Alan E.Kessock, CPA Samuel Peacock, MD William S. Stokes, DVM Roger Payne, PhD , PhD Lee Jensvold,Mary PhD Christine Stevens Gerard Bertrand, PhD Caroline A.Griffin,Esq., Cynthia Wilson, Cathy Liss, Chris Miller, DVM Cathy Liss Caroline A.Griffin,Esq. Cynthia Wilson, Chair SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE OFFICERS DIRECTORS FOUNDER President Vice President Treasurer Secretary John Walsh, MD Senior Policy Advisor Senior Angela King, Ambassador Tabarak Husain, Aline S. deAluja,DVM, Allie Granger Alexandra Alberg Agnes Van Volkenburgh, DVM, Bangladesh Farm AnimalPolicy Associate Public Relations Manager Director, Government Affairs Executive Director/General Counsel Marine AnimalConsultant Sue Fisher Viktor Reinhardt, DVM, PhD Kate Dylewsky Nancy Blaney Nadia Adawi, Esq. Robert Schmidt,PhD Marjorie Fishman STAFF AND CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

Graphic Designer

United Kingdom

Mexico Poland Terrestrial Wildlife Program Joanna Makowska, PhD Johanna Hamburger, Esq. Joanna Grossman, PhD opened vast areas ofwildlife habitat to oilandgas drilling. pesticides, andcoal miningrunoff, as well asnew actionsthat from various types oftoxins, includinglead ammunition, This isinadditionto thereversal ofpolicies thatprotect wildlife Pacific walrus andtheNorthern Rocky Mountain fisher. listing decisions, suchasdenyingESAprotections to the gray wolf. Agencies have also madescientifically unsupported delisting ofspecies protected undertheESA,including killed asbycatch, aswell asby prioritizingthedownlisting or endangered whales, dolphins, andsea turtlesthatcould be endangered species by shelvingarule limitingthenumberof Federal agencies have further harmedthreatened and protect species impacted by climate change. whether aspecies meritslisting, andmadeitmore difficult to not weaken—vital protections for ournation’s wildlife. and habitat destruction, we should beworking to strengthen— State University. Inatimeofunprecedented wildlife extinction lands, according to arecent studyled by researchers atOhio theESAandcontinuedof whomsupport protections for public goes against thesentiments oftheAmericanpublic—80 percent Failing to protect species andtheareas they needto survive Senior Advisor, AnimalCruelty Allison Ludtke Program Director, MarineAnimalProgram Laboratory AnimalAdvisor Policy Advisor Researcher Director, Farm AnimalProgram Digital Advocacy Manager Director andSeniorStaff Attorney, Equine Program Manager Marine MammalScientist Marine AnimalConsultant Membership Coordinator Susan Millward Sydney Hearst Wildlife Biologist D.J. Schubert Naomi Rose, PhD Kate O’Connell Eric Kleiman Dena Jones Mary Lou Randour,Mary PhD Carly O’Beirne

CFC# 10474 Tax ID#13-5655952 ISSN 1930-5109 (online) ISSN 1071-1384 (print) awionline.org [email protected] (202) 337-2332 Washington, DC20003 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE information, contact: For subscription inquiries orother Staff Attorney, Farm Animal Executive Assistant Program Writer/Editor Dave Tilford Regina Terlau-Benford Erin Sutherland,Esq.

18 JARED EVANS JARED

AWI QUARTERLY FALL 2020

ANIMALS IN LABORATORIES MARINE LIFE 20 USDA Photos Document Horrifi c Suff ering 14 International Conservation Agenda in Flux at Chinchilla Research Supplier amid Pandemic 23 VA Told to Reduce Reliance on Dogs 16 Fingers Crossed for Famous Orca in Research in Family Way 23 Lab Oversight Lapses During Covid-19 16 Cetacean Fabrication: Could Robot 23 Grant Opportunity to Improve Lab Dolphin Fill the Bill at Theme Parks? Animal Welfare 16 Back to Briny Sea for Two Captive Belugas

COMPANION ANIMALS WILDLIFE 24 Expanding Safe Haven Resources for 2 Continuing Assault on Wildlife Protections ABOUT THE COVER Domestic Violence Survivors with Pets 10 Keeping “Track” of Northern River Otters On page 14, AWI examines the 28 All US States Now Allow Vets to Report 11 Predator Protection Is Just Ecologic, challenges during the COVID-19 Suspected Animal Abuse Economic Logic pandemic as the world’s nations 12 Light Bar on Car Helps Deer Steer Clear attempt to shape and enforce FARM ANIMALS 12 Preserve the Wild, Prevent Pandemics international marine life and wildlife 4 Tyson, Perdue Tout Progress on 12 Scientists Suggest Concrete Target protection agreements without the Chicken Welfare to Curb Extinction benefi t of in-person meetings. As 4 UN Report: Agricultural Practices a 13 USDA Admits Negligence in for endangered tigers, more exist in Prime Factor in Pandemics Cyanide Poisoning captivity in the United States than in 5 Colorado Going Cage-Free 13 ’s Zoo Finally Shut Down the wild around the globe. Captive big 5 OIG Audits USDA Label Approval Process cats suff er from neglect and abuse in 5 AWI Creates Extreme Weather GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS backyard cages or tourist traps such as Resources for Farmers 8 House Includes Animal Welfare Measures the zoo featured in Tiger King (which 6 Monitoring International Transport in Spending Bills fi nally shut down—see page 13). Such of Farm Animals 8 Rep. Lieu Leads Eff ort to Get the Lead Out facilities breed cubs incessantly for 8 Rep. Huff man: Ban Drilling near Bear Dens petting and photo ops, but serve no HUMANE EDUCATION 9 NEPA Rollback Endangers Communities conservation purpose—none of these 17 Students Lift Voice, Take Action for Animals and Wildlife animals ever end up in the wild. 17 Lesson Plans Now Available for Photograph by Andy Rouse/Minden. Popular AWI Books REVIEWS 18 Dissection Alternatives: 26 Every Penguin in the World Superior Learning Opportunities that Spare Animal Lives 26 Stress and Animal Welfare

27 The One and Only Bob facebook.com/animalwelfareinstitute

@AWIonline @AWIonline FARM ANIMALS

Massive factory farms are contributing to the increased emergence of zoonotic diseases, says a recent UN report.

UN REPORT: AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES A PRIME FACTOR IN PANDEMICS Across the globe, animal advocates and public health officials are working to prevent the next pandemic by making policy recommendations and implementing laws to identify and curb the transmission of zoonotic diseases. By addressing circumstances that lead to disease spread, governments can stop pandemics and improve the

PIDJOE welfare of farm animals and wildlife.

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released a new TYSON, PERDUE has completed the conversion of its report, Preventing the Next Pandemic: TOUT PROGRESS ON largest slaughter plant from electrical Zoonotic diseases and how to break the CHICKEN WELFARE stunning to the less stressful controlled chain of transmission. UNEP identified Over the past five years, a few major atmosphere stunning (CAS), using gas seven trends driving the increasing US poultry companies have committed to render chickens insensible before emergence of zoonotic diseases, to working toward improving the lives slaughter. The company says it also including increased human demand of chickens raised for meat. These has conducted research into breeds for animal protein and unsustainable commitments address the breeding of chickens that grow slower and agricultural intensification. The report of chickens and their treatment on have better health and welfare than also identified the need for nations to the farm, including more space per conventional, fast-growing breeds. adopt animal welfare standards for bird and an enriched environment to the care, housing, and transport of live encourage natural behaviors. Also Tyson Foods, the nation’s largest animals along the entire supply chain included in many of the commitments chicken processor, is also making to reduce disease transmission. is transitioning to a less inhumane advancements in the care of method of slaughter. its chickens. The company has Live animal markets, which can implemented remote video auditing at facilitate the spread of zoonotic According to its 2020 company 33 of its poultry slaughter plants and is disease, have also been targeted by stewardship report, Perdue Farms— launching a project to assess its process lawmakers and advocates (see AWI fourth largest chicken processor for catching birds on the farm. Tyson, Quarterly, summer 2020). In New York, in the United States—has made which already uses CAS at its turkey a member of the state legislature has farm animals farm progress toward its animal welfare plant and two of its chicken plants, introduced a bill to ban live animal goals. The report claims that 52 reports plans to convert four more markets pending a review by a panel of percent of its poultry houses now plants to CAS in the next few years. experts regarding the associated public have windows to allow for natural health risks. China is also reportedly light, 26 percent provide some form While AWI does not consider either of working to limit human and animal of enrichment, and 25 percent offer these companies’ animal care protocols interactions by gradually ending the birds the opportunity to go outdoors. to be high welfare, these are promising sale of live poultry and restricting the In addition, Perdue reports that it moves in the right direction. sale of certain wildlife species.

AWI QUARTERLY 4 FALL 2020 FARM ANIMALS

COLORADO GOING In the audit, the OIG found that 9 of This tragic loss of life can be reduced CAGE-FREE 60 label approval packages were either by proactive development of disaster incomplete, inaccurate, or unsupported. preparedness plans that include In July, Colorado Governor Jared AWI suspects the problem is far options for evacuating animals or Polis signed HB20-1343 into law, worse, however, given that the OIG providing emergency shelter, ensuring making Colorado the ninth US state only assessed approved labels. access to feed and water, and working to pass egg-laying hen confinement AWI has found that many animal- with a veterinarian following a storm. restrictions. The new law requires egg raising claims on meat products may To help producers prepare for upcoming farmers with more than 3,000 hens never have been approved by the adverse weather events, AWI has to provide caged birds with at least 1 FSIS. In Label Confusion 2.0, AWI created four factsheets focused on square foot of floor space by 2022, and reported that the FSIS was unable severe storms, extreme winter weather, to convert to cage-free housing by to locate documents for 8 of 19 and extreme heat (one factsheet for 2024. Additionally, the law prohibits (42%) product labels investigated. ruminants and another for birds and the sale of eggs produced in violation pigs) that highlight the dangers these of these standards and requires farmers events pose to farm animals and to provide hens with enrichments such provide tips for keeping them safe and as scratch areas, perches, nest boxes, AWI CREATES EXTREME comfortable throughout. and dust-bathing areas that allow WEATHER RESOURCES them to exhibit natural behaviors. FOR FARMERS To learn more, visit awionline.org/ content/extreme-weather. Colorado wasn’t the only state eyeing AWI recently launched a new “Extreme anticonfinement legislation this Weather” page on its website to session. Similar bills were introduced bring awareness to the detrimental and made headway in Arizona, Hawaii, impacts adverse weather events and Maine, before the COVID-19 can have on the welfare of farm outbreak became the focus of most animals. In 2019 alone, over 927,000 state legislatures. Pressure from states, animals died as a result of adverse consumers, and the over 200 companies weather. In recent years, millions Farm animals may enjoy basking of farm animals have been killed in in the sunshine, but farmers must that have committed to sourcing cage- provide adequate shelter and water free eggs has pushed the egg industry hurricanes and the resulting floods. on hot days to prevent heat stress. to ramp up its transition to cage-free housing. Recent data published by the US Department of Agriculture shows that roughly 27 percent of the nearly 320 million egg-laying hens in the United States are housed in cage-free systems, up from 12 percent in 2016 and 4 percent in 2010.

OIG AUDITS USDA LABEL APPROVAL PROCESS The US Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) recently published an audit report relevant to AWI’s efforts to improve the accuracy of meat label claims. The report, Controls Over Meat, Poultry, and Egg Product Labels, investigated the label approval program of the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). TEAMJACKSON

AWI QUARTERLY 5 FALL 2020 Monitoring International Transport of Farm Animals

nternational transport by sea vessel can threaten an requests for records relating to the USDA’s enforcement of the I animal’s welfare, particularly for long-distance journeys, rule. Records we received indicate that from 2017 through 2019, such as from North America to Asia. The toll on farm animals an estimated 382,549 live mammalian farm animals (e.g., cattle, during international transport is likely to be exacerbated by pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, hares, and equines, but not birds) the COVID-19 crisis, given the potential for longer journeys were exported from the United States to countries other than and delays in entering import countries—both of which would Canada and Mexico. An estimated 48,122 of these animals were entail extended confi nement under stressful conditions for shipped by sea vessel—nearly all of them cattle. (Others, such these animals. Such prolonged stress can result in higher as pigs, sheep, and goats, are typically sent via airplane.) rates of disease and death. Of the many countries that import farm animals from the AWI has been monitoring international export of farm United States by sea vessel, only a few import them in large animals from the United States for more than a decade, and numbers. For example, the top fi ve countries importing cattle last reported on this issue in the fall 2018 AWI Quarterly. by sea (see fi gure 1) account for 87 percent of the total. Since then, we have received updated information on the US Department of Agriculture’s enforcement of its 2016 animal While the biggest spike in farm animal exports from the export rule. This article focuses on data from 2017 through United States by air or sea occurred between 2011 and the end of 2019. 2013—482,747 animals—the nation continues to export large numbers of farm animals, as shown in fi gure 2. The new rule, which responded to a rulemaking petition AWI fi led in 2011, requires animals to be inspected prior to Figure 1: Top 5 Countries Importing Large Numbers departure to ensure that they meet the World Organisation of Cattle by Sea Vessel (2017-2019) for Animal Health’s fi tness-to-travel standards. The standards deem animals unfi t if they are unable to stand or bear weight on all four legs, are blind in both eyes, have C  N  A unhealed wounds, are extremely young, or are pregnant and Qatar 11,727 in the fi nal stage of gestation. The rule also includes animal Kazakhstan 9,494 accommodation standards for sea vessels and a requirement Vietnam 8,477 that operators submit reports at the conclusion of each Turkey 7,498 voyage documenting the length of the trip and occurrences of “morbidity and mortality” (i.e., disease and death). Egypt 4,478

Data source: Operator Reports and Export Reports, obtained by Since the rule went into eff ect, AWI has monitored animal AWI via FOIA from USDA-APHIS shipments by submitting Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

AWI QUARTERLY 6 FALL 2020 WOJCIK ADRIAN YMGERMAN

Figure 2: Number of Live Mammalian Farm Animals Exported from the United States to Countries Other than Canada and Mexico (2005–2019)

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Data Source: Department of Commerce, US Census Bureau, Foreign Trade Statistics, available at http://www.fas.usda.gov/gats/default.aspx.

The USDA’s FOIA responses to AWI contained 37 export health Cattle were stricken with disease due to pregnancy-related certificates for animals shipped by sea 2017–2019, but only 24 conditions during several shipments. The USDA’s rule prohibits had corresponding operator reports documenting the number transport of pregnant farm animals “in the final 10 percent of of animal deaths during the voyage. A number of records their gestation period at the planned time of unloading in the appear to be missing relating to the export of goats, sheep, importing country.” We have contacted the USDA to encourage and lambs. According to the US Census Bureau’s Foreign Trade it to better enforce this provision to prevent avoidable deaths Statistics, from 2017 through 2019, approximately 59,000 goats, during transport. We also asked the department about the sheep, and lambs were exported internationally (excluding lack of operator reports for some shipments and about some those sent to Canada and Mexico), but the records we received operators’ failure to report on morbidity. document only 1,001—less than 2 percent of the total. As it stands, the records indicate that the volume of animals The records we did receive indicate that, from 2017 through being exported from the United States by sea is comparatively 2019, 287 farm animals died during international transport by low. Although the mortality rate for one journey exceeded 3 ocean vessel. Given the volume of missing records, however, percent, the average rate of mortality was far below that, at just the actual number is likely higher. For these 287 animals, the 0.6 percent. No especially egregious incidents appear to have leading causes of death include injury due to bad weather, taken place in the wake of the 2016 amendments to the USDA’s pneumonia, gastrointestinal issues, and pregnancy-related live animal export regulations, but continued investigation is conditions. Only one record reported on disease occurrence, necessary, particularly in light of the missing records. even though this information is required by the regulations.

AWI QUARTERLY 7 FALL 2020 government affairs

CHERYL STRAHL • • Several ofthemajorprovisions: weaken animalwelfare were defeated. improve animalwelfare, andefforts to them contain provisions important to 2021, whichbeginsinOctober. Manyof appropriations billsfor fiscal year has passed almost allofits however, theHouse ofRepresentatives On theothersideofCapitol Hill, others await floor consideration. The full Senate passed S906, andthe the SAVE RightWhales Act (S2453). Bycatch Reduction Act (S906), and the DriftnetModernizationand Fin Sales Elimination Act (S877), reported outthree bills:theShark and Transportation Committee done, buttheCommerce, Science, as awhole was little getting very As ofmid-August, theUSSenate SPENDING BILLS WELFARE MEASURES IN HOUSE INCLUDES ANIMAL licensing ofdealers whosell A prohibition continues onthe withcompanionsurvivors animals. housing for domestic violence grants to assistwithproviding law ($3million)isallocated for The full amountauthorized by on theLead Endangers AnimalsDaily Representative Ted Lieu’s (D-CA)office AWI hasbeenworking closely with been introduced. (Seeitems below.) alone billsto benefitanimalshave also In additionto these strides, stand- • • • • TO GET THE LEAD OUT REP. LIEU LEADS EFFORT AWI QUARTERLY reneging onthatobligation. andadmonishedforsanctuary to retire chimpanzees to is reminded ofitsobligation The NationalInstitutes ofHealth child abuse database. caregiver riskfactor inanational to include animalabuse asa Human Services isencouraged ofHealth and The Department Atlanticrightwhales.North research andmonitoring of million) isallocated for Additional funding ($1.5 endangered species. to combat trafficking in Funds are to beredirected dealers) for use inresearch. random sources (“Class B” dogs andcatsacquired from GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS 8 FALL 2020FALL used inbullets, whichare thelargest toys andpaint, butitisstillregularly been banned inmost products, suchas humans. Thisdangerous metal has is nosafe level oflead exposure for Prevention hasdetermined thatthere The Centers for Disease Control and are also atriskfor lead poisoning. or contaminated carcasses. Humans year after ingesting bullet fragments species, dieoflead poisoning every including threatened andendangered 20 millionbirds andotheranimals, Wildlife Service. Anestimated 10to lands managed by theUSFishand from usingtoxic lead bullets on of wildlife by prohibiting hunters to prevent theneedless poisoning on July 9. Rep. Lieuisdetermined (LEAD) Act, whichwas introduced plain oftherefuge. one mile ofsuchhabitat onthecoastal prohibiting oilandgas activities within critical polarbear denninghabitat by bill would increase protections for Wildlife Refuge to drilling, this its planto opentheArctic National war on theenvironment by finalizing Trump administration continues its from theoilandgas industry. As the many species facing ongoing threats Act (HR7876). Polar bears are oneof introduced thePolar Bear CubSurvival On July 30, Rep. Jared Huffman(D-CA) natural spaces withlead bullets. alternatives, itisirresponsible to litter for lead shotrestrictions. Given these and manyhunters, even, advocate ammunition, are widely available, alternatives, suchascopper andsteel into theenvironment. Comparable source oflead knowingly discharged BEAR DENS BAN DRILLING NEAR REP. HUFFMAN:

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS NO107

NEPA Rollback Endangers Communities and Wildlife

n mid-July, the Trump administration fi nalized its overhaul provide input during administrative rulemaking proceedings I of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), enacting and to engage in litigation involving . new regulations that weaken this key environmental law. Unprecedented in signifi cance and scope, these changes Federal decisions regarding land and ocean management, undermine informed agency decision-making, reduce mining and drilling, and infrastructure will now be able to transparency, and limit critical public involvement. Moreover, move forward without full consideration of their environmental they fundamentally erode the purpose and intent of NEPA by impacts and without a requirement that a broad range of denying the public the democratic process at the heart of the safer, more ecologically sound alternatives be considered. The law. AWI strongly opposed the changes, submitting comments new regulations also exempt many projects from the public on two rounds of notices and testifying at two public hearings. review process required by NEPA. Moreover, agencies can now issue permits for projects such as coal mines and oil pipelines NEPA, which was passed by Congress in 1969 with without considering the project’s adverse climate change overwhelming bipartisan support and signed into law impacts, despite numerous court rulings requiring agencies to by President Nixon in 1970, has been described as the conduct climate evaluations under NEPA. basic charter for the protection of the environment. Fifty years later, it still stands as one of the most important This misguided approach will undoubtedly lead to environmental laws in the United States. Congress enacted destruction of wildlife habitat and loss of biodiversity, the law to “promote eff orts which will prevent or eliminate declines in air and water quality, and harm to public health, damage to the environment and biosphere” in order to particularly in communities of color, which for decades have “fulfi ll the responsibility of each generation as trustee of the disproportionately shouldered the burden of toxic pollution environment for succeeding generations.” in their neighborhoods.

The three basic principles of NEPA are informed decision- The new rules are inconsistent with both the letter and spirit making, transparency, and public input. The law requires of NEPA. Far from achieving the administration’s stated federal agencies to consider the environmental impacts purpose of “streamlining” NEPA, the changes unduly restrict of projects—such as new power plants, highways, oil and agency decision-making on complex matters of critical gas development, and logging—and to explore alternative importance to communities. They also sow greater uncertainty approaches to achieving its objectives. It also provides by upending established case law, policies, and procedures. opportunities for communities across the country to voice This will lead to more confusion for regulated industries and their concerns about how these proposals may threaten public the public, which will take years—if not decades—to resolve. health and ecosystems. AWI routinely relies on this law to

AWI QUARTERLY 9 FALL 2020 Keeping “Track” of Northern River Otters

The live capture of river otters is the laboratory, the snow was melted If successful, the DNA results obtained notoriously diff icult, which explains and fi ltered. Then nuclear DNA was from this pilot study, along with the dearth of information about the extracted and amplifi ed using a additional sampling, will be used to ecology of the species. Traditional quantitative polymerase chain reaction estimate population numbers using traps, including leghold and cage protocol, or qPCR. (PCR involves mark and recapture techniques, traps, can be used to capture otters for copying, or “amplifying” small pieces evaluate genetic diversity, and measure research, but they can result in injuries of DNA to create suff icient quantities the gene fl ow of otters in the western and stress to the animal. In addition, for genetic analyses; qPCR is a method Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The many traps set for otters can capture for detecting results during the early methods developed in this project nontarget species. phases of the reaction, when more would potentially work for genetic and precise measurements can be made.) mark-recapture studies from the tracks What if a method could be found that of other wildlife species living in areas would negate the need to trap otters The 87 tracks collected resulted in 159 with snow. Otter tracks are easy to for research purposes? With support fi lters potentially containing DNA. Out detect, and collecting them causes the from an AWI Christine Stevens Wildlife of the 159 fi lters, DNA was found in 94 animal little, if any, stress—especially Award, a novel and noninvasive (66%). The ability to fi nd DNA in track when compared with traditional mark- method for sampling river otters using samples was positively correlated, recapture methods, in which an animal DNA collected from otter tracks left predictably, with the number of track is physically captured and recaptured in the snow was tested in the western samples collected but negatively using traps. Identifying individuals from part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. correlated with the number of days the tracks could inform scientists about The study sought to determine if there samples were stored in a freezer. population demographics, habitat use, was enough nuclear DNA in snow movement behavior, dispersal patterns, tracks to identify individual otters and Age of the track, snow sample volume, genetic diversity, and gene fl ow—not assess what factors infl uenced the and temperature did not appear to only for otter populations but also for ability to acquire DNA from tracks. aff ect DNA collection. We were able many other elusive species with large to identify multiple genetic markers home ranges. Between January and April 2019, otter (microsatellites) in the DNA from the tracks in the snow were collected and snow samples and are continuing This study was conducted by Stacy placed in individual sample bags. Snow analyses to determine if enough genetic Cotey, PhD candidate at Michigan samples without otter tracks were markers were amplifi ed in each sample Technological University also collected to use as a control. In to diff erentiate individual otters.

AWI QUARTERLY 10 FALL 2020 CORSI GERALD CHUCKSCHUGPHOTOGRAPHY

PREDATOR PROTECTION Is Just Ecologic, Economic Logic

Historically, predators such as wolves, mountain lions, and allowing kelp forests to recover and benefi ting a diversity of bears were scorned and hunted with little remorse or restraint. species that rely on kelp as food and habitat. They have been vilifi ed as threats to , companion animals, and us. State and federal wildlife management The value of predators need not be described solely in terms of policies continue to treat many predators as unwanted species, their positive ecological eff ects, however. Recent studies have rarely imposing science-based or humane restrictions on endeavored to calculate their economic benefi ts. Historically, their killing. Archaic attitudes advocating for the removal of predators were seen as having monetary value only in terms predators to protect livestock and boost populations of prey of /trapping license and pelt sales. Today, economists species that are seen as more fi nancially valuable—particularly include nonconsumptive recreational benefi ts and ecosystem deer, elk, and other ungulates—continue to hold sway. services in calculating predators’ role in the economy.

The global slaughter of predators is unrelenting, despite Bats, for example, consume massive numbers of insects a growing body of scientifi c literature documenting their that damage crops. This saves US farmers tens of billions immense value as integral species in properly functioning of dollars each year, potentially, in pesticide applications ecosystems. Among many benefi ts, predators keep prey alone; bats also pollinate plants, a service valued at $200 populations from overrunning natural landscapes and billion globally (Kasso & Balakrishnan, 2013). A single bobcat croplands (and target the sick and weak, in stark contrast in Yellowstone has an estimated wildlife-watching value to trophy hunters seeking the most impressive individuals), of $308,000 over a single winter season, compared to an reduce disease transmission, provide food for scavengers exploitive value of $315 for a bobcat hunted or trapped in such as California condors and bald eagles, and keep smaller Wyoming over the same season (Elbroch et al. 2017). As mesocarnivores (e.g., coyotes, foxes, martens, skunks) in for sea otters, an analysis published this year in Science check—thereby preventing cascading negative impacts to estimated their value in restoring kelp forests, increasing fi sh other species. production, sequestering carbon, and enhancing ecotourism at 53.6 million Canadian dollars (~40.6 million US dollars)— Globally, the decline in apex predators, whether terrestrial or far more than their C$7.3 million (~US$5.5 million) cost to the marine, has had direct and indirect deleterious impacts on marine invertebrate fi shing industry (Gregr et al. 2020). biodiversity and habitat. Conversely, the return of predators to native lands and waters has been a boon: In Yellowstone The ecological and economic value of predators demands that National Park, wolf reintroduction has changed ungulates’ we discard old prejudices against these species and promote use of the landscape in response to the risk of predation. their protection. As Dr. William Ripple of Oregon State The changes in elk movements, distribution, and habitat use University and colleagues stated in a 2014 study, “promoting patterns have reduced browsing pressure on cottonwood and tolerance and coexistence with large carnivores is a crucial aspen saplings, improved the health of riparian areas, and societal challenge that will ultimately determine the fate of benefi ted multiple species. In the Pacifi c Ocean, the recovery Earth’s largest carnivores and all that depends upon them, of some sea otter populations has reduced urchin numbers, including humans.”

AWI QUARTERLY 11 FALL 2020 wildlife International Monetary FundestimatesInternational Monetary tag onhave beenstaggering. The economic losses we incalculable; meanwhile, thepurely the current COVID-19 pandemic is The value ofhumanlives lost to headlights) behavior. (rather thanfreezing-in-the- likely to predator trigger avoidance andisthereforeimage to deer” more produces “amore reliable looming concluded thatuse ofthelightbar approached deer. Thescientists to 10percent ofthetimes vehicles collision riskdecreased from 35percent light bar was deployed, deer-vehicle published in deer-vehicle collisions. Intheirstudy, the grillarea ofthevehicle), reduced the headlights (so thatitilluminates bar, affixed to the vehicle inbetween found thatarear-facing LEDlight National Wildlife Research Center ofAgriculture’sthe USDepartment Dr. Travis DeVault andcolleagues from reduced animal-vehicle collisions. overpasses, few strategies have reliably fencing andwildlife underpasses or night. Withtheexception ofexpensive involved deerstruckat in humaninjury those, thevast majoritythatresulted July 1,2018, andJune30, 2019. Of insurance claimswere filed between million animal-vehicle collision According to State Farm, over 1.9 PREVENT PANDEMICS PRESERVE THE WILD, DEER STEER CLEAR LIGHT BAR ON CAR HELPS Ecosphere placed lightbaronvehicles can drive deeroff roads—ensuring Center say thatastrategically vehicles don’t drive into them. National Wildlife Research can Scientists attheUSDA’s , whenthe putaprice more pathogens dangerous to humans. more adaptable creatures thatcarry increasing for opportunities smaller, often wipes outlarger species, wild places into farmland orsettlements continents found thatconversion of of 7,000 animalcommunities across six zoonotic diseases. Theextensive study habitat increases ourexposure to deadly just how thedestruction ofwildlife 2020), publishedin Another recent study(Gibbs etal., current pandemic. price we are paying to deal withthe would amount to only 2percent ofthe ofsuchpreventativeworth measures the costs associated with10years’ biosecurity. Alltold, they estimate that outbreaks earlier, andimprove farm regulate wildlife trade, detect disease loss andfragmentation, curbandbetter investing inefforts to prevent forest Specifically, the researchers recommend habitat—could bedramatically less. via protection ofwild animalsand stave offa future pandemic—partly of preventative measures thatcould in According to anewly publishedanalysis domestic product in2020alone. a global loss of$5.6 trillioningross Science AWI QUARTERLY (Dobson etal.2020), thecost WILDLIFE 12 Nature FALL 2020FALL , indicates , indicates demand for wildlife products). other strategies to reduce consumer trade agreements, financial aid,and resources) andinternationally (via and management ofbiological nationally (through better protection reduce thedrivers ofextinction rates commitments by policymakers to biodiversitymust trigger targets and and measure. To beeffective, the goal easy to communicate, understand, The simplicity ofthisgoal makes it freshwater, andterrestrial). across allecosystem types (marine, invertebrates, andvertebrates) for allmajorgroups (fungi, plants, per year over thenext 100years of fewer than20species extinctions Science recently proposed in inanarticle and Climate Research andcolleagues Germany’s Institute ofMeteorology et al.2014). Dr. MarkRounsevell of normal background rate (DeVos year—1,000 times higherthanthe extinctions permillionspecies per global species extinction rate is100 It hasbeenestimated thatthecurrent CURB EXTINCTION CONCRETE TARGET TO SCIENTISTS SUGGEST abiodiversity protection goal

SEAN THOMFORDE PATRICK SCHRODTER members ofCongress. HR2471would OR), MattGaetz(R-FL), and19 other Representatives Peter DeFazio (D- as “Canyon’s Law”), sponsored by US Poisons Reduction Act (also known been vocal advocates for theChemical Since then,theMansfield family have trauma ofwatching hisbeloved dogdie. problems for Canyon, andthelasting Kasey’s tragic death, aslew ofhealth changed theirlives forever, resulting in animals suchascoyotes. Thisincident control,” whichoften involves killing protecting livestock through “predator Health InspectionService tasked with of Agriculture’s AnimalandPlant Services, anarmoftheUSDepartment cyanide. Itwas placed by Wildlife spring-activated device sprays sodium backyard outsidePocatello, Idaho. The bomb” while playingnear thefamily’s stumbled uponanM-44“cyanide Canyon Mansfield andhisdog, Kasey, Over three years ago, 14-year-old CYANIDE POISONING NEGLIGENCE IN USDA ADMITS

exploitation. site ofdeplorable animalcruelty and later by Jeff Lowe, has long beena formerly owned by “” and Park (GWZoo) inOklahoma.Thiszoo, Greater Wynnewood Exotic Animal the activities ofroadside zoos suchas unprecedented publicattention to Mayhem The series be placed onprivate lands. assessment stated M-44s were public lands. A2016 environmental negligence inplacing theM-44on fact thatthegovernment also admitted $38,500. Ofutmost importance isthe the USDA, whichagreed to pay them led intheirlawsuit to against avictory Mansfields’ determined efforts recently management devices nationwide. The livestock protection collars) inpredator and sodium fluoroacetate (used in prevent theuse ofsodium cyanide FINALLY SHUT DOWN TIGER KING’S ZOO AWI QUARTERLY

and Madness WILDLIFE Tiger King:Murder, 13 brought FALL 2020FALL only to to also observedseveral cases ofsevere fly cat carcasses inawoodpile. Inspectors emaciated bears, and decomposing big barely responsive 16-week-old lioncub, geriatric wolves withpressure sores, a took action. AninspectioninJunefound ofAgricultureUS Department finally After years oflooking theotherway, the were caged, killed, orsold. their use after afew weeks, thecats day after day. Whenthecubs outgrew as props for numerous people to handle mother back into heat andusingthem ripping newborn cubs away to send the The zoo bred bigcatsincessantly, and paraded before thepublicfor profit. meat thatgrocery stores couldn’t sell, were kept inbarren cages, fed expired As shown in exhibitor license. after theUSDA suspendeditsowner’s closed itsgates for good inAugust, in thepopular docu-series The infamous zoo featured King serve, rather, asaset for hisown him from USDA oversight), butwill be opento thepublic(thusshielding According to Lowe, thefacility willnot new facility in Thackerville, Oklahoma. Lowe, whoistransferring themto his the zoo, unfortunately, willremain with nemesis in Rescue inFlorida andJoeExotic’s main Carole Baskin,theCEOofBigCat the property willbetransferred to September, insettlement ofalawsuit, permanently closed to thepublic.In announced thattheGWZoo was exhibitor license for 21days, andLowe In August,theUSDA suspendedLowe’s medical care to theanimals. with aveterinarian orprovide needed chronicles aconsistent failure to consult the animal’s flesh. Theinspection report and thehatched theneating maggots onananimal, flies bitingandlayingeggs strike—a painful condition caused by spin-off reality show. Tiger King Tiger King Tiger King . Theanimalsat , wild animals

Tiger INTERNATIONAL expressed “disappointment and frustration that, despite almost three decades of repeated warnings, the vaquita CONSERVATION population hovers at the edge of extinction because of gillnet entanglement and ineff ective fi sheries management and AGENDA IN FLUX enforcement measures in the Upper Gulf of California.” Similarly, the Standing Committee of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna AMID PANDEMIC and Flora (CITES) was to consider a number of important compliance matters at its October 2020 meeting, including a decision on whether Japan must confiscate sei whale he COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place to meat that was landed in Japan for 18 years in violation prevent its spread have had a profound impact on the of the treaty (see AWI Quarterly, winter 2018). While T environment, in positive and negative ways: Greenhouse the 2020 CITES Animals and Plants Committee meeting gases have declined sharply amid reduced industrial output. has been postponed until 2021, the October Standing Commercial fi shing and shipping vessels have remained Committee meeting remains in limbo. Nevertheless, the in port, giving marine life a welcome respite. Conversely, CITES secretariat has correctly observed that suspending food shortages, fi nancial instability, and a decline in law action on compliance matters could have negative impacts enforcement activities have spurred a tragic surge in poaching on species conservation. This is especially concerning and illegal fi shing in developing countries. Meanwhile, with respect to elephants, rhinos, grey parrots, and certain restrictions on global travel and in-person gatherings have tropical hardwoods. reduced the ability of governments and civil society to create, monitor, and enforce conservation measures. As the In the long term, due to the inevitable fi nancial fallout pandemic has progressed, global and regional conservation from COVID-19, many governments may be unable—or less meetings have been canceled, postponed, or converted to inclined—to pay their membership fees to international and virtual events. In some cases, such disruptions are adversely regional bodies that protect wildlife and their habitats. aff ecting species in acute peril. The IWC is a prime example. It recently conducted a mail- The vaquita porpoise is one such species. The World Heritage in vote to adopt an interim budget to sustain its work until Committee has yet to reschedule its June 2020 meeting the next meeting of parties, which has been postponed to where it was to discuss, among other important topics, September 2021. However, a signifi cant number of its member the corrective measures Mexico must implement to save governments already have unpaid annual fees and have thus vaquita from extinction after the committee designated lost their voting rights. With annual fees due again in 2021, vaquita habitat to be “in danger” in 2019 (see AWI Quarterly, some countries will accrue another year of debt before the fall 2019). At its May 2020 virtual meeting, the Scientifi c next meeting, making it much harder to settle their arrears Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and restore their voting rights.

AWI QUARTERLY 14 FALL 2020 SPITERI MATTHEW ANDREW SUTTON ANDREW

Moreover, voluntary contributions by governments and secretary warns, “COVID-19 is the most urgent threat nongovernmental organizations that sustain many global facing humanity today, but we cannot forget that climate conservation initiatives may dry up, leaving important work change is the biggest threat facing humanity over the unfunded. AWI is working with other NGOs to encourage long term.” Similarly, the pandemic cannot be an excuse governments and other stakeholders to maintain these for Arctic Council states to neglect their commitments donations to the IWC to sustain its important conservation to protect the Arctic environment and biodiversity, or for and welfare work. the 27 member states of the European Union failing to fulfi l their legally binding commitment to improve the Before the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, state of the EU’s ocean ecosystems pursuant to its Marine the United Nations was calling 2020 “a ‘super year’ for Strategy Framework Directive. the environment—a make or break year in which key international meetings will set the tone and agenda for Governments must ensure that the pandemic does not environmental action in the decade ahead.” A number of cause or excuse setbacks in meeting our critical priorities for critical conservation issues were to be discussed at the IUCN the planet. In particular, when international negotiations Conservation Congress (now rescheduled for January 2021). resume, the meetings must be transparent and inclusive. The parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity were Virtual meetings must provide simultaneous translation to negotiate a new global framework to safeguard all life on in multiple languages without time lags, ensure reliable Earth. And at the second UN Ocean Conference, nations were connectivity, and be scheduled to maximize participation poised to seek new solutions to ocean acidifi cation; marine regardless of time zone. The United Nations has recently litter and pollution; illegal, unreported and unregulated approved funding for eligible developing countries to fi shing; and the loss of habitats and biodiversity. boost their bandwidth in order to connect to virtual meetings, but it is inevitable that problems will occur. As these and other key meetings are postponed or Limiting the duration of working sessions to accommodate conducted virtually, and governments redirect funds and global participation will inevitably result in less time for personnel to COVID-19 responses, it is critically important meaningful negotiations. And, while there are online options not to lose momentum for vital conservation work. For for informal conversation, a virtual format hinders the example, UN eff orts to establish a Global Ocean Treaty valuable in-person discussions that happen spontaneously (originally scheduled for April 2020) to conserve and during breaks in formal meetings—discussions that build properly manage the biodiversity of the high seas must trust and often help participants fi nd consensus. continue. The high seas—international waters covering half the globe—include some of its most biologically important Despite these challenges, there are signifi cant benefi ts and critically threatened ecosystems, yet are among the to a more virtual world, including the reduced impact on least protected regions on the planet. the environment by limiting air travel. As the world has adapted to teleworking, it is clear that we could have Countries must not rely on the postponement of the traveled less and “Zoomed” more, with minimal impact on UN Climate Change Conference from November 2020 productivity. When life returns to “normal” after COVID-19, to November 2021 as an excuse for not committing to we will all have learned some important lessons and stronger emission cuts to meet the goals of the Paris hopefully adopted more sustainable working practices that climate accord. As the UN climate change executive were unimaginable less than a year ago.

AWI QUARTERLY 15 FALL 2020 marine life

AARON CHOWN/PA WIRE/PA IMAGES more offspring inthe future. new females aspossible to produce populationneedsasmany struggling Best ofallwould beababy girl;this toThey birth succeed. needevery shipping traffic, anddecliningsalmon. pollutants intheirtissues, heavy critically endangered, dueto toxic The SouthernResident orcas are to welcome ahealthy calfinto thefold. time, Tahlequah andherfamily are able now watch anxiously, hopingthatthis pregnancy. Orca scientists andfans time lastyear—a reliable signof much rounder thanitwas thesame Tahlequah show abodyprofile thatis This summer, drone images of unwilling to let go. infant for 17days and1,000 miles, “Tahlequah”—bore thebodyofher “J35” andinformally referred to as minutes. Themother—identified as newborn calf, wholived less than30 stricken reaction to thedeath ofher the world withherapparently grief- captured andmindsaround hearts orca offthe coast of Washington In 2018, afemale SouthernResident FAMILY WAY FOR FAMOUS ORCA IN FINGERS CROSSED

robot dolphinthere inthenear future. the creators intend to debutthenew may bethetesting ground for thisidea; expanding cetacean inChina industry exploiting aliving being?The and eliciting empathy without entertainment purposes—educating substitute for thereal thingfor to satisfy thisurge? Could arobot But whatifnoanimalshadto suffer in theirlimited environment. facilities is thattheanimalsare happy visitors receive from entertainment difficult—especially whenthemessage have to suffer incaptivityhasproved suppress itso wildlife species donot wildlife isstrong; convincing themto drive manypeople feel to interact with traditional live cetacean exhibits. The Engineering, could completely upend in Mayby thewebsite Interesting to 10years. Thisinnovation, described and itisresistant to saltwater for up told lasts 10 hours, the truth. Its battery it were unaware itwas notalive until lifelike thatvolunteers whoswam with designed ananimatronic dolphinso Technology entrepreneurs have PARKS? FILL THE BILL AT THEME COULD ROBOT DOLPHIN CETACEAN FABRICATION: AWI QUARTERLY MARINE LIFE 16 FALL 2020FALL “Little White,” hadbeenperforming at females, dubbed“Little Grey” and pen sanctuary. Thetwo 12-year-old to stretch theirflippersinanew sea in Chinahave justbeengiven achance been held atanentertainment facility Two captive beluga whales whohad 200 beluga whales. bottlenose dolphinsandmore than Among these are more than500 1,000 cetaceans incaptivityChina. is afounding member, there are over China Cetacean Alliance, ofwhichAWI According to a2019 report by the sanctuary inIceland’ssanctuary Klettsvik Bay. is released into theopenwater pool, to beacclimated before she transferred to thebayside care The beluga called Little Grey is feet).with adepthof9meters (30 equivalent to nearly 8acres onland), 32,000 square meters (anarea China, theirnew ocean homestretches for belugas. Unlike theirtinypoolsin world’s firstopen water sanctuary released into thewiderbay—the Following this, they were to be acclimate to theirnew surroundings. Bay for periodinorder ashort to care poolwithintheisland’s Klettsvik year, they were moved to abayside mainland Iceland. InAugustofthis island offthe southern coast of quarantine facility inHeimaey, an Last year, they were flown to a Russian research center in2011. They were taken to Chinafrom a Chengfeng Ocean World inShanghai. TWO CAPTIVE BELUGAS BACK TO BRINY SEA FOR HUMANE EDUCATION

One of the winning entries in this year’s “A Voice for Animals” contest addressed the dangers that plastics in the ocean pose to sea turtles.

AWI, together with Humane Education Network, congratulate these and other winners of the contest’s 30th year. To view all the winning entries, visit hennet.org/contest.php.

LESSON PLANS NOW AVAILABLE FOR POPULAR FUNTAY AWI BOOKS AWI now has free lesson plans available for two of our most sought-after books, STUDENTS LIFT “Overfishing and Bycatch: An Empty A Dangerous Life and The Magic of VOICE, TAKE ACTION Ocean,” increased demand and modern Touch. The lesson plans were developed FOR ANIMALS methods of are causing animal by AWI in cooperation with educator The 2020 “A Voice for Animals” contest suffering and ecological devastation. Nancy Kellum Brown. received over 500 entries from all over Chen incorporated this issue into the the world, including submissions from lessons and activities she and her fellow A Dangerous Life is a graphic novel Nepal, Mexico, Singapore, and India. counselors shared with their campers. that weaves lessons of conservation Many of this year’s entries addressed and compassion for all living things timely topics such as the spread of Inspired in large part by his family’s throughout a story about the diseases via animal markets and the own rescue dog, Derek DeAngelo importance of both animal and human devastating Australian wildfires, brainstormed a technology-based families. The lesson plans include demonstrating that young people are solution. The resulting smartphone app, activity cards and worksheets that can as tuned in as ever to recent events called “Rescue Me Massachusetts,” be used on their own or in conjunction and the world around them. A few took months to develop and test. His with an interactive notebook. They are of the 20 prizewinning entries are perseverance throughout his project applicable across a variety of subjects, described below. and commitment to helping shelter including science, environmental animals is apparent in his essay-with- education, social studies, and language Sarah Robison parlayed her photos submission titled, “Animal arts for grade 6 and up. appreciation for sea turtles into “Sea Homelessness: There’s an App for That.” Turtle Awareness” day, educating The Magic of Touch is a compilation of her community about the dangers of Employing forensic science to curb many different scientific studies that plastics in the marine ecosystem. Her illegal pangolin trafficking is a unique establish how positive physical contact— informative video, “The Plastic Effect: solution described by Liana Hase-Penn both within and between species—has Sea Turtle Awareness,” documents her in her essay submission, “The Tragic psychological and health benefits for initiative in creating an educational Plight of Pangolins and the Poaching of animals and humans alike. High school display using recyclable items, as well the Endangered Species.” Hase-Penn, teachers and college professors will find humane education humane as handicrafts, to show how materials who has a strong interest in STEM this text and accompanying lesson plans can be repurposed instead of discarded. technologies, is hoping this application appropriate for courses involving animal will allow authorities to identify and behavior, ethology, environmental While training for her summer job as a apprehend poachers. Citing a British studies, and philosophy. camp counselor on a California marine survey from 2018, she also points out research vessel, Yolanda Chen learned there are still many people who do not These teaching guides can be of the problems caused by commercial know that this species exists, let alone downloaded at awionline.org/content/ fishing. As explained in her essay, that they are critically endangered. free-publications.

AWI QUARTERLY 17 FALL 2020 Di ection Alternatives: SUPERIOR LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THAT SPARE ANIMAL LIVES

North America, animal dissection currently available. There are a variety appear to be in your hand or on your remains commonplace in K-12 of excellent options, and many are desk. You can “peel back layers” and Inscience education. At a time when feasible for online education. view individual body systems inside the numerous interactive and immersive frog—for example, the skeletal system, alternatives are available, it’s time to Froggipedia (apple.co/32lYK0t) is the muscular system, or the digestive end this outdated practice once and for geared toward middle school students system. (3) “Dissection,” with which all by adopting non-animal teaching and features a fascinating and easy- you can conduct a traditional-style methods. to-use 3D model of a breathing frog. dissection using your fi nger or an Apple It off ers the following modes: (1) “Life Pencil to “cut” through the frog’s skin Non-animal methods are not only more Cycle,” which has an animation feature and muscle, locating diff erent organs humane, but also more eff ective, more that allows you to move a cursor to and learning about their function. The inclusive, safer, and more economical. view the frog submerged in a pond app also includes a quiz with eight A literature review conducted by the as it develops from a single-celled organs to identify. Froggipedia was Animals in Science Policy Institute egg to a tadpole and eventually to awarded the “iPad App of the Year” (AiSPI) indicated that in 88 percent an adult frog. (2) “Augmented Reality in 2018. Version 3.0 can be purchased of studies, non-animal methods were Anatomy,” which works like a camera for just $3.99 in the Apple App Store superior or equivalent to dissection that projects the frog onto wherever (available only for iPhone and iPad) (bit.ly/32syEch). Non-animal methods you point your lens, so the frog can and is available in 8 languages. reduce the emotional, ethical, and religious barriers to education. They also avoid the use of sharp scalpels or harsh preservative chemicals. Contrary to popular belief, many non-animal methods actually cost less Fro ipedia than preserved animals, and there are typically no recurring annual costs.

Despite the benefi ts of non-animal methods, many teachers report that they do not have the time to research dissection alternatives. To help teachers make the transition, AWI has teamed up with AiSPI to create a list of some of the most eff ective and engaging non-animal methods

AWI QUARTERLY 18 FALL 2020 3D Frog Anatomy by Biosphera (biosphera3d.com) is an interactive model that permits the user to view the various systems of the frog individually or in combination and from any angle, along with the option to zoom in and out. You can learn anatomy by hovering over an area of the frog to see the name 3D Frog Anatomy of the particular body part. There are 11 other Biosphera models, including cat, pig, fi sh, and human. Pricing varies depending on the species and device: The 3D Frog Anatomy for mobile versions (Android, Apple, or Windows Merge Cube devices) is $11.99, and the desktop software costs $26 for individual use and $39 for multiple users.

Frog Paper Dissection— Scienstructable 3D Dissection Model by Getting Nerdy with Mel and Gerdy (gettingnerdywithmelandgerdy.com) enjoys support from teachers and students alike. It is a great option for students who do not have easy access to an electronic device. This low-tech (or no-tech) model is geared toward those in grades 4 to 12, but it is typically used by 7th graders. The cost of the frog model is $22.95 and the price drops if discounted price for schools, contains Other options include Frog Dissection a number of licenses are purchased at dozens of STEM-related components. by GP Strategies (an older app—we did once. There are a wide variety of other When the device is pointed at the cube, not consider the graphics as good), 3D species options, including cat, fetal pig, it transforms it into a 3D model on the Anatomica (detailed human anatomy, earthworm, and crayfi sh. Patience is device’s screen that can be held and not nonhuman animals), and SynFrog required to cut out all of the individual rotated. A Frog’s Life—one of the app’s by SynDaver (a synthetic frog that can pieces, but there are clear instructions components—allows you to watch a be dissected without the blood and bad on how to assemble the models, and frog’s life cycle and perform a virtual smells—kids enjoyed it, but at $150 there is an online guide to making dissection. The Merge Explorer app for one frog model that also requires repairs and a suggestion for how best can be made more interactive if used special handling, it is one of the more to display the models. with a virtual reality headset that costs expensive options). $49.99. While the Merge Cube off ers Merge Cube (mergeedu.com/cube) is an impressive array of activities for a Science educators are invited to visit the an educational tool that can provide a number of STEM-related disciplines, AiSPI website (animalsinscience.org) to fully immersive experience, but it is one we found its frog dissection app to fi nd more information about alternatives of the more costly options when used be less impressive than other apps to dissection. Once on the site, click the to its full capacity. It consists of a soft described above. This system has “Teacher Resources” button to learn foam 5-inch cube that costs $19.99 and received a lot of acclaim, including the about a variety of subscription-based is used in combination with the Merge Parents’ Choice Award, the Academics’ resources AiSPI will roll out soon— Explorer app, which can be launched Choice Brain Toy Award, and the Tech including detailed class plans, workbooks, on an Apple, Android, or Windows 10 and Learning Award of Excellence. The recorded classes and teacher tutorials, device. This app, which runs $9.99/ manufacturer suggests it is suitable for and the opportunity to schedule live month for individual use or at a ages 10 and above. online classes from AiSPI instructors.

AWI QUARTERLY 19 FALL 2020 USDA Photos Document Horrific Suffering at Chinchilla Research Supplier

he disturbing pictures included with this article, taken by a US Department of Agriculture inspector in 2017, are worth T far more than a thousand words. And Moulton Chinchilla Ranch (MCR)—a licensed dealer supplying chinchillas for “The chinchilla’s collar was encrusted with matted fur and its experimentation (see AWI Quarterly, summer 2020)—knows it. tissue appeared swollen and encrusted around the collar,” wrote a USDA inspector. Following the collar’s removal, the inspector observed “an open sore around most of the neck where the collar In fact, by early 2018, MCR had had enough of the inspector had been,” seeping discharge with “a strong putrid odor.” The who took them, appealing citations in his inspection report USDA has repeatedly cited Moulton Chinchilla ranch (MCR) for and complaining to the USDA that he was always “looking for open sores and abscesses that have developed under the collars. It anything to cite.” To MCR, it would seem, such photographs did so again this year. are not clear evidence of atrocious conditions, but rather overblown accusations from a meddlesome inspector. Further, MCR railed that, unlike USDA dairy inspectors, this one didn’t even try to help the facility and treated it “like the enemy.”

It turns out that MCR had little to fear from its alleged enemy. of veterinary care during that October 2018 inspection After the facility threatened that it “would not allow further than it did in any inspection before or since; inspections” unless the USDA addressed these baseless • chose not to include this particularly damning evidence allegations, the department from the October inspection in its November 2018 enforcement complaint; and • barred the inspector from visiting MCR; • failed to file a second complaint regarding all the • announced the next inspection, which—incredibly, given additional citations documented in 12 inspection reports the advance warning—found more chinchillas (22) in need from July 2017 to March 2020.

AWI QUARTERLY 20 FALL 2020 The images in this article are taken from February and April 2017 USDA inspection reports of MCR obtained via FOIA.

Here, the inspector noted “strong odors where 8 chinchillas are housed above the buildup [of waste].” A dead chinchilla was found in one cage who “was bloated, had peeling skin, a strong odor, and its limbs were stiff.” During another inspection, a dead chinchilla was found who had been there so long she had to be peeled off the top of the cage.

View looking down into a soiled cage. The inspector wrote, “At least two enclosures had an excessive accumulation of wet food material around the water sipper valve.” (Valve circled below.)

This view from above shows two holes in the cage floor. “Six enclosures,” the inspector indicated, had “holes with sharp points sticking into the enclosures. Some of the holes were large enough a chinchilla could potentially escape from Chinchilla with excessively matted fur on her stomach. the enclosure.” The USDA has repeatedly documented hazardous caging at MCR. (The pink areas are the chinchilla’s footpads.) The USDA inspector stated, “The hair mats were firm and crusted attached closely to the skin. Intervention from the attending veterinarian is needed.” Veterinarians AWI consulted suggest that this animal suffered from prolonged neglect for such a painful mass of mats to develop. Yet, the inspector failed to classify this as a critical citation.* *The USDA defines a “critical” citation as one that has “had a serious or severe adverse effect on the health and well-being of the animal.”

AWI QUARTERLY 21 FALL 2020 A chinchilla whose right eye had swollen shut and who was hairless around her eyelids. The USDA has cited MCR repeatedly since 2014 for eye issues, including this year, when it cited the facility over a chinchilla with eyes crusted shut, swollen eyelids with hair loss, and a “thick, pale discharge.” During a six-year period from March 2014 to March 2020, USDA inspectors had to point out more than 120 chinchillas who needed veterinary care.

Because of this failure to file another complaint against institutions in the world. Boston University, for one, still lists MCR for its repeated flouting of the law, the USDA cannot MCR and Ryerson as its only approved chinchilla vendors, even mention the ongoing noncompliances when a hearing months after the publication of Science’s devastating exposé. before an administrative law judge (originally scheduled for The USDA has apparently launched an official investigation April 2020) is finally held. of Ryerson (the department neither confirms nor denies such action). Time will tell if it botches that one as badly as MCR would consider Sanford Feldman, unlike the inspector, it has with MCR. It is unconscionable that these chinchillas an ally. He is the director of comparative medicine at the continue to suffer so terribly while industry and the USDA University of Virginia and a veterinary consultant for enable this wanton yet preventable abuse. MCR. In May 2020, when Science published a damning article revealing conditions at MCR, it included quotes WHAT YOU CAN DO from Feldman asserting that the chinchillas at MCR are The USDA can no longer be allowed to turn a blind eye not “suffering terribly” and that the facility wants to “do toward such cruelty. Please send a letter or email to Kevin right by the animals.” These photos prove otherwise. When Shea, USDA-APHIS Administrator, 1400 Independence research institutions and others in the industry purchase Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250, or Kevin.A.Shea@ from MCR (or work with Feldman, who has a vested interest aphis.usda.gov. Respectfully ask the department to file a in overlooking such suffering—which is indeed terrible), second complaint against MCR and include the taxpayer- they are complicit. funded citations it documented over the past three years— which highlight the facility’s ongoing animal abuse—and Many of the grim conditions evidenced by the USDA photos permanently revoke MCR’s license. The USDA undercuts its at MCR—from serious eye issues to widespread excrement own inspectors when it chooses to ignore their findings. in cages to soiled food—were also documented by the USDA this year at another research supplier, Ryerson Chinchilla. Also, please urge the department to conduct a thorough (Ryerson has over three times the number of chinchillas investigation and file a complaint against Ryerson that MCR has.) Inexplicably, a now-retired inspector had Chinchilla Ranch that fully addresses the issues uncovered characterized Ryerson’s failure to disclose the existence by inspectors. We believe that the grave citations and of 1,000 chinchillas at its facility and use of “painful” and suffering—in many ways eerily reminiscent of MCR—should “unacceptable” killing methods as “non-critical.” also result in revocation of Ryerson’s breeder license.

Despite these abysmal records, MCR and Ryerson have supplied chinchillas to some of the most prestigious research

AWI QUARTERLY 22 FALL 2020 ANIMALS IN LABORATORIES

VA TOLD TO REDUCE the VA to look toward international Policy on Humane Care and Use of RELIANCE ON DOGS IN regulations and guidelines, which are Laboratory Animals (which governs RESEARCH based on more recent literature and research conducted with federal funds) higher standards of care. The report allows various “flexibilities” during a A committee of experts—convened at offers a number of recommendations pandemic. These include (1) extending the National Academies of Sciences, for reducing the VA’s use of laboratory the usual interval between mandatory Engineering, and Medicine to review dogs and improving their welfare. It inspections or waiving the inspection whether it is “necessary” for the US recommended funding independent requirement altogether, (2) conducting Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) literature searches that emphasize virtual rather than in-person site visits, to continue using dogs in biomedical replacement of dogs, not just a and (3) having one Institutional Animal research to fulfill its mission—has reduction in numbers. Care and Use Committee member published its final report. After act on behalf of the entire committee nearly two years of deliberation, the in performing a complete review/re- committee of researchers, physicians, approval of current protocols coming up veterinarians, lawyers, and bioethicists LAB OVERSIGHT LAPSES on their required three-year renewal. concluded that the use of dogs is DURING COVID-19 “scientifically necessary for only a few areas of current [VA] biomedical The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on many animals, and research.” In addition to listing the GRANT OPPORTUNITY types of research for which laboratory laboratory animals are no exception. The US Department of Agriculture’s TO IMPROVE LAB dogs should no longer be used (for ANIMAL WELFARE example, diabetes, narcolepsy, or routine unannounced inspections of primary pharmacological studies), research facilities (and suppliers of Do you have a creative idea for the report encouraged a shift toward animals for experimentation) has been improving the welfare of research clinical trials with companion dogs who severely curtailed, and currently the animals? AWI offers grants of up to naturally develop some of the same department is prioritizing inspections $10,000 to conduct short research based on need and safety. The USDA projects, based in the United States or

diseases as humans, adding that these laboratories animals in dogs can also benefit from the research has stated that it is “available to discuss Canada, aimed at improving the lives in which they participate. individual situations within facilities.” of animals in research. The deadline for applications is October 16, 2020. For The report also pointed out several With respect to internal oversight by more information or to apply, please deficiencies regarding the animal the facility, The Public Health Service visit awionline.org/refinementawards. component of the VA’s research protocols, such as inadequate justification for the relevance of the proposed study to veterans’ health, why dogs were needed, and how investigators arrived at the number of dogs they were requesting. Certain research protocols also lacked input from key veterinary professionals to safeguard the welfare of research dogs, for example in studies where individual dogs underwent multiple surgeries. (The Animal Welfare Act discourages subjecting animals to more than one major operative experiment unless certain specific requirements are met.)

Finally, while acknowledging that current federal regulations “provide a foundation for the assessment of well-being,” the committee encouraged DEVMARYA

AWI QUARTERLY 23 FALL 2020 CUNFEK EXPANDING SAFE HAVEN RESOURCES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS WITH PETS

Chris was in an abusive relationship, and she knew she domestic violence in placing their companion animals out had to leave. But she hesitated. She didn’t have family of harm’s way so that they may seek safety for themselves. nearby and having just moved to a new area, she hadn’t made any close friends. Yet her partner grew more abusive Safe havens operate diff erently from community to every day. But if she sought shelter, how could she protect community. Some rely on networks of foster care homes. her dog, Caitlin, as well? Some are allowed to use the additional kennel space of a local humane society or veterinarian. About 10 percent of any domestic violence survivors with companion the approximately 1,400 safe havens listed provide co- animals have to grapple with such a question. The housing for both the domestic violence survivor and their M animals may be in grave danger, since abusers—well pets. Depending on the local arrangement, family members aware of the emotional bond between their victims and may be able to visit their pets while they are in safekeeping. beloved companion animals—will use the threat of violence How long a pet can stay in a safe haven will depend on the against such animals to punish or intimidate their victims. local arrangement. In all cases, confi dentiality of the pet’s location is highly guarded in order to protect the pets and Fortunately, there are now growing resources available for their family members. survivors to obtain shelter for their animals as they seek shelter for themselves. Those who follow AWI’s Companion For the past several years, the National Domestic Violence Animals program may already be familiar with the Safe Hotline (The Hotline) has included a link to the Safe Havens for Pets of Domestic Violence Victims national Havens database on its website (thehotline.org/help/pets- directory. Instituted in 2011, the Safe Havens directory 2). The Hotline was established in 1996 as a component identifi es sheltering services that can assist victims of of the federal Violence Against Women Act, and it is

AWI QUARTERLY 24 FALL 2020 supported by the US Health and Human Service’s Family appropriations package (a.k.a. the “Farm Bill”) that comes Violence Prevention Service Office, as well as contributions before Congress every five years or so. The PAWS Act from individuals, corporations, and foundations. It is the establishes a grant program for entities that provide shelter only national domestic violence hotline offering free, and housing assistance for domestic violence survivors to confidential 24/7/365 support in 200 languages—by phone, enable them to better meet the housing needs of survivors digital chat, and text. with pets. The law also takes the important step of including pets, horses, service animals, and emotional support By connecting its audience to AWI’s Safe Havens database, animals in federal law pertaining to interstate stalking, The Hotline has been pivotal in providing victims of domestic protection order violations, and restitution. These provisions violence the resources they need to form a safety plan for provide law enforcement with additional tools for protecting themselves and their pets. In 2019, according to The Hotline, victims from their abusers. We can anticipate, therefore, visitors to its website accessed the Safe Havens database that more resources will be available to support existing approximately 15,000 times. Advocates at The Hotline also safe havens for pets of domestic violence victims, as well as use the database to assist callers or chatters directly when facilitate the opening of new ones. they are seeking resources for their pets. The Safe Havens database is being accessed tens of About 70 percent of those who accessed the database in 2019 thousands of times each year, showing the drastic need for through The Hotline’s website identified as female, matching safe shelter for victims of domestic violence and their pets. the national pattern regarding the percentage of women and Visit awionline.org/safe-pets for more information about how men that report being victims of domestic violence. According your community can start a safe haven for pets. to The Hotline, one in three women and one in seven men will be victims of severe physical violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Database users (regardless of gender identity) were most often from US midsize or large cities. A 2011 study (Peek-Asa et al.) found the following:

Women in small rural and isolated areas reported the highest prevalence of IPV [interpersonal violence] (22.5% and 17.9%, respectively) compared to 15.5% for urban women. Rural women reported significantly higher severity of physical abuse than their urban counterparts. The mean distance to the nearest IPV resource was three times greater for rural women than for urban women, and rural IPV programs served more counties and had fewer on-site shelter services. Over 25% of women in small rural and isolated areas lived >40 miles from the closest program, compared with <1% of women living in urban areas.

The Pet and Women Safety (PAWS) Act became law on December 20, 2018, as part of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018—the latest version of the extensive agricultural

VIOREL KURNOSOV VIOREL AWI QUARTERLY 25 FALL 2020 REVIEWS

EVERY PENGUIN IN THE WORLD vulnerable, including the Galapagos penguin—the only Charles Bergman / Sasquatch Books / 193 pages species found north of the Equator and the least numerous of all, with an estimated 800 breeding pairs. In this period of canceled travel plans and rarely venturing past one’s own front porch—if it can be helped—living Throughout his pursuit, Bergman meets researchers, vicariously through the adventures of people such as Charles biologists, and sea bird sanctuary personnel who are Bergman, the author of Every Penguin in the World: A Quest dedicated to penguin conservation. But, as he points out, to See Them All, has become one way to remain connected to even non-experts can help by volunteering, voting, and the planet and its nonhuman inhabitants. Truly, his quest to supporting science and fact-based recommendations. A list of see every species of penguin around the world can be called resources to aid readers in doing so can be found at the end of an adventure, as he has crossed dangerous rivers, endured the book. After all, says Bergman: “If we cannot save what we gale-force winds, and occasionally sustained injuries to love, and everyone loves penguins, what can we save?” witness and document his favorite animal. Bergman’s deep appreciation for these birds, which was sparked when he saw his fi rst “in-person” penguin in 2003 while snorkeling in the Galapagos Islands, is evident in the book’s beautiful photos STRESS AND ANIMAL WELFARE, and retellings of his encounters with each species. 2ND EDITION Donald Broom and Ken Johnston / Springer / 230 pages Within each story, there is an urgent yet hopeful reminder for each of us that we must all do what we can to help The second edition of Stress and Animal Welfare describes preserve the natural world and its residents. Of the the current understanding of how stress in humans and 18 penguin species, 10 are classifi ed as endangered or animals is connected to their welfare. It provides information

AWI QUARTERLY 26 FALL 2020 REVIEWS

that is essential for understanding how to assess impacts of In this long-awaited sequel to Applegate’s Newbery Medal- various stressors on animals and will be helpful to individuals winning 2012 book, The One and Only Ivan (recently adapted and entities responsible for the welfare of animals in a variety into a feature film streaming on Disney+), the Big Top Mall of settings—whether it be research, exhibition, production, has closed and the animal residents have been dispersed to companion, sport, or wildlife. zoos and sanctuaries around the country. Ivan and Ruby, a baby elephant, now reside in the local zoo. Bob has found a In the 26 years since the book’s first edition was published, home with the family of the former mall caretaker, but he’s the science of animal welfare has rapidly advanced, and having trouble settling in—even after a year he still has the improved methods have emerged to enable a greater sense that he has to find shelter, safety, somewhere to belong. understanding of the link between physiological stress And, although Bob bills himself as “untamed and undaunted,” responses and welfare. In this edition, authors Broom and deep down he believes himself to be a coward. Johnston review the increasing evidence of similarities between humans and many animal species in cognitive Bob has reason to doubt his bravery—after his flight from the ability and the capacity for emotions and feelings that can be truck window, he heard the cries of his sister but he didn’t affected by stress. try very hard to find her. When her yelps stopped, part of him was relieved, because as a small puppy himself, it was all he The authors explore how individuals respond and adapt could do to take care of himself. He has spent his few years to pain and other stress-inducing factors. They discuss of life believing himself to be alone, and living with the guilt. how to promote good welfare and the principles and But when a hurricane strikes the zoo and a nearby animal methods for assessing welfare in a quantitative and shelter, it’s Bob who leads the rescue efforts, finding courage objective manner. Broom and Johnston also delve into he didn’t know he had. the ethical aspects of addressing contemporary world challenges—such as sustainable food production—and the The One and Only Bob is about being tested and rising to the need to consider stress and other impacts on human and occasion, making amends and finding the true meaning of animal welfare when making decisions related to these family. In true Applegate style, the book touches on big ideas challenges. (Interestingly, they describe the development and big themes without preaching. Bob notes that the zoo of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens as the greatest global that is Ivan and Ruby’s home is an improvement over a cage threat to human and animal welfare.) in a mall but is not perfect: “A perfect place would not need walls.” But “when you’re an animal it helps to be a realist.” As human society has evolved, so has the relationship Recommended for ages 8–12, but an engaging and uplifting between humans and other animals. While this has resulted story for readers of all ages. in improved welfare for many animals, some changing relationships have been to the detriment of other animals. With recent advances in animal welfare science that provide better ways to objectively identify, assess, and alleviate poor welfare, strategies can and should now be developed to Bequests avoid such detriments. Stress and Animal Welfare provides a science-based framework for society to provide improved If you would like to help assure AWI’s future through sustainable welfare for all animals and people. a provision in your will, this general form of bequest is suggested: I give, devise and bequeath to the Animal Welfare —Dr. William Stokes, AWI Board of Directors Institute, located in Washington, DC, the sum of $ and/or (specifically described property).

Donations to AWI, a not-for-profit corporation exempt under THE ONE AND ONLY BOB Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3), are tax-deductible. Katherine Applegate / HarperCollins / 352 pages We welcome any inquiries you may have. In cases in which you have specific wishes about the disposition of your bequest, we Bob has not had an easy life. As a puppy, he and his siblings suggest you discuss such provisions with your attorney. were thrown from a truck window by a cruel owner. Bruised and starving, Bob found his way to the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, home of Ivan, a gorilla who spent 27 years of his life in a cage and who became Bob’s best friend.

AWI QUARTERLY 27 FALL 2020 Non-Profi t Org. US Postage PAID Return Service Requested Washington, DC Permit No. 2300

facebook.com/animalwelfareinstitute

@AWIonline @AWIonline

ALL US STATES NOW ALLOW VETS TO REPORT SUSPECTED ANIMAL ABUSE

The crucial role of veterinarians in identifying and reporting to both animal abuse and family violence, many vets remain suspected animal abuse is becoming clearer—to the public, uncomfortable with the idea—feeling that their education has to law enforcement, to veterinarians themselves, and to not trained them suff iciently to recognize signs of abuse and lawmakers. Most recently, thanks to a decade-long eff ort by to diff erentiate between abuse and accidental injuries. In fact, both activists and the state’s veterinary medical association, the 2017 survey concluded that there is a signifi cant need to Kentucky ended its prohibition on vets reporting animal improve education and communication regarding detection abuse. The law now permits (though does not mandate) vets and reporting of animal abuse. to make good-faith reports of suspected animal abuse to law enforcement in most cases. If the suspected abuse involves In response to this need, AWI, in consultation with two an “animal for which an on-farm livestock or poultry care esteemed forensic veterinarians, developed posters for standard has been promulgated,” then the vet may report it vets that provide cues as to signs that might suggest that a only to the state veterinarian. pet’s condition is due to maltreatment, as well as guidance concerning what to do if abuse is suspected. These posters may All 50 states now either permit or require vets to report be downloaded from our website at awionline.org/vet-posters, suspected animal cruelty; it is mandatory in 19 states. Their and hard copies are available free of charge. input could be crucial: In a 2017 survey, 87 percent of vets who responded reported having encountered at least one case of animal abuse. Moreover, the connection between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence— particularly domestic violence, elder abuse, and child abuse—means vets may be one of the fi rst outside a home to detect signs that family members may be in danger.

While the profession comes to terms with the growing expectation that vets are among the “fi rst responders” BEATRIZ VERA BEATRIZ