<p> ANIMAL ISSUES BULLETIN January 24, 2012</p><p>======</p><p>** Bees and Bats in Distress ** The Environment Needs a Hero ** Was Public Deceived About Keiko? ** Valentine’s Day at Dogs Deserve Better ** Cruelty Wins in Supreme Court Decision ** Federal Law Outweighs Humane CA Ban ** Saint Paul Had His Say About Oxen</p><p>======</p><p>-- Speaking Of Bees and Bats --</p><p>The January 13 Grist article “Honeybee problem nearing a critical point” by Claire Thompson at http://grist.org/food/2012-01-13-honey-bees-problem-nearing-a-critical-point/ reports that the health of bee colonies continues to suffer. Although the cause of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) is not confirmed and several factors may contribute to the reduced lifespan and disappearance of entire bee colonies, many experts believe that pesticides are probably one of the main causes of CCD. </p><p>The Pesticide Action Network (PAN) has created a petition to the Environmental Protection Agency urging that agency to take action through: (1) increased funding for enforcement of label guidelines and use restrictions of pesticides; and (2) tougher restrictions on the use of insecticides that are particularly toxic to honey bees. To join the global movement to protect bees, go to: http://action.panna.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=6547</p><p>A Beyond Pesticides story detailed the importance of bees: “Because EPA has not adequately regulated certain pesticides, the food system, including many of the foods we enjoy eating most, are at risk,” said John Kepner, Project Director at Beyond Pesticides. “We can’t afford not to take action to protect pollinators –for wallets and dinner tables alike.” On Tuesday, commercial beekeepers shared first-hand accounts of the value of beekeeping, and of the dramatic impact of bee declines. Beekeepers estimate that one single bee kill from a pesticide exposure incident, representing 200 bee colonies, is responsible for an estimated $5 million of value to the agricultural economy. David Hackenberg, Co-Chair of the National Honey Bee Advisory Board and owner of Hackenberg Apiaries, estimates that his colonies alone generate $5 million in value over six months: $500,000 from California almonds in January, $800,000 from Georgia blueberries in March, $2 million from Pennsylvania apples and cherries in April, $500,000 from Maine blueberries in May, and $1 million from Pennsylvania pumpkins in June. … In 2000, the last official study, the value of pollination was estimated at $14.6 million. Beekeepers suggest number that under-calculates the value of their services. They suggest the real value of their operations is $50 billion, based on retail value of food and crop grown from seed that relies upon bee pollination. Bats are experiencing their own devastating disease called White-nose Syndrome (WNS). Just a few days ago the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) estimated that WNS has killed 5.7 million bats; and some experts believe this statistic is conservative. (See http://articles.nydailynews.com/2012-01-</p><p>1 | P a g e 18/news/30641297_1_white-nose-bats-extinction) Bats contribute approximately between $3.7 billion and $5.3 billion to our nation’s economy annually by keeping bug populations under control. More bats mean less use of pesticide on our lands and in our communities. We need our bats; even Congress agrees!</p><p>The federal 2012 budget includes $4 million dollars to fund research on WNS disease. But WNS is not the only thing threatening bats: add the federal government itself to the list. Here is an alert from the Center for Biological Diversity regarding the Forest Service land trade plan that would permit the largest coal corporation in the world to strip mine an area in the Shawnee National Forest in southern Illinois where two endangered bat species (Indiana bats and gray bats) live. The Forest Service is accepting comments from the public until January 31. To tell the administration to protect these endangered species and not trade 400 acres of stunning river and forest for dirty coal, go to http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/o/2167/t/5243/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=9250</p><p>======-- Ask Obama to Fight Harder for the Environment –</p><p>As mentioned in a previous Bulletin, the Keystone XL pipeline would bring dirty tar sands oil from Canada through regions of the United States and according to experts like would mean an environmental “end game” for experts like James Hansen of NASA. Others are not so concerned but basically think the pipeline is much ado about nothing. See the Washington Post article “Five Myths About the Keystone XL Pipeline by Michael Levi of the Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/five-myths-about-the-keystone-xl- pipeline/2011/12/19/gIQApUAX8P_story_1.html </p><p>When the Congress inserted language in temporary tax cut legislation to impose a deadline on the President’s decision to approve or reject the Keystone XL Pipeline, President Obama used this narrow technicality to turn down the plan. And his denial does not mean that other permits will not be submitted and possibly approved. Here is what he said: </p><p>This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people. I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil. Under my Administration, domestic oil and natural gas production is up, while imports of foreign oil are down. In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security –including the potential development of an oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico – even as we set higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and invest in alternatives like biofuels and natural gas. And we will do so in a way that benefits American workers and businesses without risking the health and safety of the American people and the environment. </p><p>In his statement, the President actually showed interest in the southern construction of the Keystone XL pipeline which would be crucial for TransCanada’s ability to transport the oil overseas. Many believe this is the real reason for the pipeline. If true, moving the oil overseas would severely weaken arguments that the pipeline would bring more jobs and lower gas prices to our country. Obama glossed over a need to “protect the American people” without ever explaining the potential harm the pipeline might have on our country’s lands or that climate change might be accelerated. </p><p>2 | P a g e</p><p>Go to Credo Action at http://www.credoaction.com/campaign/sotu_climate/?rc=homepage to tell the President he should take bold action to protect our country and the earth from climate change. Sign the petition. The goal is 100,000 and over 77,000 people have already signed on!</p><p>Also see the Center for Biological Diversity’s statement on climate change and the President’s State of the Union address at http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2012/state-of-the-union- 01-23-2012.html</p><p>A Huffington Post article gives us the bottom line: our addition to fossil fuel energy is harming wildlife and humans too. </p><p>The ten species most threatened by fossil fuels were recently highlighted in a new report titled, Fueling Extinction: How Dirty Energy Drives Wildlife to the Brink. The Endangered Species Coalition, in partnership with seven conservation groups, released the report on January 19th. A panel of scientists selected species nominated by the conservation groups. ..</p><p>Read the entire post from Leda Huta of the Endangered Species Coalition by going to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leda-huta/wildlife-is-on-the-losing_b_1220419.html?ref=animals</p><p>======-- Morgan and Keiko, Captive Orcas –</p><p>From the website www.freemorgan.org [http://www.freemorgan.org/index.php/publications/115-the- true-story-of-keiko-and-the-case-for-morgan-the-orcas-release]:</p><p>THE TRUE STORY OF KEIKO AND THE CASE FOR MORGAN THE ORCA’S RELEASE The recent Dutch court decision involving the captive orca named Morgan has caused much consternation and discussion among marine biologists, and the public at large. In its decision, the court ruled against a proposal to rehabilitate and release Morgan and ordered her transfer to Loro Parque, an amusement park in Spain, where she will be used for captive breeding. The court’s decision was based, in part, on its erroneous belief that Morgan’s rehabilitation was not possible and would endanger her life. In support of her release, attorneys and expert witnesses discussed the rehabilitation and release of the orca Keiko, the star of the 1993 hit film "Free Willy". Due to court time constraints, attorneys supporting Morgan’s release were unable to present the recent documentary film, Keiko The Untold Story as evidence in support of Morgan’s release. This is unfortunate. Keiko's rehabilitation and return to the wild is cited by the marine park industry and the media as a failed project and is often given as the reason captive orcas should not be released. Factual errors regarding Keiko’s return to the wild abound. Even after the court’s decision, news articles about Keiko continued to mislead the public. For example, in its November 29 article entitled, “Morgan The Killer Whale Transferred from Netherlands to Spain”, the internet newspaper HuffPost Green (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/29/morgan-killer-whale-transferred_n_1118403.html) stated: "Real life releases have a mixed record at best, however. Keiko, the animal that starred in "Free Willy", was released in Icelandic waters after 20 years in captivity. He died, apparently of pneumonia, after surviving two months on his own and swimming about 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) to Norway."</p><p>3 | P a g e In fact, Keiko lived for five years in Icelandic and Norwegian waters and survived 15 months after arriving in Norway. The “two month” period was approximately how long it took him to swim from Iceland to Norway. Likewise, The Seattle Times, in its November 29th article entitled, “Dutch Govt. Orders Whale Transfer to Spanish Zoo” (http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2016883324_apeunetherlandsorca.html) stated: "Orcas rarely have been successfully returned to the ocean after being in captivity…The most famous example was Keiko, the star of the 1993 "Free Willy" film who was caught at age 2 near Iceland and spent many years in Mexico City. After 20 years in various marine parks, Keiko was flown back to Iceland and released under lengthy supervision. He died in 2003 at age 26, apparently of pneumonia, after surviving two months on his own and swimming about 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) to Norway." Such accounts of Keiko’s life are misleading. Although considered an unlikely candidate for rehabilitation and release because of his length in captivity and capture at a very young age, Keiko embraced his new life in the ocean after being airlifted from his tank at the Oregon Coast Aquarium to an ocean pen in Iceland. Over the course of five years, Keiko engaged with wild orca pods and on a number of occasions left his caretakers for days at a time. When he swam from Iceland to Norway, Keiko journeyed more than 1,000 miles on his own, showed strong evidence of having fed himself and continued to thrive for 15 months after he arrived in Norway. To help clarify issues that surround the release of captive orcas, and learn about the true story of Keiko, the media and the marine park industry are urged to watch Keiko The Untold Story and engage in an open discussion of Keiko’s life before and after captivity. Contact Filmmaker Theresa Demarest by email ( [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or phone (503-235-6072) to arrange for a media screener via ftp or DVD. A Petition from Change.org: </p><p>Morgan is a young female wild caught orca, rescued by the Dolphinarium Hardervijk (DH) in June 2010 who gained a permit to rescue her on the condition she was released back to the ocean as soon as possible. This did not happen. Morgan was put 'on show' to the public within 5 weeks of her 'rescue.' It is a well known fact that when rescuing wildlife, the only human contact of any kind should be to improve the health of the animal and to rehabilitate and release back to the wild. They absolutely should not be on show to the public.</p><p>There are too many questions that remain unanswered, just a few of those questions are: </p><p>1. Why were orca experts prevented from entering Dolphinarium Hardervijk much earlier to obtain DNA and vocal recordings of Morgan to find her pod (all pods have their own dialect), eventually being allowed in after the first court hearing a year later (August 2011)? </p><p>2. How did Sea World know about Morgan before orca experts had a chance to work with her? Dolphin Hardervijk sold another wild caught orca, Gudrun to Sea World in 1987. (The sale of orca is now illegal and there is no evidence that Morgan was exchanged for money although there are reports that dolphins may be on their way to DH). </p><p>3. Why is the media 'still' reporting that 7 'experts' brought in by Dolphinarium Hardervijk said Morgan's release would be 'too risky' when 4 of those 7, on gaining new information on Morgan’s vocals/call signals, switched sides and supported her rehab and release?</p><p>4 | P a g e It has been said that Morgan was sent to Loro Parque in November 2011 as this was 'in her best interest'; this is not true. Morgan was sent to Loro Parque due to loopholes in laws. There was, and still is a solid, well organized rehab and release plan for Morgan by some of the world’s top orca experts. Her call signs have been matched to relatives and there is no reason why Morgan would not be accepted into this pod especially as she is a young female. Please sign the petition at http://www.change.org/petitions/free-orca-morgan and share. The Morgan petition created by Jackie Kelly of the United Kingdom and directed to the European Court of Justice, the Spanish Ministry of Environment, the Spanish Ministry of Trade, the Spanish Ministry of Tourism, and Loro Parque, already has almost 25,000 signers and the goal is 100,000. The Free Morgan Foundation has compiled a large amount of evidence supporting its position. Check it out and let your friends on Facebook and elsewhere know about Morgan’s plight and the true story of Keiko.</p><p>======-- Valentine’s Day Campaign for Chained Dogs --</p><p>Dogs Deserve Better is asking dog lovers for help to meet its goal of mailing a Valentine and an educational brochure to the caretakers of 18,000 chained or penned dogs! Think of the countless dogs spending winter days outside in cold temperatures often lacking sufficient food, water and shelter. By the end of January Dogs Deserve Better needs addresses for dog caretakers encouraging them to bring their dogs inside or release them for adoption. For more information about the Valentine’s Day outreach campaign and ways to help, go to http://www.dogsdeservegetter.org/Valentines2012.html or mail [email protected].</p><p>======-- High Court Decision Favors Meat Industry –</p><p>The Humane Society of the United States and other animal welfare organizations are dismayed by the Supreme Court’s recent decision that California’s ban on the sale of meat from downed animals including pigs is unenforceable. The court’s rationale for the decision is that federal law sets uniform standards for humane handling and slaughter in the country and prohibits states from imposing additional restrictions on slaughterhouses. The Obama administration joined the National Meat Association in persuading the court to declare California’s humane law unenforceable. See the SF Gate story at: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2012/01/23/MNUN1MTDBQ.DTL</p><p>======-- Would St. Paul Approve of the ALF? -- </p><p>Moses humanely forbade putting a muzzle on an ox while it is “treading out the grain.” However, in Corinthians, when confronted by the question “Doth God care for oxen,” St. Paul insists that laws regarding animals are intended entirely “for our sake.” If you have a hankering to indulge in an analysis of whether St. Paul’s words diminish the case for animal ethics and compassion, read the article “What’s St. Paul’s Beef with Oxen? Animal Compassion in the Light of 1 Corinthians 9:9-10” in the Huffington Post by Michael Gilmour, Profession of English and biblical literature at the Providence University College, Manitoba. You’ll find it at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-gilmour/whats-st-pauls-beef-with-_b_1216164.html? view=print&comm_ref=false</p><p>5 | P a g e</p>