Animal Issues Bulletin
03/01/10
**March 9 Protest Michael Vick Award for Courage
** Urge SeaWorld to End Marine Mammal Shows
** Commercial Whaling Moratorium Threatened
** Pet Trade Decimating Southeast Asian Species
** Virginia Dog-Fighters To Be Sentenced March 5
** Tough Penalty for Brownie's Abuser
** West Hollywood Stops Puppy and Kitten Mill Sales
** How to Keep Honeybee Queens Happy
** Got a Cat Training Story for Fur*termore?
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-- MD Dog Vigil Protests Vick "Courage" Award -On Tuesday, March 9, a ceremony to honor recipients of the Ed Block Courage Award, including
Michael Vick, will be held at Martin's West in Milford Mill, Maryland. A vigil for dogs and a peaceful
protest to express disgust that Michael Vick, a convicted animal abuser, is being honored for “courage”
will take place outside Martin's. Bring signs! Bring others you know who are also outraged about this.
The vigil is an open event; anyone can participate and invite others.
When: Tuesday March 9, 4:30-6:00pm
Where: Martin's West, 6817 Dogwood Road, Milford Mill, MD 21244,
410-944-9433
RSVP to info@baltimoreanimalrights.com
In case of inclement weather, please call Reagan at 301-221-9697 to confirm.
You can get additional “action alert” information by going to:
http://www.meetup.com/Maryland-Votes-For-Animals/calendar/12395845/
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-- Profits Trumps Compassion for Marine Mammals -The Associated Press (AP) reports that SeaWorld’s orca show resumed last weekend with a tribute to
trainer Dawn Brancheau who was killed last week by an orca named Tilikum (aka Tilly). Tilly was
previously involved in two other deaths. At the first show following Brancheau's death, the trainers
received a standing ovation from the crowd, but did not enter the water during the show, and Tilly did
not perform. According to SeaWorld officials, trainers will stay out of the water until a formal review
of the fatal incident is completed.
Marine mammal show critics question whether these beautiful and dangerous animals should ever be
kept in captivity. Many believe treating mammals like whales, dolphins, and walruses as prisoners for
entertainment and profit is morally unjustifiable. [See the Los Angeles Times story at
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2010/02/animal-activists-call-for-end-to-sea-world-captiveorcas-tilikum.html AND The Examiner article at http://ww.examiner.com/x-10853-Portland-HumanistExaminer~y2010m2d28-SeaWorld-resumes-killer-whale-show-despite-moral-concerns.]
Edward Keith, an associate professor at Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center, points
out: “We’ve proved in the past few years that putting people in solitary confinement makes them crazy.
How can we expect anything different from marine animals? When animals get under stress, they act
out; they do crazy things.”
At 12,000 pounds it seems impossible for any enclosure to satisfy Tilly's needs. An L.A. Unleashed
story published on February 27, explained that Tilly cannot be released because he spends a lot of time
surface-resting instead of swimming which is the normal activity for a wild orca.
Also "he doesn't have any viable teeth left .... [he] is a sub-dominant animal in this [matriarchal]
society. He might be the largest animal in captivity .... [but] his teeth have broken off. And that's why
you'll see the trainers every morning and evening using a water pick to flush out the impacted fish that
gathers in the remnants of the teeth .. so it doesn't lead to something like an infection." Because he
cannot maneuver well in such a small space, poor Tilly is often bullied by the other orcas.
Since Brancheau's death outcries for ending marine mammal shows are growing. PETA is one of the
more vocal organizations. For years, PETA has been calling on SeaWorld to switch to hugely popular
robotic replacements like those used in the amazing "Walking With the Dinosaurs" exhibit. Famous
activist Bob Barker is also urging a switch from live animals to virtual reality and animatronics.
Ric O'Barry (“The Cove”) and his colleague David Phillips released a statement last week calling for
"immediate initiation of a federal investigation into SeaWorld's possible negligence and violations of
the Marine Mammal Protection Act." Here is an excerpt from a Huffington Post article on O'Barry and
Phillips proposal [http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-phillips/seaworlds-actionsreprese_b_481067.html]:
Along with experiencing sadness following this tragic event, we can't help but feel angry at those who insist upon
exhibiting these wild creatures in habitats that can drive them to violence. Dependent on sonar/sound to navigate their
vast ocean homes, dolphins and whales are in constant state of distress living in cramped pools, bombarded by noise,
stressed by food deprivation and forced to perform.
We understand the love these trainers must feel for the orcas they train, but make no mistake -- this wasn't just a terrible
accident, it was a calculated risk on the part of a billion dollar captive dolphin and whale industry. Facts suggest that
SeaWorld was well aware of Tilicum's deadly attack on trainers.
SeaWorld allowed for public and trainer contact with an orca that was a known risk, and after three deaths they're
suggesting that it actually continue. SeaWorld has been admonished in the past by an official with the US National
Marine Fisheries Service for failure to take prudent and precautionary steps with Tilicum's health and welfare.
The latest claims that Tilicum was distracted by the trainer's ponytail are absurd and force us to infer that SeaWorld is
guilty of negligence and that it is now trying to cover up repeated deadly orca attacks by resorting to outrageous and
disingenuous claims.
We believe this situation warrants the immediate initiation of a federal investigation into SeaWorld's possible negligence
and violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Further, information suggests that SeaWorld has covered up
additional acts of orca attacks in order to protect its multi-million dollar investment in these creatures and the millions
more they make on the backs of their performances.
Finally, we find their claims about conservation and education shallow. If these shows are meant to encourage people to
help save these precious creatures then why aren't they doing more to end the brutal slaughter of thousands and
thousands of dolphins and whales off the coast of Japan, Norway and the Southern Seas. Instead, they turn a blind eye,
when they could dedicate significant resources to stopping it.
Overall, we believe the conduct of SeaWorld in this matter is reprehensible. SeaWorld's actions are a gross threat to
dolphins, whales, and people and should not be allowed to stand. These animals belong in the wild.
The public can telephone or write their federal lawmakers asking that an investigation be conducted.
To get contact information, go to http://www.contactingthecongress.org/.
PETA believes strongly that more people are becoming concerned that theme parks like SeaWorld do
nothing but make money and fool the public into thinking that it is acceptable to imprison animals; to
deprive them of freedom of movement and thought; to forbid them the chance to establish their natural
territory and explore; to breed and separate them as we, not they, please; and to let them go insane from
loneliness.
The public can help the animals imprisoned by SeaWorld. Please take a moment to write to Hamilton
James, President of Blackstone Group, SeaWorld's parent company, and ask Blackstone to immediately
set in place a firm and rapid plan to release the animals to sanctuaries that can provide them with a
more natural environment. A quick, on-line message can be sent to Mr. James by going to
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2947&c=11
Related reading:
Tragic Death of Sea World Trainer Not Enough To Close Orca Shows
Author: A Mohit
Published: February 27, 2010 at 11:31 am
http://technorati.com/sports/article/tragic-death-of-sea-world-trainer/
Biologists: Killer whales 'neurotic' in captivity
By Elizabeth Landau, CNN
February 25, 2010 9:25 p.m. EST
http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/25/whales.seaworld.death/index.html
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– Countries Propose Return to Commercial Whaling -A plan proposed by several member countries of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) would
allow commercial whaling for the first time since a moratorium was imposed in 1986. The full IWC
membership will consider the proposal at its annual meeting in June in Morocco.
Patrick Ramage, Whale Program Director of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said:
“This deal would be a sea change in a quarter century of whale conservation. It puts science on hold,
the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary on ice, and no restrictions whatsoever on the international trade
in whale meat. And after 10 years, all bets are off—no more moratorium and much more whaling.”
For the full story:
Whaling Commission to Consider Return of Legalized Commercial Whale Hunts
Politics.co.uk, February 23, 2010
http://www.politics.co.uk/opinion-formers/press-releases/animal-welfare/ifaw-plan-to-legalisecommercial-whaling-considered-$1361950$364355.htm
The public can let federal lawmakers know they do not want legalized commercial whaling by showing
support for H.R. 2455, the International Whale Conservation and Protection Act of 2009. The bill,
introduced by Congressional Representatives Faleomavaega, Delahunt, Bordallo, and Hirono, is a
comprehensive plan of action for the U.S. to assert its global leadership in whale conservation. Whales
are threatened by ship strikes, ocean noise, pollution, and climate change. Increased commercial
whaling could be catastrophic for whales.
The International Whale Conservation and Protection Act is a comprehensive plan of action for the
U.S. to renew its commitment to leading the world in global whale conservation, and promote
international efforts to conserve and protect the world’s whales throughout their range.
To see if your Representative is a sponsor of H.R. 2455 and check on the bill's status, go to:
THOMAS at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgibin/bdquery/D?d111:1:./temp/~bdLs3Y:@@@X|/bss/111search.html|
And to send a quick on-line message to your legislator, visit the IFAW action alert at:
http://www.ifaw.org/ifaw_united_states/get_involved/take_action/index.php#x
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-- SE Asia Forests Pet Hunting Ground –
A story by David Adam in The Observer on February 21 reports that the demand for exotic pets is a
greater threat to species in southeast Asia than habitat loss or global warming. The situation is so dire
that a new term has been invented to describe the problem: Empty Forest Syndrome. According to
TRAFFIC, the wildlife trade monitoring network, lots of forest area have no big animals left and there
are some forests where you do not hear birds anymore!
Much of the trade in species like seahorses, turtles, snakes, birds and coral are controlled by criminal
gangs. Under CITES, the international convention that regulates the legal sale of wildlife, records
between 1998 and 2007 showed that of more than 35 million animals exported during that period, some
30 million were taken from the wild. Inevitably, these records underestimate the true scale of this trade.
This commerce, both legal and illegal, is global.
To read this very disturbing article in its entirety, go to the Huffington Post at:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/02/22/pet-trade-empties-southea_n_471509.html
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-- Virginia Dog-Fighters Convicted –
Last summer, Richmond police seized 12 dogs and charged Richard Robinson with animal cruelty and
dog fighting. Ten of the 12 dogs taken had to be euthanized. Robinson had prior convictions on animal
fighting and cruelty in Virginia and also faces a felony dog fighting charge in North Carolina.
Authorities also linked Robinson to a Henrico County man, Tracy Tucker, and allege the two men were
working together to traffic illegal drugs as well as participating in illegal dog fighting. Virginia
dismissed the dog fighting charge against Tucker, but held him on a firearms possession. His current
status is not known.
In December, Robinson was convicted in Virginia of one count of dog fighting and two counts of
animal fighting, all felonies, as well as one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. The jury later
recommended he be fined $2,500 and serve 10 years behind bars. Formal sentencing is set for March 5.
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-- Brownie's Abuser Gets The Max -Eric Rutley stood before a Washtenaw County judge in Michigan stating that "he never meant to hurt
Brownie." Five-month-old Brownie, an Australian Shepherd, was beaten by Rutley with a tire iron and
left for dead at a park near his residence. Luckily a a resident found her and after having her leg
amputated, a metal plate inserted and several screws, Brownie is on her way to recovery thanks to the
Society of Huron Valley.
Rutley pleaded no contest to animal cruelty/torture as well as felonious assault on his girlfriend around
the same time as Brownie was attacked. He also pleaded guilty to marijuana possession and witness
intimidation charges. Washtenwa County Judge Schwartz issued Rutley the maximum sentence of two
to four years and said he would have issued more time if the state guidelines would have allowed. The
judge also ordered Rutley to pay $8,335 in restitution incurred for the dog's care and gave him no credit
for time served.
To read more about Brownie, renamed Annie, and her great, new home with the Nordblom family,
follow the link http://www.annarbor.com/news/man-convicted-of-beating-puppy-with-tire-iron-inypsilanti-receives-2-4-years-in-prison/
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– West Hollywood Says No Animal Mill Sales –
The City Council of West Hollywood, Calif., voted unanimously to prohibit the sale of puppies and
kittens from for-profit breeders in retail stores within the city. The ban takes effect later this year and
will allow only animals from local shelters to be offered for adoption at pet stores.
Animal Abuse Registry Bill Introduced in California:
New York Times, February 21, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/22/us/22abuse.html?emc=tnt&tntemail0=y
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– Latest Theory on Disappearing Honeybees –
Scientists from the University of Leeds in England are investigating a new theory about the widespread
increase in honeybee deaths around the world. And they think they have the fix — lots and lots of sex
for queens, with multiple partners. By having a high number of diverse male partners, the queen
honeybee could help protect her children from disease.
From 1972 to 2006, there was a dramatic reduction in the number of feral honeybees in the U.S. and a
gradual decline in the number of colonies maintained by beekeepers. A 2007 survey across 13 states
asked 384 beekeepers about the number of hives containing few or no bees in spring. About 23.8
percent met the specified criteria for Colony Collapse Disorder. In 2008, U.S. Average losses of
honeybee colonies were 35 percent, and some beekeepers lost 90 percent of their colonies. Leeds
researchers feel the reason some colonies are wiped out is the genetic diversity of the hives: “A dip in
potential mates for the queen is becoming too low and therefore populations are less disease-resistant.”
To read “Lots of Sex is Key to Honeybee Survival” go to:
http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/wilderness-resources/stories/lots-of-sex-is-key-to-honeybeesurvival
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– Latest from Ginnie Maurer and Fur*thermore -Ginnie Maurer's next column for the Martinsburg, WV, Journal is going to be on obedience training
cats (yes, cats) and dogs. Ginnie wants this to be an upbeat and lively column and is asking for stories
from readers. The stories should describe oddball ways you've trained a cat or dog, ways that maybe
didn't have the intended results, humorous stories around training, and things not to do (stay on the
funny side rather than aversives or punishment). Deadline to submit an anecdote is March 13. Email
Ginnie at ginnie.maurer@juno.com.
Here is an excerpt from Ginnie's March article, reprinted with permission.
SUGGESTED HEADLINE: How can they do that to an animal?
Our companion animals should be accorded simple basic freedoms—the freedom from hunger and thirst; from
discomfort; from pain, injury, and disease; from fear and distress. For these reasons alone, we must never
tolerate animal abuse.
….
A woman approached me in the gym one day. Noting the logo of an animal rescue group on my T-shirt, she
wanted to know if we could take a kitten a family member had found and had started throwing against a wall
whenever he became angry. I gave her my phone number. She never called. In another household, children
were terrorizing a puppy while the parents watched. Apparently, the parents did not see the harm their
children were doing to the puppy, nor did they understand what kind of message they were sending to them
through their silence. The puppy was eventually given up. She was lucky.
Then there’s Karley. In November 2008, Karley, a 6-month-old puppy, was brutally attacked by Los Angeles
Assistant Fire Chief Glynn Johnson, a neighbor of Karley’s guardians. Johnson punched Karley first with his
fist and then with a large rock. He stopped only when Karley went limp. Karley died from severe head
trauma. Johnson was found guilty of felony animal cruelty with special circumstances and the use of a deadly
weapon to commit a felony. He will be sentenced March 8.
Jeremy Bentham said, about animals, “The question is not, ‘Can they reason?’ nor, ‘Can they talk?’ but
rather, ‘Can they suffer?’” Yes, they can suffer. But they do not need to—not if, as a society, we do not allow
them to suffer. Not if we enact legislation that gives law enforcement personnel the ability to arrest
perpetrators of animal cruelty and the judicial system the ability to hand out meaningful sentences to those
found guilty of animal cruelty. Our companion animals do not need to suffer if we do not allow them to suffer.
Save lives; report animal abuse. Save lives; fight for laws to protect companion animals.
“This column originally appeared in The Journal, Martinsburg, WV.”
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