Cracking the case of the pet food killer
PORTLAND, Oregon––As many as 39,000 American dogs and cats may have been injured or killed by pet foods contaminated by melamine, a chemical formerly considered safe, during the three months or longer that the taint- Irish cattle. (Kim Bartlett) ed food was in distribution. Banfield Pet Hospitals, operating 615 Greenhouse gases are invisible–– as is veterinary clinics around the U.S., produced Sammy. (Kim Bartlett) this preliminary estimate from information on on March 16, 2007 recalled 60 million cans of “green” recognition of meat as source client visits, from December 2006 through mid- dog and cat food. A Canadian firm with U.S. plants in Emporia, Kansas, and New Jersey, NORWALK, Connecticut– – more a cultural celebration than a day of March 2007. During that time the Banfield hos- pitals handled more than one million animal vis- Menu Foods supplied products to at least seven Posting “Ten easy steps to cutting out the awareness-raising and protest, Vermont its, and saw a 30% increase in cases of cats suf- different companies, who sold Menu-made pet #1 contributor to global warming: farmed environmentalist author Bill McKibben and fering from kidney failure. food under more than 100 brands. animals!” on April 6, 2007, the Earth Day friends organized “Step It Up 2007,” a The data suggests that three out of Other pet food makers were soon Network could not have been more explicit “National Day of Climate Action” held on implicated in a nationwide investigation and about the most helpful action that average April 13, a week ahead of Earth Day, to every 10,000 cats and dogs who ate the contam- series of recalls that swiftly went international. citizens can take to cut greenhouse gas try to increase attention to global warming. inated pet food developed kidney failure, Pet food contaminated with the same chemical emissions and slow the pace of climate More than 1,400 organizations Banfield told Associated Press. Receiving consumer complaints about was discovered in South Africa and Puerto change. But the Earth Day Network mes- headquartered in all 50 states and many pet foods allegedly poisoning healthy dogs and Rico––and the source turned out to be China. sage barely reached the celebrants. nations abroad took part. cats, Menu Foods Inc. ordered test feedings. Receiving more than 15,000 calls Among more than 8.9 million “What do you feel guilty about not After 16 cats and dogs died from kidney failure about pet food believed to be contaminated dur- web postings worldwide about Earth Day doing?” New York magazine writer Tim during the laboratory test feeding, Menu Foods (continued on page 11) 2007, 26% mentioned food, mostly as a (continued on page 6) component of festivities. Only 1% men- tioned “livestock,” “cattle,” “vegetarian,” or “vegan” in any way. Yet “vegan” was mentioned in 88,300 postings. Greenhouse gases, so named because they contribute to the earth- ANIMAL PEOPLE warming “greenhouse effect,” were men- tioned in only 83,700 postings, and News For People Who Care About Animals methane, the most damaging greenhouse gas, emitted mainly by livestock, got just 71,800 mentions. The “Green Tips for Earth Day” May 2007 web site, posted by Earth 911 with the sup- Volume XVII, #4 port of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, omitted any notice of animal pro- duction and meat-eating. Noting that Earth Day is now Mother Nature fights the seal hunt + ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland– – shifting to the Labrador Front after the Gulf of + Climatic conditions appeared likely to do the St. Lawrence quota is filled. annual Atlantic Canadian seal hunt more eco- This year, lack of ice for birthing nomic damage in 2007 than all the protests and and nursing meant that tens of thousands of boycotts worldwide combined. infant seals drowned. As ANIMAL PEOPLE went to “I’ve witnessed the hunt for nine press on April 25, sealers were still assessing years, and I’ve never seen ice conditions this the combined cost of a sealing season that was bad,” said Humane Society of the U.S. anti- almost without ice in much of the Gulf of St. sealing campaign director Rebecca Aldworth. Lawrence, while drifting sheet ice trapped and Agreed Associated Press writer Rob badly damaged sealing vessels along the Gillies, “In the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence, Labrador Front, northeast of Newfoundland. the worst ice conditions in more than two A dozen crews had abandoned their boats after decades have nearly wiped out the herd.” ice cracked the hulls. Fisheries Canada cut the 2007 seal- “Two Canadian Coast Guard ice- ing quota from 335,000 to 270,000, in recog- breakers, the Ann Harvey and the Sir Wilfred nition that the Gulf of St. Lawrence population Grenfell, are trapped in the ice along with the might be jeopardized, but insisted that there sealing vessels. Helicopters are flying food are still about 5.5 million harp seals in Atlantic and fuel to the stranded crews on the ice,” Canadian waters, down just 300,000 from the reported Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd official peak reached in 2004. Conservation Society. The sealing quotas in recent years Buddy, above, “was confiscated from a dogfight raided in Boso-Boso, Antipolo As many as 90 sealing boats were have been among the highest ever. In 1900, City, on April 2, 2007, with the help of volunteers from the Philippine Animal Welfare trapped in ice, as of April 23, up from 60 ten by contrast, Atlantic Canadian sealers killed Society,” wrote PAWS president Nita Hontiveros Lichauco. “Fourteen suspects were arrest - days earlier, according to the St. Johns only 100,000 harp seals. ed,” she continued, and “will face charges of violation of the Animal Welfare Act or illegal T e l e g r a m . The icebreakers had managed to Canadian Department of Fisheries & gambling.” The Philippines has been among the frequent destinations of U.S.-bred fighting free only about 10 boats in five days of effort, Oceans researcher Mike Hammill told the dogs and gamecocks, but the traffic will now be illegal. Philippine humane law was strength - before becoming stuck themelves. Toronto Globe & Mail that much of the Gulf ened in early February 2007 when Philippine President Gloria Arroyo endorsed a new Rabies “An onshore wind is compacting the of St. Lawrence also failed to freeze in 1969 Act. The act increases the penalties for selling dog meat, and introduced penalties for electro - ice,” explained Fisheries Canada spokesper- and 1981, without lastingly reducing the seal cuting dogs as a method of animal control. (PAWS/Sherwin Castillo) son Phil Jenkins. “The boats were on their population. way back from sealing and then got stuck.” “We have been anticipating this in Earlier, on April 13, the 65-foot our modeling,” Hammill claimed. “We have Congress passes ban on interstate L.J. Kennedy burned at dockside in Port au been putting into our model the assumption Choix, Newfoundland, after taking aboard a that we’re losing 100,000 extra pups due to full load of fuel and ammunition in preparation poor ice conditions. I think the numbers will transport of animals for fighting to hunt seals along the Labrador Front. be higher,” he allowed, “but I’m not sure how The seal hunt usually occurs in two much higher. It’s not an ecological disaster,” WASHINGTON D.C.––The U.S. hending and prosecuting dogfighters and cock- phases, opening in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Hammill insisted. Senate on April 10, 2007 unanimously passed fighters. Dogfighting is already illegal in all which is relatively accessible to protesters, (continued on page 14) the Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement 50 states. Cockfighting is illegal in 49 states Act, H.R. 137, approved by the House of plus nine of the 64 parishes of Louisiana, the Representatives on March 25, 368-39. Sent to last state to allow it. the White House to be signed into law, the However, enforcing laws against Act creates a felony penalty for transporting animal fighting usually requires catching the animals across state lines––including foreign offenders in the act of staging a fight. The export–– to be used in fights. Animal Fighting Prohibition Enforcement Act Cockfighters and breeders mobilized enables law enforcement to intercept partici- to urge President George W. Bush to veto pants in high-stakes dogfights and cockfights H.R. 137, but Humane Society of the U.S. on their way to events, before any fighting president Wayne Pacelle was unconcerned. actually occurs. “We have it on good word that it will be The most frequent application of the signed,” Pacelle told ANIMAL PEOPLE. Act is expected to be in cases where law The Act is expected to help in appre- (continued on page 5) 2 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007
+ + ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 3 Editorial feature The lessons zoos teach, & how to teach them better Trying to talk to animal advocates about good zoos, when most have seen only bad introduction of the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species. zoos, is much like the proverbial effort to introduce six blind men to an elephant. Merely Only then, when zoos became obliged of necessity to breed their own replacement describing a good zoo, and especially describing how bad zoos can become good zoos, tends specimens, did the American Zoo Association and major international zoo associations begin to strike most as describing a series of contradictions in terms. Each grasps a different part, organizing Species Survival Plans. and none have any idea how to reconcile the tusks, tail, ears, legs, belly, and trunk. Zoos in most of the world evolved from popular entertainment. Historically, in Asia, Unfortunately, the same is also true of trying to describe to zoo planners what makes Europe, Africa, and Latin America, the chief difference between a zoo and a traveling circus a good zoo, from an animal welfare perspective. Many zoos include some excellent quarters was that the proprietors of a zoo managed to attract enough visitors to their winter quarters to for species whose needs are well understood by the management, alongside horribly botched buy more land and settle down. Alternatively, some zoos are descended from royal exhibits based on gross misunderstandings. An expansive concrete floor polished to resemble menageries, originally kept for the personal amusement of rulers and their retinues. ice, for example, is anything but homelike to a polar bear––but the bear may thrive in a habi- Outside the U.S., most zoos to this day are privately owned, and even within the tat which in no way resembles the Arctic, if the habitat includes mental stimulation of equiva- U.S. there are still more private owned “roadside zoos” and family-operated “sanctuaries” lent intensity of interest to the bear as the challenge of finding seals beneath ice. functioning as zoos than there are zoos qualifying for AZA accreditation. Hardly any zoo succeeds in all aspects of design and management. Probably no zoo AZA zoos, on the other hand, have their philosophical antecedent in a string of completely succeeds at engineering a major new exhibit on the first multi-million-dollar try. royal menageries established across India by the 16th century Mogul emperor Akbar the Great, Nor do most zoos have sufficient wherewithal to try again immediately, once mistakes are with a guiding vision worlds apart from the likes of the infamous Tower Menagerie in London. recognized, unless the mistakes jeopardize public safety. Even the best zoos typically mingle “Unlike the cramped European menageries,” recounted zoo historian David a few successes with a variety of exhibits, some not so old, that the staff would very much Hancocks in A Different Nature (2001), Akbar’s zoos provided spacious enclosures and like to replace, when and if funding becomes available. cages, built in large reserves,” as direct architectural ancestors of the Animal Rescue Centres Meanwhile, facilities that fail to comfortably accommodate their original occupants managed by the Central Zoo Authority of India, profiled in the April 2007 edition of ANI- are adapted and re-adapted, for example from lion rock to monkey mountain to reptile basking MAL PEOPLE. “Each had a resident doctor,” perhaps the first zoos to institutionalize vet- rocks, often for decades, in hopes of finding some species for whom they might work. erinary care, “and Akbar encouraged careful study of animals. His zoos were open to the pub- Sometimes a disaster for the original species becomes a triumph for another, but seldom with- lic. At the entrance to each he posted a message: ‘Meet your brothers. Take them to your out years of learning from frustration and error, as animals endure lives of imprisoned misery hearts, and respect them.’” while keepers try to figure out what is not working, or how to do something effective about it. This is not so easy as activists often imagine. Despite the intensity of animal behav- Founded to educate ioral study today, and despite the centuries that some of the most popular species have been kept in zoos, the sum of behavioral knowledge about more than 90% of the species now on Most major zoos, within the U.S., originated from the same 19th century enthusi- exhibit has been collected from observing just a handful of captive animals for only a few asm for public education that created public school systems, state universities, museums, decades. Twenty years ago, for example, no one imagined that okapis, solitary in the wild, parks, libraries, athletic fields, botanical gardens, and even some humane societies. Few of might prove quite gregarious when not subject to hunting and predation. No one knew that the founders appear to have ever heard of Akbar the Great. European models were most often beluga whales might amuse themselves by learning how to set off sonic alarm systems. cited when they made their arguments for public funding––especially the London Zoo, opened Even some of the longest-kept zoo species turn out to have been poorly understood. in 1832. Yet from the first, U.S. zoos much more resembled Akbar’s zoos than anything in Elephants have been kept for exhibition and work for nearly 4,000 years, yet barely 15 years Europe, including the London Zoo. Most of the oldest began as animal exhibits in parks, set ago no one knew that they communicate over phenomenally long distances by making ultra- up with at least the pretext of teaching the public about natural history and science. low frequency sounds that are inaudible to human ears. Over time, the park exhibits often expanded to take over much or all of the park There are presently at least 5,000 zoos in the world, of all sorts. Among them are space. The San Francisco Zoo grew from a single cage in a park holding Monarch, reputedly hundreds of bad zoos for every one that is an authentic animal welfare success. the last California golden bear, certainly the last one captured alive. The San Diego and St. Worse, dozens of the zoos that are most often mentioned as “good zoos” by much of Louis Zoos were park zoos that grew to fill hundreds of acres, adjacent to museums. The the zoo community are in truth mediocre or even bad zoos from an animal welfare perspective. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle exemplifies how many zoos eventually devoured the parks for This is not so much because of differences of opinion between behavioral researchers which they were named. The Oakland Zoo is an example of a park zoo that was moved to the and zookeepers as to what individual animals want and need, as because of differences edge of the city so that downtown residents could reclaim their park space. between management and those who actually work with the animals about what the first priori- The common denominator is that major U.S. zoos pretended from the beginning to ties of a zoo should be. Almost any zookeeper can draw up a “wish list” for the animals in have a higher purpose than mere entertainment, and as park occupants had a family orienta- custody that differs little from what most activists might want, short of turning all the animals tion, in distinct contrast to the violent origins of many zoos abroad, at which baiting and tor- loose in ideal wild habitat––which, for most exhibited species, does not exist. menting the animals was historically part of the show, liquor was sold on the premises, and Yet what would be most comfortable and congenial for the individual animals is not feeding live prey to carnivores was a featured attraction––as it often still is in places, notably always most conducive to successful captive breeding, or easy viewing by children, or at Chinese tiger farms. accommodating photographers. Neither is it necessarily what zoo donors want to pay for. During the Great Depression, when funds were especially tight, and during the Further, what animals want is not always what is most likely to ensure their longevi- childhood years of the post-World War II “baby boomers,” many U.S. zoos moved toward ty, especially after they are already geriatric by the norms of the wild. entertainment, introducing animal acts, wandering clowns, and even closing-time fireworks. Almost forgotten today is that trying to keep animals alive and well was responsible They also expanded their menageries, often by dividing already cramped cages. Attention to + for the extreme sterility of the featureless steel-barred cement cages built in the middle decades either animal welfare or conservation was probably more superficial than at any time before or + of the 20th century, now thought of as “old zoo” architecture. The advent of “old zoo” design since, yet everything was quite carefully packaged and promoted as “educational.” Zoo coincided with dawning awareness of the need to protect rare animals from infection. This exhibits taught small children their numbers, phonetic reading, and geography. Docents were developed into an obsession at the cost of driving both animals and sympathetic keepers trained not to teach about animals so much as to reinforce schoolwork. insane––and, ironically, led to generations of elephants developing foot infections from pro- And that was not entirely the wrong approach. Indeed, it served the times and the longed standing on hard surfaces, a circumstance previously unknown in their evolution. zoos well. The children of that era grew up to attend and fund zoos more than ever before, Zoos today like to think of themselves as conservation institutions, but with rare even though opportunities to see animals in the wild have never been more accessible, and exceptions, such as the Bronx Zoo under founding director William Hornaday, 1896-1926, opportunities to see them on screen are ubiquitous. conservation was not among the purposes that most zoos claimed until very recently. Zoos actually are quite effective at many aspects of educating the public, but mostly Conservation breeding, only occasionally emphasized earlier, came abruptly into vogue as a not at the aspects that they purport to be good at. Zoos’ own audience research has estab- reason for zoos existing after the 1973 passage of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and global lished, to the chagrin of the zoo community, that most zoo-goers learn relatively little about ecology, because most zoos do not portray functional ecology. Most zoo-goers also learn SEARCHABLE ARCHIVES: www.animalpeoplenews.org almost nothing about the natural lives of animals. There are usually no shortage of signs and Key articles available en Español et en Français! interactive exhibits at zoos to teach the lessons that they want to emphasize, but these are mostly not the lessons that zoo-goers go to zoos to study. Zoo-goers tend to learn less about the behavior of the animals they watch than the ANIMAL PEOPLE learn from the behavior they see, including the behavior of the human animals who are watch- News for People Who Care About Animals ing with them. The major lesson that zoos teach is how humans should interact with other species: whether with consideration, or in strictly a utilitarian manner, or in a balance of con- Publisher: Kim Bartlett – [email protected] cerns. This lesson is imparted chiefly to children, often through the medium of adult response Editor: Merritt Clifton – [email protected] to the animal exhibits. Zoos are essentially an acculturating institution. Web producer: Patrice Greanville What ANIMAL PEOPLE looks for at a zoo, first of all, is whether the animals are Associate web producer: Tammy Sneath Grimes behaviorally frustrated by captivity. Space, per se, is usually not the issue. Most animals live Newswire monitor: Cathy Young Czapla their entire lives within relatively closely confined habitat, delineated by natural barriers, scent markings, and other natural warnings that keep them from venturing farther. P.O. Box 960 These conditions can be met, for most exhibited species, within the limits of zoos–– Clinton, WA 98236-0960 if the zoos are designed to provide genuinely species-specific appropriate habitat, part of which should be the chance for animals to see and scent other species who matter to them in ISSN 1071-0035. Federal I.D: 14-175 2216 the wild. Predators need to stalk; prey species need the challenge of being alert. Telephone: 360-579-2505. Zebras, giraffes, and antelopes should be allowed to watch lions, as they would in Fax: 360-579-2575. the wild, especially in proximity to a shared water source (split by a secure fence), as well as Web: www.animalpeoplenews.org being able to move away from the lions at other times. Lions, conversely, should be allowed to try to sneak as close to zebras, giraffe, Copyright © 2007 for the authors, artists, and photographers. and antelopes as possible, by a variety of different routes through foliage andother obstacles. Reprint inquiries are welcome. Much as house cats are psychologically and physically fitter if they can watch birds through a ANIMAL PEOPLE: News for People Who Care About Animals is published window, lions who can stalk are healthier, even if they never get a chance to pounce. 10 times annually by Animal People, Inc., a nonprofit, charitable corporation dedicated to Large wandering animals like elephants, who may need thousands of acres in which exposing the existence of cruelty to animals and to informing and educating the public of to roam, are extreme exceptions to the rule that living space need not be expansive if it is var- the need to prevent and eliminate such cruelty. ied and stimulating. Subscriptions are $24.00 per year; $38.00/two years; $50/three years. Second, we look to see if the animals are aware of being observed. Executive subscriptions, mailed 1st class, are $40.00 per year or $70/two years. Large animals with few predators generally don’t mind being watched. African lions The ANIMAL PEOPLE Watchdog Report on Animal Protection Charities, are perhaps the most evident example of this phenomenon. African lions, in the wild, are updated annually, is $25. The current edition reviews 121 leading organizations. watched constantly by every hooved animal on the savannah, and by every scavenger too. ANIMAL PEOPLE is mailed under Bulk Rate Permit #2 from Clinton, There are often at least a hundred eyes staring at a wild African lion, and African lions have Washington, and Bulk Rate Permit #408, from Everett, Washington. evolved to accept the attention with regal disdain. While many other cats don’t even like to be The base rate for display advertising is $9.50 per square inch of page space. seen at a distance, African lions will often let anyone watch them do anything. Please inquire about our substantial multiple insertion discounts. Naturally gregarious species such as meerkats and baboons also generally don’t mind The editors prefer to receive queries in advance of article submissions; unsolicit- being watched, and welcome the chance to visit, even perform. But many other species ed manuscripts will be considered for use, but will not be returned unless accompanied by should never be housed where they feel constantly under observation, especially from closer (continued on page 4) 4 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007
( from page 3) What we learned from zoos The lessons zoos teach Early zoo visits helped to motivate the lifelong pur- than the safety zones they prefer to keep around themselves in rights philosophy, to dismantle and abandon either zoos or the suits of both ANIMAL PEOPLE publisher Kim Bartlett and the wild. zoo concept. Fully respecting the rights of most species to be editor Merritt Clifton. What a really good zoo does, most of all, is show themselves could be done within zoos, if zoos accepted this as Recalls Bartlett, “I have always been at odds with the public how to treat animals with respect and consideration. part of their mission––and much has now been done by the best people who want to close down all zoos, because the animals If it does that, it is teaching an attitude of respect and consider- zoos, bit by bit, in that direction, despite the huge funding mostly have nowhere to go. ation toward all animals. If it does not, it is a bad zoo, no mat- influence of pro-hunting organizations, animal-using scientific “Some of my very earliest memories are of the zoo ter how successful it is at captive breeding, producing scientific institutions, and mainstream environmentalists. in Jackson, Mississippi, which was among my favorite papers, attracting crowds, raising funds, and doing all of the Much more could be done, especially if the zoo and places to be, second only to the mimosa tree in my great aunt other things that zoos measure themselves by. activist communities rethink their longtime antagonism, which Minnie’s front yard. The Jackson zoo was probably a hell- ANIMAL PEOPLE does not favor of shutting down animal-use advocates have quite successfully exploited. hole for the animals, but I thought of it as a truly magical all zoos, even all bad zoos. We favor turning bad zoos into Early in both the 19th century humane movement and place full of wonderful animals.” good zoos, which would include largely abandoning the notion the late 20th century animal rights movement, activists hit on Remembers Clifton, “My family did not have pets. of captive breeding as the ultimate test of success, and instead zoos as a protest target. The first big success of the London Neither did we have television. Most of my early exposure to using zoos to fulfill the roles now filled by hundreds of small, Humane Society, ancestor of the Royal SPCA, was winning animals, in the 1950s and very early 1960s, was through badly funded sanctuaries––many of which, as noted, actually the 1832 closure of the Tower Menagerie. Comparably, one of occasional visits to the Oakland Zoo, the San Francisco Zoo, function more as roadside zoos. the first actions of the Fund for Animals, the proto-animal and once the Rotterdam Zoo in The Netherlands. Every There are quite enough exotic and unusual animals in rights group founded in 1968 by the late Cleveland Amory, moment of my zoo visits was remembered, treasured, and need of help, due to wildlife trafficking and exotic petkeeping, was issuing a list of the alleged worst zoos in the U.S. became deeply influential, later in life. Even as a child, I and quite enough native species who need to be taken into cus- In both times and places, hitting zoos first was logi- recognized some very bad zoo practices. Barren concrete tody after wandering into cities or becoming ill or injured, for cal because what was wrong at those zoos could be seen by any enclosures and too-small cages shocked and upset me. Yet I every zoo to maintain a varied collection without ever having to visitor. Demonstrating outside a zoo was therefore an obvious also saw some good examples, that helped encourage me to breed or capture animals for exhibit. way for young organizations to build support. believe that good zookeeping need not be an illusion.” Such a collection might not have “conservation Zoos themselves were among the beneficiaries. The value,” but reality is that most zoo collections have little con- Tower Zoo animals were moved to the newly opened London of visits to humane societies and probably 10 times the sum of servation value anyway. Focusing on keeping token specimens Zoo, while each of the “worst zoos” that Amory named children reached in classroom visits by humane educators. of vanishing species is a rationale for zoos, not a working pur- received new funding, including from the passage of bond Zoos offer a vast array of infrastructure, veterinary pose. Changing human attitudes toward animals would have issues approved by voters. and behavioral expertise, fundraising and publicity apparatus, far more authentic conservation value, in the long run, than and cumulative stock of goodwill and credibility, all of which managing any so-called Species Survival Plan. Opportunity could help to accomplish far more for animals. Yet zoos could still have several extremely valuable In hindsight, what zoos could and should have done Zoos have also shown unparalleled willingness to conservation missions. As the Bronx Zoo long ago realized in as the animal rights movement gained momentum was welcome reinvent themselves: more than half rebuild at least one major evolving into the Wildlife Conservation Society, zoos are activist tabling (as some did), take the opportunity to better exhibit each and every year. potential fundraising engines for habitat conservation abroad. inform activists about zoo operations, and accept activist After nearly 35 years of emphasis on conservation Many of the best and most ambitious are already fulfilling this demands to end such abuses as deliberately breeding surplus breeding, there are hints that as zoo management approaches a role to some extent. Zoo tours of wild & semi-wild habitat are animals so as to always have babies on display, while selling generational transition, a change of philosophy is underway as an encouraging step in the right direction. some of the excess to hunting ranches. well. Phasing out elephant exhibits, for example, unthinkable Zoos could also provide extensive semi-wild habitat What happened instead was that animal advocacy and a decade ago, is now an accelerating trend. The Los Angeles exhibits, on a scale far beyond anything achieved by Northwest management at most zoos became lastingly polarized, even as Zoo, Detroit Zoo, and San Francisco Zoo, have each recently Trek, Fossil Rim, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, and The the American Zoo Association in 1986 and 1991 incorporated transferred elephants to sanctuaries, while the Philadelphia Zoo Wilds, which are the largest zoos at present. most of the major activist criticisms into revisions of the AZA is trying to close the oldest elephant exhibit in the U.S. and is For example, zoos could partner with land conser- code of ethics. There was resistance, of course, and some having trouble placing the three current residents. vancies, to make watching wildlife more accessible, yet less non-compliance with the code of ethics has occasionally come Books and popular press articles about rethinking intrusive. Zoos could also acquire suitable property within to light. Overall, however, no other institutions or industry zoos are appearing at a frequency not seen in about 20 years–– which to create “lifeboat” environments for species at extreme moved more rapidly than zoos to try to comply with expecta- since the last major round of discussion and debate about what risk in their native habitat. Thousands of acres might offer tions elevated by the animal rights movement about how ani- zoos are, what they should be, and how they might evolve. viewing and photo opportunities from hundreds of camouflaged mals should be treated. The animal rights movement stimulated Most zoos are not soon likely to become humane “hides,” connected by tunnels or overhead walkways, without a revolution in zoo architecture, for instance, more than a societies for wildlife, sanctuaries, or ideologically aligned the animals ever becoming aware of the human presence. decade before a similar design revolution began to transform with longterm, broad-front animal advocacy goals––not now. Exhibiting elephants humanely in landlocked urban mainstream humane societies. That may happen later, reflecting public expectation. In that zoos may not be possible, but if the Elephant Sanctuary at Monitoring zoos, critiquing them, and at times regard, it is worth noting that the public tends to expect institu- Hohenwald, Tennessee and the Performing Animal Welfare protesting against mistakes by zoo management are all neces- tions such as zoos, humane societies, schools, and churches to Society can give former circus elephants good lives on convert- sary roles of animal advocates. Though these roles should be exemplify higher moral and ethical standards than is expected ed farmland, operating with budgets of comparative peanuts, tempered by deeper knowledge about zoos than activists have of ordinary citizens. consortiums of major zoos should be able to figure out how to sometimes shown, they are not to be abandoned. Meanwhile, this is an appropriate time to ressurect + keep herds of elephants in similar spaces. Yet the positive roles and potential of zoos should the role of zoos as educational institutions, and ask them to + Despite frequent excesses of activist rhetoric, there is also not be abandoned. AZA-accredited zoos attracted more again emphasize Akbar’s message: “Meet your brothers. Take no compelling reason, even within the context of most animal than 143 million visitors in 2006, more than 20 times the sum them to your hearts, and respect them.” Rat poison kills wildlife (can kill feral cats, too) LETTERS TO THE EDITOR In response to lawsuits with the newest line of rodent poi- banned, but this step will save non- filed by the Natural Resources sons, called “single feed” poisons, target wild lives. We invite readers to submit letters and original unpublished Defense Council and others last or “second generation rodenticides.” As long as these poisons commentary––please, nothing already posted to a web site–– year, the U.S. Environmental Eagles, peregrine falcons, are placed near every dumpster via e-mail to
Along wi th almost every articl e from back editi ons, the A NIMAL PEOPLE web sit e offers tran sla- tions of key i tems into French & Spanish ... Lewyt Award-w inni ng heroic & compassi onate animal stori es...vet info li nks... down- loadable handbooks... fund-raisi ng how-to.. . our guide to estate plan- 6 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 Greenhouse gases are invisible––& “green” recognition of meat as source (from page 1) Murphy asked New York City “Step It Up media to follow mainstream environmentalists to 2.6% in 1999––but 1999 was the year with ––just 3%––published anything more than a 2007” coordinator Ben Jervey. in completely overlooking, ignoring, or deny- by far the least total global warming coverage. syndicated summary of the FAO findings. “I don’t dry my clothes on hangers ing the connection. In every other year, just over 1% of the arti- Most U.S. daily newspapers are, instead of using a dryer. Or forgo meat alto- U.S. newspaper coverage of global cles mentioning global warming also men- however, heavily dependent upon supermar- gether. Studies show that meat consumption is warming has increased by half since 1997, tioned cattle. ket advertising, especially the intensely com- not so energy-efficient,” responded Jervey. according to a proportionately weighted key- Global warming coverage mention- petitive meat ads. Jervey, 27, is author of The Big Green Apple, word search by ANIMAL PEOPLE of the ing the more general term “livestock” gradual- The New York Times, as one of the a guide to ecofriendly New York City living. archives of 1,428 daily newspapers accessible ly increased from about half of one percent in few dailies that does not even carry supermar- Apart from Jervey’s guilt complex, at www.NewsLibrary.com. 1997 to 1% in both 2006 and early 2007. ket advertising, deliberated over the FAO equating raising animals for slaughter with not This appears to have raised aware- Global warming coverage mention- report for a month before editorializing about hanging up his laundry, “Step It Up 2007” ness of the possible results of global warming ing meat rose from 1% in 1997 to 2% in both it on December 26, 2006. organizers evinced scant awareness of meat- far more than awareness of any of the causes. 2006 and early 2007. “When you think about the growth eating as even part of the global warming An April 2007 survey conducted of human population over the last century or issue. Meat did not appear to rate so much as jointly by the Washington Post, ABC News, U.N. warning so, it is all too easy to imagine it merely as an a word on the “Step It Up 2007” web site. and Stanford University, for instance, found The paucity of attention from daily increase in the number of humans,” The New ANIMAL PEOPLE found traces of only four that 84% of Americans recognize that global newspapers scarcely reflects a lack of scientif- York Times editorialists began. “But as we “Step It Up 2007” events that encouraged warming is occurring. More than 70% see it ic evidence. Warned the United Nations Food multiply, so do all things associated with us, meatless eating. as a major issue. & Agriculture Organization in a November including our livestock. In Britain, the Portsmouth Climate Asked what to do about it, however, 2006 report entitled Livestock’s Long “At present,” The New York Times Action Network advertised “a tasty barbecue, the pollsters found that 62% of respondents Shadow––Environmental Issues and Options, editorialists continued, “there are about 1.5 with food for all, including vegetarian and believe power plants should be required to “The environmental costs per unit of livestock billion cattle and domestic buffalo, and about vegan.” In Saratoga Springs, New York, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases; 42% production must be cut by one half, just to 1.7 billion sheep and goats. With pigs and “Step It Up 2007” coincided with the New favor laws requiring vehicles to be more fuel- avoid the level of damage worsening.” poultry, they form a critical part of our enor- York Capital Region Vegetarian Expo. efficient; 36% want laws requiring air condi- Elaborated FAO spokesperson mous biological footprint upon this planet. Friends of Animals, based in tioners, refrigerators, and other appliances to Christopher Matthews, “When emissions from Livestock––which consume more food than Darien, Connecticut, coordinated “Step It Up be less polluting; about a third favor higher land use and land use change are included, the they yield––also compete directly with humans 2007” rallies in both Norwalk and Westport. gasoline taxes; and 20% favor higher taxes on livestock sector accounts for 9% percent of for water. And the drive to expand grazing “Activists push diet change to the electricity to encourage conservation. carbon dioxide deriving from human-related land destroys more biologically sensitive ter- head of climate change,” recounted a Norwalk “Most say they would be willing to activities, and generates 65% of human-related rain, rain forests especially, than anything Hour subhead the following day. personally change some things they do in order nitrous oxide, which has 296 times the global else. But what is even more striking, and Norwalk Hour staff writer James to mitigate climate change, even if it involves warming potential of carbon dioxide. alarming, is that livestock are responsible for Walker did not actually mention the contribu- some sacrifice,” reported Washington Post “Most of this comes from manure,” about 18% of the global warming effect.” tion of meat-eating to global warming until his staff writers Juliet Eilperin and Jon Cohen. Matthews emphasized. “Livestock accounts The New York Times s u m m a t i o n eighth of 14 paragraphs, but five of his last “Nearly three-quarters said they have already for 37% of all human-induced methane, 23 closely paralleled the statistical summary seven paragraphs either quoted or paraphrased made an effort to reduce energy consumption times as warming as carbon dioxide, which is issued by vegetarian advocate John Robbins FoA president Priscilla Feral and the at home; seven in 10 said they already use at also largely produced by the digestive system 19 years earlier, as part of the promotional kit Worldwatch Institute on the role of diet in least one compact fluorescent light bulb.” of ruminants, and 64% of ammonia, which for Diet For A New America. causing climate change. But the survey apparently neither contributes significantly to acid rain. “There are no easy trade-offs when it Stamford Advocate staff writer asked about meat consumption nor elicited any “Livestock now use 30% of the comes to global warming, such as cutting Michael Dinan also covered the Norwalk directly relevant response. earth’s entire land surface,” Matthews contin- back on cattle to make room for cars,” the demonstration, but did not mention diet, con- U.S. global warming coverage men- ued, “mostly permanent pasture, but also New York Times noted, but concluded, “As sistent with the general tendency of U.S. news tioning cattle rose from 1% of the total in 1997 including 33% of the global arable land, used Livestock’s Long Shadow makes clear, our to produce feed for livestock. As forests are health and the health of the planet depend on Judge says horse slaughter violates cleared to create new pastures, [the livestock pushing livestock production in more sustain- industry] is a major driver of deforestation, able directions.” especially in Latin America where, for exam- Even before John Robbins published National Environmental Policy Act ple, some 70% of former forests in the his heads-up, Worldwatch Institute founder WASHINGTON D.C.––U . S . ated since March 2006 in defiance of an order Amazon have been turned over to grazing.” Lester Brown had warned in similar terms District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly on to close from the Kaufman Board of Only 39 U.S. daily newspapers (continued on page 7) March 28, 2007 ruled in Washington D.C. that Adjustments, for being an alleged public nui- the USDA violated the National Environment- sance and health and safety hazard. al Policy Act by allowing horse slaughterhous- The U.S. Court of Appeals for the es to continue killing horses for human con- Fifth Circuit on March 6, 2007 affirmed a sumption, after Congress in 2005 cut off fund- January 20, 2007 appellate panel ruling that ing for mandatory USDA inspections. both Dallas Crown and Beltex have killed The USDA responded to the horses for human consumption in violation of Congressional budget cut by allowing the three a 1949 Texas state law. horse slaughterhouses left in the U.S. to fund “As a result of the [Kollar-Kotelly] their own inspections. Judge Kollar-Kotelly ruling, the USDA pulled its on-site inspectors, held that this action should have been subject including a veterinarian, from the DeKalb to an environmental impact review. slaughterhouse. The slaughter then ceased,” Her verdict was a triumph for the wrote Chicago Tribune staff reporter John Society for Animal Protective Legislation, an Biemer. The Belgian-owned Cavel Inter- arm of the Animal Welfare Institute, and for national slaughterhouse killed about 1,000 the Humane Society of the U.S., who sued horses per week, employing 55 people, Cavel seeking to reverse the USDA circumvention of general manager James Tucker told Biemer. the intent of Congress in February 2006. Continued Biemer, “The Cavel plant “Because of continuing resolutions processed the meat from horses who had approved by Congress to fund the government, already been slaughtered, Tucker said. The the ruling is effective immediately,” rejoiced company turned away six trucks containing AWI president Cathy Liss. about 200 horses, sending them back to sup- “The funding limitation on inspec- pliers. Local horse lovers tried to arrange for tions for horse slaughter contained in the 2006 homes and shelters to take them in. Gail Appropriations Act carry over through Vacca, a Wilmington-based coordinator for September 30, 2007,” elaborated an HSUS SAPL, said she had lined up quarantined stalls media release. for at least 100 horses.” In theory, horse slaughtering plants HSUS and Habitat for Horses, of could kill horses only for animal consumption Hitchcock, Texas, claimed to have found through September, a much less lucrative placements for another 400 horses. trade, and hope to resume business as usual on But Illinois Department of Agricul- October 1. ture division manager for food safety and ani- “Because the Congressional act cut- mal protection Colleen O’Keefe predicted to ting funding for horse slaughter expires in Biemer that the six truckloads of horses would September,” HSUS explained, horse slaugh- probably end up at Canadian slaughterhouses. ter opponents are “calling on Congress to pass The rescue effort ended up saving the American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act only 30 horses, whose Colorado owner con- (H.R. 503 and S. 311) to settle the matter per- tacted HSUS after learning that the horses manently.” could not be killed in DeKalb. Even if the USDA is again funded to Said HSUS, “This group of horses inspect horse slaughterhouses, however, the was standing in line waiting to be slaughtered Kollar-Kotelly ruling may offer an opening for when news of the decision reached officials at further legal opposition. Cavel International. While horses still waiting “The District Court barred the in trucks in the plant’s parking lot were routed USDA from inspecting horses for human con- to slaughterhouses in Mexico and Canada, sumption,” the HSUS release continued, these horses were reloaded onto a truck bound “because the USDA failed to conduct any for a stockyard in Cheyenne, Wyoming. review of the adverse impacts of horse slaugh- “HSUS agreed to pay the owner’s ter on the surrounding communities.” expenses, and is partnering with the Denkai The last three horse slaughterhouses Animal Sanctuary in Carr, Colorado, to reha- in the U.S. are Dallas Crown of Kaufman, bilitate the horses so that they can eventually Texas; Beltex, of Fort Worth, Texas; and be placed with loving owners. Cavel International, of DeKalb, Illinois. All According to USDA data, 100,800 three have long been controversial within their horses were killed in 2006 by Dallas Crown, communities. Dallas Crown, closed for Beltex, and Cavel. About 30,000 horses were “restructuring” on March 23, 2007, had oper- exported for slaughter in Mexico and Canada. ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 7 Greenhouse gases are invisible––& “green” recognition of meat as source (from page 6) since the 1970s about the contributions of the consistently and in an economically productive the 1938 estimate was about two and a half Nebraska, the E3 BioFuels plant is a combina- meat industry to the production of greenhouse manner remains to be established. times too high. Smog researchers, however, tion of factory farm with refinery. gases. As recently as February 22, 2007, Livestock are believed to be respon- believe that since today’s cattle are much larg- “27,000 cattle stand on slatted floors Worldwatch Institute research associate sible for about 12.3% of greenhouse gas emis- er than the cattle of 70 years ago, the typical to deposit an estimated 1.6 million pounds of Danielle Nierenberg described the links sions from Australian sources, reported cow today may emit about 20.6 pounds of dung daily into deep pits, which are located between raising animals for meat and global Richard Macey of the Sydney Morning Herald “volatile organic compounds” per year––and adjacent to a new ethanol plant,” Gilliam warming to the American Academy of in June 2006. Researchers Robert Herd and that’s just the relatively solid material, that wrote. “The pungent waste is then processed Sciences annual conference in San Francisco. Andrew Alford of the New South Wales does not rise to the ozone layer and hover. into methane gas, which powers the ethanol There were plenty of other warnings. (Australia) Department of Primary Industries The California smog regulations of plant. Other byproducts of the manure include Climate researcher Benoit Leguet, told Macey that they believe breeding cattle 1938 were introduced 30 years after Ford fertilizer for the surrounding corn fields. Corn investigating the probable economic conse- only from the bulls whose offspring most effi- Motor Company founder Henry Ford first mar- is then fed back to the cattle, or distilled into quences of global warming for the French ciently convert food into protein could cut cat- keted the Model T, the first mass-produced ethanol. The 2,000-acre complex produces bank Caisse des Depots, told Agence France- tle methane emissions worldwide by about 3%. automobile, and the most popular car in the about 24 million gallons of ethanol a year.” Presse in September 2005 that the 20 million “The leader of the research effort, world for the next 20 years. E3 BioFuels chair Dennis Langley cows in France produce 6.5 percent of the Roger Hegarty, said it may be possible to The Model T was originally built to told Gilliam that the $77 million Mead plant nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. develop other methane-efficient animals, run on ethanol, which Ford imagined farmers “is a prototype for at least 15 similar U.S. pro- In total, Leguet determined, French including sheep,” wrote Macey. would produce for themselves, to run cars and jects,” including three in Kansas, three in cattle produce 38 million metric tons of green- But the sum of the potential gain his line of Fordson tractors. Very soon, how- California, two in Nebraska and one in Iowa, house gases per year, more than three times from selective breeding for methane reduction ever, Ford realized that farmers preferred each “teamed with feedlots or dairies.” the volume produced by oil refineries. would be equivalent to the gain from just 3% feeding corn stalks and other organic material Wrote International Bird Rescue Summarized Toby McDonald of the of the public giving up meat. suitable for producing ethanol to cattle and Research Center public affairs director Karen London T i m e s, “There are 1.4 billion cows Recognizing that livestock were pigs. Distilling fuel with it was economically Benzel, who brought E3 BioFuels to the worldwide, each producing 500 litres of responsible for more than half the New counter-productive––and was illegal during attention of ANIMAL PEOPLE, “This is not methane a day and accounting for 14% of all Zealand contribution to greenhouse gas emis- the Prohibition years, from 1919 to 1932. how the planet should be saved.” emissions of the gas. Carbon dioxide is by far sions, the New Zealand government in 2003 Almost a century after Ford gave up But if history is any indication, it the biggest contributor to climate change, but tried unsuccessfully to tax agricultural on ethanol, the White House under President won’t be, any more than Earth Day and “Step methane has 23 times the warming potential of methane releases. George W. Bush is still pushing it, as the most It Up” events will, if they continue to disre- carbon dioxide, so reducing its emission is The New Zealand Livestock Im- officially favored response to global warming, gard meat-eating. also considered important. provement Corporation is now a member of a phenomenon that the Bush administration Dung-fueled bioreactors built to “Cows need to ferment their low- the Australia-New Zealand Biotechnology only formally recognized in 2006. operate on the scale that Henry Ford envi- grade food, such as hay and grass, to get any Partnership Fund, formed to help produce cat- Summarized Carey Gilliam of sioned work very well in some places, notably energy from it,” McDonald continued, “and tle with more efficient digestive systems. Reuters on February 26, 2007, “The Bush India. In Visakhapatnam, for example, the the main by-product is methane. Between 9% administration is proposing $1.6 billion in fed- Visakha SPCA uses the dung from several and 12% of the energy that a cow consumes is Using 1938 data eral spending to promote ethanol…A shift to hundred rescued cattle to supply the electricity converted into methane, depending on diet, The U.S. lags far behind much of the fuels such as ethanol can help to slow global that lights the VSPCA complex at night. barn conditions, and whether the cow is pro- rest of the world in officially recognizing the warming,” in theory, by replacing use of fos- Bioreactors, however, produce rela- ducing milk. In Scotland, where there is a greenhouse gas contributions of cattle. sil fuels, especially gasoline. tively little energy from a huge volume of greater concentration of agriculture than in The reasons why include cattle “Traditional ethanol facilities use waste, and tend to be climate-sensitive. other countries, cows produce 46% of all industry lobbying clout, official denial, and natural gas or coal to fuel the boilers that cre- Before E3 BioFuels, the biggest methane emissions.” use of grossly obsolete data. As of 2005, for ate steam and distil ethanol from corn or other U.S. effort to produce energy from dung was a This is about 15 times the contribu- example, California air pollution regulations plant-based sources,” Gilliam continued. methane extraction plant built by the New tion made by cattle in England, but Scotland had presumed since 1938 that cows produce an “But such operations are vulnerable to volatile Charleston Power Company, of Imperial, has proportionately more cattle and less indus- average of just 12.8 pounds of “volatile organ- natural gas prices, and critics say the pollution California. Opened in 1988, the New trial development. ic compounds” per year. These are the partic- associated with coal-fired plants offset the Charleston plant lost millions of dollars, and Biochemist John Wallace of the ulate emissions that contribute to smog, a benefits of substituting ethanol for gasoline.” instead of becoming a pollution solution, Rowett Research Institute in Aberdeen, lower-atmosphere “greenhouse effect,” which To get around that problem, a com- instead became one of the largest pollution Scotland, told McDonald that altering cows’ in 1938 was the only part of the greenhouse pany called E3 BioFuels on February 26, 2007 point sources in California. Closed in 1994, diets could reduce their methane emissions by emissions issue known to science. opened the first U.S. facility to produce the plant was still mired in litigation for at as much as 70%, but whether this can be done Cattle industry lobbyists argued that ethanol from dung. Located near Mead, least another five years. ––Merritt Clifton 8 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 Fires destroy three animal shelters in three weeks Thirty-foot flames erupting Galnor that the city would be interested Shelter news at about 2:00 a.m. from a laundry in discussing a joint project with the The Pigs As Pets Association, area razed the Jacksonville Humane humane society, which has been no-kill of Fort Myers, Florida, and The Pig S o c i e t y on April 7, 2007, killing 67 since 2005. P r e s e r v e , of Jamestown, Tennessee, cats and 18 dogs, chief operating officer Thirty dogs, 20 cats, and 14 on April 14, 2007 announced that they Danya Parks-Freel told Matt Galnor birds were killed by smoke from a “have joined forces and will now be of the Florida Times-Union. March 28, 2007 fire at Rocky’s Fund/ known as The Pig Preserve Associa- Jacksonville Fire & Rescue spokesper- Welcome Home Sanctuary, operated t i o n ,” headquartered in Fentress son Tom Francis said a fire captain suf- since 1992 by Mindy Washington, 48, County, Tennessee. PAPA, founded in fered burns and other firefighters had to at her home in Southampton, New York. 1998 by Lana Hollenbeck, has focused be pulled from the wreckage after the Southampton chief fire marshal Cheryl on education, outreach, and placement roof collapsed as they tried to open cages Kraft told Susana Enriquez of Newsday of cast-off pigs at sanctuaries. The Pig and carry animals to safety. Firefighters that the fire started near a refrigerator. Preserve, of Jamestown, Tennessee, reportedly adopted many animals on the “There was a large amount of hair in the founded by Richard and Laura Hoyle spot. A separate veterinary clinic and area that allowed the fire to spread,” in 2006, “is a 100-acre natural preserve, runs for about 50 dogs were reportedly explained Kraft. which will eventually provide a home for the only facilities that remained useable Twenty-three cats were approximately 400 rescued pigs of all ––but executive director Leona Shed- killed, 12 were rescued, and five unac- breeds,” Richard Hoyle said, “including dan had kept backup computer files off counted for after a March 18, 2007 fire miniature pigs and domestic farm pigs.” site, enabling a rapid resumption of at Strays Unlimited, operated by Laura Maloney, executive most activities. Owning 27 acres, the Paulette Hepworth and V i n c e n t director of the Louisiana SPCA s i n c e humane society hoped to rebuild and G u g l i u z z a from their home in New 2000, will in August 2007 follow her husband Dan Maloney to Melbourne, expand. The city of Jacksonville has Haven, Connecticut. The fire appeared A new Animal Welfare Act took effect in Britain Australia. Dan Maloney, general cura- meanwhile planned to build a $9 million to be of electrical origin, investigator on April 6, with different versions applying in England, tor of the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans new animal care and control center. Roy Shafer told Izaskun E. Larraneta Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The English version since 1999, is moving to Zoos Victoria. Mayoral spokesperson Susie Wiles t o l d of the New Haven Day. allows a veterinarian to dock puppies’ tails within five days of The Maloneys won extensive recognition their birth, if the person requesting the docking documents the for improving the zoo and Louisiana Is Primarily Primates takeover drama near an end? “type” of the mother and produces evidence that the dog will be SPCA, and then rebuilding them after SAN ANTONIO––Almost a who were at Primarily Primates. used for hunting or work. Wales requires definition of “breed” Hurricane Katrina. A 17-year employee year of litigation over the future of the “It came to light that the whole rather than type. Scotland prohibits docking altogether. The of zoos and the Aquarium of the 28-year-old Primarily Primates sanctuary thing was driven by PETA. As we sus- new law also requires that sociable species, such as dogs and Americas, Maloney markedly escalated may end at an April 27, 2007 hearing in pected, many of the allegations against rabbits, must be given appropriate companionship. A new def- Louisiana SPCA efforts to stop cock- San Antonio, at which the Texas Office Primarily Primates were not true,” FoA inition of neglect allows prosecution of pet keepers who either fighting and dogfighting. (See page 1.) of Attorney General agreed two days president Priscilla Feral said in a written persistently overfeed or starve animals. earlier in a “Full and Final Settlement statement. “The Attorney General decid- Her successor has not yet been hired. Agreement” obtained by A N I M A L ed it was in the best interest of Primarily The Best Friends Animal NEW STATE LEGISLATION P E O P L E to “fully and completely Primates and the animals to turn the Society is managing the Pets Alive sanc- The Iowa House of Representatives on April 17, release, acquit, and forever discharge sanctuary over to new management,” tuary in Walkill, New York, at least 2007 approved a bill to ban private possession of dangerous Primarily Primates,” founder Wally under Feral, “and to settle the case.” through June, after the March 19, 2007 wildlife, 80-19. Previously approved unanimously by the Iowa Swett, other staff and board members, The documents Vinson filed to death from cancer of founder S a r a Senate, the bill was sent to Governor Chet Culver. and Friends of Animals, from “all obtain the October 2006 seizure order Whalen, 64. “Sara was a one-woman The Oregon House on April 17, 2007 sent to claims” brought against them in connec- appear to incorporate large parts of two band with a heart of gold, a will of iron, Governor Ted Kulongoski a bill to make Oregon the 13th state tion with the October 2006 seizure of the letters of allegations sent to Vinson and more than 500 homeless animals, a to include animals in emergency planning. Virginia Governor sanctuary by now retired Texas assistant Office of the Texas Attorney General small local staff, and no succession Tim Kaine earlier in April endorsed into law a similar bill, attorney general John Vinson. investigator Christopher Krhovjak in plan,” explained Best Friends president introduced by state senator Walter Stosch. Friends of Animals had agreed May 2006 by PETA counsel for research Michael Mountain. “Things had deteri- The Hawaii House and Senate on April 13, 2007 with the Primarily Primates board to take and investigations Leona Stormont. The orated badly during her illness. Shortly approved each others’ versions of bills to make Hawaii the 43rd over management of the sanctuary, fol- allegations were heavily based on com- before the end, members of the board state permitting prosecution of cruelty to pets as a felony. The lowing Swett’s retirement. plaints by two former employees who asked if we could come to the rescue. bills must be reconciled by a conference committee and then be The “Full and Final Settlement had been dismissed for cause. We’ll be coming up with a series of re-approved by both houses of the legislature in combined form Agreement” is apparently to be chal- Vinson in 1994 endorsed a options for the future of Pets Alive,” before going to the governor to be signed into law. lenged by court-appointed receiver Lee similar attempted hostile takeover of Mountain said, noting that “The sanctu- Idaho Governor Butch Otter on April 3, 2007 Theisen-Watt. Assisted by PETA staff, Primarily Primates, also based on com- ary has enormous potential to do good,” signed a bill making Idaho the 26th state to ban “hunting” ani- Theisen-Watt has relocated or eutha- plaints by employees who had been dis- with a strategic location at the edge of mals through a web site, using point-and-click to fire the gun. nized as many as 300 of the 800 animals missed for cause. the New York City metropolitan region. ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 9
Home 4 the Holidays 2006 resulted in more than 378,000 adoptions!
National High School Rodeo loses top sponsor after probe affirms abuse S P R I N G F I E L D – – “Choice Hotels, Simmons and Ballard L. Bates for killing a show up,” and likewise did not show up as a 2007 letter about coverage of the annual San has terminated sponsorship, scheduled to run six-month-old black Angus calf with stun guns favorite of either men or women, old or Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. until 2009, of the National High School on April 12, 2006. A farm escapee, the calf young, in any region. Similar polls showed ANIMAL PEOPLE publisher Kim Rodeo Association,” SHARK president Steve was deemed a traffic hazard. rodeo topping 1% in audience share only four Bartlett asked similar questions about Texas Hindi announced on April 24. “Bates’ stun gun was discharged 42 times since 1937, all between 1994 and 2005. newspapers’ coverage of rodeo more than 30 “The early termination, for rules times,” said Associated Press. “Simmons’ “According to the PRCA,” Hindi years ago, but back then the editors did not violations and animal abuse, follows a review weapon was discharged for more than four continued, “in 1953 there were 578 PRCA- bother to answer. of video documentation supplied by SHARK,” minutes. Each packs a 50,000-volt wallop. sanctioned rodeos, while the number in 2004 Responded San Antonio Express- Hindi said, crediting SHARK staff member “Acting on a motion from Deputy was 671, an increase of 16%,” as the U.S. News public editor Bob Richter to Land, “The Janet Enoch for successful liaison with Choice Prosecutor Brian C. O’Brien, a former rodeo human population rose by 88%. Express-News has devoted hundreds of column corporate officials. bull rider, Derr ruled that she had misapplied inches to the 2007 stock show and rodeo, and The Choice chain “includes Clarion, a court rule when she initially decided that the MORE CRITICAL PRESS hasn’t yet quoted anyone who says it hurts Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality Inn, case could proceed,” Associated Press said. Livestock fair promoters have guar- calves to be lassoed at high speed, or that Sleep Inn, Econolodge, Rodeway, Cambria The significance of the case to rodeo anteed themselves newspaper coverage by broncs who are bred to buck aren’t having fun. Suites, Mainstay Suites, and Suburban is that similar shocking devices are routinely helping local papers to sell ads for special sec- In fact, Express-News researcher Mike Knoop Extended Stay Hotel,” Hindi said. used to goad bulls and broncos into bucking. tions, filled with “advertorial” text often writ- reports that the Express-News hasn’t explored Choice quite sponsoring the National ten by publicists rather than news staff. that angle in coverage since 2000.” High School Rodeo Association 12 days after “DO NOT PASS GO” As rodeo emerged from livestock After the Illinois Department of the Illinois Department of Agriculture belated- While rodeo performers continue to fair arenas to seek an independent audience, Agriculture confirmed the rule-breaking and ly admitted that animals were abused at the enjoy virtual immunity from prosecution, similar co-promotions roped newspaper pub- abuses at the 2006 National High School 2006 National High School Finals Rodeo. Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association com- lishers into becoming defacto rodeo sponsors. Finals Rodeo, Steve Hindi asked the Spring- “Whether anyone will be prosecuted missioner Troy Ellerman during the last week Reporters assigned to cover rodeo usually field State Journal-Register to drop sponsor- for violating cruelty laws is up to the Sanga- of February 2007 drew the “go to jail” card for came from the sports or farm beats, tending to ship of the 2007 National High School Finals mon County state’s attorney’s office,” report- leaking sealed grand jury documents to the San lack an investigative orientation. Rodeo, to be held July 23-29 in Springfield. ed Springfield State Journal-Register s t a f f Francisco Chronicle, lost the PRCA commis- The uncritical newspaper attitude Wrote State Journal-Register s t a f f writer Bruce Rushton on April 12, 2007. sionership, and did not collect $200,000 in toward rodeo may be changing, as more hard writer Rushton, “Sue Schmitt, publisher of the Rushton wrote six and a half months severance that the PRCA board first voted to news reporters become aware of rodeo issues, State Journal-Register, said the newspaper will after sparking the Department of Agriculture give him, then rescinded a day later. and as weak reader interest plus electronic withdraw neither its sponsorship nor its scruti- investigation with an exposé based on the A former trick rider, bull rider, and competition cuts the revenue potential of rodeo ny of the event from a news perspective.” same SHARK undercover videography that film stunt double, Ellerman ran afoul of the supplements. Newspaper reportage about The Illinois Department of Agricul- influenced Choice. law while representing Bay Area Laboratory rodeo has dropped 21% since 1995, according ture re-examined Hindi’s videotapes after “In files turned over to county pros- Co-Operative vice president James Valente in to a proportionately weighted ANIMAL PEO- Rushton on October 1, 2006 reported that, ecutors, agriculture officials confirmed that 2004. Valente and BALCO founder Victor P L E analysis of the 1,428 daily newspapers “Video footage appears to confirm that ani- videos showed bulls being poked with sharp Conte pleaded guilty in 2005 to distributing archived at NewsLibrary.com, while self-criti- mals were often goaded to buck, contrary to objects,” Rushton elaborated. “After viewing illegal steroids. BALCO clients allegedly cal appraisals of how rodeos have been cov- state and National High School Rodeo still photographs provided by activists, agri- involved included several prominent major ered have emerged even in such traditional Association standards.” culture officials also determined that a man league baseball players, including single-sea- rodeo strongholds as San Antonio, Texas. Editorialized the State Journal- had slapped a bull and that tails were pulled as son home run record holder Barry Bonds. “Why doesn’t the Express-News pro- R e g i s t e r the same day, “We suspect such bulls left chutes. At least one bull was electri- Ellerman was reportedly exposed by vide fair and balanced coverage of such a bru- abuse is not uncommon at rodeos…There is cally shocked,” contrary to National High private eye Larry McCormack, who worked tal and inhumane sport?” rhetorically asked one way to mitigate the public relations dam- School Rodeo Association rules. for Conte early in the BALCO case. Later animal advocate Trudy Land, in a February age: end the abuse, so it can’t be videotaped.” “Investigators didn’t identify any hired by Ellerman to head the PRCA Hall of suspects,” Rushton continued, “and the Fame, McCormack told the FBI about the leak department, which is charged with enforcing after Ellerman fired him in September 2006. + animal-cruelty laws, did not recommend Pleading guilty to charges of + whether charges should be brought.” obstructing justice, perjury and criminal con- SHARK founder Steve Hindi warned tempt of court, Ellerman is expected to be sen- Illinois Division of Food Safety veterinarian tenced to serve two up to years in jail and to Colleen O’Keefe by e-mail while the rodeo pay a fine of $250,000. He potentially faced was still underway that animals were being 15 years in jail and a fine of $2 million. shocked and jabbed. O’Keefe responded that Ellerman, 43, was named PRCA no cruelty had been documented. commissioner in January 2005. He retired The frequent reluctance of public most of $3.6 million in accumulated debt by officials to charge rodeo participants was dis- breaking up the PRCA near-monopoly on played in a different arena on March 13, 2007, staged-for-television events. when District Judge Sara B. Derr of Spokane “He sold the rights to the associa- County, Washington, reversed herself and tion’s bull riding tour––which reportedly was refused to allow Chris Anderlik, 80, to pursue losing more than $1 million a year––to a TV a private case against sheriff’s deputies Damon production company that paid about $1.5 mil- lion for three years,” recalled Yahoo Sports columnist Josh Peter. “Then he sold the rights T U C S O N – – Tucson police chief to another regular rodeo series that was losing Richard Miranda on March 19, 2007 money to a group headed by Jack Sperling, announced that the Pima County Attorney’s owner of the Minnesota Wild of the National Office will not charge anyone for causing the Hockey League.” February 22 death of five-year-old Brielle Boisvert during the 82nd annual La Fiesta de FALLING AUDIENCE los Vaqueros rodeo parade. Three years The International Pro Rodeo Associ- younger than the minimum age for parade ation, a much smaller rival of the PRCA, participants stated on the entry form, meanwhile sold itself to survive, “bought for a Boisvert was thrown from her horse and song by some former, apparently disgruntled trampled by a bolting team of horses who PRCA folks,” said Steve Hindi. were pulling a wagon. Affirmed the pro-rodeo web site The parade is promoted as the RodeoAttitude.com, “Recently rumors spread longest in the world using no motor vehi- throughout the rodeo industry that the IPRA, cles––and has had serious accidents before, which began in 1957 in Pauls Valley, though no previous fatalities. “At last year’s Oklahoma, was in financial trouble and on the parade,” recalled Associated Press, “Mayor verge of dissolving.” Bob Walkup bruised an arm and his wife Acknowledged the IPRA web site, Beth suffered a concussion and whiplash “A small group of investors have signed an when two runaway horses slammed into a agreement to purchase the IPRA,” effective on 150-year-old buggy.” February 26, 2007. Boisvert was the youngest human A Gallup poll in mid-December rodeo fatality since Braeden Chamberlain, 9, 2006 found that rodeo does not even visibly of Benalto, Alberta, fell off a steer and was rank among the spectator sports most often trampled at a rodeo camp for children in named by Americans as their favorite. The February 2005. The youngest person killed pollsters included rodeo as a possible choice, at a rodeo in 2006 appears to have been but with just half a percentage point of audi- Stuart Mazanec, 17, who was dragged and ence share, it ranked with volleyball, far then crushed by a horse after his first-ever behind even figure skating and gymnastics. ride at a rodeo clinic in Byers, Colorado. “Gallup broke the responses down The ANIMAL PEOPLE f i l e s by age, gender, and geography,” pointed out indicate that two or three minors per year die Hindi. “If we were to believe even a tiny bit of in rodeo events––which typically involve rodeo propaganda, we would find rodeos to be only eight to 10 seconds of action. a significant activity in the west––but it didn’t 10 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 Judge halts Alaska wolf bounties A N C H O R A G E ––Alaska Superior “We think it would be a great idea Court Judge William Morse on March 30, for the state to put the money from the bounty 2007 ruled on behalf of Friends of Animals, program toward conducting a proper survey of Defenders of Wildlife, and coplaintiffs that the wolf populations before any more wolves the Alaska Department of Fish & Game does are shot,” said Defenders of Wildlife represen- not have the authority to pay bounties to aerial tative Tom Banks. gunners for killing wolves. The Alaska Department of Fish & However, Morse added, the Alaska Game on April 3, 2007 suspended culling www.GREY2KUSA.org Board of Game can authorize bounties. Morse wolves in the Nelchina Basin, near Fairbanks, held that the 1984 repeal of a state law allow- the area historically generating the most politi- ing bounties applied only to administrative cal pressure to kill wolves. actions of the Department of Fish & Game, Because the Nelchina Basin is acces- IFAW takes over Cape Cod Stranding Network not to actions of the Board of Game. Thus, sible from Fairbanks, it is among the most while the Morse verdict suspended a bounty hunted parts of Alaska. The Board of Game H Y A N N I S––The not-quite-10-year- ing and grant writing would continue separate- program introduced on March 21, it left the has for decades sought to keep the Nelchina old Cape Cod Stranding Network is now a pro- ly,” wrote Fraser. possibility that the Board of Game may rein- Basin wolf count to less than a third of the car- ject of the Yarmouthport-based International IFAW now has total global revenue state it, or start a new bounty program. rying capacity of the habitat to keep moose Fund for Animal Welfare. of about $90 million. The Alaska Department of Fish & plentiful for human hunters. IFAW director of animals in crisis The Cape Cod Stranding Network Game for the winter of 2006-2007 authorized From 1989 to 2006, however, the and distress A.J. Cady and Cape Cod Stranding assists about 220 stranded marine animals per hunters, trappers, and aerial gunners to kill up Nelchina Basin wolf population resisted reduc- Network executive director Katie Touhey year. The workload has increased over the to 664 wolves in five target areas, with a goal tion to the decreed levels. When the moose announced the merger on April 11, 2007. years, surging during the winter of 2005-2006, of killing at least 382. Through March, the count dropped by half, wolves were blamed. The five stranding network staff will when more than 100 common and whitesided toll was just 151. The department then sought Aerial gunners shot 33 wolves in the join IFAW, now employing 135 head office dolphins and at least nine pilot whales became to encourage the 111 registered aerial gunners Nelchina Basin during the winter of 2006- personnel and 350 other people worldwide, stranded along Cape Cod Bay after storms. and 82 aerial gunnery pilots to hunt more 2007, while hunters and trappers killed 62, reported Cape Cod Times staff writer Doug The merger announcement came less wolves by offering $150 per wolf they killed. with almost a month left of the wolf hunting Fraser. Currently housed at the National than a month after the Humane Society of the “Critics of the program said the state season. Aerial gunners had killed just 55 Marine Life Center in Buzzards Bay, the Cape U.S. strengthened its presence on Cape Cod by has overestimated the number of wolves, wolves in the other four targeted areas com- Cod Stranding Network is to relocate soon to breaking ground for a new Cape Wildlife based on outdated information,” summarized bined. Of the 660 wolves killed by aerial gun- the new IFAW headquarters in Yarmouth. Center in Cummaquid. Associated Press writer Rachel D’Oro. The ners in the five years since the present wolf “Cady said the $400,000 operating The new center will replace a much official state wolf population estimate is culling program started, 288 were killed in the budget for the stranding network would be smaller site in West Barnstable, sponsored by markedly higher than recent federal estimates. Nelchina Basin. integrated with IFAW’s budget, but fundrais- HSUS since 1995. Coming events May 6-12: 93rd annual Be Kind To Animals Week. Info: < w w w . a m e r i c a n h u - mane.org>. May 7: Sarasota In Def- ense of Animals open house & picnic, S a r a - sota, Fla. Info: 941- 9 2 4 - 2 5 0 5 ;
If you know someone else who might like to read ANIMAL PEOPLE, please ask us to send a free sample. ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 11 Cracking the mystery of melamine, the pet food killer (from page 1) ing the first 30 days after the initial recall, the animals, it should result in effects that mimic FDA had not found any studies of melamine in toxicology professor Birgit Puschner notified U.S. Food & Drug Administration assigned this function, including bloody diarrhea, bone cats, and found the results of only a single the FDA that she had found melamine in six 400 employees to find the suspect shipments, marrow suppression, abortion, and birth 1945 study that tested it on dogs. That study brands of cat food that were not on the original respond to callers, and test 430 samples of defects. Renal damage—seen in the affected suggested the chemical increased urine output recall list, and in several additional varieties potentially contaminated wet and dry food, animals—can occur at high doses. when fed to dogs in large amounts. of foods sold by some of the recalled brands. FDA director of field investigations Michael “However,” Hansen said, “to be “We don’t think this is the final con- “In light of the new findings, toxi- Rogers told media. More than twice as many consistent with the effects of aminopterin, we clusion,” said New York State Department of cologists at U.C. Davis are stepping up their people called the FDA about the pet food should also see a significant number of affect- Agriculture and Markets spokesperson Jessica offer to test other foods to ensure all problems recall, spokespersons said, than normally call ed pets showing the accompanying signs of A. Chittenden. “Melamine is not a known are found,” wrote Peyton Dahlberg. in a year about all issues combined. severe intestinal damage. toxin. There is not enough data to show that it “There aren’t that many labs that are The 30,000-member Veterinary “We have seen reports coming in is toxic to cats. We are confident we found doing this kind of testing right now. It’s our Information Network reported receiving unso- from all around the country that animals who aminopterin,” Chittenden insisted, “and it obligation to follow up,” said Poppenga. licited reports of more than 500 pet illnesses ate the contaminated foods are suffering from makes sense with the pathology.” Within days melamine was found in and 104 deaths. renal failure,” Hansen acknowledge. “But the However, the FDA did not find wheat gluten, rice protein concentrate, and While Menu Foods became con- data we’ve been collecting does not conclu- aminopterin in the pet food samples it tested. corn gluten pet food components, all imported vinced by the test results that it had sold taint- sively prove this connection.” The Cornell University College of Veterinary from China. As the materials were labeled ed product, identifying the contaminant per- Hansen’s skepticism was affirmed Medicine also did not find aminopterin, but “food grade,” the FDA investigated whether plexed toxicologists for weeks. on March 29, when the FDA and Menu Foods found melamine both in recalled pet food and any had entered the human food supply. The New York State Food Labor- announced that they had discovered another in urine and tissue samples from afflicted cats. The investigation spread with the atory on March 23 identified traces of a chemi- chemical called melamine in the contaminated The Iowa State University Veter- discovery that some pet food was diverted for cal called aminopterin as the likely culprit, food, and that it appeared to be turning up inary Diagnostic Laboratory rushed to confirm use as hog feed after it was deemed unsafe for and began trying to identify which specific consistently. Initially detected in the wheat the Cornell findings. But the next shocker pet consumption. component of the recalled pet food had gluten component of the recalled pet food, came from the California Animal Health & In the first verified case, rice protein become contaminated. melamine has been commonly used for more Food Safety Laboratory System at the concentrate imported from China by Diamond But American SPCA senior vice than 60 years to make hard plastic dishes, University of California’s Davis campus. Pet Food Inc. was sold to American Hog Farm, president Steven Hansen, DVM, was skepti- cleaning products, stain-resistant laminates, Not initially involved in the pet food in Ceres, California. Similar materials may cal. Hansen, a veterinary toxicologist, man- flame-retardant foam, soundproofing, and recall, the Davis lab eventually offered to test have been fed to pigs in New York, North ages the ASPCA’s Midwest office, including nitrogen-releasing synthetic fertilizer. unrecalled foods. The staff expected to help Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, and Ohio, the Animal Poison Control Center. Melamine had apparently never reassure the public about pet food safety, U.C. and at least one poultry farm in an unspecified “Aminopterin,” now used in some before been found as a food contaminant––not Davis professor of veterinary clinical toxicolo- location, FDA chief vet Sundlof said. nations as a rat poison, “has been used to treat in pet food and not in people food. gy Bob Poppenga told Sacramento Bee s t a f f Melamine was found in the urine of cancer in people, since it is able to disrupt FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine writer Carrie Peyton Dahlberg. pigs raised in California and both North and rapidly-growing cells,” Hansen explained. “In chief Stephen Sundlof told reporters that the On April 7, however, U.C. Davis South Carolina, Sundlof confirmed. Events FUNDING OPPORTUNTIES AT (continued) TRIBUTES In honor of the Prophet Isaiah, St. Martin ® De Porres, John Wesley, Maddie’s Fund The Pet Rescue Foundation (www.maddiesfund.org) is a family foundation endowed through the Ellen G. White, generosity of Cheryl and Dave Duffield, PeopleSoft Founder and Board Chairman. The foundation is helping to fund the & Cesar Chavez. creation of a no-kill nation. The first step is to help create programs that guarantee loving homes for all healthy shelter dogs ––Brien Comerford –––––––––––––––––––––– and cats through collaborations with rescue groups, traditional shelters, animal control agencies and veterinarians. The next step will be to save the sick and injured pets in animal shelters nationwide. Maddie’s Fund is named after the family’s beloved Miniature Schnauzer who passed away in 1997. Maddie’s Fund, 2223 Santa Clara Ave, Suite B, Alameda, CA 94501 510-337-8989, [email protected], www.maddiesfund.org 12 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 How Chinese ingredients contaminated U.S. pet foods BEIJING––How and why melamine alleged in early April that the Chinese govern- ery from Futian Biology included came to contaminate wheat and corn gluten ment had refused to grant visas to FDA per- 146 1-ton bags of rice protein and rice protein concentrate manufactured in sonnel. An FDA spokesperson clarified that concentrate. All were white China is still unknown. the visas were not overtly refused, but added except for a single pink bag, But, as a maker of wheat gluten, that the agency had not received the necessary which was stenciled “melamine.” MGP Ingredients vice president Steve invitation letter to get visas. Aware that melamine Pickman has voiced an idea. Xinhua News Agency editor Lu Hui had been identified five days ear- “It is my understanding, but certain- meanwhile announced on April 6 that, “China lier as a contaminant in wheat ly unheard of in our experience,” Pickman is carrying out a nationwide inspection on the gluten used to make pet food, told media, “that melamine could increase the quality of its wheat gluten after the United Wilbur-Ellis held the shipment at measurable nitrogen emitted from gluten, and States claimed that the pet food at the origin of a warehouse in Portland, then be mathematically converted to protein. a number of cat and dog deaths used tainted Oregon, and had samples tested. The effect could create the appearance or illu- wheat imported from China.” Melamine was found in the pink sion of raising the gluten’s protein level. “Sampling and examination are bag, but not in two white bags, Understandably, any acts or practices such as under way,” said Xia Wenjun, a press officer Thacher said. this are barred in the U.S. How the U.S. can for the General Administration of Quality Futian Biology told or cannot monitor and prevent these types of Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Wilbur-Ellis that the pink bag situations from occurring in other parts of the There is no longer any question that had been used to replace a dam- world,” Pickman concluded, “is the overrid- the melamine tainting U.S.-manufactured pet aged bag, and that “the product ing question.” foods for at least three months in 2006-2007 was all fine,” Thacher Said U.S. Food & Drug Administ- was of Chinese origin. explained. ration chief veterinarian Stephen Sundlof, Wilbur-Ellis Company, of San The tainted wheat “Melamine was found in all three [pet food Francisco, in July 2006 began importing rice gluten was earlier traced to a dif- ingredients imported from China.] This would protein concentrate from Futian Biology ferent supplier, Xuzhou Anying certainly lend credibility to the theory that the Technology Co. Ltd., Wilbur-Ellis president Biologic Technology Develo- Rousseau, 1987-2006, loved his greens. (Kim Bartlett) contamination may be intentional. That will be and chief executive John Thacher told pment Company, of Shanghai. Xuzhou Xuzhou Anying sales manager Geng one of the theories we will pursue when we get MSNBC. Wilbur-Ellis resold the material to Anying general manager Mao Lijun told L o s Xiujuan told Christopher Bodeen of into the plants in China,” Stephen Sundlof, the five pet food manufacturers, including Angeles Times staff writers Marc Lifsher and Associated Press that Xuzhou Anying is a bro- FDA’s chief veterinarian, told reporters. Diamond Pet Foods Inc., of Meta, Missouri, Abigail Goldman that the company and the ker, not a manufacturer. But getting U.S. inspectors into which produces the Natural Balance pet food Chinese government’s inspection and quaran- “Anying produces and exports more China to visit the plants in question proved dif- line at a manufacturing plant in California. tine administration are investigating how than 10,000 tons of wheat gluten a year,” ficult. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) Thacher said an April 4, 2007 deliv- melamine got into the product. (continued on page 13) Events (continued) rg>. August 25: Gender & A n i m a l s conf., Uppsala, S w e d e n . Info: –––––––––––––––––– IF YOUR GROUP IS HOLDING AN EVENT, please let us know–– we’ll be happy to announce it here, and we’ll be happy to send free samples of ANIMAL PEOPLE for your guests. ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 13 How Chinese ingredients contaminated U.S.-made pet foods (from page 12) reported Alexa Oleson of Associated Press, have not said whether they are investigating. ease in seafood and livestock. Rampant indus- dreds of babies and killing at least 12.” “but only 873 tons were linked to tainted U.S. An official at the Chinese Ministry of Health, trial pollution risks introducing heavy metals The European Union and Japan have pet food, raising the possibility that more of who refused to give his name, said the case into the food chain. banned imports of a variety of Chinese agricul- the contaminated product could still be on the was not an issue for the ministry, and directed “Farmers have used the cancer-caus- tural and aquaculture products due to the prod- market in China, or abroad. questions to the Ministry of Agriculture. An ing industrial dye Sudan Red to boost the value ucts containing excessive antibiotic or pesti- Anying export director Li Cui told official there, who also refused to give his of their eggs, and fed an asthma medication to cide residues, Bodeen wrote. Oleson that the U.S. is the company’s only for- name, told Associated Press to stop calling.” pigs to produce leaner meat,” Bodeen recount- “Hong Kong blocked imports of tur- eign market. Throughout China, Bodeen wrote, ed. “In a case that galvanized the public’s and bot last year,” Bodeen recalled, “after inspec- “There has been no reaction among “Pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used in government’s attention, an infant formula tors found traces of malachite green, a possi- the Chinese public to the tainted wheat excess to boost yields, while harmful antibi- with little or no nutritional value has been bly cancer-causing chemical used to treat fun- gluten,” Oleson said, “and Beijing authorities otics are widely administered to control dis- blamed for causing severe malnutrition in hun- gal infections, in some fish.” Contrary to the common belief in the U.S. and Europe that products from small farms are safer than the output from facto- ry farming, Bodeen sug- gested that, “One source of the problem is China’s fractured farming sector, comprised of small land- holdings which make reg- ulation difficult. Small farms ship to market with little documentation. Test- ing of the safety and purity of farm products such as + milk is often haphazard, + hampered by fuzzy lines of authority among regula- tors. Only about 6% of agricultural products were considered pollution-free in 2005,” Bodeen said, based on USDA data col- lection about the Chinese agricultural sector. U.S. agricultural product purchases from China have increased 20- fold in 25 years. “FDA inspec- tors are able to inspect only a tiny percentage of the millions of shipments that enter the U.S. each year,” wrote Bodeen. “Even so, shipments from China were rejected at the rate of about 200 per month so far this year, compared with only 18 rejected cargoes per month from Thailand and 35 a month from Italy. Please make the most generous gift you can to help ANIMAL PEOPLE shine the bright light on cruelty and greed! Your generous gift of $25, $50, $100, $500 or more helps to build a world where caring counts. Please send your check to: ANIMAL PEOPLE P.O. Box 960 Clinton, WA 98236 (Donations are tax- deductible.) 14 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 Liability cases loom Mother Nature fights the seal hunt (from page 1) However, Fisheries Canada of hundreds of seals, some still moving, Protest reignited repeatedl- over melamine- moved the next scheduled comprehensive stockpiled on each sealing vessel’s deck, y––after Harry Lillie obtained the first film EMPORIA, Kansas––“To the extent that we seal census forward a year, to 2008, to bet- awash in blood, is one of the most disturb- of the Atlantic Canada seal hunt in 1955, identify that the cause of any expenses incurred [by pet ter assess the impact of the lack of ice. ing images I have seen.” after New Brunswick SPCA inspector Brian keepers for veterinary care] are related to the food, About forty boats were eligible to Earlier, Aldworth and other per- Davies started the “Save The Seals Fund” Menu will take responsibility,” Menu Foods chief hunt seals in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, sonnel were mobbed at their helicopter in 1960; after Davies transformed the executive Paul Henderson pledged, after ordering the from ports in Nova Scotia, New refueling site. “About 20 carloads of people “Save The Seals Fund” into IFAW in 1968; first of a flurry of pet food recalls. Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, but surrounded us,” Aldworth wrote. “They after Greenpeace activists led by Paul But that was just before pet keepers and law Canadian Press reported that only two boats shouted at us and banged on our truck, Watson confronted sealers on the ice in the firms coast to coast began alleging in more than two ventured out on opening day. International telling us to stop filming the hunt. The early 1970s; and, when Greenpeace dozen attempted class action cases that Menu Foods Fund for Animal Welfare observer Sheryl Royal Canadian Mounted Police surround- backed away from anti-sealing and anti-fur responded too slowly to the crisis, caused by melamine Fink told Canadian Press that she could find ed our team, but said they could not campaigns, after Watson formed the Sea contamination of pet food ingredients. The contamina- only one boat from the air. remove the crowd.” The mob left only after Shepherd Conservation Society in 1977. tion kills dogs and cats––especially cats––by attacking Fisheries Canada spokesperson puncturing the truck’s radiator. A boycott of Atlantic Canadian their kidneys. Jenkins said just 860 seals were killed dur- Accompanying Aldworth for sev- cod brought a 10-year suspension of the “There have been media reports that Menu ing the first three days of the 2007 hunt. eral days of observation was Daily Mail offshore seal hunt, beginning in 1984, but Foods started getting complaints as early as December The 2007 on-the-ice observation animal welfare writer Danny Penman, when overfishing caused the cod stock to 2006, but FDA records state the company received and protest phase was among the quietest in whose vivid account of “unimaginable collapse––as Watson among others had pre- their first report of a food-related pet death on February years. Barred from entering Newfoundland sadism and cruelty” appeared on April 6. dicted––blaming seals for the collapse 20,” wrote Christie Keith, contributing editor for the or otherwise approaching the sea massacre, But there has never been any lack proved politically convenient, and the seal Universal Press Syndicate feature Pet Connection. “On Sea Shepherd Conservation Society founder of testimony as to the brutality of seal-club- hunt resumed. Sealing opponents have February 27, Menu started testing the suspect foods. Paul Watson could only observe through bing. Jack London in The Sea Wolf (1904) been looking ever since for something else On March 3, the first cat in the trial died of acute kid- electronic media. IFAW activity, after the made the sadistic sealing captain Wolf to boycott effectively, a difficult task ney failure. Three days after that, Menu switched first few days, appeared to consist entirely Larson his most memorable villain. because Newfoundland exports so little. wheat gluten suppliers, and 10 days later, on March of “virtual press conferences” conducted The March 1933 edition of T h e Boycotting Canada as a whole 16, recalled the 91 products that contained gluten from from the IFAW headquarters in Cape Cod. National Humane Review, published by the would be counterproductive because public their previous source. At that point, Menu had seen a Aldworth, a Newfoundland American Humane Association, recalled opinion is already opposed to the seal hunt 35% death rate in their test lab cats. Another 45% per- native, observed the hunt for two weeks, that sealing in both Atlantic and northern in the provinces that export the most. cent suffered kidney damage. The death rate for ani- mostly from the air. She left on April 14. Pacific waters brought intensive humane Canadian political support for the seal hunt mals in Menu’s tests was around 20%.” Aldworth and Fink of IFAW were protest before 1911, as “No cruelty was too reflects the unique position of Atlantic + In the interim, alleged Keith, “No veterinari- denied observer permits for the first two horrible for the seal hunters.” Canada as the perennial sources of “swing + ans were warned to be on the lookout for unusual num- days of the commercial Gulf hunt. The pioneering ichthyologist votes” in competition for dominance among bers of kidney failure in their patients. No pet owners “To us, that says there’s some- David Starr Jordan (1851-1931), for whom three major parties. were warned to watch their pets for symptoms. thing the Canadian government didn’t want the National Oceanic and Atmospheric HSUS has for several years pro- Thousands of pet owners kept buying [contaminated] the public to see,” Aldworth told Andrew Administration research ship David Starr moted a boycott of Canadian seafood, now foods for their dogs and cats. Buncombe of The Independent. “In this Jordan was named, was an early and out- boosted in Europe by British organization Pet Connection began asking pet keepers to case, I believe it was the image of just a few spoken opponent of seal-clubbing. Respect for Animals, and endorsed by hun- submit reports about dogs and cats who might have seal pups clinging to tiny pans of ice and Another noteworthy early critic of dreds of smaller activist groups. been poisoned by the contaminated foods. By mid- seal hunters still coming with clubs and seal-clubbing was Sir George Baden- “British supermarkets have April the alleged toll included 3,900 dead pets and guns and shooting and killing every last pup Powell, who helped instill in his younger already begun reviewing their fish buying 12,000 suffering from possibly related illnesses––and they could find.” brother Robert the love of nature that policies,” wrote Penman of the Daily Mail. this was still less than half of the number of cases antic- Fisheries Canada spokesperson inspired him to found the Boy Scouts. “Canadian authorities are clearly rattled by ipated in a study done by Banfield Pet Hospitals. Jenkins told Canadian Press that observer The first wave of protest against the possibility of a consumer backlash. The first round of blame-fixing came at an permits were not issued because so few sealing ended after then-President Theodore International outrage against this year’s April 12, 2007 U.S. Senate hearing. seals, hunters, and boats were involved Roosevelt in 1911 endorsed into law a set slaughter has reached unprecedented levels. The pet food industry “is highly regulated, this year, implying that the government felt of fur seal conservation measures that even- Belgium has banned the import of all seal but not effectively regulated,” testified veterinarian it was necessary to keep the few protesters tually were combined with whale and dol- products. France, Germany and Italy are Elizabeth Hodgkins. “We don’t have products that are on the scene from creating a traffic jam. phin protection legislation to become the all considering following suit. The as safe as the labels suggest.” “The ice floes are now empty, Marine Mammal Protection Act. But con- European Union is coming under increasing “Because only about 30% of pet food plants and the only signs of the pups who were trary to widespread impression, encouraged pressure to extend its ban on seal pelts, and are inspected every three years, quality control is based once here are the blood trails left across the by the sealing industry, the 1911 law did the European Parliament has voted for a largely on self-regulation,” wrote Karoun Demirjian of ice,” Aldworth wrote on April 13, in her nothing to make sealing less inhumane. complete ban. The present ban,” explained the Chicago Tribune’s Washington D.C. bureau. last of a series of web postings from the Protest was revived after an Penman, “only applies to seals less than “Individual companies are supposed to inform the FDA Gulf of St. Lawrence. exposé of the Atlantic Canada seal hunt twelve days old. This allows fishermen to when it appears that pet food coming from their plants “We would typically also see appeared in the July 1929 edition of T h e profit from battering to death seals just a may have been compromised,” as Menu Foods did. thousands of carcasses discarded on the National Geographic. Further exposés sub- few days older. The U.K. government says The melamine contamination “was a foreign ice,” Aldworth said. “This year, sealers sequently appeared in at least five leading it supports a European ban, and will con- substance,” responded Pet Food Institute executive have kept the dead seals aboard their boats, British magazines, along with a 1932 pam- tinue pushing for it.” director Duane Ekedahl. “All the regulation in the not throwing the carcasses into the ocean phlet called The Cruelties of Seal Hunting, The major seal pelt markets, world would not have captured that substance.” until our cameras are out of view. The sight by Sydney H. Beard, of London. however, are in Russia and China. Please enter my subscription for: ____ One year (10 issues.) Enclosed is $24. YES! I’M AN ____ Two years (20 issues.) Enclosed is $38. ANIMAL PERSON! ____ Three years (30 issues.) Enclosed is $50. ____Please send additional subscriptions as gifts to the addresses I have listed below or on a separate sheet. Enclosed is $24 apiece. ____Please send the 2006 ANIMAL PEOPLE Watchdog Report on Animal Protection Charities, which provides the background I need to make my donations more effective. Enclosed is $25. ____I want to help support your outreach with a tax-deductible contribution of: $25 ____ $50 ____ $100 ____ $250 ____ $500 ____ Other ____ Name: Name of gift recipient: Number and street: Number and street: City and state: City and state: ––Wolf Clifton ZIP code: ZIP code: Please make checks payable to: ANIMAL PEOPLE, P.O. Box 960, Clinton, WA 98236, or call 360-579-2505 to order by MasterCard or VISA. ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 15 National Marine Fisheries Service shuts down Marine Animal Lifeline, largest New England seal rescue site W E S T B R O O K , Maine––The National Marine said federal officials never told him about the new rule, had Fisheries Service on April 17, 2007 abruptly revoked the oper- earlier approved paperwork for seals who had not been tested, ating permit for Marine Animal Lifeline, the largest seal rescue and were on a mission to shut his nonprofit down when they center in New England. arrived for an inspection” on the morning of April 17. “We’re taking this action to immediately reduce any “They came in knowing they were going to shut us risks to wildlife posed by continued operation of the facility,” down, come hell or high water,” Jakush told Aull. Jakush said National Marine Fisheries Service northeast regional adminis- the inspection lasted only 10 minutes. trator Patricia Kurkul said in a prepared statement. “Jakush said he was angry,” Aull wrote, “that the Twenty-one seals were seized and trucked to the service wrote a press release saying his permit had been Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. The Mystic Aquarium has revoked before it did the site inspection.” Harbor seal. (Kim Bartlett) rehabilitated and released stranded seals for 30 years, aquarium Marine Animal Lifeline spokesperson Dianna Marine Animal Lifeline was nonetheless the biggest spokesperson David Labbe told Associated Press, but usually Fletcher told Associated Press that the National Marine seal rescue and rehabilitation organization in the region, han- handles only about 20 per year. Fisheries Service distributed the press release before Jakush dling almost as many animals as all the rest combined: 4,449 The National Marine Fisheries Service alleged that learned of the problems. total, over 11 years, with capacity for holding 60 at a time. Marine Animal Lifeline had released approximately 80 seals National Marine Fisheries Service spokesperson Teri Other seal rescue groups serving the northeast since June 2006 without testing them first to ensure that they Frady told Aull that the press statement was prepared before- include, besides the Mystic Aquarium, the Cape Cod were not carrying marine morbillivirus, a disease related to hand “because officials came from out of state and had to be Stranding Network; New England Aquarium; the University human measles and canine distemper. Occurring in many ready in case Marine Animal Lifeline failed the inspection.” of New England, in Biddeford, Maine; and Allied Whale, a marine mammal species, marine morbillivirus killed 20,000 Frady said the National Marine Fisheries Service project of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. seals in European waters in 1988, 18,000 in a 1998 recurrence, asked all seal rescue centers to begin testing for morbillivirus in Many seals received by the other organizations were and killed 22,000 seals in yet another recurrence in 2002. June 2006. The agency itself pays for the testing, done at the eventually sent to Westbrook for rehab and release. Ironically, the National Marine Fisheries Service University of Oklahoma. Besides Jakush, Marine Animal Lifeline reportedly became concerned that marine moribillivirus might strike New Frady told Aull that about 300 seals found stranded employed a veterinarian and three vet techs. England waters after Marine Animal Lifeline founder and presi- on beaches in the northeastern U.S. had been tested since the Jakush, originally from Chicago, founded Marine dent Greg Jakush drew attention in 2004 to an unusually high order was issued, with several positive findings. Animal Lifeline after working for several years as a dolphin volume of seal strandings occurring along the Maine coast. “Officials got curious,” Aull wrote, “when the lab trainer at the Dolphin Research Center in the Florida Keys. “Every individual animal was displaying different had no record of samples from Marine Animal Lifeline, which “At that facility,” Jakush told Scott Douglas of The priorities or cause of death,” Jakush told Emily Aronsen of the has released about 80 seals since the order was given.” B o l l a r d in April 2006, “they had a side program for strand- Portsmouth Herald. “There was no smoking gun.” “Marine Animal Lifeline has an annual budget of ings. I got involved with that, and realized that’s what I want- But Jakush repeatedly sent tissue samples to the about $500,000,” Aull reported. “About $100,000 of that is ed to do: I wanted to help remove suffering from animals. I National Marine Fisheries Service, which was unable to identi- provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administ- wound up managing the program and really getting involved.” fy an underlying cause. ration, which oversees the National Marine Fisheries Service.” After three years of researching opportunities for New England Aquarium stranding program director But the funding relationship has had previous rough opening a dedicated stranding center, Douglas founded Marine Connie Merigo also reported an increased number of strand- patches. Marine Animal Lifeline in 2005 “lost a federal grant Animal Lifeline in 1996. ings, but observed that most seemed to be malnourished pups. that accounted for most of its operating budget,” reported “We didn’t have the facilities to do rehabilitation, so Marine Environmental Research Institute director David Sharp of Associated Press. “The National Oceanic and we just started with rescue,” Jakush recalled. “We’d rescue Susan Shaw suggested the possibility that a virus was attacking Atmospheric Administration awarded Marine Animal Lifeline the animals, and beg every facility on the Eastern seaboard for pups with compromised immune systems. Her work had $180,000 to $200,000 for each of the preceding two years,” space to take them. We did that for a couple of years. In 1999, recently found accumulations of pollutants including PCBs, Sharp said, “but rejected the 2005 request for $157,000.” we were able to get enough grant money to lease a facility,” in DDT, and mercury in harbor seals living in the Gulf of Maine, Frady told Sharp that NOAA funded 95 grants in Westbrook, “and begin our rehabilitation program. The first decades after most uses of the long-lasting substances were 2005, totaling $8.4 million, more than twice the amount year, in the summer season, we rehabilitated only six harbor restricted or banned. Such accumulations, Shaw explained, awarded in preceding years, but the Marine Animal Lifeline seals. We’re up to the several hundreds now. could be passed along with mothers’ milk and put pups at risk. proposal lost out in a competitive evaluation process. “We’re close to outgrowing this facility,” Jakush told “The permit revocation caught Marine Animal Marine Animal Lifeline handled 805 animals in 2004, Douglas. “We just purchased a piece of property in Scarbor- Lifeline off guard and sent board members into a closed-door 145 more than the previous high, but received only 533 in ough. We hope to move by the end of 2007.” meeting that lasted for hours,” wrote Portland Press Herald 2005, and 323 in 2006, the lowest total since the first three Losing the National Marine Fisheries Service permit staff writer Elbert Aull. “Greg Jakush, the group’s president, years that the center operated. may put that plan on permanent hold. + + 16 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 The Watchdog monitors fundraising, spending, and The political activity in the name of animal and habitat protec - tion—both pro and con. His empty bowl stands for all the bowls left empty when some Watchdog take more than they need. S A C R A M E N T O ––“As of today, Elaborated the “Noah’s Wish Board” Business Journal from a former employee, an [founder] Terri Crisp is no longer associated in their March 26 statement, “The California accounting firm hired by Noah’s Wish to Warnings with Noah’s Wish, Inc. in any capacity,” the Attorney General has taken the position that examine its books concluded that it would be But complaints and warnings about Noah’s Wish web site announced on March certain funds donated to Noah’s Wish during impossible to conduct a reliable audit. Terri Crisp’s activity in connection with the 28, 2007. “We wish her well in her future this period, and its immediate aftermath, are Stated a letter from John Waddell & Katrina relief effort reached ANIMAL PEO- endeavors.” restricted, and may only be used for the ani- Co., Certified Public Accountants, “A signifi- PLE as early as September 20, 2005, begin- Signed by the “Noah’s Wish Board mal victims of Hurricane Katrina, rather than cant portion of corroborating evidence such as ning with a widely distributed e-mail from of Directors,” the message disclosing Crisp’s the animal victims of other disasters or for vendor invoices, receipts, deposit slips, and Wildlife Rescue of Dade County (Florida) departure followed two days after a similarly general disaster preparedness. other supporting data were not maintained dur- founder Lloyd Brown. signed March 26 acknowledgement that “Noah’s Wish disagrees with the ing the period that the organization was Involved in animal disaster relief “Noah’s Wish is in the midst of an ongoing Attorney General’s position with respect to responding to the needs of animals during since Hurricane Andrew in 1992, Brown civil investigation by the California Attorney those funds,” the board said, “but is working Hurricane Katrina. The records that remain are alleged that Crisp had been escorted from the General’s office concerning funds received by cooperatively with the Attorney General not sufficient to permit the application of vicinity of three subsequent Florida disasters Noah’s Wish during Hurricane Katrina.” toward a timely resolution of the dispute.” auditing procedures that would be adequate for by sheriff’s deputies, for failing to get proper Noah’s Wish told the Chronicle of Added the March 26 board state- us to express an opinion on the accompanying authorization to be there. P h i l a n t h r o p y in November 2005 that it had ment, “In response to the California Attorney financial statements.” “I have no knowledge of the people received $6.5 million in donations after General, Noah’s Wish has set aside the disput- Lori Polk, chair of the Noah’s Wish who volunteer for Noah’s Wish being involved Katrina. ed funds, and agreed not to use those funds board during Katrina, “left the board the in any illegal or unethical activities,” Brown “Tax documents for Noah’s Wish pending final resolution of the investigation. month after the hurricane,” Johnson disclosed. clarified. “I will even go as far as to say that if obtained by the Sacramento Business Journal “Noah’s Wish is unable to predict Polk told Johnson she resigned because she they would operate within the established sys- reported revenue of $8.4 million, almost all of when the matter will be resolved,” the March felt she was “fighting a losing battle trying to tem and agree to play by the rules, then we it from contributions, between July 1, 2005, 26 board statement continued. “Because maintain my fiduciary responsibility to the could probably work with them just fine. It is and Dec. 31, 2005,” reported Business Journal Noah’s Wish does not presently have access to organization,” as Noah’s Wish “did not make their director, Terri Crisp, whom I have a staff writer Kelly Johnson on March 30, 2007. the disputed funds, it is unable at this time to decisions based upon board approval,” and problem with.” “Some $4.8 million was in unre- continue to provide disaster preparedness ser- made “expenditures without approval.” Brown was employed by the stricted assets,” Johnson said, while $1.5 mil- vices and volunteer training.” The Hurricane Katrina relief effort Humane Society of the U.S. to help after six lion was declared as “temporarily restricted Johnson reported that Noah’s Wish started in first days of September 2005. disasters in 13 months during 2004-2005, assets.” “was preparing to close its El Dorado Hills Noah’s Wish volunteers who lived within dri- including the immediate aftermath of Charitable donations are deemed headquarters. About a dozen workers have ving distance of the disaster area were on the Hurricane Katrina, but acknowledged that “I legally “restricted” when the donors in some resigned or been laid off since late last year. scene almost immediately. Establishing rescue was told to take a break in the middle of our manner expressly communicate, at the time of Staff members are being paid through April bases in Slidell Parish, Louisiana, and rescue work in Mississippi,” because of stress giving, that the donations are meant exclusive- 11,” but as of the end of March, “only the Pearlington, Mississippi, Noah’s Wish helped symptoms. ly to serve one particular purpose. A vague office manager remained at the El Dorado with animal rescue and care in the disaster area Crisp herself acknowledged in an statement such as “to help animals” does not Hills headquarters to close things down.” for 11 weeks. Individual Noah’s Wish volun- August 29, 2004 web posting that Noah’s restrict a donation, but a statement stipulating Wrote Johnson, “The California teers and employees were still reuniting ani- Wish did not have authorization to participate “to help the New Orleans animals” or “to help Attorney General’s Office has been investigat- mals rescued from New Orleans with humans in the Hurricane Charley disaster relief effort, the Katrina animals” might be construed as a ing the organization since last summer. who were evacuated as late as August 2006, binding restriction. According to documents obtained by the according to news accounts. (continued on page 17) Mitt Romney becomes first 2008 Presidential candidate to pander to hunters KEENE, N.H.–– Former Massa- captive-reared quail, “I knocked quite a few tough gun laws in Massachusetts. I support All agreed that Romney at least chusetts governor Mitt Romney on April 3, birds and enjoyed myself a great deal.” them. I won’t chip away at them. I believe came very close to promising to exclude calf 2007 became the first 2008 Presidential con- Reported Dave Wedge of the Boston they protect us and provide for our safety.” roping from the rodeo. tender to identify himself as a hunter, and the Herald soon after that expedition, “The gover- Wrote Johnson, “True to his word, Both Salt Lake City mayoral spokes- first to be embarrassed when his claims about nor and 15 others piled into four buggies at Romney went on to sign one of the toughest person Joshua Ewing and Romney’s own hunting could not be verified. The Lodge at Cabin Bluff in Georgia and assault weapons laws in the country.” spokesperson, Caroline Shaw, affirmed the Questioned at a campaign event in killed several quail, according to preserve However, Johnson added, “The ban activists’ impression in media statements. Yet Keene, New Hampshire, about his position manager Patty Daniels.” on assault-style weapons included provisions calf-roping went ahead as scheduled. on gun control, Romney responded, “I sup- Affirmed Daniels, “They did kill extending the term of a firearms identification Two and a half years later, as port the Second Amendment. I purchased a quite a few quail. But I don’t know how many card and a license to carry weapons from four Massachusetts governor, Romney in July gun when I was a young man. I’ve been a Romney personally killed.” years to six years. It also created a Firearm 2004 vetoed a bill that would have guaranteed hunter pretty much all my life. I’ve never real- “The report that I only hunted twice License Review Board to provide an appeals students at all levels of education the right to ly shot anything terribly big,” Romney con- is incorrect,” Romney responded at an appear- process for people whose license applications opt out of dissection for moral, ethical, or fessed. “I used to hunt rabbits. ance in Indianapolis, three days after had been denied. religious reasons. “Shooting a rabbit with a single-shot Johnson’s article appeared. “I’ve hunted small “In 2006,” Johnson continued, The bill cleared the state senate 35-3, .22 is pretty hard,” Romney added, so–– game numerous times, as a young man and as “Romney signed National Rifle Association- and was passed unanimously by the house. according to his statements––he switched to an adult,” Romney insisted, while admitting, backed legislation creating exemptions for “Biomedical research is an important using a semiautomatic rifle. “I’m by no means a big game hunter. I’ve makers of customized target pistols who had component of the Commonwealth’s economy Associated Press political reporter always been a rodent and rabbit hunter, small found it too expensive to sell their guns in and job creation,” said Romney. “This bill Glen Johnson investigated Romney’s story. varmints, if you will. I began when I was 15 Massachusetts because of a state regulation would send the unintended message that ani- “In boasting about his lifelong expe- or so, and I have hunted those kinds of requiring them to test at least five examples of mal research is frowned upon.” rience as a hunter, Romney may have shot varmints since then. More than two times.’’ new products ‘until destruction.’” himself in the foot,” Johnson concluded. Said Associated Press, “His staff Added Johnson, “In January, Took habitat funding “The Republican contender has told audiences refused to provide details about his hunting Romney was touting such measures as he and But Romney had already offended on several occasions, most recently this week history, including whose gun he used, with his wife Ann toured the Shooting, Hunting hunters, with a July 2003 appropriation bill in gun-savvy and early voting New Hamp- whom he hunted and whether he hunted in and Outdoor Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, that absorbed into the Massachusetts general shire, that he has been a longtime hunter. But Utah as a college student or as an adult. with Wayne LaPierre, the NRA’s executive fund about $10 million which had been kept in it turns out he has been on only two hunting Romney does not own a firearm, despite vice president.” Romney admitted seeking a dedicated fund created through sales of hunt- trips, at the bookends of his 60 years: as a 15- claiming to earlier this year.” NRA endorsement of his candidacy. ing and fishing licenses. year-old, when he hunted rabbits with his Recalled Johnson, “During a 1994 Romney moved to restore the dedi- cousins on a ranch in Idaho, and last year, U.S. Senate campaign, Romney said he sup- Rodeo, dissection cated fund three weeks later, after encounter- when he shot quail on a fenced game preserve ported the Brady gun control law and a ban on Even before coming out as a self- ing intense protest from the hunting and fish- in Georgia. assault-style rifles.” proclaimed hunter, Romney offended animal ing lobby––and after being warned by the U.S. “The 2006 trip was an outing with In the 2002 Massachusetts guberna- advocates on multiple occasions, beginning as Fish & Wildlife Service that liquidating the major donors to the Republican Governors torial campaign, Johnson continued, president of the organizing committee for the dedicated fund would cost Massachusetts Association,” Johnson noted, “which “Romney pledged to do nothing to change the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake matching grants provided by the Pittman- Romney headed at the time.” state’s firearms statutes.” City. The accompanying “Cultural Olympiad” Robertson federal excise tax on fishing and Said Romney, after shooting the Said Romney then, “We do have included a “Command Performance Rodeo.” hunting equipment. The federal grants As a global campaign pressuring accounted for about 60% of the Massachusetts ENPA gets 1st female chief since 19th century sponsors to cancel the rodeo gained momen- wildlife department budget. tum, Romney convened a December 2001 A similar controversy erupted in R O M E ––The Italian charity Winter, a British-born close associate of meeting in Salt Lake City with protest leaders early 2005, after Romney staged a pre- ENPA, whose name translates literally as Giuseppe Garibaldi, the unifier of modern including SHARK founder Steve Hindi, Super Bowl rally in support of the New “Entity for the Protection of Animals,” on Italy. Winter, Garibaldi, and Timoteo Riboli Vermont veterinarian/attorney Peggy Larson, England Patriots, prominently featuring him- March 30, 2007 announced the election of a jointly founded ENPA, then called the Eric Mills of Action for Animals, Deb Probert self, with about $45,000 from the Massa- new president, Carla Rocchi, to succeed Animal Protection Society, in 1871. of the Vancouver Humane Society, German chusetts Department of Conservation & Paul Manzi, president since 1999. About two dozen other Italian ani- activist Mathilde Mench, local activist Recreation parks budget. “Manzi assumes the role of national mal charities formed during the next 66 years. Colleen Gardner, and Tony Moore, president Four days after the rally, Romney prime minister of ENPA,” ENPA said. Legislation pushed by the dictator Benito of the Foundation Against Animal Cruelty in fired DRC commissioner Katherine Abbott for Rocchi, who had headed the Rome Mussolini forcibly merged them into the Europe. All except Gardner, who lives in Salt opposing the budget raid. Three days after chapter of ENPA, becomes only the second Animal Protection Society, and conferred the Lake City, flew to the meeting at their own that, Romney forced second-ranking DCR woman president. The first was Anna name ENPA, in 1938. expense. official Pam DiBona to resign as well. ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 17 Vier Pfoten buys South African game lodge to turn into sanctuary BETHLEHEM, South Africa––What will become will literally be thousands of lions wanting homes,” predicted location in November 2004, 10 months after the Gaenserndorf of lions reared in captivity by South African ranchers to be shot Drakenstein Lion Park proprietor Paul Hart, in a March 21, Safari Park closed, not far from the Vier Pfoten headquarters in as trophies, who after June 1, 2007 may no longer be killed 2007 e-mail to ANIMAL PEOPLE. Vienna, Austria. before enjoying two years of a semi-natural life? The new regulations also for the first time recognize As the Vier Pfoten web site explains, “The animals Racing to complete a new sanctuary called Lionsrock the existence of private wildlife sanctuaries, like Lionsrock and became a living bankrupt’s estate. Some animals could be by mid-summer, projected as the world’s largest, the Vienna- the Drakenstein Lion Park, but make no provision for funding quickly placed elsewhere. Some were sold. The large lion based international animal charity Vier Pfoten anticipates tak- the sanctuaries to accommodate cast-off lions, or otherwise pride, however,” 14 lions in all, “remained in Gaenserndorf,” ing in at least some of the lions. helping them to handle the anticipated lion dumping. and were in reported danger of being killed due to lack of Best known for operating mobile dog and cat steril- Many South African wildlife facilities call themselves placement options. Vier Pfoten at last “bought the lions to pro- ization clinics in Bulgaria, Romania, and other former sanctuaries, but until now the term has had no legal meaning. tect them from death.” Communist nations of eastern Europe, Vier Pfoten has gradual- All sanctuaries in South Africa, along with other wildlife facil- For more than two years Vier Pfoten continued to ly expanded into many other animal welfare activities, includ- ities, have had to register with the government as either game feed and care for the lions in the former safari park. One elder- ing disaster relief and wildlife rescue. farms, involved in breeding and selling animals; wildlife reha- ly lioness died, but that still left 13 to place. Managing Lionsrock will be a new focal project, but bilitation centers, whose intent is to return animals to the wild; The initial Vier Pfoten plan was to transport the Vier Pfoten anticipates that visitor revenue will eventually fully or exhibition sites, open to the public and run as businesses. Gaenserndorf lions to an African facility willing to give them support it. Two for-profit subsidiaries will operate lodging and “Sanctuary” also has no legal meaning in the U.S., at sanctuary care, as Vier Pfoten did in 2002 with four lions born a restaurant. the federal level, but many states have defined “sanctuary” in at the Tecuci Zoo in Romania. How many lions from “canned hunts” will Lionsrock terms that distinguish sanctuarians from other animal keepers. Recounted Mihai Vasile of the Romanian Center for accept? How many will be offered to sanctuaries is still any- The lack of a South African legal definition has Investigative Journalism, “In the winter of 2002, Vier Pfoten one’s guess––but Lionsrock will have a considerable animal meant that some South African sanctuaries-in-name scarcely discovered four lion cubs with some photographers in Brasov. population whether or not any “canned hunt” lions are avail- resemble the care-for-life, not-open-to-the-public modus The animals had been bought from Mircea Nicu, the manager able. Vier Pfoten acquired 25 lions, a pair of leopards, and operandi recommended by the American Sanctuary Association of the Tecuci Zoo. The cubs were only three weeks old. They other mammals of at least 16 species when it bought the former and The Association of Sanctuaries. Relatively few South were suffering from malnutrition. They were exploited non- Camorhi Game Lodge near Bethlehem, South Africa. African sanctuaries are nonprofit. Many sanctuaries-by-intent stop, during daytime on the ski slopes and at night in bars and In addition, Vier Pfoten already had responsibility incorporate aspects of game farming, wildlife rehab, and/or discos, most of the time under sedation. After ‘working hours’ for many other lions in need of homes. exhibition, to support themselves––like the Drakenstein Lion they slept in tight cages in a car trunk. The Vier Pfoten team The future Lionsrock sanctuary consists of five Park, which is a for-profit wildlife viewing venue. succeeded in confiscating and repatriating the four cubs, Shiba, square miles of former asparagus and corn plantation, sur- “Drakenstein Lion Park was established in 1998 as a Alex, Tommy and Jack,” although the exhibitors soon rounding a volcanic outcropping that resembles “Pride Rock” in lifetime care facility,” Hart told ANIMAL PEOPLE. “Once obtained two more lion cubs and went back into business. the Walt Disney Productions film The Lion King. the law allows, we will register our facility as a sanctuary.” “Those four lions,” Vier Pfoten president Helmut The site will be “adapted according to the latest stan- But that step by itself will not enable rapid expansion Dungler told ANIMAL PEOPLE, “were delivered to the dards of animal welfare,” Vier Pfoten announced on February to handle all the lions Hart expects game ranchers to try to Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve,” a wildlife viewing venue at 1, 2007, to “provide lions as well as other big cats such as unload. Already, Hart said, “I receive regular requests for Kromdraai, northwest of Johannesburg. tigers and leopards with a new home appropriate to the homes for lions, an average of 30 per annum. Sadly I cannot “Shiba, Alex and Jack are still at Rhino & Lion, and species.” Lionsrock architect Ivan Tonchev previously take all of these animals,” let alone the numbers who may soon are in good condition,” Dungler said. “To Tommy happened a designed the Vier Pfoten sanctuary for former dancing bears at be in limbo. tragic accident. In January 2006, he was killed in a fight Belitza, Bulgaria. between male lions.” Vier Pfoten president Helmut Dungler pledged that Rough reception But placing those four lions exhausted the capacity of Lionsrock would take in lions from around Africa as well as Logically, Hart and other South African sanctuarians the Rhino & Lion Park. “Despite extensive research, it was Europe––but the sanctuary plans were unveiled nearly three might have been expected to welcome Vier Pfoten, to accept at impossible to immediately find a new area” in Africa that could weeks before South African environment minister Marthinus Lionsrock some of the animals the others must refuse. accommodate the entire pride, Vier Pfoten explained to donors. van Schalwyk on February 20, 2007 introduced the regulations Even more, opponents of hunting might have been Meanwhile more lions from substandard European against so-called “canned hunts.” expected to welcome Vier Pfoten, whose investment in captive venues needed help, including Lutu and Frida, two The South African Predator Breeders’ Association Lionsrock is among the largest commitments to South Africa young lions born in decrepit Romanian zoos whose fate ANI- warned after van Schalwyk’s announcement that from 3,000 to ever made by an anti-hunting organization. The only compara- MAL PEOPLE explored in March 2006. 5,000 lions may be killed as unmarketable surplus, whom no ble investment was made more than a decade ago by the While Vier Pfoten was trying to decide what to do one can afford to feed. International Fund for Animal Welfare, to buy elephant habitat about the Gaenserndorf Safari Park pride, actress Amanda The new South African regulations require that each so that elephants would not be shot in allegedly overcrowded Holden raised $250,000 to enable the Born Free Foundation to captive-reared lion must be released at least two years before national parks. send Lutu to the Shamwari private wildlife viewing reserve in being hunted into a “system large enough and suitable for the Yet Lionsrock and Vier Pfoten received a hostile South Africa. management of self-sustaining wildlife populations in a natural reception, not only from hunters, as anticipated, but also from Instead, Lutu disappeared in August 2004, only days environment which requires minimal human intervention.” South African animal advocates. before the planned move. Born Free eventually bought a “Once the new regulations come into effect, there Vier Pfoten began looking for an African sanctuary (continued on page 17) but said she and her volunteers had tried to space in New York City, according to docu- lawyer would not confirm or deny an investi- fire of October 1991. The fire destroyed or obtain the necessary permissions for more than ments provided by a former [Noah’s Wish] gation,” Johnson said. damaged nearly 3,500 homes, killing 25 peo- two weeks. Noah’s Wish volunteers eventual- employee.” Johnson reported that “Ralph Nevis ple and displacing more than 10,000 people ly participated under auspices of Sarasota In The New York City office was of Downey Brand Attorneys LLP in plus about 5,000 pets. Defense of Animals, Crisp said. closed in January 2007, Johnson said. Sacramento, who represents Noah’s Wish, Stanley went on to found Project Allegations that Noah’s Wish was IRS Form 990 filings accessible at would not discuss the nature of the inquiry.” Hope, an IDA-sponsored sanctuary and not fulfilling financial obligations in connec- www.Guidestar.org show that Crisp was paid Noah’s Wish board chair Amy humane outreach program in Mississippi. tion with Hurricane Katrina surfaced on $6,200 in 2004-2005. Maher did not return calls, Johnson said. Crisp, as disaster relief director for January 9, 2006, when Arizona equine rescue “For the second half of 2005,” “We are in a holding pattern until we UAN, developed systems for coordinating volunteer Shawna McHargue posted an appeal Johnson wrote, “Noah’s Wish paid $405,948 resolve this issue,” Maher told Kollars of the large numbers of volunteers and tracking res- for funds “on behalf of my friend and fellow in salaries and compensation, according to a B e e . Maher told Kollars that she could not cued animals that began to prove themselves rescuer Stephanie Wolfe of Animal Rescue Form 990 supplied by the former employee. comment on the investigation, or Crisp's after Hurricane Andrew hit Florida in Cooperation,” a rescue network listed on Of that, Crisp received $140,900. The second- removal. A prosecutor for the Illinois state September 1992. Petfinder.com and identified as being active in highest compensation went to Sheri Thompson attorney’s office, Maher joined the Noah’s Before Hurricane Andrew, humane California and Oregon. at $118,125.” Wish board following former president Lori disaster relief efforts were relatively small and McHargue claimed Wolfe and her Reported Deb Kollars of the Polk’s resignation. Maher’s husband Roger sporadic. Typically just a few trained respon- husband were at risk of losing their home due Sacramento Bee, “Crisp said she didn't know Smith is also on the board, Kollars wrote. dents ventured into disaster areas, while to debt incurred from taking in “12 pit bulls where the $140,900 figure came from. Her “Board members Lyn Kendrick, Spontaneous Unsolicited Volunteers, called from the Katrina disaster with the help of pay rose to $132,000 in 2005 to make up for Gail Monick, and David Lesser declined to “SUV rescuers” for short, were discouraged. Noah’s Wish.” McHargue said Noah’s Wish her past tiny paychecks, she said, and was to comment,” added Johnson. “Another, Crisp devised ways of bringing the “SUV res- had failed to make timely reimbursements for have shifted to $80,000 this year.” Heather Hathaway, did not respond to a cuers” into the disaster relief system, begin- renting a vehicle, veterinary care, and putting The Form 990 filing shown to request for an interview.” ning by hosting seminars all over the U.S. up fencing needed to hold the pit bulls. Johnson has not yet been been posted by Crisp told Johnson that she left the between disasters, to teach her methods to Noah’s Wish also “committed $1 Guidestar, the subcontractor hired by the IRS Noah’s Wish board in February 2007, only hundreds of others. million to the city of Slidell, Louisiana, for to make Form 990 filings accessible. days after signing the organization’s most Either directly or indirectly, the construction of a new animal control center,” National salary norms published by recent and perhaps last appeal to donors, Crisp approach soon became the predominant Johnson of the Business Journal reported, as the Chronicle of Philanthropy show that the “partly because it’s a conflict of interest,” and modus operandi for animal relief agencies. the old shelter was so severely damaged by average compensation paid to the head of a because the California Attorney General’s Incorporating most of the “SUV rescuers” into Katrina as to require replacement. Slidell city charity with revenue of $5 million to $10 mil- office “had asked for me not to remain on the the relief operation was a big part of why the attorney Tim Mathison told Johnson that none lion per year was $120,531 in 2005. board.” animal relief effort after Hurricane Katrina of the money had been received. In northern California, reported Wrote Johnson, “Crisp said she did was noticeably less chaotic than much of the But Mathison praised Noah’s Wish Johnson, “The annual median base salary for not have the latest information on the investi- human relief work––at least until the leading for their care of 1,900 marooned animals. the executive director of a nonprofit of this gation or details about what it covers,” and agencies withdrew, between two and four “They did a wonderful job,” Mathison told size is $130,000, according to the 2006 Comp- said she had not been questioned by the inves- months later. Johnson. “We didn’t have the resources to do ensation and Benefits Survey of Northern tigators. ANIMAL PEOPLE heard few what they did.” California Nonprofit Organizations, p r o d u c e d “I don’t know of any misuse of complaints from the field about Crisp’s work by the Center for Nonprofit Management in funds,” Crisp told Johnson. until September 1999, when after Hurricane Crisp got Los Angeles.” “It's almost over with,” Crisp told Floyd hit North Carolina her teams conflicted The California Attorney General’s Kollars in mid-April, blaming the investiga- with local agencies and rescuers coordinated $140,900 mandate, Johnson noted, includes “investigat- tion on a disgruntled employee. by the Humane Society of the U.S. Noah’s Wish was spending money. ing the loss of substantial funds during one “I'm confident the outcome is going That appeared to be an isolated case “Expenses shot upward from about year, illegal use of funds, diversion of funds to be positive,” Crisp said. for several years, but ANIMAL PEOPLE $212,000 in 2004-2005 to more than $2 mil- from their intended purpose, and excessive received similar complaints after the terrorist lion in the last six months of 2005,” Johnson amounts paid for salaries, benefits, travel, “SUV rescuers” attacks of September 11, 2001. Crisp left wrote. Nearly $400,000 was spent, Johnson entertainment, legal and other professional Crisp, then a consultant for United United Animal Nations in November 2001, said, “to purchase vehicles.” fees.” Animal Nations, and Doll Stanley, an founding Noah’s Wish in March 2002. “In early 2006,” related Johnson, California attorney general Bill employee of In Defense of Animals, were Complaints followed about Crisp’s work after “the group bought a storage building in East Lockyer’s office has not issued a public state- among the most prominent animal rescuers in the southern California wildfires of 2003, the Alton, Illinois, for $65,125, and leased office ment about the Noah’s Wish investigation. the aftermath of the Berkeley/Oakland Hills Florida hurricanes of 2004, and flooding that “A spokesman for the state’s top hit much of Romania in 2005. 18 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 Vier Pfoten buys former Camorhi Game Lodge (from page 16) lioness named Achee from a Bucharest car dealer and sent her to Shamwari in Lutu’s place. As the Lutu mystery simmered, Bogdan Popescu, general manager of Radio Total in Bucharest, on June 25, 2005 bought Frida. His girlfriend, Gabriela Savu, raised Frida for months in an apartment. “We did that,” Savu explained in January 2006, “in hope of providing the baby lion a life in the wild, free, instead of in a cage not much bigger than her. We thought Africa could be an ideal place for a lion.” Eventually Popescu and Savu asked both the Born Free Foundation and Vier Pfoten to try to find an African sanc- tuary for Frida. Ken Heuer Neither organization had any immediate placement possibilities, but Vier Pfoten introduced Popescu to South Lionsrock, formerly The Carmorhi Game Farm, near Bethlehem, South Africa. (Vier Pfoten) African wildlife transporter Ken Heuer, who had flown the ing Frida at Camorhi would not respect” the CITES permit con- an already existing park in South Africa. In the center there is a four lions rescued in 2002 to the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. ditions, which stipulated that Frida was being sent to South prominent rock called Lionsrock, after which the new big cats’ Heuer had formed an entity called Great Cats of Africa for introduction into the wild, “we found a new place hideaway will be named. On this approximately 1,250 hectare South Africa on land near the Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve. for Frida, free of any suspicions––the Drakenstein Lion Park. area, close to the city of Bethlehem, north of Lesotho, some According to the African Conservation Foundation web site, But the owners of Camorhi refuse to let Frida go to lions and a tiger are living beside zebras, gnus, horses and which promotes ecotourism throughout Africa, “Great Cats of Drakenstein,” Savu continued. “At least so says Ken Heuer, antelope. Although the park offers ideal conditions concerning South Africa (is) a division of (the) Millbank Lion Sanctuary an associate/partner of Marius Prinsloo. We cannot get in its location, as well as a water supply, its current standard does and Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve…Great Cats of South touch with Marius or Maryn Prinsloo, the owners of Camorhi not meet by far the requirements of Vier Pfoten regarding Africa is an affiliated member of Great Cats in Crisis.” Game Lodge.” appropriate big cat husbandry. Before the first ‘new’ animals Great Cats in Crisis, formed by Tiger Creek Wildlife Elaborated Dungler, “The official CITES permit says can be moved to Lionsrock, the infrastructure of the park has to Refuge founder Brian Werner, of Tyler, Texas, in 2001-2002 that Mr. Prinsloo was the owner of Frida, until she was sold to be brought to a standard which corresponds to other Vier Pfoten raised funds in the name of helping a lion named Marjan, at the Lionsrock,” in November 2006. “The transport was organized projects, as at the Baerenwald Arbesbach in Austria, and the Kabul Zoo in Afghanistan, including in one mailing sent out and done by Radio Total from Bucharest to Johannesburg. dancing bear park at Belitsa. after Marjan died. However, as ANIMAL PEOPLE pointed From Johannesburg to Camorhi, the transport was organized “The new sanctuary will provide the young lioness out in March 2002, Great Cats in Crisis had no connection with and done by Heuer. Frida with optimal living conditions,” Vier Pfoten said. the official Kabul Zoo relief effort headed by North Carolina “On December 4, 2005,” Dungler told A N I M A L Heuer brokered the original purchase agreement. Zoo director David Jones. P E O P L E , “I was informed by my colleague Ioana Tomescu “The first draft of the contract was for about 7.8 mil- Heuer apparently became involved with Great Cats in from Bucharest,” who represents Vier Pfoten in Romania, lion rand,” Dungler told ANIMAL PEOPLE. “But this pre- Crisis somewhat later, as part of a scheme Werner pushed to “that she was informed by a telephone call from Tricia Holford contract had a lot of failures. This was the reason we stopped link sanctuaries into a chain of co-promoted ecotourism desti- of the Born Free Foundation that Camorhi was not clean and our cooperation with Heuer, who did these negotiations. We nation resorts. Although search engines still provide links to might be involved in the hunting industry. I told Tomescu to had to negotiate again. Vier Pfoten began negotiations about the Great Cats in Crisis web site, ANIMAL PEOPLE w a s immediately inform Radio Total and to discuss the new situa- Camorhi [directly] with Mr. Prinsloo in August 2006. The final unable to get the links to open. tion. Tomescu informed Radio Total about this new informa- amount paid was 8.8 million rand. Because of the development Heuer meanwhile was embroiled in a long dispute tion. Radio Total decided to go on with the transport of Frida of the exchange rate of the currencies, we paid less” in euros, with Enkosini Wildlife Sanctuary founders Greg Mitchell and on the following day, and to look for a better place for her in the currency in which Vier Pfoten raises funds. Kelsey Grimm over possession of 10 lions who were boarded the following months.” Between April and November 2006, when the sale for some time at the Camorhi Game Lodge, then owned by closed, the South African rand plummeted 20% in value Marius and Maryn Prinsloo. How Vier Pfoten got blamed against the euro. Thus, even though the final purchase price of Before the Enkosini case started, Mitchell testified in Savu, in her initial e-mail to Mercer, never men- 8.8 million rand was more than a million above the initial a court case that Prinsloo and Heuer “organized for wild chee- tioned Vier Pfoten. But Mercer, in his response to her, blamed agreed price, Vier Pfoten ended up paying approximately tahs to be captured in Namibia and flown into South Africa,” the transaction on Vier Pfoten, apparently because of Vier 941,600 euros instead of 1,045,200. according to www.Cannedlion.com founder Chris Mercer. Pfoten’s prior association with Heuer in relocating the four Heuer, excluded from the deal, reignited Mercer and Mercer helped Mitchell and Grimm in their conflict with Heuer. lions to the Rhino & Lion Park in 2002. Savu in amplifying concerns about Frida, plus a variety of In recent years Mercer has also been a frequent book reviewer Mercer also outlined a strategy for pressuring Vier other allegations against Vier Pfoten, most apparently originat- for ANIMAL PEOPLE. Pfoten “to rectify their mistake,” and drafted a press release for ing from statements Heuer made in an affidavit to Mercer. The Prinsloos were in the business of raising animals Savu to distribute “to European media” toward that end. One charge was that there was something irregular to be hunted, including lions––and still are, at a much more Following up the 2002 lion transfer, earlier in 2005, about Khalil’s role as registered agent for Vier Pfoten in incor- remote site called Ingulule, with a Bethlehem business office. Mihai Vasile of the Romanian Center for Investigative porating Lionsrock and completing the purchase. When the Prinsloos vacated Camorhi after selling it, they left Journalism had obtained a photo of the remains of Tommy, the “Khalil did his work in South Africa on behalf of most of the animals, but took as many as 23 lions with them, young lion who was killed by another male lion. Vier Pfoten,” affirmed Dungler. “Khalil is not the personal believed to have been their most valued breeding stock. “Ioana Tomescu in February 2006 showed this photo owner of Lionsrock, and all rumors that he can go on with this This appears to have been a gamble that breeding to Paul Hart,” Dungler said, “who asked for a copy. At this for personal interests are just stupid!” lions to be hunted could remain profitable at remote locations. time we were in close contact with Hart, because Drakenstein Of particular concern to Mercer and others was that While the new regulations had not yet been announced, they was a possible opportunity for Frida. Therefore Tomescu sent the sale of Camorhi did not include the animals whom the had been discussed and rumored for nearly 10 years, and van the photo to Hart. Some weeks later this photo was published Prinsloos kept and relocated. Schalwyk had made clear that they would soon be coming. on websites with slogans ‘this can happen to Frida,’ and other A further complication was that Frida reportedly Vier Pfoten president Dungler, spokesperson Josep stupid sentences. And of course this was done without asking mauled a young woman visitor to Camorhi in October 2006, Pfabigan, and veterinarian Amir Khalil separately told A N I- the photographer, without any right to publish it, and without about a month before the sale closed. Liability for the injury is MAL PEOPLE at different times in 2006 and 2007 that they any copyright.” reportedly unresolved. knew nothing of Heuer’s involvement with the Prinsloos and By that time Mercer, Savu, and others had racheted Articles paralleling the March 2006 ANIMAL PEO- hunting when they put Popescu and Savu in touch with Heuer. up an electronic campaign accusing Vier Pfoten of having PLE coverage of the Frida case, by then thoroughly outdated, Heuer arranged to send Frida the lion cub to Camorhi. delivered Frida to a canned hunt supplier, despite warnings. were published by several South African and European newspa- “Eventually, after five months, we got all the papers While aware of the Camorhi association with hunting, pers in early 2007. we needed,” Savu wrote in a January 2006 appeal to Mercer Vier Pfoten was apparently still unaware of Heuer’s involve- “The project of Lionsrock is proving that the dirty for help. “Her departure was approved both by Romanian and ment. ANIMAL PEOPLE forwarded particulars to Josep campaign that was initiated against Vier Pfoten during the last South African authorities. Unfortunately we couldn’t go with Pfabgian of Vier Pfoten on February 16, 2006, but the informa- months is based on totally unfounded allegations,” responded her but we got her plane ticket for December 5th,” 2005. tion and an accompanying inquiry brought no response until Vier Pfoten in a prepared statement. “Vier Pfoten is by no “In the meantime,” Savu said, “we found horrible they were retransmitted to Amir Khalil on March 30, 2006, means involved in the breeding and canned hunting industry in things on the Internet about Camorhi Game Lodge, the reserva- and to Johanna Jirka, the Vier Pfoten head of international South Africa.” tion where we sent her. We strongly disagree and disapprove marketing and communication, on April 6, 2006. of canned hunting and captive breeding! Considering that leav- Meanwhile, ANIMAL PEOPLE in March and April WSPA findings 2006 reportage mistook the Vier Pfoten non-response for “no Dungler is a board member of the World Society for comment.” Unknown to ANIMAL PEOPLE, Vier Pfoten the Protection of Animals. Visiting Dungler in Vienna recently was trying to straighten out the situation. on WSPA business, WSPA director general Peter Davies e- Soon after the April 2006 edition of ANIMAL PEO- mailed to ANIMAL PEOPLE that he had asked Dungler “why PLE went to press, Khalil on March 29, 2006 acknowledged had he not built a similar sanctuary in Europe to provide a that “The Drakenstein Lion Park is a good place for Frida, but home for lions and other big cats who are confiscated from due to communication errors lately,” meaning the allegations European zoos and circuses,” or from exotic pet-keepers. against Vier Pfoten, “the Vier Pfoten board and Radio Total “His answer was pure economics,” Davies told decided to find a neutral place for this lion. Vier Pfoten and ANIMAL PEOPLE. “It is cheaper to bring them to Africa and Radio Total agreed to move Frida to a third place, which will look after them with local staff than to build on land in Europe, be advised and accepted by the local animal welfare [communi- even if available, and look after them there. He also reminded ty]. I plan to be in South Africa in the next days,” Khalil said, me that the big cats would be much happier in the climatic and “to undertake the necessary steps for moving Frida to a place topographical conditions of their natural homes in Africa. which is accepted by everyone involved.” “Vier Pfoten plans to open the sanctuary to receive Johanna Jirka on April 6, 2006 denied the “rumors big cats from Europe and Africa in the autumn of this year,” and misunderstandings” concerning Frida that had been “going Davies confirmed. around” in “many e-mails and petitions,” and requested Dungler “assured me,” Davies said, “that his organi- retransmission of the background sent on February 16, 2006. sation would not have any contacts whatsoever with those By then, according to Dungler, “Heuer, our former exploiting big cats for hunting or canned shooting. He person- consultant in South Africa, presented to us few possible areas ally abhors such use of big cats, and was clear that even a hint for a sanctuary, including Camorhi.” of such connection would totally destroy Vier Pfoten. From “After extensive research in various countries,” the everything he told me,” Davies concluded, “I feel reassured Frida as a cub. (Gabriela Savu) Vier Pfoten web site later explained, “we decided to invest in that all is well.” ––Merritt Clifton ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 19 Bangalore dog panic spreads to Hyderabad H Y D E R A B A D––T he fear and out- housing societies, with their usual dedication State Human Rights Commission chair Justice the city limits. rage about dog attacks gripping Bangalore for and great cooperation from the residents.” B. Subhashan Reddy, pledging to seek “The city did intervene and sent its more than three months spread to Hyderabad The Blue Cross of Hyderabad, head- changes in the Prevention of Cruelty to dog squad to a 1,000-acre defence facility fol- in April 2007, two years after the city admin- ed by former actress Amala Akkineni, was Animals Act to expedite killing dogs. lowing a distress call,” the day after the istration took over the local Animal Birth formed in emulation of the Blue Cross of “There is no way that animal welfare Osmania University attacks, “but it is clear Control program and allegedly used the pretext India, but as with other societies using the can be superior to human welfare. When that they do not have the men, machinery or of capturing dogs for sterilization as cover for Blue Cross name, they are not affiliated. human rights and animal rights are in con- mandate to tackle the dog menace throughout killing dogs in high volume. The next sensational attack came on tention, human rights will have to take prece- greater Hyderabad,” The Hindu s a i d . Partly because of that history, the April 9, when 12 dogs bit 10 young women dence,” asserted Justice Reddy. Hyderabad reportely has 60 dogcatchers, but Hyderabad dog panic was relatively muted. who were waiting to take exams at Osmania But chief veterinary officer Reddy only five vehicles outfitted to haul dogs. And, as many reporters pointed out, there University’s Women’s College in Koti. told The Hindu that some of the women’s dor- “We are already undertaking special were plenty of administrative failings to blame Chief veterinary officer P. mitory residents “wanted us to give them some drives,” emphasizing capturing dogs in slum for Hyderabad incidents, beyond just the dog Venkateshwar Reddy sent 30 dog catchers and friendly dogs to serve as their guards. That areas, “and our men are putting in extra policies. two vehicles to the scene, where they captured food is given to dogs inside the college is a hours,” said Reddy. The first of the dog attacks that incit- 21 dogs and found the remains of two of the well-known fact,” Reddy said. Ordering staff to capture roving pigs ed Hyderabad came on March 28. alleged biters, who had been beaten to death Osmania University women’s dormi- and cattle, as well as dogs, and to prevent “Eight-month-old baby boy Ritesh by university staff. tory residents had already complained before illegal animal slaughter, Reddy “indicated that was taken to the Dhobighat,” a tributary of the More than 100 dogs were removed the dog attacks about a lack of clean water, his veterinary staff was facing resistance from River Musi, “where his parents washed from the Osmania University grounds during bad food, and inadequate overnight security. anti-social elements and also a few locals,” clothes,” recounted Radhika Iyer of NDTV. the next few days, while politicians paraded Yet another dog attack of note came The Hindu noted. “Therefore, he sought pro- “Residents say the riverside has virtually through to proclaim their outrage. on April 17, when just one dog bit nine people tection” for his staff, from “at least three become a garbage dump,” due to deficient Sterilization and vaccination “will including five children in an overnight 12-hour armed police personnel.” local trash collection, “that attracts dogs.” not solve the problem,” fulminated Karnataka rampage through two neighboring apartment A conflicting report about who was “The dog was eating garbage, then blocks in Trimulgherry, a at risk in greater Hyderabad came from took away my baby,” said the victim’s moth- residential suburb. Locals Saroornagar resident Meenu Dastoor, a real- er. “He was conscious when I found him. He beat the dog to death before tor, who alleged that dogcatchers killed his pet drank milk. The doctors gave him oxygen, police belatedly responded. dog Gowri and were interrupted in the act of but his heart stopped.” Hyderabad and nearby preparing to kill another of his dogs, Tommy, “The question is,” asked Tejeswi Secundarabad, often identi- after the two of them bolted from his house. Pratima and Uma Sudhir of NDTV, “who fied as “twin cities,” have Dastoor told media that municipal killed Baby Ritesh, a stray canine or an insen- between them more than workers beat him, his sister, and his brother sitive public health system? An official 100,000 street dogs plus when they went to the municipal commission- inquiry has now been ordered to find out why about 11,000 free-roaming er’s office to complain about the incident. the baby had to be rushed from one hospital to pet dogs, said The Hindu. Alleged Dastoor, “There were over another and was denied what could have been Reported dog bites 50 workers, including women, and they beat life-saving treatment.” have soared since the the three of us and locked us in a room. Ritesh’s mother Mira took him to municipal corporation took Finally the police let us out.” four hospitals in four hours, visiting two of over the ABC programs, Dastoor said that both his brother them twice, before Ritesh succumbed to his climbing 23% in 2006 and sister suffered fractures. wounds. Each hospital referred them to anoth- alone, when 53,437 people Saroornagar sanitation inspector K. er. Only two of the hospitals provided any sought rabies post-exposure Koteshwar Rao reportedly denied that dog- actual help. vaccination. Human rabies catchers killed Gowri, and claimed that Observed Blue Cross of India chair deaths have increased 68%, Dastoor assaulted workers after being told not Chinny Krishna, “Once again,” as with all from 164 to 241. to litter. three of the fatal dog attacks in greater Dangerous dog com- Like Bangalore, Hyderabad turned Bangalore in early 2007, “this happened in a plaints to the municipal cor- eventually to “the Ahmedabad model,” con- an area without Animal Birth Control. The poration doubled to 40 a day tracting with the Animal Help Foundation to Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad two after the Osmania Univer- do mobile Animal Birth Control in outlying years ago stopped the successful ABC pro- sity rampage, chief veteri- areas. A three-month visit by one of the gram carried out by the Blue Cross of nary officer Reddy told The Animal Help surgical teams is expected to Hyderabad and People for Animals, saying Hindu, noting that many of double the local rate of sterilization surgery to they would do it themselves. Close to 20,000 the calls came from beyond more than 3,000 dogs a month. dogs were caught in the last two years and less than 1,500 were fixed, as per municipal High Court favors impounding dogs records. The Blue Cross of Hyderabad mean- M U M B A I ––The Consti- habitat and multiply. Impounded dogs at CUPA shelter. (Savitha Nagabhushan) while began to do Animal Birth Control in tutional bench of the Bombay High “Finally,” Alvares contin- Court on April 20, 2007 heard argu- ued, “he accepted that all dogs can- ments on the constitutionality of not be sent out, but still felt that at Animal Birth Control programs in least some dogs must go to a pound T H I R U V A N A N T H A - fare under the Hindu nationalistist Lyons in September 2006 Mumbai and Goa. The cases before so as to reduce the number of dogs PURAM––Kerala state minister for Bharatijia Janata party, alleged that trained 25 dogcatchers to participate the High Court parallel claims made on the street. The court is therefore local self-government Paloli killing dogs is in violation of the in a purported Thiruvanathapuram by ABC program opponents in directing that the authorities set up Mohammed Kutty less than 10 days federal Prevention of Cruelty to municipal ABC program, but the Bangalore and Hyderabad that releas- dog pounds. before the end of April 2007 Animals Act, a contention soon program never started. ing street dogs after sterilization “I supported the idea of “directed the heads of local self- afterward rejected by the Kerala Instead, the dogcatchers unconstitutionally jeopardizes the state dog pounds,” Alvares said, government institutions to take High Court. “used all the information we had safety of citizens. “because all of us receive complaints effective steps to end the stray dog Mrs. Gandhi “also alleged given them to go out and kill all the “The 3-judges bench is now and then from people about menace before May,” The Hindu that a senior Thiruvanathapuram dogs in Thiruvanathapuram and sur- expected to direct setting up commit- aggressive dogs troubling people on reported on April 22. official was intimidating animal rounding areas, including our ster- tees as per the ABC rules to monitor the street, and none of us have place The order followed a welfare groups opposing the slaugh- ilized dogs,” Lyons alleges. the implementation and progress of to accommodate such animals over Kerala High Court ruling that local ter,” reported The Hindu, and Paid per dog caught, the ABC in Mumbai and in Goa,” long periods of time. If the govern- governments have the authority to “demanded that the official in catchers subsequently hired them- reported Mumbai attorney Norma ment sets up a dog pound, these ani- kill dogs to end a perceived threat charge of the program be shifted.” selves out to catch and kill dogs in Alvares. “The judges have accepted mals can be transferred there and this to public health and safety, despite Continued The Hindu, other cities, including Bangalore. the argument that killing dogs is not will appease the public.” the decade-old national policy, “Welfare standing committee chair- Ironically, vaccinating the solution to the problem, and Mumbai municipality and never fully implemented, favoring man Rajendra Das alleged that street dogs to eradicate the rabies want to give ABC a chance to show Goa state are to report progress to the Animal Birth Control. People for Animals and Animal reservoir is much less profitable for that it is effective in reducing the court on June 22, Alvares said. Kerala, officially 25% Rights Kerala have links with com- vaccine makers than selling post- numbers of dogs and curbing rabies. The Bombay High Court Islam and 19% Christian, also with panies manufacturing anti-rabies exposure vaccine for use in treating “One of the judges wanted heard the case one day after Pudu- a strong Communist party, is vaccine. Poojappura councillor humans who are bitten. the dogs to be moved out of the city cherry chief minister N. Rangasamy among just two states of India Maheswaran Nair called for sub- Pointed out Compassion once they are sterilized,” Alvarez told the Puducherry Congress that his where cattle slaughter is legal, has jecting their accounts to audit. Crusaders Trust founder Debasis noted. “That would have been administration is soon to institute dog a large cattle export industry, and is Mayor C. Jayan Babu said there Chakrabarti, during a similar impossible to do, and would be con- impoundment, emulating Bangalore. perhaps the only state where resist- was no question of signing an debate in Kolkata, “Since it costs trary to the program,” which counts Puducherry, on the south- ing mainstream Hindu cultural agreement with ARK, which is fac- only 25 rupees to vaccinate a stray upon sterilized dogs occupying food ern coast of the Bay of Bengal, is the dominance has political currency. ing criminal charges for assaulting dog against rabies, compared with sources so that unvaccinated and onetime French outpost formerly Cattle slaughter and ani- corporation officials,” after founder 1,500 rupees to vaccinate a human, unsterilized dogs cannot invade their called Pondicherry. mal sacrifice were already political Avis Lyons on February 10, 2007 it is more advisable for the sake of flashpoints in Kerala long before confronted dogcatchers who were humans to spend the money on vac- the advent of ABC, which soon impounding vaccinated and steril- cinating dogs.” became a comparable target. ized dogs. Political exploitation of cultural divides appeared evident in the rhetoric on March 30, 2007, as the Thiruvananthapuram municipal corporation council heatedly rejected a recommenda- tion from People for Animals founder Maneka Gandhi that the city should back a four-year-old ABC program conducted by Animal Rights Kerala. Mrs. Gandhi, who was federal minister for animal wel- 20 - ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 Aftermath of Bangalore dog purge vindicates Animal Birth Control B A N G A L O R E ––Newly released described the dog attack, a goon came from dog pogroms began in Chandra Layout, a dogs in Ahmedabad during 2006, using much Bangalore dog bite data vindicates the local nowhere and told our staff in a blackmailing Bangalore suburb, after three dogs killed a faster and more stringently aseptic procedures Animal Birth Control programs and demon- sort of way, ‘If you don’t give me money, I five-year-old girl named Sridevi on January 5, than the Indian norm, the Animal Help strates that the programs were working, until will ensure that the dog bite victims don’t take 2007. Exactly as CUPA, the Animal Rights Foundation is now offering to introduce the they were suspended in early 2007 amid a medicines.’ It was good that our people went Fund, and other Bangalore animal welfare same methods to other cities around India. civic frenzy over two fatal dog attacks on chil- in a big team. We had enough people to see organizations warned at the time, indiscrimi- Bangalore and Hyderabad are among those dren that occurred outside the ABC program that while one person kept this rabid guy occu- nately killing or impounding dogs other than accepting the offer, but the start of work in boundaries. pied with small talk, the critical counseling those directly involved in the attack only Bangalore was delayed because Animal Help Official Bangalore bite statistics col- was handled by the other team members. It opened habitat to others. founder Rahul Sehgal requires guaranteed full lected and tabulated by veterinarian Susan was important to isolate this guy.” Often dogs who had been sterilized municipal funding. Having not paid the local Shaw, released in mid-April 2007, showed a and vaccinated were replaced by unvaccinated, ABC programs for their services, as contract- 62% decline from 2005 through 2006 in dog Public education unsterilized dogs from outlying districts, who ed, since September 2006, Bangalore officials bites requiring medical treatment, said Animal advocates on April 8 distrib- invaded the city to take advantage of meat balked at paying Animal Help. Compassion Unlimited Plus Action cofounder uted nearly 100,000 copies of an newspaper wastes that continue to be dumped in vacant “Considering that nearly four months Suparna Ganguly. insert promoting and defending the role of lots by illegal butchers. Typically dogs follow have lapsed since the first unfortunate incident The numbers “reflect the ground Animal Birth Control in preventing dog bites migrant construction workers into the city, in Bangalore, if only the city’s authorities had reality before the tragic culling and displace- and rabies. taking up residence wherever they find an tackled this problem in a scientific and rational ment of dogs in March 2007,” Ganguly told “We tried to cover almost all 100 unguarded food source. manner, Hemanth Kumar’s death would per- ANIMAL PEOPLE. “In March and April wards of Bangalore, and also outlying areas “Now, there are dogs who do not haps not have happened,” charged Shankar. 2007, we feel that all our good work has been such as Krishnarajapuram, which witnessed belong here, bigger and more ferocious. I Requesting “patience and accurate undone. Rabies has already returned to some horrific violence against animals,” cannot let my children out for fear that they reporting” from Bangalore news media, Bangalore.” explained project coordinator Gopi Shankar. might be hurt,” Chandra Layout resident K.N. Animal Help founder Rahul Sehgal was soon “We succeeded in seeing that no “We made efforts to cover all papers in both Chandrasekhar complained to Swathi disappointed when one newspaper alleged that humans died of rabies in Bangalore after English and Kannada, and in all areas. But we Shivanand of The Hindu. the Animal Help program was off to a “dismal 2003,” elaborated Animal Rights Fund volun- are working from limited resources, and man- Other suburbs were afflicted by dog- start,” after only one day on the job. teer Poornima Harish to ANIMAL PEOPLE. aged to cover just a quarter of the over 440,000 dumping, as catchers paid by the head tried to “My team is settling down, and they “This is an opportunity to silence detractors. newspapers that are distributed in Bangalore unload dogs as quickly as possible. need to be given some time to get adjusted to But I am very worried for the dogs.” every day.” Nine residents of Somasandrapalya, the new environment, where people don’t The return of rabies to Bangalore CUPA on the same day began a a Bangalore suburb, were bitten on March 22- speak their language, don’t eat their food, and was confirmed after ARF caught a biting dog series of Sunday sterilization and vaccination 23. At least four were younger than school definitely do not understand them,” Sehgal in Ramachandrapura, a former suburb over- demonstrations in Bangalore parks. Eight age. Two suffered head bites, one of them a said. “They are in your city to help you and taken by urban sprawl, on March 28. The dogs were sterilized and 29 were vaccinated on four-year-old girl who was bitten on the nose. work with you. I leave the judgment to you as dog died two days later, and was confirmed the first day of the program. Haralur Welfare Association presi- to what will help us get motivated to work rabid by post mortem examination on April 2. “Things are getting better, for the dent Srinivasa Reddy told The Hindu t h a t harder and what kind of a support we really ARF immediately notified all relevant offi- humane societies, but culling dogs in smaller Bangalore employees “brought a van full of need to get comfortable in Bangalore. cials, but apparently nothing was done to find towns and cities is still going on,” CUPA stray dogs, probably from the dog pounds “I have contracted to spay/neuter the bite victims while all government offices chief veterinarian Shiela Rao told A N I M A L after they were sterilised, and left them in our 5,000 dogs in five months, and promise to took a four-day holiday. PEOPLE. “It is so arbitrary and sporadic area on March 18. The problem started after achieve it. We might do only 1,000 till July “We caught some dogs and did dog that it makes no sense at all. Savitha Nag- that,” Reddy said. and may complete 4,000 more in August. anti-rabies vaccination in the neighborhood,” bhushan,” whose photographs appeared in the Almost certainly the dogs were not This is entirely dependent on circumstances said Harish. April 2007 edition of ANIMAL PEOPLE, sterilized, as the Bangalore area ABC pro- beyond our control, so kindly give the project At request of Bangalore municipal and in this edition, “has been tirelessly pho- grams were suspended at the time, due to lack some time to establish itself.” veterinarian Prakash Reddy, ARF also sent an tographing mounds of dead dogs and prevent- of municipal support. Steering for political middle ground, eight-member team to respond to a dog bite ing further culling in those towns that she vis- Hemanth Kumar, 6, of Yelahanka, Karnatake High Court Justices Chidanand complaint in the Mariyappana Bhavi area, its, but [the killers, a mercenary crew from a northern suburb of Bangalore, died from Ullal and Ashok B. Hinchigeri on April 17, another suburb swallowed by the fast expand- Kerala state] just move to the next location and rabies on April 9, two weeks after a dog bit 2007 ordered the Bangalore city government to ing city. A dog unknown to the neighborhood repeat the process. “ his legs on March 25. He was treated at a local “expeditiously take steps to tackle the stray had bitten six people in an apparent rabid fren- “Killing in smaller towns is nothing clinic, but reportedly did not tell his parents dog menace,” and “spare no effort to ensure zy before being beaten to death by a mob. new,” pointed out Arpan Sharma and Erika immediately, and did not receive post-expo- human safety,” but recommended that dogs be ARF, “with the help of local resi- Abrams, as cofounders of the recently formed sure vaccination. impounded for care by nonprofit organizations, dents and police, caught 20 dogs,” who were Federation of Indian Animal Protection Neighbour S. Parthasarathy told The funded by the city––as is already done. held for observation, and retrieved the carcass Organisations. “Local authorities do take H i n d u that others had also been bitten, and Petitioner Krishna Bhat had asked of the dead dog. The dead dog was confirmed recourse to random killing, wherever pressure that dogcatchers from Bangalore “seem to be the court to suspend Animal Birth Control pro- rabid. Returning to the scene, ARF ensured from animal groups or local citizens [on dogs’ releasing dogs from other areas to our area.” grams that release dogs in Bangalore, and that all six known bite victims received post- behalf] is not strong. As far as we have been reinstitute killing dogs as official policy. Bhat exposure vaccination. able to determine,” Sharma and Abrams Animal Help contended that ABC programs violate constitu- “In the recent past we seem to have agreed, “killings in other cities are not a reac- Yelehanka “is not covered by ABC, tional provisions guaranteeing the lives and developed a knack of attracting goons,” tion to the events in Bangalore. It does not or for that matter any sort of dog manage- liberty of Indian citizens, and that sterilizing Harish recounted. “We sure did on April 6, appear that Bangalore has started any sort of a ment,” observed Gopi Shankar. “Yelahanka dogs had only made them more dangerous. 2007. Our name, the Animal Rights Fund, to chain reaction,” but rather, the spotlight on is one of the areas in which the Animal Help His petition was endorsed by the Karnataka an illiterate person roughly equates with Bangalore may have exposed the routine prac- Foundation is expected to sterilize 1,000 State Legal Services Authority. money: ‘If you are from some Fund, give me tices of outlying communities. dogs,“ Shankar added. Further action on the case was post- money.’ Out of nowhere, exactly as people Mob attacks on dogs and municipal Having sterilized more than 45,000 poned until May 29. Reports of a new chemosterilant being used in Chennai were premature C H E N N A I ––Tamil Nadu failed Indian scrutiny when some of missioner Rajesh Lakhoni told But Tamil Nadu has not were killed in three days,” Pauws state health minister K.K.S.S.R. the injected dogs developed scrotal Kannal Achuthan of The Hindu that been immune from the anti-dog said, among them many dogs who Ramachandran on April 18, 2007 swelling reminiscent of the Talsur the city estimates there are about furor that hit the Bangalore and had been sterilized by either the stirred hope worldwide that Tamil experiment. 115,000 dogs at large, of whom Hyderabad areas after recent fatal Karuna Society or another local Nadu Veterinary & Animal Sciences But Blue Cross of India about 75,000 (65%) are sterilized. attacks. ABC program. University had developed a new and chair Chinny Krishna told ANIMAL The municipal ABC program steril- “Dharmavaram municipal- An ABC delegation to better injectable chemosterilant for P E O P L E and fellow members of izes about 10,000 dogs per year, of ity, Anantapur district,” in southern officials managed to stop the male dogs. the Asian Animal Protection about 13,000 per year who are Tamil Nadu, on April 14, 2007 Dharmavaram killing, but “The hys- “Male dogs can be steril- Network that cadmium chloride is impounded. “started killing dogs without any terics from Bangalore and Hydera- ized through injection of cadmium far from being ready for broad The success of the reason or public complaint,” alleged bad seem to be very infectious, chloride. This procedure is simpler deployment, and may never be an Chennai ABC program has encour- Clementien Pauws of the Anant- serving different interests and poli- than birth control surgery,” acceptable sterilization method. aged the Tamil Nadu state govern- apur-based Karuna Society Putta- tics,” Pauws observed. Ramachandran told a Chennai work- “Cadium chloride works ment and other cities in the state to parthi. “Approximately 200 dogs shop on rabies prevention and stray as any other corrosive, cell-killing start parallel efforts. dog control. drug would work,” Krishna said. Salem, for instance, with Ramachandran indicated “It causes scar tissue to form and an estimated 5,925 street dogs and that cadmium chloride injections then slough off, leaving the dog 2,540 household pet dogs, and would soon be field-tested in sterile. However, an unacceptable 1,800 reported bites in 2006, in Chennai by the local Animal Birth level of pain and swelling results, as March 2007 introduced an ABC pro- Control programs. His remarks were with most other chemosterilants. gram. amplified that evening by Sanjay Calcium chloride has been experi- “Health and veterinary Pinto of NDTV, and by The Hindu, mentally tried on just six dogs, authorities will sterilize and vacci- a Chennai-based nationally circulat- under lab conditions. No long-term nate the street marauders and intern ed newspaper, the next morning. study has been made––no short-term them for seven days in the SPCA’s Our 81 rehab chimp s at That Chennai would be study, even.” Hasthampatti dog kennel for post- the Chi mpanzee first to test a new chemosterilant Chennai municipal com- operative care,” said The Hindu. R ehabilitation Trust seemed plausible. The Blue Cross were rescued from trade of India introduced the Animal Birth and abuse. Now they li ve Control program concept in 1964. their liv es fr ee in the In 1990 the Blue Cross of India introduced a chemosterilant called Afri can wild. Pl ease hel p Talsur that was promptly withdrawn us to ensure they stay after injected dogs developed exces- free by making a gener- sive scrotal swelling. In 2005 the ous donation to the Blue Cross of India tested Neutersol, International the first chemosterilant licensed for Primate P r otection U.S. use. Although Neutersol has League, marked "For long been used successfully under the Rescued Chimps in the similar conditions in Mexico, it Gambia." Mail it to ANIMAL PEOPLE, May 2007 - 21 The Moral Menagerie: Paix pour les Dauphins Philosophy and Animal Rights OneVoiceDolphinProject.com by Marc R. Fellenz Peace for the Dolphins Univ. of Illinois Press (1325 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820), 2007. 301 pages, paperback. $25.00 Marc Fellenz, a philosophy teacher thus an oxymoron, for if it has to be managed Whalewatcher: at Suffolk County Community College in New it is not truly wild.” York, writes from a broader and deeper per- Some of Fellenz’s statements in A global guide to watching whales, spective than is typical in debates over animal regard to hunting may raise a sceptical eye- rights theory. Reviewing the major animal brow. For example, Fellenz writes, “it is dolphins and porpoises in the wild rights theories, Fellenz fails to find any that telling that while the humane animal advocate lack significant shortcomings. He goes on to feels compassion for the suffering animal it by Trevor Day look for a better intellectual basis on which to may be the hunter who truly befriends the ani- ground an ethical theory on behalf of animals. mal, and heeds its call.” Firefly Books Lt. (66 Leek Crescent, Richmond Hill, Fellenz rejects Peter Singer’s utili- Some humans enjoy escaping the Ontario, Canada L4B 1H1), 2006. 204 pp., paperback, illust. $19.95. tarianism because one cannot weigh the bene- stultifying self- domestication that we call civ- Though W h a l e w a t c h e r is structured Yet, even though the listed species fits of most activities against the costs with ilization through sport hunting, but to suggest as a field guide, armchair travelers will proba- are mostly relatively easily seen, if one can any precision. that by taking up predation a person can actu- bly spend more time with it than marine mam- go where they live, seeing all 40 would Tom Regan’s deontological rights- ally “befriend” his victims is to make a claim mal observers seeking to compile a life list. require visits to every corner of the world. based theory is based upon sentience, Fellenz at odds with the reality that wild predators More than 10 million people per Compiling a life list of 400 bird species would points out, and since sentience exists along a usually do not kill and eat their friends, and year watch whales, dolphins, and porpoises be comparatively simple. continuum, no one knows where the arbitrary do not hang their heads on the wall. or about as many as watched birds a genera- In view of the difficulty and lines of exclusion should be drawn. Like most philosophers, Fellenz tion ago, before the recent global explosion of expense of whale-watching, one must wonder The Aristotelian ethic of emphasis- seems to have little feeling for animals, and interest in birding. why Day omits mention of three of the most ing the moral virtue of the human, rather than little direct experience with them. Extending However, while anyone can watch accessible venues: the junction of the the moral effect of the activity, also fails to sympathy and understanding to non-humans birds from anywhere, few people have any Saguenay River with the St. Lawrence River indicate where the virtuous line in our dealings should not be rejected as “extensionist‚” when opportunity to watch marine mammals from estuary in Quebec, hosting minke whales, fin with animals should be drawn. those who do this know that it elicits the same their homes, workplaces, or during a com- whales, a small population of resident belu- The theory that society and ethics responses from many animals, including mute, and even those of us who do have the gas, and occasional visiting blue whales; the are based upon a social contract, to avoid per- wildlife, as from humans in need of care. opportunity rarely manage many sightings. Stellwagen Bank off Cape Cod, featuring petual warfare, is not easily applied to But such experience has little mean- United Nations Development Prog- minke and fin whales, with many other human/animal relations, because humans usu- ing to moral philosophers. Instead, Fellenz ram zoologist and marine biologist Trevor Day species passing by; and Lime Kiln Point, on ally have nothing to gain by voluntarily provides a fascinating summation of the phi- in Whalewatcher describes 41 whale, dolphin, the western side of San Juan Island in Puget refraining from exploiting animals. losophy of hunting and other ritualized or and porpoise species––about half of the known Sound, renowned as an especially good spot Fellenz terms all of these approaches institutionalized forms of animal abuse, citing varieties. Day focuses on the most observable for watching orcas and Dall’s porpoises, occa- “extensionist‚” i.e. seeking to inappropriately parallels with sacrifice and totemism. There species, except for the Chinese baiji, or river sionally visited by minkes and grey whales. extend human constructs to the animal world. are disquieting similarities between the ancient dolphin, now officially extinct. ––Merritt Clifton An environmental ethic, Fellenz high priests, with their knives and sacrificial claims, would “do more than establish a altars, and the hunters and vivisectors with ground for our moral obligations to nature; it their knives and guns, likewise eager to sacri- National Geographic Field Guide would risk making the natural world so sacro- fice animals for their gods, now named “con- sanct that humanity’s very presence in it can- servation” or “science.” to the Birds of North America not avoid being morally objectionable.” Just as guilt about killing was in Fifth Edition Fellenz compares the theoretical ancient times expiated by collective rituals and constructs for animal rights to the theories a professed totemic kinship with animals, so Edited by Jon L. Dunn & Jonathan Alderfer behind deep ecology and ecofeminism. Deep contemporary hunters deceive themselves by 502 pages, paperback. $24.00. ecology and ecofeminism each provide a logi- ritually reciting that they are “lovers of cal and compelling moral basis, Fellenz nature‚” who are “keeping down the num- National Geographic Birder’s Journal believes, for undermining the narrow anthro- bers‚” or “removing problem animals‚” or 502 pages, paperback. $16.95. pocentrism which contaminates traditional “investing money in the Third World.” moral philosophy, and allow us to deal realis- Vivisectors have a parallel ritualistic Both from the National Geographic Society tically with non-human animals. vocabulary. From their own perspective, what (1145 17th St. NW, Washington, DC 20036), 2006. Fellenz quotes John Berger’s apt they do is “sacrifice” individual animals for description of a zoo as an “epitaph––a monu- the perceived greater good of society. How many National Geographic repackage every scrap of information to fill ment to the permanent marginization of ani- This book will not easily be under- Society birding manuals can one person use? every possible market niche. mals and a concession that authentic wildness stood by readers who are not already familiar For that matter, how many birding Having reviewed the National Geo- is itself an endangered species. As wilderness with animal rights theory. But for those who manuals from the many rival publishers can graphic Complete Birds of North America and and our access to it continue to shrink,” can endure the turgid prose, the dense text and possibly find an audience? the National Geographic Field Guide to Birds Berger continued, “we may have little choice the multisyllabic philosophisms, the rewards According to the publisher’s flack ––Washington & Oregon in April 2006, I was but to rely upon such impoverished and self are great. There is wisdom on every page, sheet, there are now from 46 million to 85 quite surprised in October to receive the defeating devices as the game farm and zoo to even if the book groans under the weight of it. million birders in the U.S., depending on National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds preserve the memory of the very existence of ––Chris Mercer whether one counts only those who buy field of North America and National Geographic the animals’ world…‘Wildlife management’ is CLASSIFIEDS––50¢ a word! 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