Send via mail to:
Subject: Manifesto ANIMAL
Date: February 27, 2008 2:43:51 PM GMT+00:00
To: pm@pm.gov.pt
Cc: miguel.moutinho@animal.org.pt
To the Prime Minister of Portugal:
Subject: Manifesto
ANIMAL
Faro, 27-02-2008
Dear Mr.
Sócrates,
Action Against Poisoning
supports animal protection efforts in general and fights
animal poisoning in particular. We have been well informed
on the Manifesto ANIMAL and we have taken notice of an
excellent supportive argumentation presented to you by
email on 23-02-2008 by Mr. Rich Russom.
We link the severity and
persistence of Portuguese animal abuse and neglect to the
total lack of animal protection law enforcement. In our
fight against a significant Portuguese animal poisoning
problem we hit the “no report – no statistics – no problem”
barrier. Denial en hypocrisy are standard reactions to
signals of abuse and neglect of domestic animals and
cruelty in bullfights, dogfights and circuses. In the rare
cases police reacted and in the single case a police report
was filed we have not seen a single follow-up. As police
denies complainants a copy of a report civilians have no
access to information and possibilities to monitor the
outcome. This situation of judicial arbitrariness reflects
a serious omission in Portuguese animal rights as well as
human rights.
In addition to the arguments
that might have reached your desk we stress the following
points regarding stray and abandoned animals. This
particular category of animals has our special attention
and priority as it is enormous in numbers, primary target
for poisoning and extremely vulnerable to the widest range
of daily human misbehavior.
In our view abandoned animals
and subsequently their stray offspring are the exclusive
products of human misbehavior. Ignorance, neglect and
cruelty creates a steady flow of diseased, abused and
undesired domestic animals that are dumped by Portuguese
citizens.
We are stunned by a human
mentality that generates abandoned and stray animals as
“Live Waste” in the public domain.
In civilized countries human
waste is a public problem. This problem is recognized as a
public responsibility requiring public solutions funded
with public budgets. So why is live waste an ethical, legal
and political blind spot?
It appears that European animal
welfare and protection legislation mainly serves economic
and public health interests. Roughly, the legal protection
covers wild animals and domestic animals whilst stray and
abandoned animals are outlawed. It is a fact that wild
animals care for themselves and domestic animals are
protected by their owners for emotional or economic
reasons. Abandoned animals however have no protection
although this – on human care and treatment dependent -
category of animals needs protection most of
all.
We have noticed that in
Portugal stray and abandoned animals are the property of
the Câmara’s, implying proper shelter, care and treatment.
However, without a rare exception the presidents,
veterinarians and police forces of those Câmara’s have
failed in every field of animal protection as animal
welfare has political and legal rock bottom priority. The
sorry Câmara budgets – if any – are restricted to
confinement, feeding and killing. It is disturbing to see
that inadequate circumstances turn Câmara veterinarians
into cynical professional misfits.
We are saddened by the fact
that veterinary treatment and compassion are left to
private initiatives. It is clear that the Portuguese
society should do better than that.
We highlighted this “Live
Waste” problem to illustrate the need for a solid animal
welfare legislation. It is not the only reason as we also
take this opportunity to state that a festive game with the
single purpose of torturing an animal to death – the
bullfight – is in total disaccord with the most basic
animal welfare standards. In fact any torture in a festive
context is sadistic and a (public) mental health
threat.
Consequently we call on you “to
put Portugal on the animal welfare map” by your support of
the proposals as stipulated in the Manifesto
ANIMAL.
With kind
regards,
Action Against
Poisoning
www.actionagainstpoisoning.com
* . * . *
Mr
Peter Mandelson, Commissioner for Trade
European Commission
Wetstraat 200
1049 Brussels
The Hague,
November 3, 2007
Ref: Canadian
protest against ban on seal products
Dear Mr
Mandelson,
Action
Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in particular and
supports animal protection efforts in general. We all know
that animal abuse is often based on bad cultural or
economic attitudes and habits. We have learned that it is
hard to change cruel habits. In our view EU “respect” for
such habits as expressed in Art III-121 of the draft
Constitution undermines that much needed
change.
We are
informed that Canada has initiated a procedure in the WTO
to get the ban on their seal products by European member
states rescinded.
We
are saddened by this Canadian initiative as it ignores a
global dislike of animal cruelty and especially the seal
culls. It also ignores the emerging recognition of and
growing support for animal rights.
And
the Canadian initiative reflects a very poor understanding
of the heart of the matter. We do not so much ban “a
trade”. Obviously the only way to ban cruelty is to ban a
trade in the products of that cruelty.
We are proud
of a firm European stand against seal culls as it expresses
a clear ethical message that killing baby seals for their
furs and seal bulls for their penises is totally
unacceptable, regardless of the used killing methods.
Although we
understand that economic profit is the leading motive in
political decisions concerning animal welfare, we need to
draw a line to preserve a shred of human dignity and
credibility.
In a world
guided by human profit, civilization has to start
somewhere.
Why
not in your office?
With kind
regards,
Action
Against Poisoning
* . * . *
----- Original Message -----
From:
ActionAgainstPoisoning
To:
dxios7@otenet.gr ;
news@alithia.gr
Cc:
carlyprovan@london.com
Sent: Monday, October 08, 2007 11:21 PM
Subject: Att. of Mr Broulis: poison distribution plan
Dear Mr Broulis,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning as we have
witnessed many cases of slow and cruel poison deaths. For
this reason alone we are totally opposed to the use of
poisons against abandoned and stray animals. We like
to point out to you - as mayor - that the stray problem is
caused by irresponsible citizens dumping hunting dogs
and domestic animals. This problem is also caused by
authorities who do nothing to prevent the creation of
this "live waste" flow, giving rock bottom priority to
animal protection law enforcement or animal welfare
policies, if any.
Sometimes poisoning happens accidentally by
ignorance. In most cases it involves deliberate
cruelty towards stray animals or domestic
animals of neighbours.
In fact - like guns - poisons are very powerful and
dangerous instruments of destruction, especially in the
hands of ignorant and evil persons. To avoid abuse and
accidents we advocate the use of colors and smells
that make poisons repulsive for consumption by people as
well as animals.
We are informed that you plan to distribute poison in Chios
amongst your citizens to kill stray animals. Poison has
never proven to be an adequate, let alone civilized
solution to a stray animal problem. On the contrary, the
destructive effect of a controlled action is random and
unpredictable. We can only predict that the free
distribution of poison amongst citizens will lead
to horrible incidents.
Besides the fact that you probably violate existing animal
protection laws, you evoke a large scale abuse of
poison by people with undesirable wishes to kill animals or
people for different reasons.
So we urge you to stop the execution of this unhealthy
solution immediately.
With kind regards,
Drs P.M. Donker
Action Against Poisoning
The Hague, Netherlands
* . * . *
Subject: Support bullfight ban
Date: June 27, 2007 6:14:52 PM GMT+01:00
To:
ciliaflores@an.gob.ve
Dear Mrs
Flores,
Action
Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in particular and
supports animal protection efforts in
general.
We have a
special interest in the relation between animal abuse,
mental health and social stability as we noted that animal
cruelty like bullfighting facilitates violence towards
people. Senseless violence is a contemporary mental health
and public order problem. It is clear that no Mayor wants
his citizens beating up innocent people as part of their
“having fun” going out in his city.
In our view
the bullfight is the cruellest form of animal abuse as it
is the only “game” we know with the sole purpose of death
by torture.
We cannot
find a shred of justification for the torture of an animal
that has not asked to be part of the game, that has been
tampered with to reduce the remotest chance to win and that
has no escape from the bullring.
We emphasize
the point that bullfights – or any other combination of
festivities and killing - breeds a notion that killing for
fun is socially acceptable or even
heroic.
The ritual
performance of the acts and their sequence matches the
definition of sadism: the infliction of pain for the
pleasure of it.
Sadism is a
certified mental disorder. A healthy society does not want
to have, let alone breed, sadists amongst its
citizens.
As
participants of the International Anti-Bullfighting Summit
in Lisbon on 18-19 May we were informed on the situation in
Venezuela. We understood that Venezuela is progressing
towards a possible ban on bullfights.
Especially
for that reason we voted as Dutch citizens against the
draft EU Constitution as its article III-121 condones
animal abuse under the label of religious or cultural
traditions.
Like for
African, Indian or Maori war dances we respect the
bullfight preservation of the traditional display of
costumes, music, dancing and stabbing but please leave the
bulls out of it. We also see a great future for monumental
bullrings for operas, concerts and
plays.
However, a
society that treasures traditional bullfights – or any
other animal cruelty - as cultural heritage has a long way
to go towards real civilization.
As Venezuelan
Member of Congress who values a non-violent society and
respect for life, we urge you to ban bullfights to the
benefit of public as well as animal
welfare.
A ban would
be a keystone contribution to the global abolition of
animal abuse in general and the cruelest abuse in
particular.
We look
forward to your reaction.
With kind
regards,
Drs P.M.
Donker
Action
Against Poisoning
www.actionagainstpoisoning.com
* . * .
*
:: Action Against Poisoning :: ACTION :: LETTERS ::
Letters of Action
LETTERS SENT ON BEHALF OF VARIOUS ANIMAL CAUSES
Subject: to BBC - Your issue on bullfights
Tue, 21 Sep 2004
To:
bill.heine@bbc.co.uk
helen.boaden@bbc.co.uk
mark.popescu@bbc.co.uk
newsonline@bbc.co.uk
richard.sambrook@bbc.co.uk
Subject: Your issue on bullfights
Ladies and gentlemen,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in
particular and supports animal protection in general. We
have been informed on a BBC program about the pros and cons
of bullfighting for youth.
Living in Portugal ourselves we think it unwise to leave
any room for positive feelings - especially for children -
about this folkloristic habit.
The Portuguese in general are sick of the few who force
this cruelty upon their fellow citizens. And they certainly
do not want matadors to be presented as a role model to
their children by the BBC.
For your information: the Spanish bulls probably are better
off as they are killed on the spot whilst Portuguese bulls
may have to wait for hours or days before they receive
their coup de gr‚ce. In our view the line of young man
behind the one challenging the bull with the fools cap
reflect the mentality of Portuguese youngsters killing
themselves in cars with the bumper sticker "no fear". No
fear, no brains, we might say.
The BBC may display bullfights as an event of pride,
courage and honor.
You may call on tradition and culture to justify the
postponed killing of the bulls by hours or days. You may
bring this as a happy story, but the subject is not.
We are saddened by the fact that the BBC obviously does not
see or understand that animal abuse is wrapped in
folkloristic festivals, creating acceptance of violence in
an atmosphere of "having a good time". Which as you should
know by now consequently leads to multiple incidents of
violence by people having fun.
And we are upset that the BBC creates a "why not"
atmosphere around this issue. An atmosphere that is totally
contrary to a civilized country with good animal protection
laws, the RSPCA and a population of probably the most
respectful people concerning animals.
Even the most fabulous, artful and mesmerizing dancing and
stabbing does not justify the torture and subsequent
killing of a bull who most likely had never asked to be
part of such a performance in the first place. So please
stop highlighting the art-side of it, or we might as well
applaud the skills and merits of scalping and cannibalism
that allegedly have been very brave, artful, traditional,
cultural and running in the family as well.
In short, we would like you to refrain from exalted stories
involving animal abuse, especially when you address
children and when that abuse is played down.
It would be most refreshing and informative if you would
feature a program on the merits of intrinsic violent
folkloristic expressions like bullfighting, cockfighting,
throwing goats from church towers, hanging obsolete hunting
dogs on trees etc. etc.
It probably may not fit a juvenile audience.
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
Subject: China - "Amazing Spain, Shanghai 2004" event
clearly is a forerunner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games,
this will reflect on China as a country that supports or
even embraces animal cruelty.
Letter sent to the relevant Chinese authorities on Sunday
29 August 2004
To:
gov@govonline.cn
szw@ccnt.gov.cn
manage@chsi.moh.gov.cn
webmaster@shanghai.gov.cn
webmaster@mfa.gov.cn
webmaster@agri.gov.cn
webmaster@ccnt.com.cn
WebMaster@cnta.gov.cn
webmaster@spp.gov.cn
Action Against Poisoning
29 August 2004
The Hague - The Netherlands
Ladies and gentlemen,
With Chinese friends we visited your beautiful country -
and Shanghai - in 1999. As we do not master your language
we were limited in our communications. However, with mutual
respect and understanding for our cultural differences we
had open discussions about our on 6 October 2004
experiences in China including Hong Kong. In short, we were
impressed by the technical progress and the friendliness we
met in the different parts of China.
Last year we were informed on global efforts to stop the
maltreatment of 'bile bears' in China. We expressed our
appreciation to the Chinese authorities for their work
towards eliminating bear farming. So we were happy that
China was on the right animal protection track.
A few days ago we were informed that on the 6th October
2004 a bullfight will be performed at the Shanghai Stadium
as part of "Amazing Spain, Shanghai 2004". We think this is
an unwise idea and we wonder whether this is a Chinese or a
Spanish initiative. If this is a Spanish initiative it is
indeed amazing that Spain is unable to present her cultural
wealth in a civilized way. We cannot fathom the Spanish
urge to export an embarrassing habit.
Our view on bullfights is as follows: We applaud the
preservation of cultural heritage. However, we protest
against existing folkloric festivities that involve any
form of animal abuse. If torture and killing is culturally
conceived as a joyful occasion, then animal abuse can be
associated with fame and national pride. We should not
teach our children that any form of animal torture is
normal, let alone laudable. Although we do not seek to
undermine feelings of national pride, torture is a
violation of existing animal protection laws and an affront
to the civilized countries. So in our point of view it is
unacceptable to support activities that taunt the global
opinion on animal welfare and the existing animal
protection laws.
Since this "Amazing Spain, Shanghai 2004" event is a
forerunner of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, this will
reflect on China as a country that supports or even
embraces animal cruelty. You may have noticed that the
massive poisoning of stray animals in Athens before the
opening of the Olympic Games 2004 caused violent protests
against and a boycott of these games.
We wish you success with your games in 2008. We urge you to
refrain from any (support of) animal abuse that will offend
civilized citizens and taint the image of China.
Yours respectfully,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in
particular and supports the development of animal welfare
in general. For an actual and concise general motivation
for animal protectors we refer to "Spare a thought on our
cruelty to animals" by Mohd Idris, at
www.rense.com/general42/crueltu.htm
Subject: Mubarak Library Killing
April 22, 2004
To: Ministry of Tourism, Egypt spare@menanet.net
Dear Minister of Tourism,
I am writing to report a horrifying, cruel event that I
witnessed today, April 18th between 5:15 and about 5:40 pm.
I am an advanced Ph.D. student at Harvard University
specializing in the study of Islam, including the Qur'an
and Hadith. What I witnessed - the torture and murder of an
animal - was completely contradictory to the ideals of
Islam. I went with an Egyptian friend to visit the Mubarak
library. My friend was justifiably very proud of the
Library and wished to show me the library and its lovely
courtyard.
At around 5:15, while we were sitting in the courtyard, I
noticed a dog leap through the grassy area in front of the
door to the library and begin to struggle in some bushes
about 15 feet from us. At first, I thought he had only
tripped and become entangled in the bushes. But then as I
watched him writhing in pain, shaking, and twitching
uncontrollably, I knew there was something far more wrong
with him. Greatly concerned, I jumped up and told my friend
that we must try to help the dog. My friend asked a few men
standing nearby - including some apparent library employees
- whether they knew what was wrong.
They told her they had poisoned him because he was
diseased. When I ran to the dog and started to cry, they
said I did not understand. I wanted so badly to hold the
dog and make him stop suffering. I told my friend I did not
know what to do, that I thought maybe I should give him
some water. She convinced me -- wrongly -- that I should
not because (somehow) the poison might reach me. I felt
very angry at the men, and helpless. We remained there near
the dog, watching him as he continued to writhe in pain for
many minutes. I was crying with sorrow, frustration, and
empathy for this dog. At least twenty minutes passed. We
then left because my friend could not handle watching the
dog suffer. He was still alive and in agony.
Let me tell you that the men - the employees and maybe even
the veterinarian who gave him the poison - stood by without
any sign of remorse or pity for the suffering animal. It
was as if they do this every day. It was just a job. I will
never be able to erase these images from my mind, nor the
callousness of the men who did this cruel act. No animal
should suffer for this long. I had heard previously from
expatriate Egyptians and Americans living in Egypt that
Egypt controlled its animal population through massive
poisonings and shootings, but I did not fully believe them.
Now that I have seen this with my own eyes, I realize the
horror of Egypt's methods. Of course Egypt must control its
animal population. But why not spaying and neutering like
other countries? I wonder: did they give this dog just
barely enough poison to kill him? Did they try, in other
words, to save a few pounds by giving him cheap poison or
very little of it? I know there are quicker ways to put a
dog down than this (I also know that this dog was not
diseased, but rather a lie to send me away). It is these
men - not I - who do not understand the correct state of
things. Their methods are cruel and shameful and against
the dictates of religion (the Prophet, as we know, praised
the woman who gave water to a thirsty dog).
I am writing to you because I hope that you can do
something to help the poor animals, including the dogs, of
Egypt. I can tell you that no tourist visiting the United
States would witness such an act as I did today in as
important a place as the Mubarak Library. I will warn
anyone I know traveling to Egypt about Egypt's policies
regarding its animal population, and suggest that perhaps
they should travel elsewhere.
Sincerely,
Sarah Bowen Savant
savant@fas.harvard.edu
Subject: AVIS sponsorship of bullfights in Portugal
To: AVIS Portugal
29 July 2004
Dear Sirs,
Thank you for this clear - and as we trust truthful -
answer to our protest, with which you restored the image of
Avis.
We surely hope that civilised companies will refrain from
showing even a shred of sympathy for any folkloristic
activity involving animal abuse.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
---
29 July 2004
Reply from Avis - sponsorship of bullfights in Portugal
From: "PT Customer service"
Customer.service@avis-portugal.pt
In the last few days Avis has received several e-mail
messages concerning the sponsorship of bullfights in
Portugal.
As a result, Avis Portugal wishes to clarify the following
points:
1. It is not Company Policy to sponsor or advertise
activities that could in anyway be seen as harmful to
animals.
2. As in prior years, Avis Portugal continues to make
donations to Casa do Pessoal da RTP, a Radio e Televis„o de
Portugal, which by its own initiative and without prior
consent from Avis, included the Avis brand in advertising
space broadcasted by RTP.
3. We have requested a formal apology from Casa do Pessoal
da RTP, for inappropriate usage of the Avis brand without
prior permission by ANT and requested the immediate
suspension of the site or subsequent legal action by Avis
against ANT. This can be confirmed by the effective
withdrawal of the ANT site from the Internet and we expect
to receive a letter of apology shortly.
4. Avis Portugal confirms its commitment to the "we try
harder" ethos in relation to the Community and Environment
and does not wish to see its brand name unfairly associated
with inappropriate activities in terms of animal rights and
protection. Avis confirms that it is not and will not be a
sponsor of bullfights.
5. For many years Avis has actively supported several
charities, either through donations or logistical support
to organisations helping children, elderly and ill people.
Examples include the Luis Figo foundation, the Personal
House of the National TV, the Association of Lupos, the
victims of fire, the Children Foundation, etc.
Avis Portugal.
Subject: Your article on a Ronda bullfight, by Teresa
Levonian Cole
To The Financial Times
feedback@customercare.ftdirect.com
The Hague, 18 July 2004
Dear Sirs,
We appreciate the florid and passionate style of Mrs. Cole
describing the perfect setting for a "Corrida Goyesca" with
its skilful participants. She has the gift to let us see,
hear, smell and feel this magnificent event. She has the
talent to let us believe that this is an event of pride,
courage and honor. It is a happy story, but the subject is
not.
The article reflects the schizoid character of the
bullfight phenomenon. We cannot fathom a mother commenting
on the killing of the bull with "Bulls are like my
children. I feel so proud when they are noble and fight
bravely."
Although we do not assume that she is actually on the verge
of sacrificing her poor children or husband for that
matter, such exclamations are scary.
In our view it shows one of the mental deficiencies that
occur when animal abuse is wrapped in folkloristic
festivals, creating acceptance of violence in an atmosphere
of "having a good time". Deficiencies that have led to
multiple incidents of violence by people having fun.
Even the most fabulous and artful dancing and stabbing does
not justify the torture and subsequent killing of a bull
who most likely had never asked to be part of such a
performance in the first place.
In short, we would like you to refrain from publishing
exalted stories involving animal abuse, especially when
that abuse is totally disregarded.
It would be most refreshing and informative if you could
feature an article on the merits of intrinsic violent
folkloristic expressions.
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: dogs are kept amongst zoo animals
To: Sr. Rafael Gonz·lez Gonz·lez, Alcalde
Ayuntamiento de Ayamonte
Plaza de la Laguna s/n
21400 Ayamonte
Esp„na
fax (0034) 959.471320
10 June 2004
Dear Mister Gonz·lez Gonz·lez,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in
particular and supports animal protection in general.
We, and many tourists with us, like your city very much.
During a visit to your zoo in a public park we discovered a
cage between the bears and a tiger where abandoned and
stray dogs are kept. It could be practical to show lost
dogs in a public place where visitors can identify the dogs
and their owners. But we would like to express our concern
for the fact that pet animals should never be kept near
wild animals.
We were informed that these dogs could be collected via the
Ayamonte police station. At the police station we were told
without further explanation that we could not adopt a dog
from the zoo.
Further inquiries taught us that the El Campillo shelter 60
km away in the Rio Tinto region collects the dogs from the
zoo on a contract basis.
Allegedly El Campillo kills perfectly healthy and beautiful
dogs after two weeks if they are not collected before that
time. On 60 km distance it is most unlikely that they will
be found and collected by their owners. On top of this we
heard of a shelter with a non-killing attitude only 5 km
East of Ayamonte.
In summary the factual Ayamonte policy is:
- confining dogs between wild animals
- forbidding the adoption of an abandoned dog
- using a far away killing shelter when a much better
alternative is nearby
- choosing for destruction rather than care for animals
Such facts express ignorance if not cruelty and disrespect
for animal life and animal protection laws. These facts
reflect badly on the image of the city of Ayamonte.
These facts also raise the question why public funds are
spent in this destructive way.
And there are other things you should know: By far most
tourists have no problem with dogs or cats as they see them
as a colorful part of city life. A vaccinate, spay, neuter
and release campaign can stabilize your stray dog
population.
Adoption or killing gives shelters the room to receive new
animals; to keep shelters functional we rather like to see
animals leaving shelters alive than dead.
If you wish we would like to help you on these subjects.
For above-mentioned reasons we ask you to treat this letter
as a denuncia and urge you to use your powers to:
- close down the dog cage in the Ayamonte zoo
- call on your citizens to take responsibility for their
animals and stop dumping them for invalid reasons
- use and support the nearest shelter with a non-killing
policy, where your citizens can find their lost animal
- facilitate adoption of stray and abandoned animals
- inform your citizens and the tourists on your policy and
procedures
In short, we call on you to spend your public funds on a
constructive approach of the stray and abandoned animal
problem. And we trust that you will enjoy the positive
public relations effects of your new policy. We look
forward to your answer.
Yours sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: Thai dog trade meat consumption and fur export
To the Ambassador of Thailand in Belgium
thaibx@pophost.eunet.be
25 May 2004
Your Excellency,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning and
supports animal protection in general.
We consider deliberate poisoning as a cruel, stealthy and
cowardly act. We see it as destructive behavior of the
lowest level against animal and human life alike. We are
aware of the fact that violence against animals paves the
way for violence against people. Consequently tolerance for
animal abuse in the long term forms a mental health threat
and a public order hazard for society. In short, we are
convinced that animal protection is an integral part of the
fabric of a healthy and strong civilization.
First of all we like to emphasize that we respect and enjoy
cultural differences as they reflect the diversity of our
planet and bring color to our lives. On our travels we came
to appreciate Thailand as a country with lovely people,
very good food, a vibrant tolerant lifestyle and an
impressive respect for life. We also noticed a striking
reverence for the Royal family. Like most travelers we
enjoyed our contacts with the gentle and beautiful Thai
stray dogs. And we were glad to hear that small scale
vaccinate, spay, neuter and release programs were active to
control the Thai stray problem.
With these impressions we expected that animals would have
a good life in Thailand. This image was affirmed when a
good Thai friend sent us a copy of "The Story of
Tongdaeng", the Kings adopted pet dog. His Majesty's
observations of Tongdaeng reflect a deep understanding of
and love for stray animals. His arguments for the adoption
of stray dogs as described in the preface are strong,
moving and true.
This positive image was recently shattered when we were
informed on the Thai dog trade regarding meat consumption
and fur export. On top of this we were confronted with
poisoning practices as a means of controlling the stray dog
problem. We do not elaborate on the towns and regions where
these sorts of animal abuse occur as it appears to be a
widespread Thai phenomenon.
We categorically disagree with the lame excuse of the
killers that stray dogs (and cats for that matter) are a
health threat for their illnesses or aggression. As far as
transferable diseases or aggression is concerned people are
far more dangerous than dogs. Survival training teaches
that the licking of "dirty" stray dogs cleans festering
wounds and saves human lives. And we have met no aggression
of dogs, except when their masters, their territory, their
pups or their food were threatened. Very understandable and
in all other cases they either were curious and friendly or
shy and walking away from us.
We cannot understand how people can kill their most
trusting and loyal friends, the dogs. We are sickened by
the reported cruel catching and live skinning. We cannot
imagine that the majority of the Thai people, let alone
their King, would approve of these practices.
We therefore urge you to use your full powers to end any
form of animal abuse.
Yours sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: Bramby poisoning in Australia
letter sent 23 May 2004
To the Honorable Bob Carr
Australian Labor Party
Premier of NSW
bob.carr@www.nsw.gov.au
Fax international code 61+2+9349 4594
Dear Mister Carr,
Action Against Poisoning supports animal protection in
general and fights animal poisoning in particular. In our
view poisoning is cruel, stealthy, cowardly, savage,
destructive and indiscriminate.
Those who plan poisoning campaigns or commit the actual
poisoning have no idea of the physical and mental damage to
animals and people alike. They don¥t see that cruelty
towards animals breeds the same attitude towards people.
They are not aware that poisoning rebounds in the food
chain and they have probably never witnessed their pet dogs
die a slow and agonizing poison death. And if they do, they
should urgently be admitted to a mental hospital for
permanent loving care. We are informed that the NSW
National Parks and Wildlife Service uses grain bait
stations to poison Snowy Mountains Brumbies.
We understand that a program to capture the Brumbies in the
Mount Morgan area failed and allegedly bait stations for a
wild pig baiting program have been installed. As we hear
that no wild pigs but Brumbies and Quoll bushfire survivors
are living in that area it seems that not the pigs but the
Brumbies are targeted for poisoning. Poisoned bait being a
random killer, this policy includes the killing of whatever
other wildlife as well. Sickening as all this deliberate
destruction of harmless animals is, it also eludes us
totally why one would poison wild pigs.
Australian killing fields are quite new to us. We probably
are mistaken in our appreciation of this beautiful
continent with a high quality of life as is reflected in
its efforts in health protection. Poisoning however
reflects a total disrespect for life and an alarming lack
of foresight.
We urge you to use your powers to stop this killing spree
by relieving the responsible executives from their tasks.
Yours sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: lack of animal protection and animal welfare in
Brazil
From: Action Against Poisoning
To: Brazilian Authorities ouvidoria@camaracaxias.rs.gov.br
Cc: mpcaxias@mp.rs.gov.br ; redacao@jornalpioneiro.com.br ;
ditofeito@saofrancisco.am.br
Sent: Sunday, April 25, 2004 10:18 AM
The Hague - The Netherlands
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,
Action Against Poisoning supports animal protection in
general and fights animal poisoning in particular.
Having visited South Brazil in March 2004 we were impressed
by the gentleness of your citizens, the beauty of nature
and the economical progress of your country. Under such
circumstances and with all respect for cultural differences
we expected the Brazilians to treat their animals better
than we have witnessed. We have seen neglected chain dogs
and tied horses in the blazing sun without shelter or
water.
However we met a few special people showing genuine
compassion and love for stray and abandoned animals who
changed our sad feelings on animal welfare. After we
returned to Holland we were informed on a Brazilian case of
- as it appears - abuse and neglect of horses. Which brings
us to address you on the item of Brazilian animal welfare.
We expect that you have existing animal protection laws.
Consequently we expect that laws are enforced by police
forces or special authorities.
It would be wonderful if you have independent animal
protection inspectors active where law enforcement has low
priority or is lacking.
As it appears such protection has not been given to the
horses shown in this case.
We urge you to give more attention and a higher priority to
animal protection and animal welfare as it reflects on your
civilization. And we beg you to actually put an end to any
abuse or neglect of animals that you are informed on.
With due respect,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: killing of baby and adult seals in Eastern Canada
Letter sent to canadainternational.gc.ca/feedback-en.asp
17 April 2004
To The Canadian Government
Ladies and gentlemen,
Having Dutch nationality we will never forget the fact that
your brave soldiers liberated us from the Nazi oppression
and most probably from worse.
As you know we still honour these liberators every year in
The Netherlands. We ask you now to set seals free from
their hunters. This killing of seals is so barbaric that we
cannot believe Canadians to act like this. The fact that
(baby) seals eat fish should never be an excuse for
misbehaviour or cruelty towards these otherwise quite
vulnerable and harmless animals. They are more dependent on
that diet than we are. Your children should not be witness
and eventually part of this sorry sort of massacre.
So we urge you to use your power and stop the seal
slaughter.
We look forward to your reaction.
With due respect,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: monitoring of stray round up in ATHENS
Letter sent to: WSPA UK wspa@wspa.org.uk
18 March 2004
Ladies and gentlemen,
We are informed in contradictive ways about the stray dogs
in Athens in relation to the 2004 Olympic Games.
The most extensive text [1] reflects the general attitudes
around this issue
The next text [2] is an alarm on the handling of strays in
the harbour area
The last text [3] is an Olympic Organizing Committee stray
plan promising that everything will work out swell for the
dogs
It is hard to believe that Greek authorities will execute
an ideal program for the stray dogs.
Can WSPA monitor the implementation of that claim and keep
us informed?
Action Against Poisoning
[1]
---- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Subject: LETTER/NY Times Sugarcoats Plight Of Greek Strays
Please Cross Post
SOURCE OF INFORMATION:
2004 ATHENS OLYMPICS - GREEK ANIMALS RACE FOR THEIR LIVES
The NY Times recently ran a story based on interviews with
Greek government officials, who naturally presented the
"politicized" version of Greece's longstanding war on
domestic animals. (Times article follows letter).
As most of you know, a crusade to sanitize the streets of
Athens in time for the 2004 Olympic Games has left a trail
of dogs and cats poisoned in the streets with strychnine,
herbicides, pesticides or ground glass. Humane advocates
and some conscientious reporters have revealed animals
rotting alive in shelters--with maggot-infested wounds,
paralyzed limbs, malnourished, sick.
With the approach of the Olympic Games in Athens, the New
York Times needs to tell the REAL story, not a fabricated
one from government publicists.
LETTER TO USE AS GUIDE FOR WRITING YOUR OWN:
We read, with interest and disappointment, the New York
Times article "Pre-Olympic Event: Rounding Up City's Furry
Loiterers," by Frank Bruni (February 26, 2004). It appears
that local politicians gave Mr. Bruni misleading
information regarding the seriousness of the abandoned dog
population of Athens, and for that matter, the rest of
Greece. While Athens may not be the only European capital
with rampant strays, it is the only European Union nation
and Western European capital with between 30,000 to 50,000
homeless animals roaming the streets.
On October 1, 2003, Reuters and CNN reported that over
3,000 dogs had been poisoned by "mysterious entities" and
dumped in garbage bags. The data was verified by Greek
animal advocate Marianna Polichroniadou.
We believe more accurate information could have been
obtained if your reporter had also spoken to animal welfare
advocates familiar with the stray situation in Athens.
Instead, he presented a biased account based solely upon
sources with close ties to the Greek government. A paper as
reputable as the NY Times should have disclosed the full
story.
As Greece steps center stage for the 2004 Athens Olympic
Games, officials naturally welcome any opportunity to
present a compassionate and constructive program. The whole
truth would have been more constructive.
===================================================
New York Times article, February 26, 2004
Pre-Olympic Event: Rounding Up City's Furry Loiterers
By FRANK BRUNI
ATHENS--As it struggles to complete its odyssey of
pre-Olympics primping, this scraggly city finds itself
pressed to prove more than its ability to pave roads, plant
trees and prettify monuments.
It has to show that it hasn't gone to the dogs.
They are legion, and they are leashless. Strays saunter
through public squares, tails wagging or teeth bared,
depending on their dispositions and the nearness of meaty
alms. Strays flank the gilded portals to fancy boutiques
like furry, four-legged doormen with a naked hankering for
table scraps.
In an unfortunate, widely publicized incident last summer,
one stray bit a Ukrainian archery coach who was in Athens
for Olympic test events and out for a run.
The wound was not serious, except to the scruffy image of
Athens and its environs, whose caretakers are now trying,
in a manner that might well be described as dogged, to tame
the situation.
Just a few months ago the national government enacted
legislation meant to reduce the stray population by holding
Greeks more accountable, with toughened pet registration
requirements and stiff fines for abandoning their pets to
the streets.
People here apparently do that with some regularity, which
city officials describe as the principal source of the
problem.
Athens, for its part, is funneling about $2 million this
year into new animal shelters, new animal control officers
and a major sterilization project. Stray by randy stray,
dogs are being rounded up, neutered and then ~ if they are
not adopted in two weeks ~ set free to roam anew, but in a
less reproductive fashion.
City officials concede that those combined efforts will not
work fast enough to make a major difference by the
beginning of the Olympic Games on Aug. 13, but they say
there may be some benefit.
" The city is trying to change," said Tonia Kanellopoulou,
the deputy mayor in charge of managing strays. That has
become a specially designated task and nearly full-time
job.
Athens is not the only European capital with rampant
strays, nor is it the first Olympics host city to have to
deal with a dog-related problem before its turn in the
international spotlight. Bucharest has long been known for
its vagabond canines, and Seoul had to take dog meat off
restaurant menus in deference to the sensitivities of many
athletes and spectators at the 1988 Olympics.
But the situation in Athens has its own special drama, in
part because Greeks exhibit such a broad, complicated range
of reactions to the strays in their midst.
Many Greeks not only tolerate but also admire strays for
being hearty, against-the-odds survivors, which is the way
many Greeks see themselves. But at least a few feel
differently, and that conflict in views has bred mysterious
deaths, insidious accusations and attention-grabbing antics
in faraway locales.
In regard to the latter, an animal rights advocate put on a
dog costume and tied himself to a 12-foot cross outside the
Greek Embassy in Berlin last December. The advocate was
protesting what some animal welfare groups outside Greece
said was a mass poisoning of stray dogs and cats that had
been ordered by Greek officials who wanted the animals out
of the way before the Olympics.
Greek officials denied any such slaughter, and several
prominent animal rights advocates here called the charges
exaggerated and unsubstantiated.
But they said that a little more than a year ago, as Greece
assumed the rotating presidency of the European Union and
more foreign dignitaries were due to arrive, dozens of
stray dogs and cats went missing from parks and squares
that those dignitaries were likely to pass by.
In at least one case, advocates said, carcasses were found,
along with containers of poison.
" It was organized," said Carol McBeth, director of the
Greek Animal Welfare Fund, referring to the killings. But,
Ms. McBeth said, "We knew the city of Athens wasn't
involved. We knew the Ministry of Agriculture wasn't
involved."
The case was never solved, but the foreign animal welfare
groups raised a ruckus, and Greek officials confronted an
unexpected public relations nightmare. "This is the most
fascinating side of being a mayor," said Mayor Dora
Bakoyanni, who took office in January 2003.
" You have the most," she continued ~ and here she stopped
the sentence to search for the right adjective ~ "different
problems."
Toward the end of last year, Ms. Bakoyanni decreed that
while the city would sterilize strays, it would not kill
any, not even the sick ones, which would be cared for in
shelters and clinics.
Athens is intent on an aura of compassion, and one of Ms.
Bakoyanni's aides made a point of mentioning, in an e-mail
message, that the mayor's dog, Manga, was a former stray
that "seems to believe he's of royal blood and acts as if
he is king of the house."
Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, president of the local
committee that is organizing the Olympics, said she adopted
two female strays last summer. Aphrodite, she said, is a
blonde, while Olga is a brunette.
Many other Athenians take assiduous care of the strays in
their neighborhoods, giving them food and even, in some
cases, flea collars. Most of the animals seem docile and
surprisingly well adjusted to life on the streets.
" It's like somebody's just let them out, like they're
latchkey dogs", Ms. McBeth said. "Some of them could
actually benefit from a diet."
www.nytimes.com/2004/02/26/international/europe/26ATHE.html?pagewanted=print&position
[2]
As reaction on your question: "Can you tell me when exactly
did they start the clean up of Athens. And, do you know how
many strays were in and around the area. I'm told there
were up to 30,000 at one time."
I don't know about that number but I can quote this
information on Athens by a direct witness, 17 March
2004:"It is difficult to say as strays are poisoned all
over the year, which is there way of regulating birth
control!
But it is strikingly worse since summer 2003.
Be informed that a group of strays in Athens, of which was
spoken in the newspapers about in September/October, was in
fact taken to be sterilised by an animal organisation and
brought back to their streets afterwards.
But NOW dogs disappear daily! In the harbour of Keratsini,
where formerly it was reasonably quiet if there were not
too many, they are fully active now! But there is a good
reason for it : Athens lacks good hotels (beds).
What they organised now : they will fill the harbour of
Keratsini (the part where they do not load and discharge)
fill it totally with cruise ships during the Olympic games.
That means there are a lot of hotels at once.
So total Keratsini is suddenly one big active warf and the
dogs are systematically exterminated ! In this pace Athens
will indeed be free of stray animals during the Olympic
games."
Date: Wed, 17 Mar 2004 16:27:23 -0000
From The official website of the ATHENS 2004 Olympic and
Paralympic Games
www.athens2004.com/athens2004/page/legacy?lang=en&cid=f718470429149f00VgnVCMServer28130b0aRCRD
[3] Stray Animals
The staging of the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, is an
opportunity for the development of a long-term policy to
deal with the phenomenon of strays in the big cities. The
Organising Committee for the Olympic Games ATHENS 2004 has
taken the initiative to promote dialogue and cooperation
with the Ministry of Agriculture, the municipal
authorities, the veterinaries and the SPCAπs, in order to
present a common, realistic and effective solution to the
issue. All stakeholders presented their initiatives during
a press conference held on June 26, 2003 at the ATHENS 2004
headquarters.
All parties involved have rejected euthanasia and have
agreed upon the following initiatives:
1. Stray animals will be collected from the wider area of
Athens, with the cooperation of the Municipalities and
SPCA's.
2. A vaccination and neutering programme will be
implemented in cooperation with the Municipalities and the
veterinaries.
3. All healthy, vaccinated and neutered animals will be
brought back to their natural environment.
These initiatives will be accompanied by an adoption
programme, as well as a public awareness campaign. The
Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture has already proposed an
institutional framework that covers these initiatives and
actions taken by several municipalities in the greater
Athens area. ATHENS 2004 hopes that this example will be
taken upon by other agencies as well, so that the necessary
conditions for a long term solution to the issue will
prevail even after the Olympic Games.
Also see: Hellenic Ministry of Agriculture, Athens
Municipality, Piraeus Municipality, Agia Paraskevi
Municipality
Subject: Royal Spanish wedding, bullfight and hunting
programmed in celebration.
Letter sent to the Spanish Royal Family, 16 March 2004 to
protocolo@casareal.es
The Hague, The Netherlands
16 March 2004
To the Royal Court of Spain
Your Highnesses,
First of all we share your grief for the victims of the
train attacks in Madrid on March 11th.
Action Against Poisoning is informed on some aspects of the
preparation for the wedding of Prince Felipe. We hope that
the Royal Family, their guests and the Spanish people will
enjoy a perfect day of joyful celebration that will be a
mondial event.
Allegedly bullfights and hunting are part of the program.
If this is the case we beg you to refrain from any such
festivities that include cruelty towards animals. We hope
you can understand that the majority of the people who
witness the celebration get deeply hurt by any (formal or
folkloristic) ceremonial activity that involves cruelty
towards animals.
Festivities in particular do not match with any form of
suffering, either from people or animals. For that matter
we are convinced that cruelty is picked up easily by
children when torture and killing is connected with
positive feelings like heroism and joy. Besides that
cruelty towards animals is one step away from cruelty
towards people.
We hope that your Royal Family will use the wedding of
Prince Felipe as an example for Spain and the rest of the
world to tilt the balance in well respected folkloristic
customs towards a greater respect for animal life.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: SPAIN, EL CAMPELLO - DO NOT KILL THE VICTIMS OF
MISMANAGEMENT
Ayto. de EL CAMPELLO
C/. Alcalde Oncina Giner, 1
03560 EL CAMPELLO (Alicante)
Tel.: 0034-965 63 72 00
Fax: 0034-965 63 29 82
campello@touristinfo.net
The Hague, 13 February 2004
Dear Madam Mayor of El Campello,
Action Against Poisoning is informed on the extremely
dismal state of the El Galgo Senior Kennel run by Mrs
Patricia Osborne in your community.
We will not dwell on the actual situation as we are sure
that you are well informed on all relevant details of the
sorry state of the dogs and the total lack of care and
management by Mrs Osborne.
Never before have we seen or heard of a such a mess. Never
before have we received so much accusing information on one
single case of massive animal abuse.
As the situation apparently is extremely urgent, and a
world wide known disgrace for El Campello, if not for Spain
in general, we suppose that you want to act swiftly in the
closure of this hell on earth. We beg you not to "solve"
the problem by having the victims of mismanagement and
neglect killed to complete the story of this animal
Treblinka.
On the contrary, please show your compassion by cooperating
with trustworthy and professional animal rescue
organizations like Scooby and Sighthound Rescue, which are
able to rescue and repatriate as many animals as possible.
We also trust that you will never ever have any mentally
and physically unfit person like Mrs Osborne bear
responsibility for any living thing, not even a plant.
Please keep us informed on your actions. We would prefer to
publish a positive outcome of this nightmare in our web
site.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: ROMANIA - Stray animal problem
To: ioniliescu@presidency.ro premier@gov.ro and
prefect@prefecturagorj.ro
Dear Mr President,
The Hague, 17 February 2004
Action Against Poisoning is regularly confronted with
incidents of human cruelty towards domestic and stray
animals in your country, mostly aimed at dogs. At this
moment we are focused on the slaughter in Matasari in the
weekend of February 7th 2004, where the Mayor Mr Gaspar
Gheorghe obviously sanctioned and encouraged the mass
killing. We are saddened by the fact that we have to appeal
to you on this subject again. And we are especially
disgusted by the fact that allegedly a very influential PSD
party member on TV called on all inhabitants of Matasari to
pick up clubs, hit the dogs over their heads and kill them
all. Such a request may turn all inhabitants into animal
abusers and killers and it means that all domestic animals
are at risk of being killed as well.
Though we try to understand the economic and cultural
background of different societies we cannot fathom the
pleasure that people derive from the torturing, killing and
even eating of their best and most loyal friend, the dog.
We are deeply worried about this cruelty as in our opinion
cruelty towards animals reflects an attitude of disrespect
for life in general. Disrespect and indifference have a
damaging influence on new generations. As you certainly
know this is a threat to any society.
We will not again elaborate on the solutions for possible
stray animal problems, the repercussions to your country of
publicity or our wish to have animal protection laws
enforced. We know that you and your advisors have been
adequately and thoroughly informed on decent solutions to
prevent recurrence of this problem time and again. So we
will not repeat all messages that have reached you in this
case. But we repeat our plea to stop these practices and to
restore respect for animal ≠ and consequently human ≠ life
in Rumania.
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: THAILAND and VIETNAM - Pest Control, the recurrent
global failure
Message sent to the Embassies of Thailand and Vietnam via
www.ciwf.nl/vogelpest.html
30 January 2004
After repeated disasters in different regions pest control
seems to become a major global failure.
Action Against Poisoning is especially worried about the
lack of self regulation regarding livestock breeding, pest
control planning, livestock transport and communication.
Only recently we witnessed the mass cremation of livestock
in a campaign against the spreading of foot and mouth
disease.
These images could not withhold parties around the world
from denying the problem and continuing the transport until
the last moment. These economically motivated postponed
actions consequently lead to more animal suffering and
greater economical loss. Greedy minds seem to have a very
restricted learning capacity.
For these reasons we do not pity the self inflicted
financial loss. On the other hand we are devastated by the
killing spree under livestock caused by the umpteenth
demonstration of lack of human control.
January 2004 a new bird pest is spreading over Asia and
threatening to reach the rest of the world.
To contain this problem amongst an Asian society where
poultry and people are living together, the killing of the
livestock seems to be the only solution available.
Action Against Poisoning is informed by Compassion In World
Farming Nederland (see also www.ciwf.co.uk/AvianFlu) on
their protest against the current Thai and Vietnamese
practice of putting living poultry in bags and burying them
alive.
Although we understand the health threat and urgency of the
situation, we beg the responsible breeders and authorities
to at least pay some respect to the victims of their care
and policy by killing their fowl in a decent way.
Above all we hope that the current pest will be contained
as soon as possible. We hope that the message gets through
that we should at all costs prevent animals from suffering.
We hope that this recurring global problem will get more
serious attention in the fields of ethics, (veterinary)
health care, (third world) agriculture, trade policy and
last but not least education.
We ultimately hope that this disaster will lead to the
wider understanding that uncontrolled livestock breeding
for whatever kind of human" consumption" will backfire on
ourselves.
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
(see also www.ciwf.co.uk/AvianFlu, www.ciwf.org and
www.ciwf.co.uk )
Subject: STOP CAT POISONING CAMPAIGN IN KFAR SABA
Letter sent to ISRAEL 26 January 2004
Dear Mister,
Action Against Poisoning has been informed by The Cat
Welfare Society of Israel (CWSI) that as a result of a
single case of cat rabies in Kfar Saba there are plans
under way for mass poisoning in that area.
We understand that authorities have confiscated cats from
private homes where the family could not prove that their
cat was rabies vaccinated.
Allegedly even exclusively indoors living cats that have
never ventured outside have been confiscated.
We presume you have noticed the resentment from your
citizens to such actions as the alternative could be a well
organized effective rabies vaccination campaign for
domestic animals, strays and wildlife.
In our view a humane way of killing of animals should only
happen as a last resort to a massive health threat.
Poisoning is the most random cruel and agonizing way of
killing the targeted animals. Of course it is popular as it
is the cheapest, most anonymous and - when you spread it
everywhere - surely the most effective method. Why not
spread oral rabies vaccine in the same way?
You might forget that poisoning kills or harms every non
targeted animal and sometimes children as well. Collateral
damage you might say.
While fighting a health threat poisoning leads to a
considerable new health threat.
Consequently you have to deal with the outrage and grief of
the owners and parents of the victims and numerous
witnesses of your poisoning campaign. In short, please
refrain from the poison approach. And please keep us
informed on your actions.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
1. Comments Needed: Israel Cat Welfare Society Battles
Against Mass Poisonings.
We support The Cat Welfare Society of Israel (CWSI) which
is asking for help in stopping this inhumane campaign.
Source: The Cat Welfare Society of Israel,
ellen@bgumail.bgu.ac.il , www.cats.org.il
Animal News Center,
www.anc.org/pets/pets_article.cfm?identifier=2004_0122_cwsi
ASPCA, news-alert@aspca.org , 1/22/04
As a result of a single case of rabies in a cat in Kfar
Saba, Israel, plans are under way for mass poisonings in
the area. is asking for your help in stopping this inhumane
campaign. According to CWSI, inspectors have also
confiscated pet cats at will from private homes where the
family could not prove their cat had a current rabies
vaccination.
Even "indoor only" cats who have never ventured outside
have been confiscated, they said.
Polite letters are needed to Israeli officials urging them
to cancel this plan. CWSI also recommends asking these
officials to demand comprehensive oral rabies vaccine
campaigns for wildlife and affordable vaccine programs for
domestic animals.
CONTACT: (emails working as of 1/22/04)
Mayor of Kfar Saba
Fax: +97297659555
Email: mayor@ksaba.co.il
Danny Naveh, Minister of Health
Email: sar@moh.health.gov.il
Avraham Poraz, Minister of the Interior
Email: sar@moin.gov.il
Subject: MORE BULLFIGHTS IN FRANCE (English and French
text)
Letter sent 25 JANUARY, 2004 to French Mayors
Via mairie-aire@wanadoo.fr, communication@ville-ales.net,
z.koukas@ville-arles.fr, mairie-bayonne@wanadoo.fr,
beaucaire@free.fr, mairie.de.beziers@wanadoo.fr,
commune.bougue@wanadoo.fr, mairie.bourgmadame@wanadoo.fr,
mairie.captieux@wanadoo.fr, webmaster@carcassonne.org,
contact.mairie.caveirac@wanadoo.fr,
mairie.cazaubon@wanadoo.fr, mairie.de.ceret@wanadoo.fr,
maire@ville-chateaurenard.fr, contact@collioure.net,
ville.dax@wanadoo.fr, eauze.mairie@wanadoo.fr,
mairie.fontvieille@wanadoo.fr,
communedefourques.47@wanadoo.fr, gimont@wanadoo.fr,
mairiehagetmau@wanadoo.fr, communication@ville-istres.fr,
contact@labrede-montesquieu.com, mairie@ville-lunel.fr,
coste@mauguio-carnon.com, mairie@mont-de-marsan.org,
maire@ville-nimes.fr, mairie@parentis.com,
mairie-rion@wanadoo.fr, mairie-smc@ville-saint-de-crau.fr,
stperdon@hotmail.com, mairie.saintsever@wanadoo.fr,
contact@mairie-soustons.fr, mairie@tarascon.org,
katy.guyot@vauvert.com, villeneuve.mairie@wanadoo.fr
aignan@wanadoo.fr
Dear Mayor,
Action Against Poisoning maintains the following general
view on bullfights:
We applaud the preservation of European regional cultural
heritage. However, we protest against existing folkloric
festivities that involve any form of animal abuse. In our
view the association of animal abuse and festivities is a
hazard to the population. If torture and killing is
culturally conceived as a joyful occasion, then animal
abuse can be associated with fame and national pride. We
have noted that animal molesters tend to violence in
general. So in terms of mental health and public order
especially a mayor has a potential problem when we promote
any form of animal abuse under the disguise of cherished
traditions. We should not teach our children that any form
of animal torture is normal, leave alone laudable.
We regret the fact that several EU member states have lower
standards on animal protection than the more civilized
member states.
It is one of the targets of Action Against Poisoning to
raise that standard to the highest standard existing within
the EU. It is sad enough that some member states persist in
the continuation of traditional habits that involve the
torture and/or the subsequent killing of animals.
Believing that France was a civilized member state of the
EU in October 2003 we were informed on the efforts to stop
the reintroduction of bullfighting in Carcassone after a
stop of 48 years. However, the judge decided that
bullfighting could return to Carcassone "as it had been an
uninterrupted tradition" in that city.
This motivation of this devastating verdict is a blatant
lie and with that the law is violated. The verdict also
violates existing EU animals protection laws. But above all
the motivation is a ridiculous argument.
Consequently witch burning, the guillotine and whatever
medieval traditions could be reinstated as "uninterrupted
traditions".
We are saddened that as mayor of a growing number of
bullfight-cities you chose to ignore the average European
opinion on animal welfare and the existing animal
protection laws within the EU. Please reflect on our
arguments against bullfighting and use your influence to
stop bullfighting in your community.
Yours truly,
actionagainstpoisoning.com
---
Monsieur le Maire,
La position de "Action Against Poisoning" (Action contre
les Empoisonnements) sur les corridas est la suivante:
Si nous nous fÈlicitons de la sauvegarde des cultures
rÈgionales en Europe, nous protestons contre les festivitÈs
folkloriques existantes qui impliquent n'importe quelle
forme d'abus envers les animaux.
Selon nous, l'association de mauvais traitements aux
animaux et de festivitÈs met la population en danger. Si la
torture et le massacre sont culturellement perÁus comme de
bons moments, les mauvais traitements aux animaux peuvent
Ítre associÈs ‡ la renommÈe et ‡ la fiertÈ nationales. Nous
avons remarquÈ que les gens qui font du mal aux animaux
tendent ‡ la violence en gÈnÈral.
Un maire peut ainsi se retrouver dans sa ville face ‡ des
problËmes de dÈsordres mentaux et de sÈcuritÈ publique
quand les mauvais traitements aux animaux sont favorisÈs
sous le dÈguisement des traditions apprÈciÈes. Nous ne
devrions pas enseigner ‡ nos enfants que la torture des
animaux, quelle qu'elle soit, est normale et encore moins
louable.
Nous regrettons que plusieurs Etats membres de l'Union
EuropÈenne aient des normes infÈrieures sur la protection
des animaux que les Etats membres plus civilisÈs. L'un des
objectifs de l'Action contre les Empoisonnements est la
gÈnÈralisation cette norme au niveau le plus ÈlevÈ existant
dans l'Union EuropÈenne. Il est assez regrettable que
quelques Etats membres persistent dans ces habitudes
traditionnelles qui impliquent la torture et/ou le massacre
d'animaux.
PersuadÈs que la France Ètait un Etat civilisÈ de l'UE,
nous Ètions au courant des efforts faits en octobre 2003
pour stopper la rÈintroduction de la corrida ‡ Carcassonne
aprËs un arrÍt de 48 ans.
Cependant, un juge a dÈcidÈ que la corrida pouvait revenir
‡ Carcassonne "car cela avait ÈtÈ une tradition
ininterrompue" dans cette ville.
L'argument de ce verdict dÈvastateur est un mensonge
flagrant qui viole la loi. Le verdict viole Ègalement des
lois existantes de protection des animaux dans l'Union
EuropÈenne.
En consÈquence, croyez-vous que les b˚chers de sorciËres,
la guillotine et quelques traditions mÈdiÈvales pourraient
Ítre rÈtablies en tant que "traditions ininterrompues"?
Nous nous rattristons que, comme les maires d'un nombre de
plus en plus important de villes taurines, vous ayez choisi
d'ignorer l'opinion publique europÈenne sur la protection
des animaux et les lois existantes de protection des
animaux dans l'Union EuropÈenne.
Nous vous demandons de rÈflÈchir ‡ nos arguments contre la
corrida et d'employer votre influence pour faire cesser les
corridas dans votre commune.
En vous remerciant de l'attention que vous avez portÈ ‡
notre lettre, nous vous prions d'agrÈer nos salutations
distinguÈes.
Action Against Poisoning
Subject: ARGENTINA - Poisoning of animals on behalf of the
tourist industry in Buenos Aires
Letter sent to the President and other relevant Argentine
authorities
President of Argentina Email: WEBMASTER@PRESIDENCIA.GOV.AR
Ministry of Tourism Email: info@turismo.gov.ar
Permanent Mission of Argentina to the United Nations Email:
argentina@un.int
Secretariat of Culture & Communication Email:
info@correocultura.gov.ar
www.petitiononline.com/ma1c2347/petition.html
www.canadianvoiceforanimals.org/Argentina.html
To The President of Argentina
6 January 2004
Action Against Poisoning is informed on the current
poisoning campaign aimed at stray animals on behalf of the
Argentine tourist industry. We pity the small minority of
tourists who hate animals. These unfriendly people are not
able to recognize dogs and cats as a peaceful and natural
part of civilization. With that handicap they probably are
not able to value their own society, let alone your culture
anyway. Although you are better off without such guests, we
never heard that animal haters stayed away from tourist
spots where stray animals are treated well. On the
contrary, most tourists love animals and they enjoy a
meeting with a wandering dog or cat. And when you worry
about health risks for your beloved tourists, you should
rather fear people for spreading diseases than stray
animals.
If however you want to control the amount of stray animals
we strongly object to poisoning, as this "method" is
extremely painful, cruel and indiscriminative. In a
stealthy way strays, pets, cattle, protected animals and
people fall victim to this most disgusting and degrading
way of killing. You may never have seen the horrible
sequence of unrest, panic, vomiting, bleeding, spasms,
suffocating and final resignation of a poisoned animal. You
may have no idea of the agony of the victims or the
emotional impact on people who see (their own) animals die
this way. We saw the outrage and grief of guests watching
30 animals die around their Tunisian hotel one sunny day in
1985. In effect these witnesses vowed never to return to
that country. So it is better to realise that poisoning can
strongly backfire on your tourist program.
Stray animals become a problem when they multiply freely
and consequently sterilization is the solution. Killing is
not a solution as other freely multiplying stray animals
will fill the gap at the feeding places. We advise you to
control that problem with a "vaccinate, spay, neuter and
release" program that returns healthy sterilized stray
animals to the spot where they were collected. This way
they will keep other strays away and stop multiplying. In
short, such a campaign will give you a long term solution
to the problem. We realise that such campaigns require a
plan, adequate veterinarian care and a proper budget. We
also realise that poisoning is cheap and effective on the
short term.
And we know for sure that people should not treat their
"best friend" the dog so badly. Their loyalty, gentleness
and unwavering trust in men is unprecedented. They deserve
our protection rather than our cruelty. In our view
economic motives should never lead to any form of cruelty.
Please be aware that cruelty towards animals evokes cruelty
towards people as well. We are not informed on the
existence of Argentine animal protection laws. If they
exist, as we expect from any civilized country, they should
not be violated. For these reasons we urge you to stop
poisoning campaigns in Buenos Aires or anywhere else in
Argentine immediately.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: USA-Africa - New York Governor Pataki vetoed Bill
S.2735a against "canned shooting"
Letter to Governor Pataki sent on 4 November 2003
Phone: 518-474-8390 Fax: 518-474-1513
Email: www.state.ny.us/governor/form.htm ,
DIVERSE_LIFE@ecoterra.net ,
fund.org/library/documentViewer.asp?ID=1086&table=documents
To New York Governor
Mister Pataki
Fax 518-474-1513
Dear Mister Pataki,
Action Against Poisoning supports animal protection in
general. We are informed that you vetoed bill S.2735a that
would have banned "canned shooting".
Although we resent even the fairest kind of hunting as an
unequal contest, we are thoroughly disgusted with canned
shooting. As far as we know the average hunter views the
shooting of a sitting duck as "not done". And so is the
killing of protected species. These two ethical and legal
aspects are enough to veto this sickening kind of
amusement.
Your decision to veto the bill reflects either ignorance of
or disregard for the extinction of exotic animals, human
ethics, public opinion and the consequences for U.S.
foreign relations. Your decision to continue the guaranteed
bagging of exotic trophies in foreign countries underlines
the current unfavorable image that Americans misbehave
wherever and whenever they want.
In short, it makes us foreigners cynical about American
politics. As we do not understand why a U.S. governor would
follow the lead of the least respectable parties, we ask
you: For what reasons do you support canned shooting?
We will publish your answer in our web site,
actionagainstpoisoning.com
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
Subject: EU - A majority of the EU Parliament wants to
terminate EU subsidies to fighting bull breeders
Letter sent to the European Commission on Wednesday 29
October 2003
To: European Commission and kabinett-fischler@cec.eu.int ,
sanco-mailbox@cec.eu.int , info@anti-corrida.de ,
helpline@defra.gsi.gov.uk , eija.hemila@mmm.fi ,
info@cmlag.fgov.be , fvm@fvm.dk , poststelle@bmvel.bund.de
, grand-public@agriculture.gouv.fr , drys@otenet.gr ,
minister@agriculture.gov.ie , min.agri@ma.etat.lu ,
infotiek@dv.agro.nl , office@bmlfuw.gv.at ,
stampa@politicheagricole.it , mipabox@politicheagricole.it
, gabinete.ministro@min-agricultura.pt ,
registrator@agriculture.ministry.se ,
redazione.web@governo.it , urpdie@governo.it ,
csansdel@mapya.es
Att. of Commissioner Michel Barnier
Wetstraat 200
B-1049 Brussel
FAX 0032-2.2981599
Subject: Support of the termination of subsidies to
fighting bull breeders
Dear Mr Barnier,
Action Against Poisoning already sent you a letter of even
tenor regarding the Interreg IIIC project Minotauro. This
time we are informed that current subsidies for the
breeding of fighting bulls are questioned in the EU
Parliament. We strongly support the termination of these
subsidies.
Our general view on bullfights is as follows:
We applaud the preservation of European regional cultural
heritage. However, we protest against existing folkloric
festivities that involve any form of animal abuse. In our
view the association of animal abuse and festivities is a
hazard to the population. If torture and killing is
culturally conceived as a joyful occasion, then animal
abuse can be associated with fame and national pride. We
have noted that animal molesters tend to violence in
general. So in terms of mental health and public order we
have a potential problem when we promote any form of animal
abuse under the disguise of cherished traditions. We should
not teach our children that any form of animal torture is
normal, leave alone laudable.
We regret the fact that several EU member states have lower
standards on animal protection than the more civilized
member states. It is one of the targets of Action Against
Poisoning to raise that standard to the highest standard
existing within the EU. It is sad enough that some member
states persist in the continuation of traditional habits
that involve the torture and/or the subsequent killing of
animals.
Although we do not seek to undermine feelings of national
pride, torture is a violation of existing animal protection
laws and an affront to the civilized member states.
Consequently we oppose to any kind of EU support for
bullfighting, including the breeding of the bulls.
We do not agree with the argument that these bulls have had
a wonderful pampered life before they enter the arena.
There simply does not exist any excuse for torture even of
the shortest duration.
So in our point of view it is unacceptable to support
activities that taunt the average European opinion on
animal welfare and the existing animal protection laws
within the EU. Let the EU terminate any support of
activities, including the breeding of fighting bulls, that
maintain or promote cruel traditions in Europe.
Please hand this letter to the relevant decision makers.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
Subject: China - Appeal to stop bear farming 'bile bears'
Letter sent to the Chinese Ambassador in Australia on
Thursday 30 October 2003
www.animalsasia.org/beInformed/cbRescue/cbp001.html
His Excellency Ambassador Mr Wu Tao
Embassy of the People¥s Republic of China
15 Coronation Drive
Yarralumla ACT 2600
AUSTRALIA
30 October 2003
Dear Ambassador Wu Tao,
With Chinese friends we visited your beautiful country in
1999. As we do not master your language we were limited in
our communications. However, with mutual respect and
understanding for our cultural differences we had open
discussions about our experiences in China including Hong
Kong. In short, we were impressed by the technical progress
and the friendliness we met in the different parts of
China.
Action Against Poisoning supports the welfare of animals in
general and particularly aims at the prevention of
poisoning, which we see as one of the worst offences
towards animals. Last year we were informed on the efforts
of the European Union to stop the maltreatment of 'bile
bears' in China and more recently IAKA got our attention on
the same matter.
As their letter to you expresses perfectly our view and
approach on this issue we copy their format. We simply
could not write a better letter.
We would like to express both our concern over the
deplorable practice of bear farming and our sincerest
appreciation to the Government authorities in China for
their admirable work towards eliminating such a practice.
The agreement between the Animals Asia Foundation, the
China Wildlife Conservation Association (CWCA) and the
Sichuan Forestry Department (SFD), to rescue 500 suffering
and endangered Moon Bears, is one of the most remarkable
and significant steps ever taken to address the welfare of
individual animals, as well as the conservation of a
species as a whole and we applaud their efforts
wholeheartedly.
In recent years China has experienced dramatic change and
growth in all arenas, which has led to an increased
interest in business investments and tourism opportunities
from the international community. As the spotlight
continues to shine on China in the lead up to the Beijing
2008 Olympic Games, it would seem only natural that these
advances should extend to ending such medieval and
disgraceful practices as bear farming which have no place
in our civilized world.
We implore you to add your voice and encouragement to the
growing call from within China and right across the world,
to end bear farming. Please alert your government to the
good work of Animals Asia, the CWCA and SFD and pass on our
congratulations for their endeavors to end such unnecessary
suffering once and for all.
Yours respectfully,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: HOLLAND - A number of Members of Dutch Parliament
demand that animal welfare activists will be prosecuted as
terrorists.
Letter sent to The Members of the Dutch Parliament on
Monday 13 October 2003
The Hague, 13 October 2003
To the Members of the Dutch Parliament
Lange Poten 4 Postbus 20018
2500 EA Den Haag
The Netherlands
fax 0031 (0)70 318 2234
Ladies and gentlemen,
Action Against Poisoning fights animal poisoning in
particular and supports the development of animal welfare
in general. For an actual and concise general motivation
for animal protectors we refer to "Spare a thought on our
cruelty to animals" by Mohd Idris (
rense.com/general42/crueltu.htm or
www.malaysiakini.com/letters/200310030035396.php ).
We took note of the intention of a number of MP¥s to put
active animal protectors under anti-terrorist legislation.
We are surprised by this initiative as our current penal
code deals with crimes whether or not committed by
activists, which we reject categorically anyway. It eludes
us which specifically by animal activists committed crime
would escape our penal code. Let us draw a parallel between
the welfare of men and animals.
Advancement of the welfare of "the Dutchmen" consequently
leads to active measures against actual maltreatment or
other forms of interference with that welfare. Thanks to
multiple incidents of `senseless¥ violence we know where
passivity leads to and our fellow citizens are called upon
to perform a more active role in the combat to stop it. On
the analogy of human welfare, the advancement of animal
welfare leads to active measures against animal
maltreatment and interference with animal welfare as well.
Obstruction of these animal protective actions evokes
questions: Why the paradoxical difference in view on the
welfare of men and animals? Which MP¥s gain from the
criminalization of animal protectors and why? Are offenders
of animal protection laws protected? In short, what
political or social interest is involved?
When active interference with animal welfare is labeled as
terrorism, it is an absurd stigmatization of the most
active "terrorists" amongst us: the animal protection
inspectors. We call upon you to forestall further
elaboration of this mental error, that is also detrimental
to our image internationally, and to stop any further
discredit of legal actions on animal protection.
But above all ≠ which is much more important than all the
foregoing ≠ we call upon you to protect and improve the
legislation on animal welfare and animal protection.
We regret the apparent crumbling away of our animal loving
attitude and laboriously constructed laws during the
current government period.
With best regards,
Action Against Poisoning
www.actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: THAILAND - Ongoing slaughter of dogs for human
consumption in Thailand
Letter sent to the Government of Thailand on Monday 13
October 2003
webmaster@moac.go.th , info@dld.go.th ,
webmaster@health.moph.go.th , somlak@hotmail.com ,
prdiv3@tat.or.th, govspkmn@mozart.inet.co.th,
anek@thaigov.go.th , loyleuan@thaigov.go.th
Dear Sirs,
Action Against Poisoning is informed on the ongoing
slaughter of dogs for human consumption in Thailand. We
understand that adverse economic situations create
initiatives that should not have arisen under better
circumstances.
However, with all respect for cultural variety in feeding
habits and attitude towards animals, we do object to the
inherent insanity and cruelty involved in the selecting,
collecting, transport, killing and skinning - or worse:
skinning and killing. We need not go into details as we
presume that you are well informed on them. For these
reasons alone this mentally and physically unhealthy
practice should be banned. Besides that it is hard for us
to understand how people can treat their " best friend" the
dog so badly. Their loyalty, gentleness and unwavering
trust in men is unprecedented. They deserve our protection
rather than our cruelty. In our view economic motives or a
generally laudable cultural tolerance might never lead to
any form of cruelty. Accordingly existing animal protection
laws should not be violated, or softened, leave alone
revoked.
Please be aware that cruelty towards animals evokes cruelty
towards people. From our personal experience we know
Thailand as probably the most peaceful Asian society. We
ask you to keep up to this standard and promote education
and legislation to finish this trade.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: SRI LANKA - Stray round-up before the planned
Cricket Tournament in Kandy
Letter sent to the Government of Sri Lanka on Saturday 18
October 2003
To Prime Minister Mr. Ranil Wickramsinghe, Sri Lanka
To Mr.W.J.M Lokubandara
And to all who this may concern
Dear Mister Wickramsinghe,
Action Against Poisoning supports the improvement of animal
welfare in general and fights animal poisoning in
particular. We were informed on the fact that in the Kandy
region of Sri Lanka authorities chose for a humane approach
of the stray animal problem, as we understand through the
help of the University and Mrs Zellweger's organization. We
were delighted with this vision, that protects strays with
a sound health and protection plan, of enlightened
authorities.
By now we are to understand that the approaching cricket
tournament in Kandy has turned this laudable vision into a
destructive action aimed at the killing of the same stray
population. With all respect for financial, organizational
and bureaucratic limitations of a country we cannot
understand why a civilized low cost program is abandoned
for a killing policy.
If indeed this change in policy was inspired by fear of the
authorities of embarrassing the foreign visitors with the
stray animal population, we ask you to take into
consideration the following: Most foreign visitors are
animal lovers who like to meet even dirty or sick cats and
dogs, rather than visit an obviously temporarily sterilized
city where strays have been wiped out. Most animal lovers
even tend to spend money on the care for animals in need.
The civilization of a society is measured by the attitude
towards and treatment of its (especially stray) animals as
performed by its citizens and its animal welfare
organizations. It is better to show your animal protection
efforts to the public, than to frustrate and deny them. On
these themes publicity can make or break the image of Kandy
and Sri Lanka. In short, no one likes to visit the killing
fields of Kandy.
We call upon you to turn the tide immediately on behalf of
the animals and the continuation of the planned cricket
games. Instead of evoking a boycott, why not use the
tournament to raise financial support for the ongoing good
work for these stray animals in Kandy?
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Send protest letters to:
To: prime_minister@sltnet.lk
CC: buddhasasana@eureka.lk , bbc@sri.lanka.net ,
gamini@unl.upali.lk
Subject: JAPAN - Plans for a Dolphin Healing Center in
Sanuki
Letter sent to Japanese authorities on Friday 26 September
2003
To: Mr. Shinya Akazawa, Mayor of Sanuki city, &
Machidukuri-suishin-ka
Fax:+81-87-894-4440
E-mail:hisyo@m.sanuki.ne.jp
Dear Mister Shinya Akazawa,
Action Against Poisoning objects to any form of animal
abuse in general and animal poisoning in particular.
We are informed on plans for a so called Dolphin Healing
Center in Sanuki. Allegedly this will include an experiment
to test if dolphins can survive in adverse environmental
conditions.
If this is true, then the name Healing Center is misleading
as far as the health of the dolphins is concerned. Although
we keep a keen eye on amusement purposes for the use of
dolphins, we do appreciate the healing effects of contact
with dolphins for people with slight or severe mental
problems.
If the last is your purpose, we applaud that initiative,
provided the fact that the dolphins are held in only the
best environmental circumstances. If however this is not
the case - as we fear - we request you to stop the Dolphin
Healing Center initiative.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: GREECE - Compliments to OIKO for their article
against hunting
Letter sent to Greece on Friday 26 September 2003
To: Greece OIKO editor@kathimerini.gr
Greece OIKO - Kathimerini syntaxi@kathimerini.gr
Greece argos animal welfare argos@spark.net.gr
Subject: Thanks
Dear Mr Tsichlias,
Although we have not read "the OIKO article against
hunting" (we have only seen the cover) the fame of the
makers has spread around the world.
Action Against Poisoning fights the poisoning of animals
and supports animal protection in general. As we have had
bad experiences with poisoning of stray and domestic
animals by hunters we are applauding your effort to stop
this unfair kind of amusement with its criminal side
effects.
We are amazed that hunters are so afraid of their game that
they even wear camouflage suits. We would welcome the day
when hunters - and bullfighters for that matter - would
discover the meaning of ¥sport¥ and ¥fair game¥ and go for
their colleagues.
Anyway, we greatly admire your courage and support your
effort to change the public opinion in one of the most
traditional hunting areas.
Thanks a lot to all who did this article!
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: PORTUGAL - Sponsoring Down Syndrome patients by
bullfight
Letter sent to APPT21, Portugal on Friday 13 June 2003
AssociaÁ„o Portuguesa de Portadores de Trissomia 21
Rua Dr. JosÈ Espirito Santo, Lote 49, Loja 1
1900-672 Lisboa
TEL 00 351 21 837 16 99,
FAX: 00 351 21 837 17 12
E-mail: appt21@net.sapo.pt
13 June 2003
Ladies and gentlemen,
We were informed that you are staging a bullfight in
Setubal on July 5 to sponsor your work on behalf of people
with the down syndrome.
We applaud your work as we know that - although the
acceptance of and care for people with the down syndrome
has greatly improved - there is much to be done yet.
However, we are saddened by the fact that you have chosen
for a bullfight as it reflects the opposite of your goal:
protecting the vulnerable.
So far we have not heard of any welfare fund that collects
its money by torturing animals. Apart from this ethical
aspect we thought that bullfights are illegal in Portugal.
We hope that you are not inviting people with the down
syndrome to attend bullfights and warming your gentle
clients to the art of torture and subsequent killing. They
probably are too gentle and caring to take to it.
Anyway, we hope to have made it clear that welfare and
loving care are totally incompatible with the abuse of
animals. Where your association tries to improve the mental
attitude towards your clients, we see cruelty towards
animals as a growing mental health threat.
So please refrain from this intended bullfight on the 5th
of July before you do considerable harm to the good cause
in general and your organisation especially.
Yours sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: CANADA - At this very moment harp seals continue
to be ruthlessly slaughtered on Canada's east coast"
Letter sent to Canadian authorities on Tuesday 11 March
2003
Letter sent to the Canada's Prime Minister as a reaction
on:
"Seals CANADA: At this very moment harp seals continue to
be ruthlessly slaughtered on Canada's east coast"
Subject: ANIMAL ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH
To: Hon. Mr. Jean Chretien, Prime Minister of Canada; Hon.
Mr. Robert Thibault, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans;Hon.
Mr. David Anderson, Minister of the Environment; Canadian
Representatives Abroad; major Canadian media
Our organization Action Against Poisoning is informed on
the increase of the Canadian quota for seals to be killed
in 2003 as seals are blamed for the decrease in the cod
catch. We are informed that overfishing rather than the
feeding habit of seals is the cause of the decrease in the
cod population. In short, twisted economical motives will
lead to a further decrease of the seal population and an
increase of cruel slaughtering of young animals.
Again animal welfare has rock bottom priority in government
policy. It is saddening and amazing that a civilized
society like Canada is the culprit in massive animal abuse.
Especially when this slaughter is executed amongst "
sitting ducks", the most cowardly and sickening form of
hunting we can imagine. What kind of personality isrequired
to clobber helpless animals to death? What respect deserve
such husbands, fathers or sons?
We advise you to consider the effect of this practice, not
only for the image of Canada and tourism, but also for the
mental health of your citizens who are involved or
confronted with legalized massacre.
To stress this point we also advise you to read "Eternal
Treblinka", subtitled "Our treatment of animals and the
holocaust", by Charles Patterson, ISBN 1-930051-99-9.
We urge you to stop the seal hunt.
Yours Sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning Europe
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: CORFU - Round-up campaign to remove stray animals
from the streets of Corfu
Letter sent to Greek authorities on Monday 5 May 2003
Mayor of Corfu, Alexandros Mastoras; fax no. 26610 32779
May 5th 2003
Dear Mister Mastoras,
For most visitors and tourists stray animals are a colorful
part of a local scenery, mirroring the tolerance and
kindness of a people. The fishermans town of Alhao in the
Portuguese Algarve is a good example. Many inhabitants care
for the stray animals who lead their lives in parks and
squares without causing any problem to public life. These
caring Olhanense inhabitants and their visitors know that
well treated stray animals are very friendly to everybody.
The non-existence of a stray problem is not a denial of a
"problem", but an understanding of the relationship between
manís best friends and the people. In short: most tourists
love animals and the few visitors who dislike animals tend
not to be your most beloved guests anyway.
We are informed that you are one of the authorities
involved in a round-up campaign to remove stray animals
from the streets of Corfu and collect them in the Tsagaraki
shelter. A round-up campaign invariably leads to an
overload on even the best shelter, causing suffering and
killing of the animals involved. We are informed that this
Tsagaraki shelter does not meet any of the minimal EU
quality standards for animal care. Consequently the stray
animals of Corfu are in grave danger.
Our organization Action Against Poisoning is extremely
worried about the implicit cruelty to the animals that is
unbecoming to the civilized Greek culture. Please do not
degrade this image to the world. Tourists especially
dislike any action that harms cats and dogs, which are
common domestic animals to them. As an alternative a
"vaccinate, spay, neuter and release" campaign for stray
animals could control your problem in a friendly and
respectful way. Alas, this is a long term solution and we
are saddened by the fact that usually an easy cruel short
term policy is chosen. Saddened also as we know that this
policy will be repeated again and again as it will not
improve the situation in the long run.
Regarding your stray animal problem Action Against
Poisoning urges you to choose for the long term solution of
a "vaccinate, spay, neuter and release" campaign, using the
aid of local citizens who care about the fate of stray
animals on your lovely island. Why such a campaign? With
vaccination, sterilization and release a healthy and stable
population of stray animals is obtained. Sterilization
prevents the population to grow; release prevents other/new
animals to take their place in the existing local food
chain; vaccination guarantees the health of the animals and
the public health. A stable and happy stray population and
caring people who know them live in harmony at ease.
What about the costs of such a campaign? The release of
vaccinated and sterilized animals relieves the shelters.
The budget for the miserable "imprisonment" in the shelter
can be put to better use for a happy life outside for the
treated stray animals.
So please choose a strategy that will save the lives of
animals. Your caring attitude towards living creatures will
command the respect of your citizens and visitors alike.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: AUSTRALIA - Dog exporter sends dogs to Asian
destinations where their fate is insecure.
Letter sent to this Australian exporter on Wednesday 2
April 2003
via email scott@jetpets.com.au
DATE: 2 April 2003
Dear Mr. Scott,
We are informed that you are a main exporter of dogs to
Asia.
Please be very careful about sending dogs to destinations
where their fate is insecure.
As "men¥s best friends" not only the pedigrees but all dogs
deserve a life in harmony with their nature. In our view
they should not be abused for any reason. For instance, if
people love racing it is fine if they wear themselves out
or even kill themselves to reach the top. It is silly but
OK if it is their own choice.
Not so for dogs as inconsiderate and greedy behavior of
their owners often leads to abuse, abandonment or premature
death. In short: a horrible life. We need not go into any
details of the suffering of dogs that get into the wrong
hands, as we are sure that you are well aware of Asian
standards of animal treatment.
So please refrain from sending dogs to destinations where
they will meet an early and cruel death.
Yours sincerely,
ACTION AGAINST POISONING
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: ALASKA - About half of the Iditarod sled race dogs
do not reach the finish line.
Letter sent to CNN on Tuesday 11 March 2003
To the President of CNN:
Email: jim.walton@cnn.com
Date: 11th March 2003
Dear Mr. Walton:
We hope you understand the influence of CNN on the people
especially the children. You give attention to the Iditarod
dog sled race on your web site. Please, give your readers
and viewers the animal protection side of the Iditarod
story. In contrary to what this article claims now,
Iditarod race rules do not promote the safe treatment of
dogs. On average, 50% of the dogs who start the race cannot
make it across the finish line.
Unlike many dog sled races in the United States, the
Iditarod does not ban the use of whips. Iditarod rules do
not require vets to give the dogs physicals at the
checkpoints. In fact, many mushers breeze through many of
the checkpoints so that the dogs only get visual checks, if
that. The Iditarod rules do not require sick and injured
dogs to be under a vet's care. Many sick and injured dogs
are sent to a prison to be cared for by inmates and receive
no veterinary care. In the 2001 Iditarod, a sick dog was
sent to this prison, was chained up in the cold, and died.
Mushers treat their dogs abominably. In the Iditarod, dogs
are forced to run 1,150 miles over a grueling terrain in 8
to14 days, which is the approximate distance between
Atlanta and Portland, Maine. Dog deaths and injuries are
common in the race. USA Today sports columnist Jon Saraceno
called the Iditarod "a travesty of grueling proportions"
and "Ihurtadog." Fox sportscaster Jim Rome called it
"I-killed-a-dog." Orlando Sentinel sports columnist George
Diaz said the race is "a barbaric ritual" and "an illegal
sweatshop for dogs." USA Today business columnist Bruce
Horovitz said the race is a "public-relations minefield."
Please visit the Sled Dog Action Coalition (SDAC)
(www.helpsleddogs.org) website to see pictures, and for
more information. Be sure to read the quotes on
www.helpsleddogs.org/remarks.htm. At least 119 dogs have
died in the Iditarod. There is no official count of dog
deaths available for the race's early years. Causes of
death have also included strangulation in towlines,
internal hemorrhaging after being gouged by a sled, liver
injury, heart failure, and pneumonia. "Sudden death" and
"external myopathy", a fatal condition in which a dog's
muscles and organs deteriorate during extreme or prolonged
exercise, have also occurred. The 1976 Iditarod winner,
Jerry Riley, was accused of striking his dog with a snow
hook (a large, sharp and heavy metal claw). In 1996, one of
Rick Swenson's dogs died while he mushed his team through
waist-deep water and ice. The Iditarod Trail Committee
banned both mushers from the race but later reinstated
them. In many states these incidents would be considered
animal cruelty. Swenson is now on the Iditarod Board of
Directors.
Tom Classen, retired Air Force colonel and Alaskan resident
for over 40 years, tells us that the dogs are beaten into
submission: "They've had the hell beaten out of them." "You
don't just whisper into their ears, "OK, stand there until
I tell you to run like the devil"." They understand one
thing: a beating. These dogs are beaten into submission the
same way elephants are trained for a circus. The mushers
will deny it. And you know what? They are all lying." - USA
Today, March 3, 2000 in Jon Saraceno's column.
Beatings and whippings are common. Jim Welch says in his
book "Speed Mushing Manual", "I heard one highly respected
[sled dog] driver once state that "Alaskans like the kind
of dog they can beat on". "Nagging a dog team is cruel and
ineffective... A training device such as a whip is not
cruel at all but is effective." "It is a common training
device in use among dog mushers... A whip is a very humane
training tool". Mushers believe in "culling" or killing
unwanted dogs, including puppies.
Many dogs who are permanently disabled in the Iditarod, or
who are unwanted for any reason, are killed with a shot to
the head, dragged or clubbed to death. "On-going cruelty is
the law of many dog lots. Dogs are clubbed with baseball
bats and if they don't pull are dragged to death in
harnesses....." wrote Alaskan Mike Cranford in an article
for Alaska's Bush Blade Newspaper (March, 2000).
Jon Saraceno wrote in his March 3, 2000 column in USA
Today, "He [Colonel Tom Classen] confirmed dog beatings and
far worse. Like starving dogs to maintain their most
advantageous racing weight. Skinning them to make mittens.
Or dragging them to their death."
The race has led to the proliferation of
concentration-camp-like dog kennels in which the dogs are
treated very cruelly. Many kennels have over 100 dogs and
some have as many as 200. It is standard for the dogs to
spend their entire lives outside tethered to metal chains
that can be as short as four feet long. In 1997 the United
States Department of Agriculture determined that the
tethering of dogs was inhumane and not in the animals' best
interests. The chaining of dogs as a primary means of
enclosure is prohibited in all cases where federal law
applies. A dog who is permanently tethered is forced to
urinate and defecate where he sleeps, which conflicts with
his natural instinct to eliminate away from his living
area. Because he is close to his own to his own fecal
material, a dog can easily catch deadly parasitical
diseases by stepping in or sniffing his own waste.
Please inform your readers and viewers wider about this
abusive race.
Sincerely,
Action Against Poisoning, Europe
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: EUROPEAN UNION - Protest against bull fight
subsidies "Interreg IIIC project Minotauro"
Letter sent to the European Commission on Wednesday 5
February 2003
To: European Commission
Den Haag, February 5th 2003
Att. of Commissioner Michel Barnier
Wetstraat 200
B-1049 Brussel
FAX 0032-2.2981599
Subject: Interreg IIIC project Minotauro
Dear Mr Barnier,
We are informed that the EU provides subsidies for regional
cultural and economic development. We understand that
within this frame of reference a request for subsidy for
Project Minotauro has been submitted. We applaud the
preservation of European regional cultural heritage.
However, we protest against existing folkloric festivities
that involve any form of animal abuse, leave alone the
development of new activities of that kind. In our view the
association of animal abuse and festivities is a hazard to
the population.
If torture and killing is culturally conceived as a joyful
occasion, then animal abuse can be associated with fame and
national pride. We have noted that animal molesters tend to
violence in general. So in terms of mental health and
public order we have a potential problem when we promote
any form of animal abuse under thedisguise of cherished
traditions. We should not teach our children that any form
of animal torture is OK.
We regret the fact that several EU member states have lower
standards on animal protection than the more civilized
member states. It is one of the targets of Action Against
Poisoning to raise that standard to the highest standard
existing within the EU. It is sad enough that some member
states persist in the continuation of traditional habits
that involve the torture and/or the subsequent killing of
animals.
Whatever the concerned regional authorities think, torture
is a violation of existing animal protection laws and an
affront to the civilized member states. So in our point of
view it is unacceptable to support an interregional project
that taunts the average European opinion on animal welfare
and the existing animal protection laws within the EU.
Minotauro will not contribute to a better Europe. Let the
EU not be the instrument that promotes, endows and excuses
the spreading of cruel traditions over Europe.
Please hand this letter to the committee that evaluates the
Minotauro project.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning
Subject: FRANCE - Novillada - young spectators learn to
play bullfights with calves
Letter sent to the Mayor of Carcassonne on Saturday 24
August 2002
To: Monsieur Raymond ChÈsa, Maire de Carcassonne:
Dear Mr ChÈsa,
Although Action Against Poisoning especially fights
poisoning it also opposes any other form of cruelty towards
animals. We support every initiative to stop events that -
in a perverse way - transform a cowardly ritual of torture
and killing into a festive folkloristic activity. We are
aware that it is very hard to stop folkloristic festivals
once they are established. So we try to contain this plague
to Spain but we are saddened to see that more civilized
European countries like Portugal and France are susceptible
to it.
We are informed that a "novillada" - where young spectators
learn to play bullfights with calves - is planned in your
town Carcassone to take place on September 1st 2002. If
this is true it marks a dark page in the history of French
civilization as such a 'festival' will even exceed the
barbarism of the infamous Spanish bullfights.
Please take note why we are concerned about this
development:
As mayor of an European city you will be aware of the
aggressive behaviour of people who act out their
frustrations on your society in the most violent or
damaging ways. You know that these people are a burden to
your citizens, your police forces and your (mental) health
system. We suppose you also know that people who kill
animals for fun have a very limited respect for life in
general and can be classified as mentally deranged.
We can not imagine that you welcome an extra influx of
children who are ignorantly or deliberately trained - under
your supervision and responsibility as mayor of Carcassone
- to become violent citizens. If you take this
responsibility, please be so kind to keep these new
citizens in your city and cope with the consequences in the
future. Additionally, we advise you to beef up your police
forces and your (mental) health system.
And we will advise people to stay away from Carcassone.
Anyway, although we are upset we will not end our plea in a
harsh way. We count on your responsibility for your
citizens. We expect that you will stop this 'primeur' of a
"novillada". Furthermore, please help the people who have
dreamed up this sick idea: put them in the loving care of a
good mental hospital. We thank you for taking the right
decision.
Yours truly,
Action Against Poisoning, The Hague
actionagainstpoisoning.com
Subject: FRANCE - Keep bullfights out of France
Letter sent to French authorities on Tuesday 14 May 2002
To: Mr. Philippe Douste Blazy
PrÈsident de la CommunautÈ de Toulouse
Mr. Nicolas Biscaye
PrÈsident de AFIPA
12 bis Rue des Coquetiers
11400 Castelnaudary
Subject: Bullfights
Dear Mr Douste Blazy,
As you can see in our web site, actionagainstpoisoning.com,
we are confronted with extreme cases of cruelty to animals.
It is obvious to us that any mistreatment of animals is
unacceptable. We are especially concerned when cruelty to
animals is an expression of folkloristic festivities like
bullfights.
When public harassing, torturing and eventually killing of
an animal is part of recreation or ΩfunÖ, cruelty is
accepted and even applauded. Applause is in total conflict
with animal protection laws. Public approval of cruelty to
animals - for that reason alone - is most degrading for
adult people and a horrible example of human behavior for
their children.
We are convinced of the relation of cruelty to animals and
cruelty to people. So for more than one reason bullfights
should be banned.
We urge you to stop the import of this "game" to France. It
is bad enough that other countries are addicted to this sad
and silly pastime. Please keep it South of the Pyrenees and
out of your beautiful Haute-Garonne!
With kind regards,
Action Against Poisoning
Subject: AFGHANISTAN - Animal poisoning in the streets of
Kabul to root out rabies
Letter sent to the President of the U.S.A. on Monday 5
February 2002
To the President of the U.S.A.
president@whitehouse.gov
Dear Mister Bush,
In the night of January 31st 2002 Dutch TV news showed the
poisoning of stray dogs in the Afghan capital Kabul. The
poisoning of all (!) dogs is done to root out rabies
amongst dogs in Kabul. In the pictures an Afghan man put a
white powdery poison in meat and fed this meat by hand to
an obviously friendly golden retriever. In the last
pictures the dead victims were piled up.
We expected that the war should be over by now but we are
distressed to see that the killing goes on. In this case it
concerns the elimination of feral and domestic dogs. We
suppose that vaccination was not considered as poisoning is
cheap. On the other hand we do not expect that rabies
vaccines are available in a destroyed city.
Poisoning is one of the most barbarian, painful and cruel
ways of killing. It is sad to see this killing as - in the
showed footage - these dogs showed no rabid behavior at
all.
Anyway, a people that is in the process of restoring its
civilization should not kill its animals. With your
contacts within the Afghan leadership we urge you to stop
this massacre. Please provide the Kabul authorities with
rabies vaccines and the means to apply them before the
genocide on "man's best friend" has been completed. Only
when we restore respect for life we might expect a lasting
peace.
We thank you for all you can do in this case,
Action Against Poisoning
Who can possibly know better about
poisoning than a seasoned veterinarian who assisted in
numerous cases? Please read his statement in Portuguese
or English... and other people's
stories.
