ALV Writers Group

A FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER Issue #14 - October 9, 2005 “Speaking up for Animal Rights”

RSPCA and Pigs industry publicly". SOURCE: Canberra News Bureau, Rural Press Pork industry Agricultural Publishing. blasts RSPCA's 'fair go for farm Letter sent to The Age animals' campaign The RSPCA's Fair Go For Farm Animals campaign Farm online 4.10.05 caught the pork industry off guard, when it was launched last month. The pork lobby has hit out at the RSPCA for betraying joint efforts on animal welfare issues. www.farmonline.com.au/news_daily.asp?ag_id=29591 Obviously the ALP has been caught out and feeling The pork lobby has hit out at the RSPCA for betraying guilty, threatened by what the RSPCA and public might joint efforts on animal welfare issues and launching a discover about intense pig farming! They are not being unilateral ‘Fair Go For Farm Animals’ campaign last given a fair go and they know it. Dr Hugh Wirth's month that places itself in the position of "self- acknowledgment that the sow stalls might protect pigs appointed judge and jury". from aggression and injury is a lame defence. Prisoners in jail might acknowledge that they are safer from some The campaign targets battery hen production, live dangers that others in society face (such as road animal exports, and the use of sow stalls, which the accidents)! RSPCA says may result in pigs developing "severe physical and behavioural problems". Their ‘scientific farming’ means treating animals as a process, with inputs and expected outputs, without In making the claim, however, the RSPCA considering the natural behaviours, expressions and acknowledges the fact sow stalls also provide protection emotions that these intelligent, sentient animals have. from injury and can limit aggression between animals. The RSPCA campaign is hitting the right places already. Well done! Not surprisingly, APL was not impressed by the V Ortega 6.10.05 campaign, describing it as "inconsistent with the spirit of partnership" that Dr Wirth has previously espoused and APL attempts to engage with the RSPCA on animal The usual comforting rejoinder we hear—that it’s in the welfare issues. interest of farmers to take good care of their animals—is false. Each day, in every intensive farm in Australia, you In a letter sent late last week to RSPCA executive will find cull pens littered with dead or dying creatures officer, Jenny Hodges, APL's senior policy officer, discarded like trash. Kathleen Plowman, expresses APL's disappointment For the piglets, it’s a regimen of teeth cutting, tail with the RSPCA and its "failure to consult with the docking (performed to deter tail biting - the natural industry about the campaign before attacking the response to mass confinement), and castration – all done without anesthetic. After five or six months trapped in Page 1 one of the grim warehouses that now pass for barns, FARM (Farm animal reform movement) Founder and they’re trucked off, for processing at slaughter houses President Alex Hershaft was arrested Monday morning where workers use earplugs to muffle the screams. (3.10.05) for blocking a truck hauling pigs from Almost 300,000 breeding sows in Australia are confined entering the Smithfield Packing Plant slaughterhouse in in a metal and concrete stalls, smaller than a child's cot. Smithfield, Vancouver, Canada. The arrest followed an The sow can not walk, turn around or even lie down all-night vigil by ten activists. (see photo on this page) with comfort. RSPCA’s own website states: due to the repeated physical restriction and boredom, a sow in a The plant slaughters 18,000 pigs per day. Smithfield stall may develop severe physical and behavioural Foods is the world's largest killer of pigs, accounting for problems. Muscles and bones may deteriorate, causing 20 million victims per year. The occasion was the 23rd pain and difficulty in moving. Increased aggression and annual observance of World Farm Animals Day. The a repetitive swaying of the head may also develop. observance continues through October. Doesn’t this constitute Aggravated Cruelty? The www.farmusa.org Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic) sets out a definition of what constitutes cruelty. According to section 9 of this Act, cruelty can range from wounding, torturing and overworking an animal to neglect, Live Exports abandonment, ear cropping and debarking. 'Aggravated cruelty' occurs where a person commits any act of cruelty and the animal dies or is seriously disabled. Why Push for Live Export Voice in hasn’t the RSPCA taken action and prosecuted pig Local RSPCA farmers who fail to remove sows from extreme confinement when muscle and bone deterioration or severe behavioural problems occur? Instead the The West Australian newspaper 7.10.05 RSPCA advises us to sign petitions and become ‘more (Thanks S Cass (TAS) for sending in this article with her informed.’ comments in italics)

The very modesty of those needs—their humble desires The State Government and farming groups have called for straw, soil, sunshine—is the gravest indictment of for pro-live animal exports interests to be represented the men who deny them. Conservatives are supposed to on the RSPCA's state council. Three positions are up for revere tradition. Factory farming has no traditions, no election with several former farmers standing. rules, no codes of honor, no little decencies to spare for a fellow creature. The whole thing is an abandonment of The RSPCA's national policy is to end WA'S $700 veterinary medicine, with its sworn oath to “protect million live export trade. The State Government - which animal health” and to “relieve animal suffering.” You contributes $250.000 to the RSPCA's $3.5 million wouldn’t think that ALP who are unwilling to grant annual budget - supports live exports. (This biased view even a few extra inches in cage space, so that a pig can suggests that the WA State Government would cut off turn around, would be in any position to fault others for those funds unless these farmers are re-elected!) pettiness. Why are small acts of kindness beneath us, but not small acts of cruelty? Sow stalls are banned in Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said it was desirable Florida and the UK. They are being phased out in the that a range of views were represented on that council. European Union and New Zealand. WA Farmers spokesman said it respected the RSPCA but balance was needed to counter extreme animal rights elements.

WA Farmers was telling its members to re-elect former farmers Des Gooding and Neville Marsh. Mr Gooding said his aim was to bring both sides of the debate together and foster a mutual respect.

RSPCA national president Hugh Wirth said the WA RSPCA continued to campaign "long and hard" against the live trade. (Yeah, right, with two live export farmers on the Council). The Pastoralists and Graziers said it supported ongoing links between farmers and animal lobby groups.

The West Australian takes letters at their website www.thewest.com.au

Page 2 News article 28.9.05 move by Senator Bartlett to disallow regulations governing the nation's meat and livestock industry, was Cattle last week were trucked more than 3,000 backed by the Australian Greens, but failed to win the kilometres from the Kimberley region in Western support of government and Labor senators. Australia to Roma because they were fetching better prices in the saleyards than for the live trade. The live trade was resumed in May, following an extensive review of animal welfare practices. We're paying double what we paid a couple of years ago, double freight and that's pushed our prices up But Democrat Senator Andrew Bartlett says the Keniry significantly and there's not too much we can do about review was based on narrow terms of reference, and the it." said the QLD Livestock Exporters Association. trade is inherently cruel.

OK, so they're not being exported live, but surely this "There's been a litany of disasters in the live export length of journey would contravene Codes of Practice trade, particularly to Saudi Arabia, and after each one, in both WA and QLD? How are they getting away with there's an inquiry, there's a report, there's it RSPCA? recommendations, there's changes, and they're all assured it'll all be fine," he said. "The Democrats' view Charity Tax Hit is that enough is enough. We've had 20 years, we've had more than that to fix up these problems, to address the inherent cruelty in the trade, and it hasn't been able to be Herald Sun 05.10.05 done satisfactorily." CHARITIES that run anti-government campaigns Senator Bartlett said the suffering and death of during elections may lose their tax deductible status. thousands of sheep aboard the Cormo Express, stranded The RSPCA is at the top of a hit-list after a campaign for months in the Persian Gulf two years ago, exposed against live animal exports during the last election. The the cruelty of the trade to all Australians. Australian Conservation Foundation and the Wilderness Society are also in Special Minister of State Eric Abetz's The Australian livestock trade to Saudi Arabia was sights for campaigning against the Coalition's forests suspended in August 2003 after the Cormo Express, policy last year. laden with 57,000 sheep, was turned away by Saudi Arabia. The following is the funding that the RSPCA is to receive from governments this year: Senator Bartlett, a former state president of the Queensland branch of Animal Liberation, said the live Victoria $200,000 (which includes a one-off grant of trade failed to measure up to even the most basic of $50K) Australian animal welfare standards. Queensland $2.5 MILLION for capital works (one off) and $165K for the Inspectorate "The simple fact is that these is an alternative market," Western Australia $250K a year for the next four years he said. "And we've seen that ... when the trade was South Australia $500K (Inspectorate) suspended to Saudi Arabia, the exports from Australia in Northern Territory $80K frozen meat, in chilled carcasses, increased ACT $170K dramatically. "The statement ... that these countries NSW - to be announced won't buy frozen meat is simply wrong." Last but not least, Tasmania - $300,000 (Inspectorate, PLUS "in kind" including office space, vehicles, etc) Senator Bartlett has introduced a motion to disallow measures that enabled the trade to resume, but it has Democrats call for end to Saudi come under fire from Liberal Senator Jeannie Ferris live export trade "Middle East customers do not want frozen carcasses," she said. "They want meat live. They want Halal killing ABC rural news and The Age 06.10.05 and they want fresh meat So for us to arrogantly say to http://www.abc.net.au/rural/content/2005/s1476117.htm these countries, well you'll have it the way we give it to you, the way Senator Bartlett wants it given, or you http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Bartlett-fails- won't have it at all, is just an arrogant dismissal of a to-shut-down-live-exports/ customer's set of criteria and demands." 2005/10/06/1128562921990.html Liberal senator Judith Adams was critical of Senator The Democrats are calling on the Government to stop Bartlett's motion, which she said would effectively wipe live exports to Saudi Arabia, and have tabled what they out the current checks and balances. say is the biggest petition to the Senate in a decade. The

Page 3 "These regulations have certainly improved the to annul the contract because Macpherson had been conditions under which livestock are transported," spooked by "recent developments" in the anti-fur Senator Adams said. campaign.

She said Western Australia produced around 80 per cent "By making yourself the new face of fur for Blackglama of the nation's total live exports. you are also making yourself a top target for PETA and animal activists around the world. When you take "As a West Australian farmer, I am very annoyed at the money from such a violent industry you also must carry rhetoric leveled at those involved the live export trade," their baggage," Mathews told Macpherson. In a last- Senator Adams said. "The livestock export trade is ditch appeal to Macpherson's vanity, he added the coda: crucial to farmers, pastoralists and livestock transport "And if you don't care about the animals, please operators who live and work in rural and remote areas consider this: fur adds 20 pounds and 20 years." of Western Australia." Labor did not support the motion, but is pushing for further reform and tighter regulation Mathews may well have a point. What else but vanity of the industry. could prompt the normally astute businesswoman to overlook the very real threat of harassment and The Age takes letters at [email protected] in reply humiliation in public, including interruptions at to ‘Bartlett fails to shut down live exports’ promotional events for her Elle Macpherson Intimates range in Australia, Britain and the US and those of every other brand she represents? Elle - Fur Traitor "It is quite surprising that she was not fully in tune with the magnitude of the circumstances surrounding this," noted one senior Australian celebrity management Fur flies as activists gun for Elle consultant on condition of anonymity. "She has a squeaky clean reputation and this wouldn't help it, Sydney Morning Herald October 8, 2005 because of the negative connotations associated with the whole business of the supposed cruelty to animals. It A signature on a does pose overall sales issues." petition 11 years ago has come back to haunt And here's the double catch. Unlike those who have Elle, writes Patty been dubbed "Fur scum" for merely promoting fur, Huntington. Macpherson also risks being branded a "fur traitor". That's because some 11 years ago, alongside Elle Macpherson has Blackglama's 2004 face, Cindy Crawford, Macpherson amassed an estimated had signed the Models of Compassion petition. And yes, personal fortune of $60 Crawford bore the brunt of PETA's wrath last year. million by endorsing everything from The Herald has obtained a copy of the petition, which lingerie to bath towels. bears Macpherson's signature underneath the pledge: But one campaign to "We, the undersigned, pledge our support to PETA's which she once lent her international campaign against fur. We understand name for nothing could animals are trapped, drowned and beaten to death in the potentially wind up wild, and gassed, strangled and electrocuted on fur costing her a lot more farms. We will speak up for animals by refusing to wear than six figures. fur."

In what must go down "We don't know what happened to Elle Macpherson," in endorsement history as said a PETA spokesman, Michael McGraw. "Years ago one of the more ridiculous scenarios, Macpherson she had integrity and she stood up for something when signed as the 2005 Fall face of the US Blackglama fur she condemned the violent killing of animals for their brand earlier this year - only to attempt to back out of fur. Apparently her word doesn't mean much to her." the contract, reported to be worth US$1.8 million ($2.36 million), at the same time as the campaign images Sydney Morning Herald takes letters at started appearing in international magazines. [email protected] Blackglama and Macpherson's manager, Stuart Cameron, declined to return the Herald's emails. However, according to a September 30 report in London's Daily Mail, Macpherson's lawyers are seeking

Page 4 Elle's fur gets unwelcome ones." Which all just proves that one person's terrorist can be another's piece of fluff. scrutiny Dr Natasha Cica is a strategy and communications The Age October 8, 2005 – for the full article see: consultant. http://www.theage.com.au/news/opinion/elles- unwelcome-scrutiny/2005/10/07/1128562996557.html Letter sent to The Age:

Elle Macpherson. The Body, now 42, recently scored a “…What a tragic figure poor Elle Macpherson is. First, big fat modelling contract to the tune of $2.3 million in the 1990's, she is struggling with her image, so she with an outfit called Blackglama. No, that's not a participates in an anti-fur campaign by PETA (People Jamaican porn website. It's a purveyor of coats made for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), along with from dead furry animals, touting for trade at the top end stablemates Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford and of town. A "Natural Female" Blackglama mink coat others. Then she was struggling financially, so she (and with Russian sable collar and cuffs easily sets you back they) accepted a contract with Blackglama to peddle its upwards of $15,000. Announcing the recruitment of appalling range of mink coats with sable collars. Macpherson to the Blackglama "Legend" advertising campaign, which has featured talent such as Judy Now she has the image problem back again, but she is Garland, Marlene Dietrich, Elizabeth Taylor, Audrey worth something like $60 million. Hepburn, Diana Ross, Cher, Linda Evangelista and Cindy Crawford, the company's CEO said: "Elle To help try and pull a few shreds of credibility together, Macpherson is a great addition to this very exclusive she must have taken lessons from the RSPCA's Hugh group … She embodies everything that Blackglama Wirth, who would have seized the opportunity to provide looks for in a legend — glamour, sophistication, and spiritual wisdom along the lines of "say you're timeless elegance." frightened for your safety; the animal activists are out to get you". People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which claims to be the world's largest animal rights Ms Macherpson, sensitive soul that you are, if you organisation and whose co-founder reportedly believes believe that being called a "fur turncoat" constitutes a "a rat is a pig is a boy is a dog", saw things differently. threat, then you are extraordinarily stupid. You, and no- Its vice-president penned Macpherson the following fan one else, have, in fact, exposed your children to a code mail: "By making yourself the new face of fur for of moral irresponsibility that supports the horrifically Blackglama you are also making yourself a top target cruel fur industry and shows them that compassion for for PETA and animal activists around the world … animal cruelty and commitment mean nothing unless When you take money from such a violent industry you they are in dollar terms. Grow up and take also must carry their baggage." responsibillity for your actions.

Looking down the barrel of a PETA fatwa, Macpherson As for The Age's correspondent Natasha Cica, acted like any responsible yummy single mummy with astrakhan fur is not a matter for flippancy. You should two young sons (call me old-fashioned, but they're not famililarize yourself with the facts of that sector of the rats, pigs or dogs — they're little boys) and a bankable fur industry, and research Chinese fur farms in general lingerie brand to protect. She tried pulling out of the for their treatment of cats, dogs, rabbits, raccoons and Blackglama pact at the 11th hour. But like all those countless other animals. You will find evidence of stitched-up minks, the Legend glossies are shot and cruelty that you would never have believed possible. waiting to walk out the door into the northern autumn S Cass (TAS) 8.10.05 chill.

Confused, I took a quick vox pop on The Body's The Age takes letters at [email protected] dilemma. Citizen A, style queen and parliamentary lobbyist, asked: "What happens to my grandmother's G Castle sent in this link which says it gives access to astrakhan coat?" The ethics police at treehugger.com are contact details for Elle McPherson strangely silent on that one, despite their strident It’s from Internet Movie database (a free trial of their reminder that every new coat "means that 30 foetal pro account) so it isn’t something I’d automatically lambs need to be killed and their carcasses will be write off as 100% dodgy, if you haven’t found any other thrown in the trash. Not only are they killed, but the contact details for her then this may be of use: pregnant ewes are as well." http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000512/contact Citizen B, cat lover, sniffed: "Elle's a complete flake, albeit rich. And I do wear Bendon undies, but not furry Or email [email protected] who make the Elle MacPherson intimates lingerie range.

Page 5 Suffering of animals Ingham: Prizes a Christian concern chickenfeed

Although many Herald Sun 8.10.05 animals will be http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/common/ blessed at St Francis’ story_page/0,5478,16849563%255E11088,00.html Day services in Anglican parishes in the first week of AUSTRALIA'S biggest racehorse owner Bob Ingham October, there are has made a scathing assessment of the racing industry, unlikely to be any saying prizemoney was far too low in Sydney and cheetahs, dolphins or Melbourne. Asiatic black bears Although Australian prizemoney is the envy of many among them. Yet these racing clubs overseas, it clearly does not impress the and many other Sydney-based Ingham, who, along with his late brother, creatures world-wide Jack, built the biggest racing and breeding operations in are the concern of the Australia as well as one of the world's largest chicken British-based industries. Anglican Society for the Welfare of Asked what he thought about the state of racing, the 74- Animals (ASWA). Founded over 30 years ago, the year-old multi-millionaire said: "Up the shit, I think." organization, which also has an Australian membership, aims to make Christians and others aware of the need to Pressed for reasons, he said: "Because of the care for the whole creation. In particular, it is concerned prizemoney. The costs of racing and training horses is with the abuse of animals. going up all the time and the prizemoney isn't going up to match. It's a real tough business and, for these This is not a new Christian preoccupation. An Anglican reasons, it's getting tougher all the time." priest, the Revd Arthur Broome, founded the first-ever animal protection society, the RSPCA, while CS Lewis, Mr Bob Ingham should know the answer to that one. John Wesley and William Wilberforce all spoke out Just ask him about the millions he made in the chicken against animal cruelty. The Bishop of Manchester, Nigel industry by ‘keeping costs down’ He has built a fortune McCulloch, who was in the Diocese of Melbourne on the intensive farming of chickens. The birds live earlier this year as keynote speaker at the clergy short miserable lives of extreme confinement, pumped Conference, is one of the patrons of ASWA, as is well- full of antibiotics and surrounded by their own shit. known evangelist Tony Campolo. Yes, “up the shit” would be a good description. It’s a wonder your race horses are still “free range” Mr While the Church seems finally to be acknowledging Ingham. that it should be involved in preserving the environment, it often stays silent on issues relating to The Herald Sun takes short letters at animal cruelty. Not so the Newcastle and Ballarat [email protected] Dioceses which have recently passed identical Synod motions urging commitment to animal welfare:

Please see the rest of the article published in the October issue of The Melbourne Anglican (TMA) (www.media.anglican.com.au) Please encourage all to take up the cause for animal rights. Relevant issues could include the human disgrace of factory farming and how vegetarianism positively effects not only animals but the environment, and human health. I have done some research in this area and can email it out to anyone who wants it.

Page 6 money into a life of captivity at popular aquariums and Ocean Update... “swim with the dolphins” water parks.

(for details on the below events see Writer H Kennedy sent in the following info from http://www.seashepherd.org/index.html to see what you WSPA: Most captive dolphins don’t live beyond 5 can do to help) years because of the psychological stress of living in an area one ten thousandth of their natural habitat. Inside This past week, the first arrest was made on the island the concrete walls of a pool, sonar bounces off the of La Reunion of an individual using live dogs or cats featureless environment forcing the dolphin to live the as bait for sharks. He was to appear in court this week rest of their life as though ‘blindfolded” and we will keep you apprised of the situation. You can voice your concerns to those responsible listed on Sea See www.wspa.org.au for more info and ways to help. Shepherds website. Captain Paul Watson of Sea Shepard has just recently Sea Shepherd will head from Australia to the waters of returned from South Africa where met with Francois the Southern Ocean Sanctuary in late December to Hugo of Seal Alert – SA to discuss our cooperative oppose the Japanese slaughter of whales. Their ruthless efforts to protect South African fur seals. killing vessels hunt and murder these beautiful creatures in one of the few designated places where whales are supposed to be able to live and breed in peace. Please support in their efforts.

Yesterday October 8th Sea Shepherd participated with dozens of other organizations worldwide in Japan Dolphin Day – an international protest against the slaughter of over 20,000 dolphins that takes place each year in Japan beginning in October. The fishermen in villages like Taiji, go out in small boats to known dolphin migratory routes. When the dolphins arrive, the fishermen drop long metal pipes into the water, and by banging on the pipes they create a wall of sound. The sound interferes with the dolphins' ability to navigate - it disorients and panics them. The dolphins swim away

Phil Woollen from www.thewinsomeconstancekindnesstrust.com says “These are pictures taken yesterday by my friend Francois in South Africa. (These are some of the "milder" pictures - and 300,000 ++ seals are killed every year in the area) If you want bang for your buck - support the little guys on the ground. They punch above their weight - and they deliver results. Likewise, if you want to leave a bequest in your will, do it for the real workers. . . from the sound, and the fisherman maneuver their boats Short but Important herding them into a small shallow bay. Once in the bay, nets are drawn across the mouth of the bay to keep them penned in. The fishermen usually injure a few of the Objections to proposed captive dolphins with a spear thrust or a knife slash - Berrybank broiler complex dolphins will not abandon these wounded family members. the fishermen draw the nets in, forcing the dolphins closer to shore where they kill them by The broiler farm applications for Berrybank have been stabbing and slashing them with knives and hooks. officially withdrawn by Rural Funds Management on Some young female dolphins are sold for large sums of Thursday 29th of September. The site that this development was to be built on has been sold to a

Page 7 consortium of neighboring land holders. However MTV news 8.10.05: Call it Mötley Crüe vs. J. Crew Rural Funds Management claims that they will still be Tommy Lee is taking on the fashion retailer due to its pushing for a Broiler farm Development somewhere in sale of items trimmed with fur. Before his concert this area. But the locals felt it would be a good idea for Sunday night at the Las Vegas Hard Rock Hotel, Lee is objections to still go in and thank all who sent them – it planning to lead a PETA protest that afternoon at a J. can only hammer the message home that factory farms Crew store, where he will wear a body TV screen aren't welcome anywhere! The newly established showing an investigation of dog and cat fur-production Berrybank & District Community Group will be in China (which reveals that the animals were skinned fighting to oppose any further developments of this alive), since that's where J. Crew imports its fur from. nature. They will also be trying to establish the area as a "They should change their name to J. Cruel until they Broiler free zone. Apparently this has been done in the stop selling fur," Lee said. "Animals shouldn't be treated Mornington Peninsula. Now locals will keep their eyes in the nasty ways I've seen on this tape." and ears open for where RFM next plan to apply for a permit. Thanks everyone! Today, Paul McCartney’s activist wife is calling on George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom to China’s cat and dog fur trade help her stamp out fur wearing in Hollywood in a new public service announcement. Heather Mills- McCartney is shocked by the amount of stars who Yesterday (8.10.05) ignore the horrors behind fur coats and scarves because PETA released they fear they don't look glamorous without dead shocking footage animals on their backs. And, in an effort to send out a from a recent powerful message, the Brit wants to record a investigation into the commercial with the world's leading men. She says, "I Chinese dog and cat want them to say to camera, `Only ugly, stupid women fur industry, in which wear fur. Be happy in your own skin.' millions of dogs and Mills-McCartney insists this is the only way to get the cats are bludgeoned, message across because stars like Jennifer Lopez who hanged, bled to includes fur designs in her Sweetface fashion range, death, and strangled constantly ignore letters sent by animal welfare groups with wire nooses so urging her to boycott animal pelts. that their fur can be turned into trim and trinkets. Their fur is Fur Pressure often deliberately mislabeled as that of Sending off short emails whenever you come across fur other animals and articles can help reinforce the message to retailers that exported into the United States, the European Union, the public will NOT tolerate fur. It only takes 5 minutes. and other countries, where it is sold to unsuspecting See my email below and the reply I received the next customers in retail stores. Retailers such as J.Crew day: purchase all their fur from China, supporting the hideously cruel fur trade. Up to 8,000 animals are “I have noted that on CNW Group's website, the Payless loaded onto each Fall Collection 'Has All the Season's Must-Haves truck, with cages Including Fur Trim, Menswear Tweeds, Luxurious stacked one on top of Suedes and Sparkling Stones. 'http://www.newswire.ca/ the other. Cages en/releases/archive/September2005/26/c3708.html For containing live ethical reasons I avoid animal fur. Could you please animals are advise if the Payless Fall Collection uses animal or faux commonly tossed fur…” from the top of the trucks onto the “…Carmen, the news release issued earlier this ground 10 feet morning from Payless ShoeSource on key women's fall below, shattering the footwear and accessories trends inadvertently omitted legs of the animals the word faux in reference to fur-trimmed boots. It inside them. Many of should have read "faux fur-trimmed boots." Sorry for the animals we saw any confusion this may have caused…” Mardi Larson, still had collars on, a Public Relations Consultant, Payless ShoeSource sign that they were someone's beloved companions, stolen to be made into fur coats. Watch the video here http://www.jcruel.com/catdogfur.asp

Page 8 Sandringham Library display Kangaroos, Myths and Realities

Maryland Wilson, President of the Australian Wildlife Protection Council will launch their new book Kangaroos Myths and Realities with the help of Lynda Stoner and Tony Bonner (of SKIPPYfame) on October 10th at 11 AM in the NSW Parliament Theatrette. It has been a long journey to the book launch in Sydney October 10th. “Finally we have received 6 advance copies of the book and the feedback is ‘fabulous', 'impressive' 'will be the bible for educators 'and one other from Dr Teresa Buss-Carden ' fantastic, I am so happy'. When Peter Singer returns to Melbourne for Xmas, he will be available for a book signing at Readingss or Melbourne Uni. sometime late February or March.”

I will be asking all writers to email their local library to One of ALV’s newest order a copy after the launch. members has organised an animal rights display in the Melbourne Vegan Sandringham Public Library foyer for Check out the last 3 editions of Melbourne Vegan: October. You can’t http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/melbv/web/ miss the display when Archive29.html entering the Library. Great grass roots http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/melbv/web/ activism! Archive31.html

First of all I contacted http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/melbv/web/ PETA and got heaps Archive30.html of info and material from them shipped out If you would like to receive this e-newsletter please to me. Then I contact Peter Carr at [email protected] approached Noah at ALV Carers needed ([email protected]) for some materials too. Then I Nicole Livermore (29.9.05) writes: went to the library and asked about displays: he had A lady I know needs to find a home for her young October open, so I took it. I female Australian Mist cat, Angel, as she has to do a lot had just been working on of traveling. The cat is Melbourne-based. small notes about certain areas in Animal Rights to Angel is very loving and affectionate and pines for stick in it, as well as buying human company. The ideal situation would be a new some "free of animal testing" owner that can spend a fair amount of time with Angel, products. who has no other indoor animals and a backyard that she can access. The owner's phone number is 0422 692 Hopefully a lot of people are 626. I hope someone can help! interested. I also put in a list of websites. It turned out to Helen and John (27.9.05) write: be better than I expected because October is full of Hope you may be able to help us find a temporary ‘animal rights days’. A home for our two beautiful 7 year old cats. Their names McKellar (VIC) are Jasper and Holly and they are a brother and sister. I am in the process of getting some photo's - which I can send on). They are used to the quite life, and enjoy eating and sleeping! The "Parents"- John and myself are off for a trip of a life time around Australia for around 1 Page 9 year. We are leaving at the end of October & we can't Writers Group - on track on have 100 by the end of the bear to give them away for good and wondered if year! anyone in may be able to assist. We are more than happy to pay for food, vet check-ups, kitty litter and Save the Chermside Hills make a donation. Please let me know if you can help. We would both be forever grateful. Tel: (03) 9243 2469 Reserve [email protected] We are a community group trying to stop the destruction Dilys (27.9.05) writes: of the Chermside Hills Reserve. The Brisbane City Council wishes to link the east and Sadly Jessie's owner has gone into a nursing home and west sections of Hamilton Road. In doing this they she needs to find a loving home. Jessie is a sweet little propose to carve a four lane wide chasm through the Jack Russell/chihuahua X. She's about 7 years old, is southern border of the Chermside Hills Reserve. This desexed and would suit someone who's home most of strip contains valuable habitat and food resources for the day, perhaps an elderly person, (although she does fauna, species of conservation significance, and is in seem quite adaptable). She is a very affectionate little such a good state, it appears to be self-sustaining and dog with a beautiful nature, who used to sit on the out-competing weeds - something rarely seen at the couch with her elderly owner every day. I am going to margins of remnant bushlands throughout Brisbane. We foster her until a permanent home is found. I can be have Platypus in Cabbage Tree Creek, a creek within 10 contacted on 9873 1992 (AH), 9637 5684 (BH) or on kms of the Brisbane CBD. We have Koalas, Grey my mobile 0409 867 040. Goshawks, Short-Beaked Echidnas, Yellow-Footed Antechinus, Sugar Gliders, rare species of Lillypilly and Cruelty Free Expo much, much more. All of this is under threat! There is more of information on our website (www.savechermsidehills.com) We desperately need your help. The council will be bringing down its decision in the next few weeks and we feel that they are going to ignore the greater community and push ahead with this road. Kind Regards, John Martin ph: 07 3315 4200.

KFC Demo Feedback

Every Saturday between 1 and 2pm there is a demo outside KFC Swanston Street, Melbourne. Besides getting encouraging feedback on the street, ALV recently received this email…

“…Tonight my nephew, newly arrived from the UK, sought to buy a burger from KFC. He found a group handing out leaflets (yours). Shocked, he purchased chips only, then left. He later discussed the leaflet with other KFC visitors nearby. This incident has disturbed him greatly. I write, because you perhaps need to be aware that your efforts, whilst not always apparent at the scene, do indeed appear to reach others. In this instance, I understand there were several avowals never to purchase chicken burgers from KFC again! I suggest you are reaching far more people than you realise. From what I heard this evening, will have several young joiners to your admirable team. 23 October, Prahran Town Hall. $10 entry. Kind regards, Lorraine…” www.livecrueltyfree.org Register if you are interested in being a volunteer on the day. I will be giving a talk about the ALV Writers Group in a workshop between 12:50 to 1:30pm…and hopefully signing up more writers. We currently have 94 members in the ALV

Page 10 health. If politicians here really disease is through the transport of Go Go cared about our welfare they would poultry and poultry products. These do the same. And fast. battery and broiler chickens in H Kennedy (VIC) factory farms are providing the Writers Go! perfect environment for the spread PUBLISHED – HERALD SUN of Avian flu. Australia currently 27.9.05 has around 10.5 million battery hens living in sheds which can hold Get rid of poultry flu risk up to 60,000 birds per shed. To save space cages are stacked on top The risk to the public from bird flu of one another, often 6 – 8 tiers deserves more action. If this high, when the top birds poop, this epidemic reaches our shores we falls through to the bottom cages, it need to be better prepared than our dries and pulverizes into dust neighbours. Intensive farming of which is then inhaled by the birds poultry will cause the disease to and anyone who is in the sheds. spread like wildfire. Government With broiler chickens, the litter is and industry must start phasing out not changed during the birds short, battery and broiler farming. The pathetic life, meaning the stench, cost in human suffering will soon dirt and dust in the sheds is exceed the few cents saved on indescribable. The Government factory farm eggs. should act now to close down these I Killip (VIC) sheds, their job is to protect us and our country, and Avian flu is a far Thank you to all writers who sent To The Advocate, The Examiner, more serious threat to our welfare copies of their letters to and The Mercury. at this stage than terrorism…” [email protected]. E Hardy (TAS) 28.9.05 “…With the spread of deadly bird (Don’t forget to send copies of your flu, and concerns that it might To The Age letters in, whether they have been mutate from birds to humans, is it published or not.) not about time that the Australian “…The public must realise that government took a long hard look when they order "chicken" from a at battery farms and broiler fast food outlet or supermarket, Bird Flu chickens? These birds are kept in they are helping to perpetuate a overcrowded, filthy conditions cruel, intense farming industry that PUBLISHED - HERALD SUN which are an open invitation for continues to put profit above the 1.10.05 viruses and diseases to spread like welfare of birds and the consumers. wildfire once they take hold. Could Keeping huge numbers of chickens (published the day before the Bali Avian flu become the next Mad in filthy crowded sheds provides bombing) Cow disease? Could the public pay just the right environment for bird the ultimate price due to producers flu to spread. The way the birds `Bird flu the real national threat' putting profits above the welfare of are gutted when processed allows customers? During the 19th the intestinal contents spill over the Politicians should be worrying less century human beings lived in flesh. Even though the meat is about terrorism and more about overcrowded unhygienic slums, washed, gut remnants can remain. bird flu. which then became a breeding The virus can also be spread Egg and chicken producers in this ground for plague which killed through faeces on eggs. country have long put profit above many thousands. Are these Water and air from these intense the health of consumers. Now they conditions not being replicated farming sheds can contaminate the are putting human lives at risk. now in battery farms? neighbouring areas with the virus. Conditions in factory farms are Factory farmed animals are disgusting and mirror the Third Factory farming, in which all birds constantly fed antibiotics to help World environment that produced and animals are kept in them survive, making them a bird flu. overcrowded unnatural conditions, breeding ground for anti-biotic Health-conscious, sensible is an environmental disaster resistant bacteria - another public Switzerland has already banned waiting to happen. Although health threat! intensive ``factory'' farming migratory birds can carry Avian Intensive farming practices need to because of the risk to human flu, the United Nations tells us the be phased out, not only for ethical major cause of the spread of the reasons, but for public health and Page 11 welfare. Councils should not give disease is through the transport of in it. any more permits for factory farms, poultry or poultry products. The C Stansfield (VIC) and this includes intensive pig 10.5 million caged hens and 419 farms. We don't want bird flu to million broiler chickens intensively To the Herald Sun become Australia's mad cow farmed in Australia will provide disease. If bird flu gets here, it just the right environment for the “…Ethically bankrupt could be too late to change our virus to spread throughout this Millionairess: Elle MacPherson's farming practices…” country. Avian viruses are highly declaration "I'd rather go naked V Ortega (VIC) 29.9.05 contagious and readily transmitted than wear fur" 10 years ago, to from farm to farm by mechanical signing a multimillion dollar “…Does the government means, such as by contaminated contract to become the new face of realise how vulnerable Australians equipment, vehicles, feed, cages, or fur for Blackglama, has astounded are to the avian influenza virus? clothing. me. Another example of integrity Unless changes are made (and It's time the government stepped in for sale. Don't you have enough made quickly) to the way poultry to clean up intensive farming cash, Elle?...” and poultry product farming is practices. The meat and eggs might G. Leven (VIC) 4.10.05 carried out in this country, human be cheap, but it's a false economy health is at risk. Infected birds in the long run. The animals live in “…Integrity for sale: In answer to secrete the virus in their faeces. filthy, unhygienic crowded Rodney van Lieshout, Kaleen, The filthy, crowded conditions of conditions - a breeding ground for ACT - Herald Sun October 6 re intensively farmed chickens offer disease. Factory farmed chickens Elle Macperson's backflip on the perfect incubation for this and pigs are not included in the promoting animal fur. I am disease. ruminant feed ban and are fed other astounded that you branded the In Australia there are 419 million ground up animals, including their animal rights organisation, PETA broiler chickens (chickens raised own kind, in compound animal as economic terrorists. If you really for their meat) confined to huge feeds. They are also fed antibiotics want to talk terrorism, take the time sheds each holding 60,000 to on a regular basis. After mad cow to research the methods by which 200,000 birds. The litter is never disease, the threat of antibiotic these creatures are killed. No changed during the 6-8 weeks it resistant superbugs, and now the federal humane slaughter law takes the birds (thanks to heavy bird flu, when is the Government protects animals on fur factory drugs) to reach `adult size', which going to recognize that factory farms and killing methods are means when they are transported to farms are biological disasters unimaginably gruesome to say the slaughter they are covered with waiting to happen, and a threat to least. I am sure we can have a dust and dried poop. public health?...” healthy economy without torturing At chicken processing plants the C Stansfield (VIC) 30.9.05 defenceless creatures…” birds are gutted at fast rate causing G Leven (VIC) 7.10.05 intestinal contents including faeces to spill over the flesh. They are “…Elle should be ashamed of washed but remnants remain. Elle, Fur Turncoat herself! Millions of animals are E.coli from faeces is the most raised every year to be slaughtered common contaminant of raw for items like fur coats and all she's PUBLISHED - HERALD SUN poultry meat. There seems nothing worried about is a public backlash. 4.10.05 to stop the virus spreading this Maybe she should think about the way. suffering she creates by endorsing Rough bed for Elle And what is anybody doing about these products. Animals used for all this? Switzerland banned fur are raised like battery hens and This Australian has no sympathy factory farming several years are sometimes skinned alive....there for Elle McPherson coming under ago because of fears it represented is a lot more to think about than pressure from animal rights major dangers to human health. what strangers think of you!...” activists after becoming the new Perhaps the Swiss politicians care A. Uren (SA) 2.10.05 face for US fur label Blackgama more for their constituents than (‘Extremist mail fur-rightens Elle’ Howard, Bracks et al?...” “…I was amused to read yesterday 1.10.05). It makes me sick the way H. Kennedy (VIC) 28.9.05 that Elle McPherson is scared of some celebrities will endorse any going ahead with her contract with product. The thousands of caged To Sydney Morning Herald Blackgamma mink in case she is breeding minks whose offspring targeted by “anti-fur extremists’” are slaughtered and skinned for “…Even though migratory birds Absolutely everyone knows fur is Blackglama fur coats cant speak up can carry bird flu, work by the the product of cruelty and been a for themselves, but there are many United Nations shows that by far target for vitriol for 30 years. How compassionate people who will. the major cause of spread of the could she be so stupid as to think Elle, you made your bed - now lie Page 12 compassionate people would sit lethal, and many animals wake up clothing? Innocent animals are quietly while she reaps over $2M while being skinned. Strychnine being mercilessly murdered, necks from advertising a product ripped poisoning, gassing, decompression and backs broken, skinned alive, so from the carcass of an animal chambers and neck-snapping are that J Crew’s profits are increased. which has been killed by having an common fur-farm slaughter I fully support, and will actively electrified rod forced into it’s anus. methods. promote, a boycott on all J. Crew What’s amusing is that while she The chinchilla fur industry products until it goes fur-free. If claims to have been threatened, the considers electrocution and neck- you must use fur, please make it reality is she stands to lose millions breaking acceptable. fake…” from her own lines of clothing and In 1995 an American pelt supplier L Bristow (VIC) 29.9.05 other products thanks to adverse was charged with cruelty for reactions from people like me who injecting a mix of rubbing alcohol “…I am appalled to hear reported will not allow my children or and weed-killer into the chests of that J Crew is using fur from China partner to give money to someone minks. PETA undercover - where a year long undercover who profits from such cruelty. investigators videotaped Frank investigation into fur farms Cavemen invented fur coats and Parsons, of Salisbury, Md., using uncovered the most appalling they are still the ones trying to an illegal pesticide, Blackleaf 40, animal violence! peddle them today. Elle’s publicist to kill the minks, which died It's a country that doesn’t have any says she is “…not ethically slowly, in agony - but cheaply. animal welfare laws! opposed to fur”. Well, I’m not Glamorous, Ms Macpherson? Try to ignore the dancing dollars ethically opposed to ignorance, but Ethical? Worth the $2.5 million?...” signs for 2 minutes and watch the wake up to yourself Elle; do you H.Kennedy (VIC) 2.10.05 video evidence at furisdead.com. really need the money?...” A label that will stoop to the very G Castles (VIC) 2.10.05 To MX newspaper worst animal abuse to make a buck is a label that deserves to be To the Sydney Morning Herald “…Skins & Fur for The Body: publicly condemned . Until you Poor Elle McPherson. drop fur - I will work consistently “…Multi-Millionaire Elle Embarrassingly, her ego has to advise anyone and everyone to Macpherson, who ten years ago trumped her ideals. The moral avoid your stores and to spread the posed for a PETA anti fur ground she once stood so firmly word. advertisement has now signed a upon has deliquesced, leaving her Fashion lovers are shocked by $2.5 million fur contract to model in a puddle of blood. She has video evidence of animals being mink jackets. allowed herself to be enticed by an beaten to death and skinned alive – It is claimed she ``has never seen ego stroking campaign, in order to I find it appalling that J Crew anything ethically wrong in be presented to the world as ‘a isn't!...” wearing fur'' (SMH 1.10) and is legend’ . Shame. The Body, or C Stansfield (VIC) 26.9.05 terrified of anti-fur protesters. An should we now say ‘The Legend’, attempt, perhaps, to try to deflect seems to have lost her identity. The attention to mythical ‘militants’ All Australian Elle McPherson is and away from the agony animals no longer in the house - she's sold RSPCA endure. herself down the river of pain for Fur farmers pack animals into tiny another moment of gory, glittery PUBLISHED – THE AGE cages to cut costs. This is fame…” 25.9.05 particularly distressing to minks, R Burgess (VIC) 27.9.05 which are Where's the 'fair go'? solitary creatures needing many hectares to run, and water in which RSPCA CEO Maria Mercurio says to swim. Crushed J Crew Fur the "Fair go for farm animals" together, minks self-mutilate, campaign targeting battery (caged) biting at their skin, tails and feet. “…I feel compelled to write to hens "is reliant on the community Animals are killed by anal your company re your decision to to bring to our attention matters electrocution so as not to damage manufacture, sell and promote where it is felt animal welfare is the pelt. This means an electrically clothing made from fur. These compromised" ('An uphill battle', charged steel rod is inserted into garments are made in China. Do Letters 18/9). the animal's rectum, literally frying your customers know of the Animal Liberation Victoria its intestines. inhumane and savage methods that volunteers consistently walk onto Small animals are crammed into Chinese fur farmers undertake to egg farms in the middle of the boxes and poisoned with hot, obtain the pelts? Is J.Crew aware of night, with torches, and find and unfiltered engine exhaust - again, the torture these animals endure in photograph hens with open wounds to cut costs. This is not always the manufacturing of their and bleeding prolapses, dying hens Page 13 and rotting carcasses. It provides become cheaper and more readily this evidence to the RSPCA available. By using their good “…"We've added a beauty spot" is inspectorate, as it has for the past reputation, RSPCA could endorse the latest advertisement by the egg 10 years. and advertise, (or even industry - and the beauty spot on Can Ms Mercurio please tell of any manufacture?) meat alternatives the egg is a tick by the National actions the RSPCA has taken to highlighting their cruelty free Heart Foundation. prosecute egg farmers for failing to production, delicious flavours, high Can the egg industry now please provide assistance to animals in protein and fat-free content. At the work on a 'beauty spot' for caged obvious pain and distress? moment, they get royalties on their battery hens who produce Wouldn't that be giving battery free-range and barn laid eggs, but Australia's cage eggs. The inability hens a fair go by the only animal why not do this for non-meat to walk, combined with standing organisation with the authority to products? on nothing but sloping cage wire enforce animal-protection laws? There are few fast food and quick turns healthy hens into pathetic C Stansfield (VIC) meal options that are vegetarian. crippled specimens too weak to There could be a market, especially walk when eventually sent to To The Age if non-meat was realistically slaughter. Where's the beauty in priced. that?...” “…Congratulations to the RSPCA The FAIR GO FOR FARM C Stansfield (VIC) 26.9.05 for (finally!) having this campaign. ANIMALS campaign needs to be Our growing, consumer followed through, not just with To Australian Egg Corporation driven, population demands meat words, but with actions, and this Limited (AECL) to be available in butchers and means following through the supermarkets at the lowest possible logical consequence of phasing out “…I am disappointed to see the prices. This means that the birds of cruel farming practices…” new advertisements in the paper and animals (particularly poultry V Ortega (VIC) 26.9.05 regarding eggs. Why don't you and pigs) are treated show the battery farms these eggs "scientifically" as a come from? Why not show the process, with inputs and the hens with no feathers due to stress, appropriate outputs for Eggs the tiered cages surrounded by the consumer. Thus, we have manure and the de-beaked birds? intensive animal farming, where Many consumers will not be To the Herald Sun the subjects are kept in crates/cages convinced by this latest campaign. so small and crowded that they A Uren (SA) 25.9.05 “…Although eggs have been given cannot move and express any the National Heart Foundation's natural behaviours, only living AECL sent this condescending 'tick of approval' the actual short, miserable lives! This reply the next day… producers of the eggs remain far squeeze is unavoidable unless we from the spotlight. Around 90% of realize that meat is very expensive Thank you for your email. We are eggs produced in Australia are in terms of environmental and fully behind consumer choice in from caged hens. Most people are natural resources, and that it is this issue, particularly when now aware of the shameful being made cheaper at the expense consumers put an effort in to conditions endured by the battery of humane farming practices. research the issues surrounding egg hens laying these eggs. There is no The RSPCA should release that production. As an industry, 'tick of approval' for their lives of intense animal farming will we endeavour to maintain best suffering; in cages so small they continue while we have the practice in animal welfare can barely stand; for drowning in population demand on these techniques and we continue to their own manure pits; for their expensive resources at the lower spend thousands of dollars each lack of sunlight, fresh air, or the prices. Therefore, they should be year on research and development right to scratch about in the dirt. encouraging the development of to improve the welfare of laying The egg industry has no plans to alternative food sources as a hens. abolish such miserable conditions mainstream option, not just for From the research we know that only to slightly enlarge the cages in vegans and vegetarians. there are positive and negative 2008, while Victoria's largest egg There are very few alternative aspects of all production systems. farm, with cages stacked 8 high, is "meat" options in our Please find further details here: planning to expand this number. If supermarkets, and the few that http://www.aecl.org/public/content/ people feel the need to eat eggs exist tend to be more expensive aecl_consumers.asp?xcid=573 . please do not support the cruelty of than the real product! If the The advertising campaign we have this industry. Boycott the production increased and became been pursuing is not about production of caged eggs. Put more accepted by the general encouraging the purchase of cage people and poultry before profit…” public, these products could eggs. It is about promoting the L Bristow (VIC) 29.9.05 Page 14 health and nutritional benefits of a government that resulted in the desire their freedom from wholesome food product. EPBC Act revealed “aerial delivery exploitation; who demand a halt to Thank you once again for your of 1080 baits offers little target- the unnecessary cruelty of email. I appreciate your passion for specificity and baits may be readily misguided and useless scientific this issue and encourage you to buy located by Tiger Quolls”. exploration; I respectfully request eggs which you are comfortable Tiger Quolls are an endangered that the management of the with. Rest assured, whether you native species of meat-eaters. The Esplanade Hotel Freemantle buy cage, barn or free-range, the baits are delivered in meat. Not rescind their decision to host the nutritional benefits remain the only the spotted-tailed quolls, but a annual conference of the Australian same. whole range of native animals, and New Zealand Society for including brush-tailed phascogales Laboratory Animal Science. Anthony Fisk and several species of dunnart and Please take this important stand for Communications Manager antechinus, native rodents, the welfare of all animals unable to Australian Egg Corporation (NSW) potoroos, brushtail possums and protect, or speak out for, T +61 2 9409 6909 many species of birds could be themselves….” L Bristow (VIC) F +61 2 9954 3133 poisoned by aerial baiting. 29.9.05 M +61 4 1484 8125 Because of the randomness of the approach there is also no way to control where the baits land, so the poison may simply pollute the soil. Animal Save the spot tailed There are more humane ways to control wild dogs - exclusion Experimentation quoll fencing for one. As environment minister you have To The Telegraph (UK) To Minister for the Environment, been building a good reputation - VIC, Mr John Thwaites. please don't spoil it by approving “…Millions of animals are killed in aerial baiting…” the UK each year in animal “…I am writing to voice my H. Kennedy (VIC) 27.9.05 experiments. The public is concern re reports indicating the expected to turn a blind eye to this possible introduction of aerial “…I wish to place on record my unethical practice in the belief that baiting with 1080, in North-East objection to aerial baiting in North- is necessary to develop life saving Victoria, to reduce wild dog East Victoria. medicines. Yet here is another numbers for the protection of sheep I understand there is pressure to example of animal exploitation for in the area. use this method to reduce wild dog frivolous reasons: 'Hope for Such an indiscriminate means of numbers and protect sheep. The baldies as mouse grows baiting would be potentially bait offers little target specificity. fur' (27.9.05). The article tells us disastrous to a range of native Other carnivorous native animals that by genetically manipulating species including, spotted-tailed are vulnerable to poisoning. This is bald mice scientists have enabled quolls, brushtailed phascogales, not an acceptable solution. one to grow fur, thereby 'marking brushtail possums and various In Victoria the spot-tailed quoll is another step towards developing species of bird life. believed to be under significant the long-sought cure for baldness'. This would be tantamount to the decline and under a very high risk It seems to me that more animals wholesale slaughter of our native of extinction in this state. A more are needlessly killed in the pursuit fauna. target specific and humane solution of new products and profits than to The need for a more effective and must be found. The protection of save lives; Greed, rather than less harmful means of control sheep should not force us to make a need…” must be investigated before decision that could potentially C Stansfield (VIC) 27.9.05 irreparable damage is caused to our compromise the population of a already fragile and vulnerable native species on the brink of wildlife…” extinction. L Bristow (VIC) 29.9.05 C Stansfield (VIC) 26.9.05 Crocodiles

To Senator Ian Campbell “…I am terribly concerned that Minister for the Environment you are considering aerial baiting ANZSLAS in North-east Victoria. “…Congratulations on your As well as suffering a long, Conference decision to ban ``trophy’’ crocodile hideously painful death, the baits shooters from invading Australia. I are absolutely non target-specific. “…On behalf of all people who was delighted with your decision Tests by the Commonwealth respect the rights of animals; who and so pleased to hear your reasons Page 15 for it. Australians don't want live exports. tolerating practices overseas that It is wonderful to have a minister Please reconsider the options, and would not be accepted in who actually CARES about the don't let live exports happen Australia…” environment, and particularly one again!...” C West (VIC) 4.10.05 who appreciates the beauty and V Ortega (VIC) 4.10.05 uniqueness of our wildlife. “…Dear Senator McGauran, I’m sure you also have the support “…Democrats Senator Andrew I am writing to ask that your party of all compassionate Australians in Bartlett will move a motion in the support the motion being put your fight against the appalling Senate seeking to reverse the recent forward by Senator Bartlett to slaughter of whales…” reintroduction of the live export reverse the decision to re-introduce H Kennedy (VIC) 6.10.05 trade to Saudi Arabia. Past public live sheep exports to Saudi Arabia. actions, such as a petition This trade is an abomination and H Kennedy added: I thought expressing concern about the trade defies understanding in terms of Campbell was really good today - signed by over 100 000 cruelty and economic benefit. As he said crocodiles are Australians, have shown that there you would be aware, an abattoir “beautiful”… is widespread opposition to the recently closed in nearby Kyneton, continued operation and expansion yet we continue to export local jobs of live animal exports. by way of this trade. I am writing to ask that you to Our family has always supported Live Exports support Senator Bartlett in this the Coalition at the ballot box and motion on the following grounds: in other more tangible ways. Sheep will experience extreme heat However we feel so strongly about On 5.10.05 Democrats Senator stress as they are subjected to this matter that this will change if Andrew Bartlett moved a motion in temperatures ranging from 30 - 50 the Government continues with a the Senate seeking to degrees Celsius coming into the policy which allows such cruel reverse the recent reintroduction of middle of summer. After such a treatment of animals…” the live export trade to Saudi long time on the oceans they will The Killip Family (VIC) 4.10.05 Arabia. Writers sent emails to experience eye infections and a make our views known to Senators substantial degree of blindness “…Dear Senators Humphries and of the other parties - to help get resulting from the mixture of dry Lundy, Democrats Senator Andrew this topic back into the political feed dust and salt in the air. Bartlett will move a motion in the arena and show that we were not They will be subjected to brutal Senate seeking to reverse the recent happy with a resumption of the handling at the end of their journey reintroduction of the live export Saudi as seen in 60 Minutes footage two trade to Saudi Arabia. I am writing Trade - nor live exports in general. years ago. No amount of training or asking that you give consideration education of animal handlers in the to this motion and the wider “…I am writing to object to the re- Middle East will prevent the fact implications of such trade. introduction of live exports to the that the sheep will be painfully Live exports appear to be a Middle East. We know this killed whilst fully conscious, in commercial plus for Australia but industry is cruel, as the sheep traumatic conditions with fellow do have animal welfare aspects for suffer from extremes of sheep looking on in terror. the animals during their transport temperature on board, they are While being unloaded, some sheep and for their treatment upon arrival crowded together and often they will not be able to walk and will be at their market destination. get injured and trampled on, and left behind to be trampled on or Even if you are not particularly they are handled so terribly by the cruelly beaten by impatient exercised about this issue, as the buyers as seen on Sixty Minutes attendants. greater majority of our citizens are some time ago. They are killed Some will become sick while on consumers of animal product, you while fully conscious and see the boat and be thrown into the might want to reflect on the true others dying in front of them. mincer sometimes whilst still opportunity-costs of the animal What standards are we setting? conscious. industries in Australia. Their call Live exports are unsustainable and The live export trade is not upon the public purse via unrealistic. sustainable and we must put all our infrastructure, relief from seasonal We defended the whales, rightly so, efforts into stopping the brutality factors, and science research must but on our own back door sheep are that is involved in it. be of concern to all citizens. allowed to suffer such extreme Farming bodies say the industry is Commercial benefit does not transport to countries that have working to educate other countries always equal good economics nor animal welfare standards far below about animal welfare standards, but acceptable ethics. those in Australia! This industry is the issue cannot be forced upon Although portrayed as Aussie lead by profits and nothing else. people with different cultural family enterprises, it seems to me beliefs. The industry should not be from a reading of the financial

Page 16 press, that such producers are way, that you are proud of…” J Pascke replied the same day… increasingly part of larger J Paschke (VIC) 4.10.05 diversified investment portfoilos, “…Thank-you for your reply, whose investors may be receiving J Pascke received this reply from Senator. It is good to hear of an distorted market signals. This is Senator McDonald 2 days later… attempt to change the current state reinforced by the urban myths of the live export trade. surrounding such industries (self- Thank you for your email Unfortunately I believe once again reliance, rugged individualism etc). regarding livestock exports. that it is all just words on paper. It would be timely for Senators to I understand the concerns you and Yesterday I read the National pass a supplementary motion many other Australians have in Animal Welfare Bill and I just calling upon the Government to regards to the welfare of livestock, thought "isnt most of this the law at task the likes of the Productivity including those exported live. The the moment anyway?” Many Commission with such a cost- Australian Government does not, people don't follow the law when benefit analysis and to model the and will not, tolerate cruelty to there is money involved and consequences, for GDP and the animals and has made a number of especially if what they are doing distribution of wealth and improvements to standards in the isn’t being watched over by a government services, that would livestock industry. sincerely interested party who has follow on from a major reduction In 2003 the Australian Government the authority to penalize any illegal in the export of animals and their commissioned an investigation into actions. product, as well as an overall Australia 's livestock export You know as well as I do that reduction of such industries….” industry, undertaken by Dr John cruelty to these animals, all P Purcell (ACT) 3.10.04 Keniry. In response, the animals, will go on as long as they Government has provided a $4 are used to exchange money. Even “…Dear Senator Macdonald, I million commitment to help the RSPCA cannot be relied upon. am writing to express my objection improve the welfare practices and The mentality that animals are here in regards to the live export trade, to upgrade the handling procedures at our disposal and the lack of especially the reintroduction in importing countries. empathy most humans have for of sheep being shipped to Saudi Legislation has also been passed to them will never go away until we Arabia. From where I stand I can implement stronger regulations of take steps to end their exploitation see that there is growing opposition the livestock export industry, which forever. Humans are always within Australia to the continued includes a requirement to comply evolving. Some of us have evolved operation and expansion of live with the Australian Standards for already to a place where we do not animal exports. the Export of Livestock. need to eat animals. We CAN My main concern is the way these Memorandums of Understanding survive. We DO survive. It is animals are treated once on foreign (MOUs) have been signed with frustrating waiting for so many soil. They are slaughtered in the countries including the United others to catch up. Middle East in ways that are Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, unacceptable in Australia both in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Eritrea. terms of consumers' minds and in The MOUs aim to protect the Objections to terms of Australian welfare laws. health and welfare of animals by Farming bodies claim the industy is agreeing on conditions by which Broiler Complex working towards educating other the trade in live animals can be countries about welfare standards, undertaken. Please note that writers objections but the issue cannot be forced on You can find detailed information have been severely edited due to people with different cultural on Australian Government the repetition of information and beliefs. One heartless example: our initiatives on the welfare of live lack of space. Many thanks to all sheep are killed whilst fully trade animals on the Department of who sent objections. conscious. It's not ok here, it's Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ILLEGAL, so why do we suddenly website at “… The crowding associated with not care about this practice once www.daff.gov.au/livetrade. such a proposal will contribute to we wash our hands of them and Thank you for your concerns. I the threat posed by diseases such as collect the money? will convey them on to the avian influenza. As has happened It is completely unacceptable to me Australian Minister for Agriculture, in Asia, human contact with birds and i can assure you that the Fisheries and Forestry, the Hon in confined conditions has been pressure to end this appalling, Peter McGauran MP. positively associated with the brutal trade will only increase until crossing of the avian flu virus into it is stopped. Realise what is Senator the Hon. Sandy Macdonald the human population (please see REALLY going on and whether or Parliamentary Secretary to the attached document, Table 4, Item 2 not you are behaving in a way, and Deputy Prime Minister and 'Exposure to settings in which making decisions and choices in a Minister for Trade domestic fowl were confined or

Page 17 had been confined in the past 6 proposal. look after every single bird in their weeks' (i.e broiler farms)). This With such negative effects on both care. document also contains human and animal populations, I It is unfathomable that the information on the effects of bird urge you all to take the side of the proposed chicken factory at flu in the human population and the Berrybank community and oppose Berrybank can be allowed to be apparent crossing of the virus the development of this broiler built, with millions of chickens between humans. What this means farm. Please consider who would directly affected by this decision. is that, although a broiler farm may really be benefiting from the I hereby voice my strong objection be located where there is a small development- the people profiting to the proposal of a chicken factory human population this does not monetarily from it or the rest of the at Berrybank. eliminate the potential for the population of our country whose Please do the compassionate and problem to escape into the wider health could be negatively affected right thing by the millions of birds community. by the diseases propagated via involved in this decision and do not The potential for an avian flu intensive farming. This is a serious allow this factory to be built…” outbreak in Australia is and important decision that you all A.Castle (VIC) 7.10.05 considerable and proposals such as have to make and I wish you the this do nothing to prevent such best in doing so…” “…I do not have the luxury of time outbreaks- rather they contribute L Campano (VIC) 7.10.05, to point out all the reasons for only to the financial prosperity of a Medical Scientist (etc) which this is a very, very grave few whilst putting the rest of us at mistake if the proposal is granted, even greater risk. The attached document referred to but will merely say that I object on In addition to the very real threat of in L Campano’s letter is a review the grounds of animal cruelty and I avian flu, broiler farms also article on Avian Influenza A trust you are fully aware of the contribute to the development of (H5N1) infections in humans from conditions of such complexes. antibiotic resistant bacteria. For the New England Journal of Please familiarise yourself with those with compromised immune Medicine. I can forward a copy to exactly what occurs when animals systems (cancer patients, the anyone who is interested. are subjected to this particular type elderly, babies and children, AIDS of practice. Most animal action patients), antibiotic resistance is a “…It is a known fact that chickens groups have excellent material major problem. I regularly see in factory farms are genetically which you would find not only cancer patients with antibiotic selected to grow and put on weight compelling, but vital in the resistant infections and the pain as fast as possible in order to be decision making process. and distress this causes is ready for slaughter at a mere 6 - 8 Meanwhile, these complexes are considerable. weeks old. As a result of this being outlawed in many European Also among my concerns regarding unnatural growth rate, birds often countries due to their barbaric this proposal are animal cruelty and suffer from weakness in their legs, nature. Please take this decision environmental issues. All large broken bones and crippling extremely seriously…” scale factory farms cause nitrogen physical deformities. Many of G Leven (VIC) and S Voutier pollution. All animals must eat to these birds spend much of their (VIC) 4.10.05 grow and if they eat they must also time sitting down on the floor of excrete. There are significant such factories, unable to move “…This proposal would see a total logistical and environmental issues properly without pain. of 2,840,000 birds grown each 6-8 associated with the disposal of As if these inflictions are not bad weeks. excrement from 14 million enough, these unfortunate chickens The dangers of such intensive chickens. In addition, animals must often have trouble getting food and animal husbandry are well known often live surrounded by their water from the dispensers which and include: excrement until slaughter. are raised as the other birds grow Risks to human health - especially Inevitably, humans end up taller and bigger. As a result, many with regard to spread of Asian bird consuming the bacteria (e.g: of these (and other smaller birds) flu and a breeding ground for salmonella) and for the chickens die slowly of dehydration and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci. and the workers at the farms, this starvation. After death, their pitiful Risk of contamination from means constant inhalation of bodies may not be removed for a nitrates, phospherous, zinc, and bacteria laden dust and ammonia significant period of time. toxic pathogens to the waterways, fumes. In addition, the birds are I have no doubt that incidents like Lake Corangamite & the Gnarkeet genetically bread to grow to full these will occur in the factory at Chain of Ponds, nearby. size within 42 days. This results in Berrybank as with 2 840 000 birds Also the development of broiler crippling, broken bones and being raised for slaughter every farms constitutes large scale animal deformities. The suffering in these 6-8 weeks, the managers and staff cruelty as the birds are forced to farms is immense and is a major at the factory will not have enough live in horrendous conditions of factor in my objection to this time and resources to sufficiently overcrowding, poorly lit and

Page 18 ventilated environs and are together in such a confined, factory farms are biological vulnerable to contracting various stacked area. The United Nations disasters waiting to happen, and a diseases, such as coccidiosis shows that the major cause of threat to public health…” and hepatitis. I fully support the spread of the disease is through the C West (VIC) 4.10.05 community of Berrybank in their transport of poultry or poultry efforts to prevent such an products. Intensively farmed “…The above application concerns inappropriate & monstrous broiler chickens are constantly fed me enormously and impacts on my development from taking place…” antibiotics encouraging anti-biotic mind in a highly negative and L Bristow (VIC) 4.10.05 resistant bacteria. distressing way. This proposal for Cruelty is another important issue: 35 sheds, each holding 64,000 “…I am lodging an objection to They are forced to growing birds - a total of 2,240,000 grown Planning Permit P05-145 on a unnaturally fast which cripples every 6-8 weeks of 5 batches a number of grounds as follows : The their fragile bones. It is an industry year, would see over 11 million associated dust, noise and odour based on cruel practices, and is chicks a year crowded into stinking emissions from such a large only for short term profit. Weak, sheds to 'grow' their flesh at this operation. The Environmental wounded or smaller birds are one site. The reasons for my destruction : In addition to nitrate unable to get to food or water and objection are numerous, but focus contamination, bird waste also can die slowly. Lastly, the mainly on the inherent cruelty in contains pathogens including community does not want it. As this industry. Salmonella which pose threats to the Council represents the (Edited paragraphs outlined animal humans and to nearby drinking community, it should NOT give the cruelty, environmental destruction, wells and surface waters. The site approval for this unhealthy, bird flu and VRE) I believe, is close to several waterways unethical, environmentally hostile without doubt, if any Councillor including Lake Corangamite and proposal…” from the Corangamite Shire the Gnarkeet Chain of Ponds. The V Ortega (VIC) 4.10.05 Council were to see what really vast majority of the people of goes on inside these broiler sheds Berrybank do not want this “While I do not reside in the of misery and filth they would not monstrosity in their town. The vicinity of the proposed be willing to approve this permit Asian Bird flu virus should development, I do feel that it has application. I am appealing to the obviously be taken into the potential to negatively impact Corangamite Shire Council not to consideration as it is a known upon myself - and indeed all of us - approve this permit application and threat to human health, especially in a number of indirect ways. I also to strive to keep your shire those who live near intensive wish to emphasise the negative compassionate, clean and poultry farms…” impact that this proposal will have healthy…” J Heald (VIC) 4.10.05 for the unfortunate animals that J Paschke (VIC) 3.10.05 will be cruelly exploited. My “…This type of intensive farming specific objections are as follows: Thanks J Paschke for pointing out is so cruel and we should not be (Asian bird flu, animal cruelty, the miscalculation in the Action even thinking about permitting new environmental destruction edited Email. The broiler chicken complex intensive broiler farms. Why on out for space reasons) Vancomycin proposal would see over 11 million earth is this being considered when Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in chickens per year (not 14 million) we are under threat of bird flu? chicken meat: Keeping poultry in such disgusting Intensively farmed broiler chickens “…I am writing to voice my crowded conditions is why bird flu are constantly fed antibiotics. This objection to Planning Permit is raging. I truly believe it will be a makes them a breeding ground for PO5-145, which is the disaster for Australia…” developing antibiotic resistant proposed broiler chicken farm in M Cordell (VIC) 2.10.05 bacteria. Enteroccoci (bacteria Berrybank. I am distressed to hear found in the gastrointestinal tract of that another broiler farm is to be I want to object to the above animals and humans) are built, which will produce over 11 proposal on the following grounds: opportunistic pathogens in million birds for slaughter every The risk of air-bourne hospitalized patients, surgical year. This will cause awful smells contamination from so many wounds and imunocompromised for nearby residents, produce chickens and dried faeces, water individuals. Vancomycin resistant excess dust and will obviously pollution for the waterways close enterococci (VRE), is found in impact nearby organic farmers. to the site. High concentrations of chicken meat from intensive Please reject this proposal…” heavy metals can also be found in poultry farms and has been the A Uren (SA) 2.10.05 manure, as a result of feed laden subject of recent news stories. VRE with zinc and copper. can cause serious human infections There is a huge risk of avian flu due to antibiotic treatment failure. with so many chickens crowded Councils need to realise that

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