AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 Volume 53 Number 4 ABOUT THE COVER

In Jaws, sharks are described as possessing lifeless, black eyes. When the shark attacks, “The ocean turns red, and despite all your poundin’ and your hollerin’ those sharks come in and...they rip you to pieces.” Today, the ocean has turned red from the blood of millions of sharks, including vulnerable great whites (Car- charodon carcharias) like the one pictured on our cover, photographed by Fred Bavendam off Australia’s Neptune Islands. Some great white shark populations have declined significantly—individuals are slaughtered for their jaws, fins, teeth, and other body parts, and are targeted in sport fisheries throughout their range. Australia and Madagascar are petitioning the Convention on International Trade in MARINE ANIMALS Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to stop international trade Whale Protection Update…2 in great whites while the species recovers, additional population information is Chris Menjou/underwaterplanet.com Noise Raises a Ruckus at the IWC...8-9 AWI attained, and national or international management programs can be developed. Quarterly CITES Parties will consider 50 different species proposals when they meet in Species of the Sea...12-13 Fall 2004 Volume 53 Number 4 Bangkok, Thailand from October 2–14, 2004. (See stories, pages 10-13.) WILDLIFE FOUNDER Christine Stevens Whale Protection Update Glass—An Unintended but Catastrophic Hazard for Birds, by Daniel Klem, Jr., Ph.D.…4-5 DIRECTORS Since our article on the plight of the Western Gray Whale popula- Africa’s Natural Heritage—Wanted Dead or Alive?...10 Marjorie Cooke Progress: Roger Fouts, Ph.D. tion off Sakhalin Island, Sakhalin Energy has postponed plans to construct a Do We Take Care of Our Own?...11 The majestic minke whale glides by John Gleiber pipeline this summer pending further environmental studies. This may be in Birds of a Feather...12 Fredrick Hutchison, Jr. oblivious to the attention it received response to pressure from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Develop- at the 56th IWC meeting in July. Cathy Liss ment who had been approached for financial backing. This gives the whales Reptiles—As Pets or on a Plate?...13 Cynthia Wilson, Chair Minkes are again on the agenda at the respite for a year. In addition, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) upcoming CITES meeting. (See stories OFFICERS has acknowledged its “great concern” over the compelling evidence that this pages 8-9 and 12-13.) FARM ANIMALS Cathy Liss, President population is in “serious danger of extinction” and made a recommendation Cynthia Wilson, Vice President “as a matter of absolute urgency that measures be taken” to protect the Western AWI Exhibits at AVMA…6 Fredrick Hutchison, Jr., CPA, Treasurer Marjorie Cooke, Secretary Gray Whales. Thank you to those who wrote letters in support of the whales in Petitions Document Hog Factory Horrors…6 response to our plea in this summer’s AWI Quarterly. We need them more than Center for Cart Horses, SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ever, as recent news indicates that deals are being made for a 2007 plan to ship by Martha Gutiérrez…7 Marjorie Anchel, Ph.D. Sakhalin gas to a plant in Mexico, with pipeline distribution to California. Gerard Bertrand, Ph.D. This spring we reported our success in persuading the Mexican gov- F. Barbara Orlans, Ph.D. NEWS FROM CAPITOL HILL Roger Payne, Ph.D. ernment to deny an application by the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory Samuel Peacock, M.D. (LDEO) to conduct an extensive seismic study off the Yucatan Peninsula using Coalition to Restore Michigan Mourning Dove Shooting Ban...14 Hope Ryden the ship RV Maurice Ewing. Subsequently, LDEO re-applied to the Mexican Antifreeze Doesn’t Have to Be Deadly...14 John Walsh, M.D. government, and the Mexican state-owned oil company Pemex also applied to Congress Contributes to Conservation...15 INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE conduct a separate seismic search for oil and gas. In pubic meetings held this Aline de Aluja, D.M.V., Mexico summer, our colleague Araceli Rodriguez of Grupo Ecologica Mayab and a Ambassador Tabarak Husain, Bangladesh Mexican fishing cooperative presented twenty years of evidence provided by LABORATORY ANIMALS Angela King, United Kingdom AWI that showed airguns used for seismic testing severely damage fisheries. Godofredo Stutzin, Chile Emotionality in the Animal Research Laboratory…16-17 Agnes Van Volkenburgh, D.V.M., Poland Mexico rejected both applications!

Alexey Yablokov, Ph.D., Russia Set-backs: On July 3, as many as 200 highly stressed melon-headed whales Born Free Foundation New Database: Practical Enrichment Options for Animals Kept were found tightly clustered against the beach in Hanalei Bay, Kauai, HI. This in Research Institutions…17 STAFF AND CONSULTANTS behavior is very unusual as melon-headed whales tend to be scarce deep water 2005 Animal Welfare Enhancement Awards—Call for Proposals…18 Tom Garrett, Consultant for Rural Affairs Diane Halverson, Farm Animal Advisor dwellers. Residents organized to keep the whales from stranding and learned that Primate Dealer Pleads Guilty to a Felony, Marlene Halverson, Farm Animal a six-ship Navy fleet had begun a military exercise nearby using mid-range ac- by Shirley McGreal...19 Economic Advisor tive sonar that morning. The Navy denies culpability. Fortunately it appears that Animal Welfare Act Enforcement: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly…19 Christopher J. Heyde, Research Associate most of the whales survived the ordeal, though one baby whale was found dead. Annie Reinhardt, Information Specialist The regal African lion, a symbol of an Charles River Labs Charged with Animal Cruelty…19 Viktor Reinhardt, D.M.V., Ph.D., Similarly, within a week of U.S.–led NATO military exercises staged from entire continent, faces a high risk of Case Against Dog Dealer is Expanded…20 Laboratory Animal Advisor July 11 to 16 off the Moroccan coast and involving more than 20 warships, extinction in the wild. CITES Ava Rinehart, Graphic Designer dead whales started washing up on the nearby Canary Islands. By July 27, can help. (See story page 10.) Random Source Dealers Still Selling Dogs and Cats for Experimentation…20 Jen Rinick, Research Assistant four beaked whales and a young sperm whale were dead, and two other dead Adam M. Roberts, Executive Director Wendy Swann, Research Associate whales washed up as far west as the Azores. Fourteen whales died during simi- Susan Tomiak, Research Associate lar multinational military exercises in 2002 in the Canary Islands. Necropsies Ben White, Special Projects Consultant of the dead whales indicate a type of decompression sickness. (For more whale news see our IWC report on pages 8-9.) Contact AWI at: PO Box 3650, Washington, DC 20027, phone: (703) 836-4300, facsimile: (703) 836-0400, email: [email protected] or visit AWI’s website at: www.awionline.org A clear window with no light from behind appears as a mirror when viewed from outside this rural home. in perspective, consider that the world would have to experience 333 Exxon Valdez oil spills every year to equal the most conservative glass kill figure es- timated for the U.S. alone. The Exxon Valdez released 260,000 barrels of crude oil into Alaska’s Prince William Sound on 24 March 1989, and the spill was An adult male Rose- estimated to have killed from 100,000 to breasted Grosbeak 300,000 marine birds. killed from striking From 100 million to 1 billion birds a clear patio glass door in a suburban are annually estimated to be killed strik- home. ing clear and reflective windows in the U.S. The yearly death toll is in the bil- lions worldwide. Observations and ex- periments over more than 30 years have revealed that birds act as if clear and re- Glass—An Unintended but Catastrophic flective panes are invisible. They attempt to fly to habitat seen through a clear A corridor with walls of clear glass in a rural university campus building shows the see-through effect with habitat visible from either side. glass corridor or to vegetation or sky Hazard for Birds mirrored in reflective panes. The result is that there is no time of day, season, brain swells within the skull causing in- practical only at single story buildings or location, window orientation, or weather ternal tissue damage and bleeding. at ground level of multistory structures. by Daniel Klem, Jr., Ph.D. occur during the day or night. Nighttime ingly like moths to a flame they enter and condition in which birds are able to Currently, there are many solutions Placement of bird feeders within three Acopian Professor of Ornithology and that reduce or eliminate daytime bird feet of the glass surface eliminates the Conservation Biology, Muhlenberg College, strikes are restricted to the migratory sea- exit beams of light that appear to confuse elude the hazard. Lethal collisions are Allentown, Pennsylvania son, the fall and spring in North America, them. In their confusion, some individu- possible whenever and wherever birds strikes, but none are universally appli- hazard because birds cannot build up and like tower strikes, they typically als actually strike the opaque surface of and glass mutually occur, and the best cable or readily acceptable for all human enough momentum to injure themselves. occur under inclement weather when structures. Most, however, fly about and predictor of the number of fatalities at structures. Protective measures range Guilt and anxiety are common feel- ild birds are killing them- cloud cover forces birds to fly at lower eventually flutter to the ground exhausted any one site is the density of birds in the from physical barriers such as netting that ings among an increasing number of selves by flying into build- altitudes. Lights associated with tall and vulnerable in a city’s landscape of vicinity of windows. keep birds from striking to detractants people who discover an accidental fatal- W ings, power lines, cell, structures such as skyscrapers in cities asphalt streets and concrete canyons. At Media attention to this unintended that protect by transforming the area oc- ity beneath the window of their home, radio and television towers, and motor attract migratory birds in passage, espe- first light these birds become vulnerable slaughter is increasing but typically oc- cupied by glass into uninviting space or workplace, or any other structure. Those vehicles. Bird strikes at buildings can cially under inclement weather. Seem- to the clear and reflective glass panes, curs in the fall and spring in North Amer- a recognizable obstacle to be avoided. interested in protecting birds as a vital present in just about every human struc- ica when migrants are killed on passage The manufacture of new varieties of part of the Earth’s natural resources ture, in sizes a few inches on a side to and their bodies are most visible in front sheet glass is recommended: panes hav- and those architects, developers, glass entire walls covering multistory build- of stores on barren sidewalks of popu- ing external patterns that alert birds to its manufacturers, and landscape planners ings. Nighttime collisions can be simply lated cities. But, in fact, most fatalities presence but retain the current unaltered seeking to accommodate human needs eliminated by turning off lights illumi- occur in the non-breeding winter period view from inside. The angling of win- and interests must work together if we nating tall structures. When followed, at north temperate latitudes when large dows at 20 and 40 degrees from vertical are to effectively address this unintended organized “lights-out programs” have numbers of birds are attracted to feeders reduces the number of lethal strikes, but and indiscriminate slaughter of one of proven successful in the metropolitan that are almost exclusively placed be- these steep orientations are likely to be nature’s most exquisite creations. areas of Chicago, New York, and Toronto tween zero and 30 feet from windows so where thousands of birds, among them homeowners and those at park building YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE the rare, threatened and endangered, have centers can see feeder visitors up close. been saved by darkening the skyline. From the continuous monitoring Help reduce the number of fatal bird strikes by contacting Fatal Light Awareness Daytime strikes occur exclusively of individual homes and other experi- Program (FLAP) at www.flap.org or call (416) 366-FLAP. As more buildings arise it at clear and reflective glass, and the ments it is known that one out of every is important for developers to consider the impact on birds and their migratory paths. overall bird kill is estimated to be greater two glass strikes result in a fatality. Please contact the following groups, which do not currently have a policy regarding than any other human associated avian The handling of freshly killed collision bird strikes, and urge them to develop programs that promote bird friendly buildings. mortality factor, greater than pesticides, victims most often suggests that death • S. Richard Fedrizzi, President, U.S. Green Building Council, 1015 18th Street, greater than that attributable to cats, was caused by a broken neck. However, NW, Suite 508, Washington, DC 20036; email: [email protected]. USGBC is exponentially greater than any other col- detailed examinations of glass fatalities a building industry coalition to promote structures that are, among other things, lision source, and only exceeded in its that include over 250 x-rays reveal no environmentally responsible. potential threat to bird populations by the broken necks. Birds die from striking • Eugene C. Hopkins, President, The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New

photos by Daniel Klem, Jr., Ph.D. destruction of the very habitat required windows for the same reasons humans York Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20006-5292; email: [email protected]. AIA A dark tinted wall of glass in a suburban college campus building shows for the fundamental survival of a species. succumb to collisions resulting in severe serves as the “voice of the architecture profession” and hopes to inspire “creation the reflective effect by mirroring the facing habitat and sky. To dramatize and put the attrition at glass head trauma. Death results when the of a better built environment.”

4 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 5 AWI Exhibits at AVMA Center for Cart Horses

life-size sow replica in an actual gestation crate was by Martha Gutiérrez displayed at the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) Center for Cart Horses A booth during the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Annual Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania this July. Our impetus was the AVMA’s unac- n spite of living in the 21st century, carry loads that are too large for them ceptable endorsement of the gestation crate, which individu- Argentina is a country where hors- to handle. They are pushed to work Wendy Swann/AWI ally confines female pigs during their pregnancy; in the U.S. es are still used to haul carts with regardless and suffer by force of whip I Martha Gutiérrez with one of the more than 4 million sows are forced to live in this depriva- heavy loads. The economic and social or chain. It is common to see horses tion. AWI’s Wendy Swann and Paul Willis, who raises pigs conditions of Argentina are bad. Much missing an eye. Veterinary care, in- rescued horses at the Center. according to AWI’s husbandry standards, worked the exhibit. of the middle-class has disappeared cluding vaccines against common There were three promising developments for animals because of high unemployment. The diseases, is not given. at the convention. First, the AVMA revised its policy regard- The AVMA veterinarian’s oath promises to “protect people who were already poor have Regulations were adopted in In enforcing the law, the federal ing forced molting of laying hens and now advocates that animal health and relieve animal suffering.” Yet, the duplicated their poverty. The equines Buenos Aires in 1960 prohibiting the police stop the violator, confiscate the neither food nor water be withheld. Second, the AVMA be- AVMA endorses the cruel gestation crate. are the domestic species who are suf- entrance and transit of carts drawn by wagon and call us so we can send an gan reviewing the practice of force-feeding ducks and geese fering the most in Argentina, because horses in the capital city. However, equine trailer to pick up the horse and to produce foie gras. Although the Association neglected to they are condemned to work under the law has never been enforced. bring the victim to the Center. The adopt a policy against this cruel practice, we anticipate that More than a year ago the Association called for a task miserable conditions for people who After working for many years on equines are held until the transgressor they will vote on it next year. Last of all, as part of her com- force to reconsider the existing policy, but they still have cannot afford to care for them. this difficult issue, finally the current pays a fine. During the time the horses mencement speech, incoming President Bonnie Beaver stated, not met. AWI is encouraging the AVMA to revise its posi- The horses work though they may government of Buenos Aires listened are with us our vet examines them to “It is important for each of us to recognize that we may at tion by acknowledging that sows need to engage in natural be weak, wounded or pregnant. Many see if they have been times become too close to the industries we serve, losing our behaviors including rooting in natural substrate such as are not provided food, water or suf- the victim of bad objectivity about what is the best welfare and adopting instead straw, exploring, moving around, and socializing with other ficient rest during the whole work day. treatment by means that suggested by the industry.” Undoubtedly this is what hap- pigs. We hope the AVMA will recognize its primary respon- The harnesses do not fit properly and of punishment or pened when the AVMA endorsed the gestation crate. sibility to serve the animals, not the industry. inflict injuries. It is common to see the negligence. If the

horses without horseshoes or having to photos: Center for Cart Horses animal is in good condition, the horse is given back to the Petitions Document Hog Factory Horrors proprietor with a warning not to enter the capital any more. nvestigations into agribusiness cruelty, led by Gail Eisnitz, The specifics, however, are far more horrific. The If there is evidence Humane Farming Association (HFA), have culminated in petitions delineate horrendous mistreatment of animals of cruelty, we take the filing of petitions with the Attorneys General of South and apparent violations of animal cruelty laws. In a taped legal action, and we I Every two weeks the Director-teacher of the Dakota and Nebraska. Generally, both complaints document interview, a Sun Prairie worker states: “I saw [the supervi- can retain the horses Argentine School of Blacksmiths, along with a failures to provide food, water, adequate shelter and veteri- sor] hitting a lot of pigs…with a hammer…I saw him a lot group of his students, visits the Center to care until the court case nary care for pigs of all ages as well as deficient sanitation of times use a long…steel rebar type of rod…He would use for the horses on an honorary basis. is heard and a judg- and ventilation, and an insufficient number of employees at that to hit them behind the head, especially the large pigs. ment rendered. Once “Sun Prairie” in South Dakota and “HKY, Inc.” in Nebraska. And these pigs would not die after the first hit and they a month we offer a would be kicking…trying to move and run and you could to us and began enforcing the law. In short course on equines for those who hear them squealing. Then he hit them again…until they addition, the head of the city of Buenos could benefit from education. finally don’t move anymore.” Aires, gave us a piece of land to create Recently we received a mare who The petitions provide a glimpse into the lives of mil- a site dedicated to mitigating the suf- had given birth while working in the lions of pigs bred and raised for meat and request that each fering of the horses. streets. Unfortunately, the foal was Attorney General initiate an independent investigation and We inaugurated the Center for premature and died. We responded prosecute violations of state anti-cruelty law. While most Cart Horses (CCH) on the 27th of by bringing a cruelty case against the Ortega was confiscated from a states have anti-cruelty laws, many include exemptions to owner for forcing the mare to work man who was exceptionally cruel January, 2003, and since then we have “accepted” or “common” farming practices, but even in when he was drunk and hit the received 470 horses. Most of them when pregnant. states where exemptions do not exist, it is extremely hard donkey with a piece of iron dai- have been sick and injured. Before we It is difficult to obtain donations to prosecute violators. Infuriatingly, Attorney General Long ly. The neighbors reported the rescue them, the equines have been for this cause in Argentina. Funds of South Dakota ignored the incontrovertible evidence pre- situation after they realized the worked to the bone and passed from are needed for food, the veterinarian Humane Farming Association sented by HFA and instead defended Sun Prairie. man cut off a portion of each of one owner to another until the animals and medications. Any help would be As documented in the “HKY, Inc.” petition, piglets HFA is doggedly pursuing legal action against both hog Ortega’s ears and said he would are unable to work any more. If not greatly appreciated. Please send contri- frequently fall through dilapidated flooring to the factories. Each petition is available at cost price of $8.00, continue until the animal be- rescued, they are sold to a slaughter- butions to AWI and note the funds are liquid manure pit below and slowly drown. email [email protected] or call 703-836-4300. haved himself. house to produce meat. for the CCH.

6 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 7 Noise Raises a Ruckus at the IWC IWC Agreement on Ocean Noise

en White and Susan Tomiak attended the International threat that the latest RMS will be adopted and this year was no The 57 nations that make up the IWC agreed with the Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting held in Sorrento, exception. But it appears that deadlock and dispute will still IWC Scientific Committee that: Italy from July 19 through 22. Like most years, the ru- rule into the future due to the total intransigence of the Japa- B  There is “now compelling evidence implicating an- mors were rife—that pro-whaling nations would finally have nese, who refuse to consider dropping their bogus scientific thropogenic [human-caused] sound as a potential financed enough countries to join the body to win a majority, whaling even if an RMS is agreed to. Still, AWI is concerned threat to marine mammals. This threat is manifest- that Japan would break from the IWC and set up its own or- about what appears to be the widespread resignation by many ed at both regional and ocean-scale level that could ganization, and that the pro-whalers would boycott the Con- nations (including the U.S.) to adopt the RMS which we see impact populations of animals.”

servation Committee meeting. And, like most years, the actual as a mechanism to resume commercial whaling.  “The amount of sound energy introduced into cer- proceedings were rather tedious, with a few scary moments to The Southern Ocean Sanctuary was up for review. Japan tain ocean regions by humans has been increasing keep us on our toes. When the plenary opened, Japan threw not only proposed its abolition, but argued that its whalers be by at least 3 decibels per decade over the last 60 the first punch by proposing that all non-killing issues be re- allowed to enter the area to kill 2,914 Antarctic minke whales. years.”

moved from the agenda. This ludicrous offering failed when Thankfully, Japan’s proposal was voted down. Several nations  “...[S]ound exposures from mid-frequency sonars… it came to a vote, thus quashing the first rumor and setting the proposed the establishment of new ocean sanctuaries in the coincide with mass strandings of beaked whales tone. The 56th meeting of the IWC had begun. South Pacific and South Atlantic. Both failed to gain the nec- since sonar introductions in the 1960’s.”

Aboriginal subsistence whaling continues in several essary three-quarters majorities to be adopted. Susan Tomiak/AWI th  “The weight of accumulated evidence now associ- countries (including the U.S., Greenland, and the Russian The 56 IWC reported that despite the long period of The press were drawn to the Japanese delegation ates mid-frequency, military sonar with atypical Federation) with little control or recourse by the IWC for vio- protection since the moratorium in 1986, several populations prior to the commencement of the IWC meeting. beaked whale mass strandings. This evidence is lations. 2007 will be the decisive year when quotas for all ab- of great whales remain highly endangered. These include most very convincing and appears overwhelming.” original species of whale will be up for revision. In a dramatic bowhead whales (especially those at risk from non-IWC coun- and scurrilous move, the U.S. delegation teamed up with the tries, including Canada), gray whales in the western Pacific, nations continue to take their toll, and Japan and Iceland con-  “The Committee views with great concern the im- pacts on large whales in critical habitats from ex- Russians to push through the removal of one of the fundamen- all northern right whales, and various populations of blue tinue to whale, under the “special scientific permit” loophole. posures to seismic sound impulses....” tal requirements of any aboriginal whaling plan—proof that whales. Additional threats to whales include ship strikes, by- Indeed, Japan proposed increased catch limits of 100 minke there is a nutritional need for the whalemeat. This requirement catch in fishing gear and environmental causes such as sound whales and 150 Bryde’s whales for the next season to be taken  “...[T]he Committee agrees that there is now com- was never met when the Makah tribe revived their killing of and toxic pollution. by coastal community-based whaling. The proposal was re- pelling evidence implicating military sonar as a gray whales in Washington State, and the U.S., no doubt, felt Whaling itself, of course, is not helping. Table 1 summa- jected, but unfortunately the Commission did agree (thanks in direct impact on beaked whales in particular.” legally exposed. rizes the reported catches by IWC member nations in the 2003 part to compromise wording put forth by the U.S. delegation)  “The Committee also agrees that evidence of The Revised Management Scheme (RMS) also continues and 2003/4 seasons. Having originally “taken exception” to to work to “alleviate the continued difficulties caused by the increased sounds from other sources, including to rear its ugly head, being essentially a plan to manage whal- the moratorium, Norway continues to whale commercially and cessation of minke whaling to the communities of Abashiri, ships and seismic activities, were cause for serious ing if and when the moratorium is lifted. Each year there is a sets its own catch limits. The aboriginal subsistence whaling Ayukawa, Wadaura, and Taiji.” concern.” AWI is very pleased to report that human-caused ocean  “…[M]easures to protect species and habitats can- Table 1. Catches by IWC Member Nations in the 2003 and 2003/4 Seasons noise was the focus of unprecedented attention at the IWC not always wait for scientific certainty, as encoded (prepared by the IWC Secretariat IWC/56/45) meeting, especially in the Scientific Committee which com- in the precautionary principle.” FIN HUMPBACK MINKE SPERM BOWHEAD GRAY SEI BRYDE’S TOTAL OPERATION prised 186 experts from around the world who met in the [emphasis theirs] weeks preceding the plenary. The Committee held a mini- North Atlantic symposium dealing solely with human-generated noise and Denmark 91 12 1853 — — — — — 195 Aboriginal (W. Greenland) Subsistence made some excellent recommendations to the IWC which bon, a site of intensive oil and gas exploration. Contaminated Denmark — — 144 — — — — — 14 Aboriginal were adopted in full. The adjacent box highlights key state- whalemeat is a real issue in whaling countries, particularly (E. Greenland) Subsistence ments from the Scientific Committee report, all adopted by to pregnant and nursing women. Indeed, the governments of Iceland — — 374 — — — — — 37 Special Permit every single country of the IWC. This is tremendous news and Iceland, Denmark, and Norway have all issued health warn- Norway — — 6475 — — — — — 647 Whaling Under gives AWI powerful ammunition in our fight against sonar and ings about the consumption of contaminated whalemeat, Objection seismic activities. although they are also reportedly trying to increase public St. Vincent & — 1 — — — — — — 1 Aboriginal the Grenadines Subsistence The timing of the IWC was also perfect, as the Marine consumption to keep up with the supply. The Conservation North Pacific Mammal Commission held the third of its Acoustic Commit- Committee (which Japan and its “client” nations did boycott) Japan — — 1514 10 — — 50 50 261 Special Permit tee meetings in California during the week following the IWC managed to determine terms of reference and survived for Korea — — 56 — — — — — 5 meeting. The findings of the IWC Scientific Committee were another year. Russian — — — — 3 127 — — 131 Aboriginal presented to the Acoustic Committee. Amazingly the Navy The IWC is an international treaty organization increas- Federation Subsistence representative on the Committee dismissed the findings of this ingly corrupted by the financial leverage of one country— USA — — — — 418 — — — 41 Aboriginal internationally recognized body of whale experts and asked Japan. Organizationally, it is working from an obsolete docu- Subsistence whether the findings had been peer reviewed! ment lacking in any dispute resolution process, apparently Antarctic Other environmental threats to whales discussed at the dooming the group to deadlock. Its purpose is to regulate a Japan — — 4431 — — — — — 443 Special Permit IWC meeting included toxic pollution. The Chairman of the brutal and obsolete industry that would collapse without sub- Total 9 2 1,482 10 44 128 50 50 1,775 Scientific Committee reported on concerns ranging from or- sidy. When the IWC meets next year in Ulsan, Korea, AWI 1 Includes 3 struck and lost; 2 A humpback whale reportedly killed after being injured in a rifle hunt; 3 Includes 7 struck and lost; 4 Includes 1 struck and lost; 5 Includes 9 struck and lost; 6 5 minke whales reportedly killed by poachers with penalties administered by the Korean authorities; 7 Includes 2 struck and lost; ganochlorines, heavy metals and radionucleides in bowhead will be there, perennially making the case that it is past time 8 Includes 6 struck and lost. whales, to oil-born aromatic hydrocarbons in the seas off Ga- that whales be allowed to live in peace.

8 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 9 CITES COP 13, Bangkok, Thailand, October 2-14, 2004 Africa’s Natural Heritage— Wanted Dead or Alive?

he African lion (Panthera leo) And while Kenya, a vocal and vital lives to protect their elephants. Elephant is quite literally under the gun. defender of threatened and endangered ivory—whether raw or worked—and There may be as few as 16,500 species, fights to increase protection for other elephant parts should remain taboo. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Bobcat (Lynx rufus) T USFWS Hope Ryden African lions left, with some national lions, the Kenyan delegation will have to Neither international commercial buy- populations in West Africa already ex- rally global support to defeat yet another ers nor tourists on African safari should tinct. Kenya, in an effort to protect lions effort by a minority of southern African be permitted to purchase these products, from further decline as a result of inter- nations to open up international trade in risking a return to the days of the 1970s Do We Take Care of Our Own? national trade, is proposing that the Con- elephant parts and products. and 1980s when the African elephant vention on International Trade in Endan- Namibia is proposing to export an population plummeted—from 1.3 million gered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora annual quota of 2,000 kg of raw ivory, animals to 600,000. CITES should not he United States has long por- ing Mexico are both “relatively low and The U.S. has tried this in the past, but (CITES) move the African lion from and commercially trade worked ivory risk encouraging poaching or national trayed itself as a global leader somewhat fragmented.” failed since bobcat skins and products Appendix II to Appendix I, thus prohibit- products and goods made from elephant culling to supply a rekindled market de- T in wildlife conservation, but this Bald eagles remain at risk nation- made from them are similar in appear- ing international trade for primarily com- hides and hair. South Africa wants to mand for elephant parts. leadership is increasingly marginalized ally from pollutants, diseases, electro- ance to other cat skins from highly endan- mercial purposes (see box next page). trade commercially in elephant leather Another charismatic African species, as a result of pressure from exploiters. cutions from power lines, poisonings, gered felid species. The Convention text Trophies, skins, and live lions have goods. the southern white rhino (Ceratotherium At CITES the U.S. is proposing to and poaching. The primary uses for specifically allows the listing of species been exported in recent years, primarily Namibia claims an estimated el- simum simum), is also at risk. Swaziland weaken international protection for two bald eagles are the international live on Appendix II if the listing of those spe- from Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, ephant population of 11,262 animals; it is requesting permission to transfer its signature species—the bobcat (Lynx animal trade for zoos (which remains cies is necessary to keep the trade in oth- Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Lion parts further claims that “the absence of trade white rhinos from Appendix I to Appen- rufus) and the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leu- fundamentally unaffected by the current er, more imperiled species, under control. such as the bones and fat are also used [is] the greatest threat to elephant popu- dix II to allow trade in live animals and cocephalus). Appendix I listing) and domestic cer- The U.S. proposal inexplicably re- in Africa in traditional medicines. The lations in the region.” Yet in Namibia’s hunting trophies. The U.S. has proposed to “downlist” emonial use by Native American groups lies on population data from 1988 and United States in particular is a huge own proposal it presents a graph depict- Swaziland’s population of white rhi- bald eagles from Appendix I to Appendix (which, if internal in the U.S. is not a assesses population trends using data importer of lion trophies, allowing some ing a steady increase in the national pop- nos is terribly small—only 61 individual II of CITES, thus allowing international CITES international trade issue). from 1996. Despite the animal’s abun- 350 specimens to enter the country in ulation estimate beginning in 1990, the animals—and is restricted to a very small commercial trade in the species. There The U.S. proposal recognizes that dance based on those distant estimates, 2002 alone. year that the CITES Appendix I listing habitat area. It is unclear how many ani- were an estimated 250,000 bald eagles “accurate data on illicit international the bobcat is the most heavily-traded cat According to the most recent IUCN took effect for African elephants, ban- mals Swaziland would hope to export in America when it was designated our trade is not easy to acquire.” The burden species, and that trade could put the spe- Red List of Threatened Species, the Afri- ning commercial trade in ivory. Clearly, each year, but any off-take of the nation- national symbol in 1782. By 1963 there of proof remains with the U.S. delega- cies’ long-term viability at risk in certain can lion is also declining “due to habitat the absence of trade has helped Namib- al population could prove dangerous to were only thought to be 417 nesting pairs tion to show conclusively that there will areas. According to trade data compiled and prey base loss and persecution.” It is ia’s elephant population to increase. its long-term viability. If another “Rhino of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. be no increase in illegal trade, threat to by the World Conservation Monitoring considered “Vulnerable” by IUCN-The Poaching and illegal trade in el- War,” such as the one that took place While the bald eagle has demon- localized populations of bald eagles in Centre, 16,895 skins on average were World Conservation Union, indicating a ephant parts and products remain a con- between 1988 and 1992, were to strike strated a wonderful—though incom- America, or decline in the population traded internationally each year between high risk of extinction in the wild with tinent-wide problem, taxing wildlife law again, Swaziland’s white rhinos could be plete—recovery in recent decades, in Mexico from a potential reopening 1997 and 2002. Meat, live animals, and no subpopulation containing more than enforcement agencies who spend signifi- wiped out beyond recovery. During that bringing the fragile species literally of the commercial international trade in bodies were also traded. 1,000 mature individuals. cant sums and risk individual warden’s four-year period, Swaziland lost 80% of back from the brink of extinction, the bald eagles. Absent such proof, the spe- With bobcats legally killed in two- its white rhinos according to Swaziland’s species has not stabilized across the cies should remain on Appendix I. thirds of American states and almost 200 own proposal, resulting in an historic 20- entirety of its range. As the U.S. pro- The bobcat proposal is suggesting illegal bobcat specimens seized in the year low of 27 animals in 1993. posal admits, habitat availability and complete removal of the species from past six years, international trade regula- Swaziland’s proposal notes the populations of the species in neighbor- CITES (currently listed on Appendix II). tions under CITES should remain. existence of an established eco-tourism industry there, “and both black and white rhino are a major draw card for this in- dustry…. Swaziland’s white rhino are CITES COP 13 on the vital level of international an individual CITES Party as subject already helping to fund their own con- protection threatened or endangered to domestic regulation and in need of servation.” We agree. Wildlife viewing The Thirteenth meeting of the Con- species receive. Appendix I species international cooperation. ference of the Parties (COP) to the are threatened with extinction and AWI is a member of the Species industries can bring economic support Convention on International Trade are, or may be, affected by trade. Survival Network (SSN), a global coali- to the people who live with wildlife and in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna International trade for primarily com- tion of more than 70 organizations help fund wildlife protection measures— and Flora (CITES) will take place from mercial purposes is prohibited. Ap- working for the strict implementation without the need to use the ill-conceived October 2–14, 2004 in Bangkok, pendix II species may become threat- of CITES. All of SSN’s positions on concept of slaughtering individual threat- Thailand at the Queen Sirikit National ened with extinction unless their proposals for consideration in Bang- ened or endangered wild animals to pro- Convention Centre. trade is subject to strict regulation. kok are posted at www.speciessurviv- tect the populations. Fifty proposals will be considered Appendix III species are identified by alnetwork.org/cop.htm. USFWS

African Elephant (Loxodonta africana) 10 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 11 CITES COP 13, Bangkok, Thailand, October 2-14, 2004

have long-term divers want to see the wrasse in the reef Species of the Sea environmental habitat in which it lives. impacts that harm However, this coral reef habitat is shark populations. being steadily destroyed by cyanide and hile charismatic terrestrial whale meat, despite the International Japan, by downlisting certain An Appendix other destructive fishing practices (see wildlife such as elephants Whaling Commission’s (IWC) ongoing “stocks” of minke whales, would create II listing under AWI Quarterly, Summer 2002) and there W or tigers often take center moratorium on the commercial harvest an enforcement nightmare—meat from CITES is a vital is no international protection for the stage at CITES meetings, threatened of whales. Minke whales have enjoyed minke whales remaining on Appendix I first step toward humphead wrasse, adding to the impera- and endangered marine life play a sig- much-needed international protection (or meat from other whales) is visually the long-term con- tive of a CITES Appendix II listing. nificant, often controversial and divisive under CITES for a quarter of a century, indistinguishable from meat of whales servation of this Lastly, Thailand, the host country, role in the CITES debate. and a commercial whaling ban under the that would be downlisted to Appendix enigmatic species. has proposed “uplisting” the Irrawaddy The most vitriolic discourse usu- IWC since 1986. II. Appendix I stocks of minke whales Another fish dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) from Ap- Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus undulatus)

ally concerns Japanese (and sometimes Despite the prohibition on whal- would be killed and the meat sold fraud- Morris Gregory/www.morrisphoto.org.uk species proposed pendix II to Appendix I. The dolphin is Norwegian) attempts to rekindle a legal ing and trade in whale products, Japan ulently under the guise of being from for listing is the found in rivers, estuaries, and shallow international trade in whale products, regularly exploits an IWC loophole that Appendix II stocks. pose listing the white shark on Appendix vulnerable humphead wrasse (Cheili- waters of Myanmar, Indonesia, the Phil- notably meat. For COP 13, Japan has allows “scientific-whaling,” with whale AWI Quarterly readers, as well as II of CITES, but with a zero export nus undulatus). Proposed for listing in ippines, Thailand, Australia, Bangladesh, proposed, yet again, the downlisting products from these slaughtered animals CITES and IWC delegates, will be well- quota. This will allow for the heavily- CITES Appendix II by the Republic of and elsewhere. There is no total popula- of certain minke whale stocks (Balae- ending up for sale on the domestic mar- familiar with Japan’s vexing, habitual depleted species to recover from recent the Fiji Islands and others, the range of tion estimate for the species, and indi- noptera acutorostrata) from Appendix ket. Japan has, in fact, killed hundreds attempts to resume commercial whaling. significant population declines. this fish extends within the jurisdiction vidual populations are incredibly small I to Appendix II to allow the trade in of whales annually under this exemp- Similar proposals have been rejected at They are targeted commercially, of nearly 50 countries and overseas and vulnerable. tion. Indeed, at this each CITES meeting since 1997! Japa- primarily for their jaws, fins, and teeth, territories. The Irrawaddy dolphin is threatened year’s IWC meet- nese Minister Masayuki Komatsu once and are killed by recreational fishermen. The proposal specifically notes, by entanglement in gillnets and the ef- ing, Japan proposed called minke whales the “cockroaches of The proposal tabled by Madagascar “International trade appears to be the fects of explosives used in blast fishing. to increase the the sea” in an effort to exaggerate their and Australia notes the high value of major threat to this naturally rare species A burgeoning and worrisome use of “scientific” killing abundance. AWI trusts that few will be white shark parts and products in the because of high demand, the selective these dolphins is their capture for public to 2,914 Antarctic swayed by Japan’s minke whale down- global marketplace. One jaw of a white capture of juvenile fish, and its biologi- display and entertainment. According to Minke Whales and listing proposal at this CITES meeting, shark from South Africa was valued at cal characteristics which make it particu- Thailand’s proposal, “The charismatic 150 North Pacific and this historically over-exploited spe- $50,000, while “small jaw sets may be larly susceptible to exploitation at even appearance of Irrawaddy dolphins and Minke Whales, and cies will remain on Appendix I. sold for as much as US$12,500-15,000 the lowest levels of fishing intensity.” behavioral characteristics they exhibit also proposed the Unlike the minke debate, other and individual teeth for US$425-600.” This coral reef fish is long-lived in the wild (e.g. spitting water, spy-hop- introduction of marine proposals are relatively new to They are also at risk from conflict (they can live into their thirties), but are ping, fluke-slapping, etc.) make them small-scale com- CITES and the international conserva- with humans who degrade coastal shark heavily exploited in the live reef fish especially attractive for shows and dis- mercial whaling tion arena. Great White Sharks (Carcha- habitat in expanding fisheries. Shark div- trade and for food in Hong Kong and play in dolpinariums.” of minke and rodon carcharias) are globally threat- ing—ecotourism activities involving the mainland China. As a luxury food item, The IWC Scientific Committee sup- Bryde’s whales by ened, slow-growing, long-lived marine watching of Great White Sharks from the fish can fetch prices as high as $175 ports the proposal, which hopefully will Japanese coastal predators. At COP 13, Madagascar and within a submerged steel cage—is often per kilogram. The wrasse is also valu- win the wide support of CITES Parties Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Chris and Monique Fallows/apexpredators.com communities. Australia have joined together to pro- unregulated or poorly regulated and can able in non-consumptive uses—scuba in October.

Birds of a Feather Reptiles—As Pets or on a Plate?

he Yellow-crested cockatoo individuals for breeding. They are then mportant reptile proposals will be turtle, and Roti snake-necked turtle (Cacatua sulphurea), exploited smuggled out of Indonesia, where they considered in Bangkok. Kenya is are among the turtle species that are T historically for the interna- are totally protected, to countries such Iproposing to list two of its resident traded internationally for Asian food tional pet trade, barely survives in as Singapore, where they are illegally species: the Mt. Kenya bush viper and markets and the pet trade. As a result Indonesia’s and Timor-Leste’s forests. traded as captive bred birds. the Kenya horned viper, both of which of their rarity, some of these animals One subspecies on Masakambing Is- Other birds that may receive in- are collected for international trade, can fetch thousands of dollars in the land was thought to number a meager creased CITES protection are the Li- including to the U.S. international pet trade. five individuals as recently as 1999. lac-crowned Amazon parrot (Amazona The U.S., to its credit, has While Cuba finally has abandoned, Indonesia is wisely requesting an Ap- finschi) and the Painted Bunting (Pas- authored or co-authored with at least for this meeting, its misguided pendix I CITES listing for this criti- serina ciris); meanwhile, Namibia and Indonesia proposals to list a number of effort to reopen trade in hawksbill sea cally endangered bird. the U.S. are pushing to remove inter- Asian freshwater turtles on Appendix turtles, the small island nation is in- Illegal trade is a global problem— national protection for the Peach-faced II. The Malayan snail-eating turtle, stead proposing to weaken protection Yellow-crested Cockatoo adult birds are captured in the wild, lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), found Malayan Snail-eating Turtle Malayan flat-shelled turtle, Southeast for the American crocodile (Crocody- (Cacatua sulphurea) (Malayemys Subtrijuga) Bonnie Zimmermann/The Wild Connection reducing the number of productive in southern Africa. Asian softshell turtle, pig-nosed lus acutus).

12 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 13 NEWS FROM CAPITOL HILL brought to you by the SOCIETY FOR ANIMAL PROTECTIVE LEGISLATION

Coalition to Restore Michigan Mourning Dove Shooting Ban Congress Contributes to Conservation SUPPORT H.R. 4826

or years SAPL has been fighting against and re- Rifle Association and U.S. Sportsman Alliance, have n July 2, 2004, the Marine Turtle Conservation porting on the attempts of the guns and ammo been successful in undermining public will in states Act was signed into law by President Bush, pro- Flobbying organizations to overturn long-standing such as Ohio, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and now Michigan. Oviding a potential source of much-needed funds and widely supported laws prohibiting the senseless They will again turn their attention to Iowa which has for global conservation projects that benefit marine shooting of mourning doves at the state level. Despite rejected attacks on its law under the leadership of Gov- turtles and their nesting habitats. Possible beneficiaries strong public opinion in support of the doves and their ernor Tom Vilsack. include loggerhead, green, hawksbill, Kemp’s ridley, protection, these organizations, including the National Earlier this year Michigan became the most recent olive ridley, and leatherback turtles. The law was based state to repeal its prohibition on dove shooting, a ban on similar Acts establishing conservation funds devoted that had been in effect for 99 years. The Legislature to Asian and African elephants, rhinos and tigers, great Ralf Schmode passed and Governor Granholm signed the law that re- apes, and neotropical migratory bird species. classifies the small, peaceful dove from a songbird to a Now, another conservation funding bill has been game bird, thus allowing the first hunt to commence as introduced in Congress. H.R. 4826, the “Great Cats early as this September. and Rare Canids Act of 2004,” would provide financial When running for governor, Jennifer Granholm had resources to projects that benefit imperiled felid and Dholes live in extended family packs and are at risk publicly stated that she would oppose any legislation canid species abroad. The legislation, sponsored by from disease, loss of prey, and human persecution. overturning the ban, a stand backed by a majority of Congressman E. Clay Shaw, Jr. (R-FL), could benefit gray Michigan voters. However, when presented with the bill, wolves, Ethiopian wolves, African wild dogs, maned she signed it into law. To restore the mourning dove wolves, dholes, lions, leopards, jaguars, snow leopards, canids often end up shot, snared, poisoned, killed by hunting ban a coalition of national and state organiza- clouded leopards, cheetah, and Iberian lynx. cars, or infected with diseases transmitted from do- tions have joined together to form the Coalition to Re- These species face an array of threats including mestic dogs. Other canid species face similar threats, store the Dove Shooting Ban. The Coalition will work to habitat loss, poaching, disease, and pollution. Some are and readers of the AWI Quarterly will be familiar with gather the necessary 225,000 valid Michigan signatures exploited for their skins, while others are killed so their the plight of the Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) from needed to place a repeal of this law on the 2006 ballot parts can be used in traditional medicines. the article “Ethiopian Wolves Hit by Rabies Outbreak” in for voters to decide. For example, according to the IUCN-The World the Winter 2004 issue. Ava Rinehart/AWI As the Coalition prepares to collect signatures, Conservation Union’s Species Survival Commission The endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), found Known for their soft cooing sound and peaceful volunteers in Michigan will be greatly needed. To learn Canid Specialist Group, there are likely fewer than primarily in Spain with very small numbers in Portugal, presence in backyard feeders, like the two pictured more about the Michigan campaign and signature gath- 5,000 African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) remaining on is the most endangered cat on earth with an estimated above at the AWI office, mourning doves are under ering seminars visit www.stopshootingdoves.org. the continent. When their habitat becomes fragmented 1,200 individuals remaining according to the IUCN Cat assault by the guns and ammo lobby. because of human encroachment, these endangered Specialist Group. The Iberian lynx is threatened by habi- tat loss and decline in its main prey species, European rabbits. Many of the other cat species at risk are tar- geted for their enchanting fur among other uses. Antifreeze Doesn’t Have To Be Deadly H.R. 4826 specifically finds, “felids and canids are SUPPORT H.R. 1563 important aesthetic, economic, and ecological global resources that need to be conserved,” and “Healthy populations of these species act as an important indica- n early July, as Penny Sperry was saying goodbye to by the death of a golden retriever named Scooby, who tor of the integrity of entire ecosystems….” her son who was shipping off to Iraq as a member died after consuming antifreeze. While there is clearly not always a government com- I of the Montana National Guard, her dog Riley be- Mayor Chávez was successful in getting the Albu- mitment to protect these species in the countries in gan heaving and throwing up. The nine and a half year querque City Council to pass such a law, and in June which they perilously cling to life, where national inter- old mixed breed dog, like Mrs. Sperry’s other compan- he also supported a resolution unanimously adopted est in preservation exists, financial resources are often ion animals, had never left her fenced yard. According by the United States Conference of Mayors that “urges not available to engage in conservation sufficiently. to the Missoulian newspaper, it was discovered that the Congress to help cities protect children and animals by Should the “Great Cats and Rare Canids Act of 2004” be dog had ingested antifreeze—a feared poisoning by enacting legislation to require denatonium benzoate as signed into law, up to five million dollars a year from

someone in the neighborhood. The poor dog had to be an additive to antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol.” Iberian Lynx Ex-situ Conservation Program 2005 through 2009 can be appropriated for this fund. euthanized that night. Most frightening for the commu- In the United States Congress, H.R. 1563, legisla- Will Congress devote funds to conservation projects That may just be the assistance that is needed to nity is the fact that other neighbors have reported simi- tion to require antifreeze “that contains more than ten to save the Iberian lynx and other endangered cats? save these species at such great risk. larly losing their pets to poisoning in recent years. percent ethylene glycol, to include denatonium ben- Now, Penny Sperry is working to educate people zoate at a minimum of 30 parts per million (or other about the dangers of antifreeze intake, and to gain sup- equally effective aversive agent) as a bittering agent so YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE port for a new law imposing severe penalties for pet as to render it unpalatable” is currently languishing in murderers. At the same time, Albuquerque, New Mexico the House Energy and Commerce Committee.  Urge your United States Representative to support  Visit www.saplonline.org for the name of your Mayor Martin J. Chávez has been working to mandate SAPL hopes that the action by the Conference of H.R. 1563 and H.R. 4826. Address Representatives Representative and for updates and action you can the addition of a bittering agent to antifreeze to make it Mayors will spur Congressional attention to the bill be- as: The Honorable (full name), United States House take on animal related legislation. unpalatable to people and pets. His work was prompted fore this Congress comes to an end. of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515.

14 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 15 with the animals and I do my best to alleviate their boredom, ficult at times dealing with the animal research issue, but until pain, discomfort and stress while they are in my care, but I will the day invasive studies with animals are no longer done, I will cry when they are gone” (T2). “Whenever an animal had to be here helping the animals” (T6). “I am sad that there isn’t yet be put down, my supervisor was very strict in respecting the another way besides using animals in these experiments. As animal’s dignity. If anyone joked about it, she was like a cobra. hard as it is on a daily basis, I am glad that I’m here because She is still my dear friend” (T5). “We too had to let some of I feel that I am offering the animals a special gift. Every day I our guys go off to a better place. Although no one would show do my part to foster their well-being and make sure that they any tears, there definitely would be a different feel in the air. get the best care possible, and the best toys, of course!! ha ha. I Some became quiet, others a little snappy, others would choose have been criticized for crying on the job, I too have hid to cry to just not be around for the terminal procedure. As for myself, because it is looked down upon here” (T1). Coutesy of the Scottish Agricultural College the day before a euthanasia, I would sit with ‘my young man’ “People are often assuming that animal technicians must or ‘my little girl’ and talk to them. I’d let them know that I was not be animal lovers because we work in biomedical facilities. glad for them to move on, and thank them and apologize for It’s just the opposite. Most of the colleagues I have met truly the sacrifice they have done for us, though the sacrifice was not do love animals. In fact, that’s the reason we work in these by their own choice. I will always think of the monkeys I have emotionally challenging positions. There are days that are al- had the privilege to work with” (T4). most unbearable. Yet, I know that if I weren’t working in my “After working with a group of beagles for several weeks position, someone else would. Who knows how that person I was asked to assist in their euthanasia. My favorite was might treat the animals I care so much for? I do my very best nicknamed Chunky because he was a porker but still so cute!! to make the life of the animals as easy as possible. Unfortu- I helped but cried like a baby. My co-workers suggested that nately, being attached to them is frowned upon in the facility I should not be around for future euthanasias. This was not a I am working, but it is hard not to cry about the situation that It is almost impossible not to develop an affectionate relationship with the animals in one’s charge and hence feel solution because I still would have been upset. Fortunately, I research animals are in. I have a friend at work, and we offer sadness, grief, and frustration if one of them is subjected to avoidable suffering and killed at the end of the have not had to say good-bye to any of our monkeys yet. I hon- each other a shoulder to cry. It makes all the difference to have research project. estly don’t know how I’ll deal with that” (T1). someone who understands you and who can share the same “Once we received a group of dogs from a class B dealer. frustrating experiences and sad feelings with you” (R5). One of the animals was a beautiful golden retriever pup. Even “A month ago, we had a young monkey suffering from a with proper ‘paperwork’ we just knew that this dog had been seizure as a consequence of an experiment. After the seizure stolen. It was decided to save Alex. When my supervisor had stopped, she was paralyzed completely on her left side. Emotionality in the Animal brought the little terrier over as a trade, we just broke down. She was awake, alert and hungry, but every time I tried to This animal was selected because she could never be adopted give her some food, she would make attempts to sit up and out due to the particular research she had been used for. She get hold of it but would inevitably flop all over the place try- Research Laboratory was so sweet! I sat there for a good 30 minutes crying and talk- ing to accomplish this task. I couldn’t help but cry. Here was ing to her and hoping someday she would forgive us. Ah, I’m this perfectly healthy animal and we did this to her! Because I crying again! On the positive side Alex is running on the prairie work with the girls on a daily basis, I become attached to them. ontributors to the following email discussion on the formance. Crying is an important safety valve that some of us with a loving family” (T5). I can’t work any other way. I know what I’m in, what they’re Laboratory Animal Refinement & Enrichment Forum simply need to cope with emotional distress” (T2). “Express- “I’m crying now too!! We do such a tough job. If I didn’t here for and what will eventually happen to them. It’s not easy! C(LAREF) were six animal technicians (T1-6) and five ing the feelings that our work gives rise to is a normal response cry and didn’t care, and didn’t feel bad about what we are do- I am glad to know that I’m not the only one who gets upset researchers (R1-5). The messages were edited by Viktor Rein- not only for animal care staff but also for investigators” (R4). ing, then I wouldn’t be in this profession” (T1). “It is very dif- with what we are doing” (T6). hardt, moderator of LAREF. “I have noticed coworkers who do not cry. Sometimes I “I strive to alleviate the boredom and minimize the anxi- have interpreted this as a coldness, but I was wrong. Talking ety and stress of the monkeys in my charge, but my efforts are to my colleagues I realized that they are, just like me, deeply usually blocked by senior personnel. This can be overwhelm- affected but somehow deal with the pressure in other ways” New Database: Practical Enrichment ingly frustrating at times. If I cry, I am labeled as unprofes- (T2). “It is not the people who do not cry that are the prob- Options for Animals Kept in sional. I have learned to remove myself from everyone when I lem, but those who do not cry AND fail to accept that others no longer can control my emotions” (R1). do” (T3). Research Institutions “There have been occasions when I had to do everything “I work with guinea pigs, and we euthanize quite often. I in my power to choke back tears of grief and frustration. I haven’t cried yet, maybe because the animals are in my care his database disseminates inexpensive yet effective en- think it is normal to be sad and cry sometimes with our line of only for a short while. It would probably be much more dif- T richment ideas and practical tips from the Laboratory work” (T1). “Crying is unprofessional only if it prevents me ficult for me to euthanize one of our male breeders, who stay Animal Refinement and Enrichment Forum (LAREF). The fo- Moshe Bushmitz, DVM from doing my job in a way that is best for the animal, other- with us for up to two years. It’s almost impossible not to get rum, an email discussion list, exchanges first-hand experiences wise it is simply an indication that I care about my charges” attached to these guys and, rather than euthanizing we always about ways to improve the housing and handling of laboratory (R2), “that my emphatic feelings are alert rather than put to manage to find good homes for them. One is with me :)) (T3). animals. Links to photos and graphs shared by LAREF mem- sleep by the routine of work” (R3). “Crying shows that you are “At the end of the studies, I euthanize the monkeys myself bers are available. Selected practical enrichment options from sensitive to the impaired well-being of your animals. I would because I want them to feel no apprehension or fear. For them other published sources are also included. Detailed descrip- ask those who are judgmental with us who cannot help but it’s a normal anesthetization procedure. Some of them I have tions of the enrichments are provided. Some entries are acces- cry occasionally, to just let us be, especially if our response worked with regularly for up to five years. To terminate one sible as full-text documents. The database can be viewed at: Long-tailed macaques sitting on wide perches are to a disturbing situation is not interfering with our work per- of them is heartbreaking. I believe in the science that is done www.awionline.org/lab_animals/LAREF/enriop.htm enjoying sugar cane.

16 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 17 2005 Animal Welfare Enhancement Primate Dealer Pleads Guilty to a Felony

Awards—Call for Proposals by Shirley McGreal ing macaques. They were shipped in LABS would plead guilty to one International Primate Protection League batches of around 200 to LABS, Inc. felony. Charges against all individual a laboratory primate dealer. Shipping defendants would be dropped. If the ttention lab techs, animal rosters showed that monkeys as young judge agrees, LABS will receive two techs, and all who work with n May 1997 the International Pri- as 3-5 weeks old had been shipped, as years probation and pay a fine of laboratory animals: the Animal A mate Protection League (IPPL) well as pregnant monkeys. $500,000, with assets totaling $64,675 Welfare Institute (AWI) and the Johns received a message from someone Many older monkeys, aged 13-16, forfeited. Sentencing is scheduled for Hopkins Center for Alternatives to I who had just seen dozens of crated had been shipped too. In 1994 Indo- November 16. Animal Testing (CAAT) have issued a monkeys, including tiny babies, at nesia banned export of wild-caught call for proposals for Animal Welfare Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. The ani- monkeys to protect wild populations. Enhancement Awards. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE mals had been shipped from Indonesia. Claims that hundreds of older monkeys An anonymous donor has pro- U.S. wildlife regulations ban shipment were captive-born were suspect, since Ask for Justice for the Baby vided funds to award up to twelve of unweaned infant animals unless Inquatex, the exporter, had only started Monkeys. Please ask U.S. District applicants with funds for proposals they are traveling “for needed medical breeding monkeys a few years earlier. Judge Ruben Castillo to levy the intended to improve the welfare of treatment” and are “accompanied at all Case documents show that pay-offs toughest penalties possible in Case laboratory animals. The focus of these times and completely accessible to a were made to Indonesian Government No. 02-CR-312 (United States versus awards is to refine the housing, han- veterinary attendant.” officials to procure export documents. Labs Va. Inc. et. al.) and to question dling and/or experimental situations Upon further investigation IPPL Primate friends deluged the U.S. the dropping of charges against the for laboratory animals. learned that there had been a series of Fish and Wildlife Service with letters individual defendants. Respectful Studies may, for example, examine: shipments totaling over 1,000 crab-eat- calling for an investigation. In April letters should be mailed to: • how physiological and behavioral 2002, LABS and its president David The Honorable Ruben Castillo, U.S. stress responses to common husbandry Taub were indicted on eight felony District Judge, U.S. District Court, (e.g., capture) and traditional treatment and four misdemeanor charges. The Northern District of Illinois, Federal procedures (e.g., gavage, injection, body weight, analysis of feces, urine, Alan M. Goldberg, Ph.D., the Johns government alleged that the shipments Building, 219 South Dearborn Street, blood collection) can be reduced or or blood as described above. Hopkins Center for Alternatives to An- contained wild-caught macaques in vio- Fifth Floor, Chicago, IL 60604. eliminated (e.g., by training the sub- Each award will be for $6,000. In imal Testing, 111 Market Place, Suite lation of Indonesian law, and that docu- jects to cooperate rather than resist); the case of successful completion of 840, Baltimore, MD 21202-6709. ments fraudulently represented that the • whether animals caged at different the application, some individuals may Deadlines and Review: The shipments consisted only of captive- tier levels show different physiological be invited to present their papers at a deadline for submission is November born macaques. The indictment alleged and behavioral stress responses when national symposium. Additional funds 1, 2004. Applications will be reviewed Charles River Labs that three shipments illegally contained being approached by personnel, and will be provided for travel to these by an international group of reviewers. nursing mothers and unweaned young. Charged with how these responses can be minimized meetings. The AWI and CAAT then will make Two senior LABS officials were or avoided; This award is limited to North the final decisions on those proposals Animal Cruelty Anne Haynes courtesy IPPL charged with a misdemeanor. • whether the presence of a compat- American applications. The proposal to be funded. Successful applicants Facing an uncertain future—infant The case was assigned to Judge ible companion buffers physiological itself should be in the form of a letter will be funded by February 28, 2005. our years ago, The Coulston monkeys cling to each other at the Ruben Castillo. A “plea bargain” has and behavioral stress responses to clearly stating the objectives of the Each successful applicant must Foundation of Alamogordo, LABS, Inc. nursery in South Carolina. just been announced under which F experimental situations (e.g., enforced study and the anticipated outcomes. It send a final report of the completed NM, under threat of a USDA case restraint); should provide sufficient detail so that study to [email protected] (Ruth for violating the Animal Welfare • whether animals kept in legally mini- reviewers can understand what is being Brady) and [email protected] Act, gave the National Institutes mum-sized cages benefit from a mod- proposed, how it will be achieved, and (Viktor Reinhardt) by November 1, Animal Welfare Act Enforcement: of Health (NIH) 288 of its chimps. erate increase in space that is (a) empty how the data will be evaluated. 2005. These reports will be posted on NIH decided to let Charles River versus (b) structured in species-appro- These awards are intended for such web sites as Altweb (http://alt- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Labs take care of the apes and priate ways (e.g., shelter, visual blind, laboratory and animal technicians; web.jhsph.edu), the Animal Welfare provided a $42 million contract perch, platform, PVC tube). senior investigators can sponsor them, Institute (www.awionline.org), the Ani- Good: After more than five years, modest regulatory changes were finalized for ten years. According to a This program excludes research however. mal Welfare Information Center (www. which will close existing loopholes and improve USDA’s ability to enforce September 7 criminal complaint studies with great apes. Each proposal must be approved nal.usda.gov/awic), and other sites, as the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), particularly at the premises of dealers and filed against Charles River Any studies to be undertaken by the Animal Care and Use Commit- appropriate. It is hoped that successful exhibitors. Labs and two of its officials, on must be non-invasive, with the pos- tee, and the proposal itself must be co- applicants also will submit a manu- Bad: USDA will not be finalizing a much-needed policy regarding training three separate occasions chimps sible exception of obtaining blood signed by the Head of Animal Services script of their project and its outcome and handling of potentially dangerous animals (e.g. lions, tigers, bears, and suffering grave wounds were left for biochemical measurements and at the Institution. Send applications to a professional journal. elephants). Apparently the agency capitulated to pressure from the exhibition in the “care” of untrained night if possible using animals that have via email to [email protected] (Ruth For winners of the 2004 Animal industry. security guards. Two chimps died. been trained to cooperate during ve- Brady). Any parts of the application Welfare Enhancement Awards, please Ugly: USDA has ceased providing the public with copies of inspection reports of Thanks to In Defense of nipuncture. Objective measures might that cannot be sent by email must be see http://caat.jhsph.edu/programs/ dealer, research, and exhibitor premises. Now this data will have to be obtained Animals for providing authorities include behavior, coat appearance, sent in multiples of 10 copies to: AWE/2004/recipients.htm. via the Freedom of Information Act, and there is a three year backlog. with key information.

18 AWI Quarterly Fall 2004 19 Case Against Dog Dealer is Expanded

he United States Department of is also cited for acquiring a dog from an Random Source Dealers Agriculture (USDA) added more illegal source; the animal was sold to Still Selling Dogs and Cats charges of Animal Welfare Act vi- a laboratory and then discovered to be T for Experimentation olations to its complaint against licensed someone’s pet. More dogs were added random source Class B dealer C.C. Baird to the slew of animals acquired without Alabama: John Pesnell/Pesnell Kennels and his family in Arkansas. Despite proper documentation; apparently Baird (Arab) damning evidence and a lengthy list of illegally obtained about 50 dogs from Arkansas: C. C. and Jeanette Baird/ apparent violations, Baird continues sell- Mike ‘Slick’ Pittman, an unlicensed Martin Creek Kennels (Williford) ing dogs and cats for experimentation. dealer, in 2002 and 2003. Facilities’ de- Illinois: Michael Cooper/Triple C The amended complaint, filed in ficiencies included excessive rust, filth, Farms (St. Joseph) July, notes the Bairds’ “lack of humane and inadequate ventilation and sanitization. Indiana: Gene Clark/Salt Creek Kennel care to animals has resulted in animal One former client, Mississippi (Trafalgar) Mark and Penny Lynch/LBL Kennels deaths.” The dog on the cover of the Fall State University (MSU), is cooperating (Reelsville) 2003 Quarterly is mentioned: “A 5- with USDA regarding apparent viola- Iowa: Dennis and Toots Conrad/Conrad year old male black and tan coonhound, tions by Baird in 2003. Dogs in need of Livestock (Keota) known as ‘Buck,’ was found to have veterinary care (including a bite wound Michigan: Fred Hodgins/Hodgins been suffering from advanced, untreated and pneumonia) were brought to MSU. Kennels (Howell) dirofilaria immitis (canine heartworm), Others were delivered without identifi- Mark Ulrich/Cheri-Hill Kennel and a parasitic infection that caused Buck’s cation and 23 dogs were transported in Supply (Stanwood) Roberta and James Woudenberg/R & R death in April 2004. Dirofilaria immitis cages that were too small, lacking suf- Research (Howard City) can be effectively prevented….” Baird ficient ventilation. MSU stated for the Minnesota: Kenneth Schroeder (Wells) record, “It is now a practice that we do Missouri: Mildred and Danny not purchase dogs or cats from random Schachtele/Middlefork Kennels source dealers.” (Salisbury) A recent inspection found Baird New York: Ray and Valerie Dolan/R & V failed to establish an adequate veteri- Kennels (North Java) nary care program including negligent Ohio: Robert A. Perry (Mt. Sterling) oversight of staff who performed medi- Oklahoma: Henry Lee Cooper/C & C cal procedures such as administration of Kennels (Wewoka) anesthesia. Baird’s program stated dogs James Hester/Anamerica, Inc. (Pryor) could be killed by: “point blank 22 cal Larry Paris/Circle P Kennels (Kenefic) bullet into brains.” Pennsylvania: Bruce Rotz (Shippensburg) We hope Baird will soon relinquish Those marked in bold are under investigation his dogs and cats; should that happen, A beagle rescued during the raid on by USDA for apparent violations of the Baird’s premises last August. homes will be needed. If you are able to federal Animal Welfare Act. adopt an animal, please let us know.

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