The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has amended the regulation on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List to reflect new species at risk classifications set out in the 2021 Annual Report of the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), as required by the Endangered Species Act, 2007. The SARO List has been updated to include seven new species, changes to the status of eight already listed species, and the removal of three species because COSSARO determined that either the species is not at risk in Ontario or there is not enough data to determine if the species is at risk. The species removed from the List include the Aweme Borer Moth, the Beluga Whale, and the Spring Salamander.
This Week's Spotlights
Legislative Spotlights
Ontario Amends List of Species at Risk in Response to COSSARO’s 2021 Annual Report
Second Reading Debates Resume on Jane Goodall Act at the Senate
Upon its return from winter recess, the Canadian Senate resumed second reading debates on Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Bill S-241 has been at the preliminary debate stage in the Senate for over ten months. Senator Rosa Galvez rose to speak in favour of the bill, noting that it “will help prevent future cases like that of the elephant Lucy […] who must spend more than two thirds of her life indoors at the Edmonton Valley Zoo due to harsh Canadian winters.” Senator Galvez urged the senators to refer the bill to committee to be studied.
Upon its return from winter recess, the Canadian Senate resumed second reading debates on Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Bill S-241 has been at the preliminary debate stage in the Senate for over ten months. Senator Rosa Galvez rose to speak in favour of the bill, noting that it “will help prevent future cases like that of the elephant Lucy […] who must spend more than two thirds of her life indoors at the Edmonton Valley Zoo due to harsh Canadian winters.” Senator Galvez urged the senators to refer the bill to committee to be studied.
Litigation Spotlights
Canadian Activist Accused of Chicken Theft in Sonoma County Reaches Plea Deal with Prosecutors
Almira Tanner, an animal activist and Lead Organizer at Direct Action Everywhere, has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors after being accused of taking chickens from Sonoma County poultry farms. She had previously pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of trespassing during her preliminary hearing with co-defendants, Wayne Hsiung, Cassandra King, and Priya Sawhney, on January 19th. The case relates to demonstrations at several California farms in 2018 and 2019, when Tanner and other protesters were charged with multiple counts of second-degree burglary, conspiracy, theft, trespassing, and unlawful assembly. The deal mandates that Tanner do 100 hours of community service, pay $12,719 in restitution, and stay 100 yards from Sunrise Farms (a site of one of the demonstrations).
Almira Tanner, an animal activist and Lead Organizer at Direct Action Everywhere, has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors after being accused of taking chickens from Sonoma County poultry farms. She had previously pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of trespassing during her preliminary hearing with co-defendants, Wayne Hsiung, Cassandra King, and Priya Sawhney, on January 19th. The case relates to demonstrations at several California farms in 2018 and 2019, when Tanner and other protesters were charged with multiple counts of second-degree burglary, conspiracy, theft, trespassing, and unlawful assembly. The deal mandates that Tanner do 100 hours of community service, pay $12,719 in restitution, and stay 100 yards from Sunrise Farms (a site of one of the demonstrations).
Academic Spotlights
New Research Report Considers What Makes a Protest Movement Successful
A new report from Social Change Lab written by James Ozden and Sam Glover provides key insights into what makes some protest movements more successful than others. Among the methods used, their research included a case study of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, an international animal rights campaign that had the aim of shutting down Europe's largest contract animal-testing laboratory. The report claims that the top three factors which lead to the success of a protest movement include: (1) nonviolent tactics; (2) large numbers of participants; and (3) a favourable sociopolitical context (including elite allies, public opinion, luck, and media coverage).
A new report from Social Change Lab written by James Ozden and Sam Glover provides key insights into what makes some protest movements more successful than others. Among the methods used, their research included a case study of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, an international animal rights campaign that had the aim of shutting down Europe's largest contract animal-testing laboratory. The report claims that the top three factors which lead to the success of a protest movement include: (1) nonviolent tactics; (2) large numbers of participants; and (3) a favourable sociopolitical context (including elite allies, public opinion, luck, and media coverage).
International Spotlights
Netherlands to Ban Flat-Nosed Dogs and Other Animals with Harmful External Characteristics
Dutch Agriculture Minister Piet Adema has announced that bans on trade and import, as well as on advertising and social media, are being considered for animals with harmful external characteristics, such as dogs with flat faces and cats with folding ears, given the health problems these characteristics create. In a statement released on January 20th, Minister Adema said: “We make life miserable for innocent animals, purely because we think they are ‘beautiful’ and ‘cute’. That is why today we are taking a big step towards a Netherlands where no pet has to suffer from his or her appearance.” Those who currently own these designer pets will be allowed to keep them as they live out their lives.
Dutch Agriculture Minister Piet Adema has announced that bans on trade and import, as well as on advertising and social media, are being considered for animals with harmful external characteristics, such as dogs with flat faces and cats with folding ears, given the health problems these characteristics create. In a statement released on January 20th, Minister Adema said: “We make life miserable for innocent animals, purely because we think they are ‘beautiful’ and ‘cute’. That is why today we are taking a big step towards a Netherlands where no pet has to suffer from his or her appearance.” Those who currently own these designer pets will be allowed to keep them as they live out their lives.
European Citizens’ Initiative to End Animal Testing Receives Over 1.2 Million Signatures
A European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) calling on the European Commission to uphold and strengthen its ban on cosmetic animal testing has received over 1.2 million validated signatures. For an ECI to be successful, it has to collect at least 1 million validated signatures and has to meet a minimum target across at least seven different EU countries. No other ECI has ever received this level of support across so many different countries. The European Commission must now meet with campaigners and address citizens’ concerns.
A European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) calling on the European Commission to uphold and strengthen its ban on cosmetic animal testing has received over 1.2 million validated signatures. For an ECI to be successful, it has to collect at least 1 million validated signatures and has to meet a minimum target across at least seven different EU countries. No other ECI has ever received this level of support across so many different countries. The European Commission must now meet with campaigners and address citizens’ concerns.
New Scottish Hunting Legislation Includes Loopholes for Royals
On January 24th, the Scottish Government passed the Hunting with Dogs Scotland Bill into law. The new law introduces a two-dog limit when chasing animals out of cover, as well as a ban on the practice of trail hunting (laying a trail with animal-based scent). Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party have warned that the bill contains too many exemptions, including a loophole that requires law enforcement to gain permission from the Crown Estate before entering its land. Arianne Burgess, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party, said: “Given the long historic links between the aristocracy and hunting, it’s particularly galling to see a potential loophole which could block police from entering Crown land to gather evidence in cases of suspected illegal hunting.”
On January 24th, the Scottish Government passed the Hunting with Dogs Scotland Bill into law. The new law introduces a two-dog limit when chasing animals out of cover, as well as a ban on the practice of trail hunting (laying a trail with animal-based scent). Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party have warned that the bill contains too many exemptions, including a loophole that requires law enforcement to gain permission from the Crown Estate before entering its land. Arianne Burgess, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party, said: “Given the long historic links between the aristocracy and hunting, it’s particularly galling to see a potential loophole which could block police from entering Crown land to gather evidence in cases of suspected illegal hunting.”
Other Spotlights
Three Horses Collapse on Canadian Live Export Flight to Japan
Government inspection documents obtained by the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition have revealed that a mid-December live export flight of horses to Japan caused three to collapse. The shipping company decided to reroute the plane, meaning the horses were left without food, water, and rest for thirty hours. According to Canadian law, the maximum time horses can be transported without these provisions is twenty-eight hours. No update has since been provided on whether or not these three horses have recovered.
Government inspection documents obtained by the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition have revealed that a mid-December live export flight of horses to Japan caused three to collapse. The shipping company decided to reroute the plane, meaning the horses were left without food, water, and rest for thirty hours. According to Canadian law, the maximum time horses can be transported without these provisions is twenty-eight hours. No update has since been provided on whether or not these three horses have recovered.
Legislative Updates
Ontario Amends List of Species at Risk in Response to COSSARO’s 2021 Annual Report
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has amended the regulation on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List to reflect new species at risk classifications set out in the 2021 Annual Report of the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), as required by the Endangered Species Act, 2007. The SARO List has been updated to include seven new species, changes to the status of eight already listed species, and the removal of three species because COSSARO determined that either the species is not at risk in Ontario or there is not enough data to determine if the species is at risk. The species removed from the List include the Aweme Borer Moth, the Beluga Whale, and the Spring Salamander.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has amended the regulation on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List to reflect new species at risk classifications set out in the 2021 Annual Report of the Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO), as required by the Endangered Species Act, 2007. The SARO List has been updated to include seven new species, changes to the status of eight already listed species, and the removal of three species because COSSARO determined that either the species is not at risk in Ontario or there is not enough data to determine if the species is at risk. The species removed from the List include the Aweme Borer Moth, the Beluga Whale, and the Spring Salamander.
Second Reading Debates Resume on Jane Goodall Act at the Senate
Upon its return from winter recess, the Canadian Senate resumed second reading debates on Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Bill S-241 has been at the preliminary debate stage in the Senate for over ten months. Senator Rosa Galvez rose to speak in favour of the bill, noting that it “will help prevent future cases like that of the elephant Lucy […] who must spend more than two thirds of her life indoors at the Edmonton Valley Zoo due to harsh Canadian winters.” Senator Galvez urged the senators to refer the bill to committee to be studied.
Upon its return from winter recess, the Canadian Senate resumed second reading debates on Bill S-241, the Jane Goodall Act, sponsored by Senator Marty Klyne. Bill S-241 has been at the preliminary debate stage in the Senate for over ten months. Senator Rosa Galvez rose to speak in favour of the bill, noting that it “will help prevent future cases like that of the elephant Lucy […] who must spend more than two thirds of her life indoors at the Edmonton Valley Zoo due to harsh Canadian winters.” Senator Galvez urged the senators to refer the bill to committee to be studied.
Litigation Updates
Canadian Activist Accused of Chicken Theft in Sonoma County Reaches Plea Deal with Prosecutors
Almira Tanner, an animal activist and Lead Organizer at Direct Action Everywhere, has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors after being accused of taking chickens from Sonoma County poultry farms. She had previously pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of trespassing during her preliminary hearing with co-defendants, Wayne Hsiung, Cassandra King, and Priya Sawhney, on January 19th. The case relates to demonstrations at several California farms in 2018 and 2019, when Tanner and other protesters were charged with multiple counts of second-degree burglary, conspiracy, theft, trespassing, and unlawful assembly. The deal mandates that Tanner do 100 hours of community service, pay $12,719 in restitution, and stay 100 yards from Sunrise Farms (a site of one of the demonstrations).
Almira Tanner, an animal activist and Lead Organizer at Direct Action Everywhere, has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors after being accused of taking chickens from Sonoma County poultry farms. She had previously pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of trespassing during her preliminary hearing with co-defendants, Wayne Hsiung, Cassandra King, and Priya Sawhney, on January 19th. The case relates to demonstrations at several California farms in 2018 and 2019, when Tanner and other protesters were charged with multiple counts of second-degree burglary, conspiracy, theft, trespassing, and unlawful assembly. The deal mandates that Tanner do 100 hours of community service, pay $12,719 in restitution, and stay 100 yards from Sunrise Farms (a site of one of the demonstrations).
Enforcement Updates
P.E.I. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Removes Injured Coyote from Charlottetown Store
On January 28th, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation removed an injured coyote from a Kent Building Supplies store located in Charlottetown. The coyote appeared to have mange and a leg injury when discovered by store employees. Since P.E.I. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation is not allowed to rehabilitate injured coyotes, the coyote was taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College. Candy Gallant, who runs P.E.I. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, said she believes the animal was euthanized.
On January 28th, Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation removed an injured coyote from a Kent Building Supplies store located in Charlottetown. The coyote appeared to have mange and a leg injury when discovered by store employees. Since P.E.I. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation is not allowed to rehabilitate injured coyotes, the coyote was taken to the Atlantic Veterinary College. Candy Gallant, who runs P.E.I. Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, said she believes the animal was euthanized.
Two Women Charged After Animal Neglect Incident in Barrie
On January 31st, Barrie Police issued arrest warrants for two women after they discovered fourteen dogs and one cat being kept in two unheated vehicles located in a hotel parking lot. Many of the animals were very ill and required immediate veterinary care. The next morning, the women turned themselves in at the Sarnia Police Service where they were arrested and charged with causing unnecessary suffering and two counts of causing damage or injury, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. They are both scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on March 22nd.
On January 31st, Barrie Police issued arrest warrants for two women after they discovered fourteen dogs and one cat being kept in two unheated vehicles located in a hotel parking lot. Many of the animals were very ill and required immediate veterinary care. The next morning, the women turned themselves in at the Sarnia Police Service where they were arrested and charged with causing unnecessary suffering and two counts of causing damage or injury, contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada. They are both scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Barrie on March 22nd.
Two Saskatchewan Men Convicted of Causing Distress to Animals in Dog Hoarding Case
Two men from the Fort Qu’Appelle area of Saskatchewan have been found guilty of causing distress to animals in a dog hoarding case under the province’s Animal Protection Act 2018. When officials from Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan investigated the men’s home in 2021, they found a total of forty-eight dogs living in unsanitary conditions with urine and feces on the floors and walls. One dead dog and one dead puppy were also found outside of the men’s home, and a third dog had to be euthanized because of significant health issues. Sentencing for both men was scheduled to begin on February 6th at Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Fort Qu’Appelle.
Two men from the Fort Qu’Appelle area of Saskatchewan have been found guilty of causing distress to animals in a dog hoarding case under the province’s Animal Protection Act 2018. When officials from Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan investigated the men’s home in 2021, they found a total of forty-eight dogs living in unsanitary conditions with urine and feces on the floors and walls. One dead dog and one dead puppy were also found outside of the men’s home, and a third dog had to be euthanized because of significant health issues. Sentencing for both men was scheduled to begin on February 6th at Saskatchewan Provincial Court in Fort Qu’Appelle.
Nova Scotia Man Charged After Dog Left Tied Up Outside in Cold
Richmond County District Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have charged a man with cruelty to animals under Nova Scotia’s Animal Protection Act after he left his dog tied up in the woods in Louisdale. The RCMP were alerted to the incident when they received a report that a post about the dog was circulating on social media. The man turned himself in to police on February 3rd and was later released on conditions, including that he not possess any animals. He will appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on April 24th.
Richmond County District Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have charged a man with cruelty to animals under Nova Scotia’s Animal Protection Act after he left his dog tied up in the woods in Louisdale. The RCMP were alerted to the incident when they received a report that a post about the dog was circulating on social media. The man turned himself in to police on February 3rd and was later released on conditions, including that he not possess any animals. He will appear in Port Hawkesbury Provincial Court on April 24th.
Charges Laid After Guelph Woman Left Dog Outside in Cold Overnight
On February 3rd, the Guelph Police Service received a complaint about a dog that had been barking outside for more than three hours overnight. Temperatures that evening were around minus twenty degrees Celsius with wind chills around negative thirty. When investigators arrived, they apprehended a small dog with a large amount of ice on their face, paws, and abdomen, shivering and walking with a limp. The dog’s owner has been charged with causing harm to an animal under Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and will appear in a Guelph court on March 10th.
On February 3rd, the Guelph Police Service received a complaint about a dog that had been barking outside for more than three hours overnight. Temperatures that evening were around minus twenty degrees Celsius with wind chills around negative thirty. When investigators arrived, they apprehended a small dog with a large amount of ice on their face, paws, and abdomen, shivering and walking with a limp. The dog’s owner has been charged with causing harm to an animal under Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act and will appear in a Guelph court on March 10th.
Academic Updates
New Research Report Considers What Makes a Protest Movement Successful
A new report from Social Change Lab written by James Ozden and Sam Glover provides key insights into what makes some protest movements more successful than others. Among the methods used, their research included a case study of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, an international animal rights campaign that had the aim of shutting down Europe's largest contract animal-testing laboratory. The report claims that the top three factors which lead to the success of a protest movement include: (1) nonviolent tactics; (2) large numbers of participants; and (3) a favourable sociopolitical context (including elite allies, public opinion, luck, and media coverage).
A new report from Social Change Lab written by James Ozden and Sam Glover provides key insights into what makes some protest movements more successful than others. Among the methods used, their research included a case study of Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty, an international animal rights campaign that had the aim of shutting down Europe's largest contract animal-testing laboratory. The report claims that the top three factors which lead to the success of a protest movement include: (1) nonviolent tactics; (2) large numbers of participants; and (3) a favourable sociopolitical context (including elite allies, public opinion, luck, and media coverage).
Study Reveals That Consumers Value Transparency in Animal Protein Sourcing
Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., working to advance animal healthcare, has announced the results of its first consumer transparency study. The study surveyed more than 1,000 American consumers about their desire for transparency in animal protein and their perceptions of industry transparency when it comes to animal welfare and sustainability. Two-thirds of consumers reported that transparency is extremely or very important in their brand trust and purchasing decisions. Merck Animal Health’s study also determined that over fifty percent of consumers are willing to pay a five percent premium for transparency on the label, and that environmental sustainability and animal welfare are key animal protein purchase considerations.
Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., working to advance animal healthcare, has announced the results of its first consumer transparency study. The study surveyed more than 1,000 American consumers about their desire for transparency in animal protein and their perceptions of industry transparency when it comes to animal welfare and sustainability. Two-thirds of consumers reported that transparency is extremely or very important in their brand trust and purchasing decisions. Merck Animal Health’s study also determined that over fifty percent of consumers are willing to pay a five percent premium for transparency on the label, and that environmental sustainability and animal welfare are key animal protein purchase considerations.
Chapters in New Book Explore Animal Rights and Extremism in North America
Genevieve Johnston, “‘Animals and the Earth can’t wait – get off your ass and fight!’: Animal Liberation Front Vigilantism in the Era of Climate Crisis” and Paul Stott, “The Phoney War? Radical Environmentalists, Animal Rights Activists and Direct Action” in Routledge Handbook of Non-Violent Extremism: Groups, Perspectives and New Debate edited by Elisa Orofino and William Allchorn (UK: Routledge, 2023).
Summary: This Handbook provides the first in-depth analysis of non-violent extremism across different ideologies and geographic centres, a topic overshadowed until now by the political and academic focus on violent and jihadi extremism in the Global North.
Whilst acknowledging the potentiality of non-violent extremism as a precursor to terrorism, this Handbook argues that non-violent extremism ought to be considered a stand-alone area of study. Focusing on Islamist, Buddhist, Hindu, far-right, far-left, environmentalist and feminist manifestations, the Handbook discusses the ideological foundation of their ‘war on ideas’ against the prevailing socio-political and cultural systems in which they operate, and provides an empirical examination of their main claims and perspectives. This is supplemented by a truly global overview of non-violent extremist groups not only in Europe and the United States, but also in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. The Handbook thus answers a call to decolonise knowledge that is especially prescient given both the complicity of non-violent extremists with authoritarian states and the dynamic of oppression towards more progressive groups in the Global South.
The Handbook will appeal to those studying extremism, radicalisation and terrorism. It intersects several relevant disciplines, including social movement studies, political science, criminology, Islamic studies and anthropology.
The Handbook is available for pre-order on February 16th, 2023.
Genevieve Johnston, “‘Animals and the Earth can’t wait – get off your ass and fight!’: Animal Liberation Front Vigilantism in the Era of Climate Crisis” and Paul Stott, “The Phoney War? Radical Environmentalists, Animal Rights Activists and Direct Action” in Routledge Handbook of Non-Violent Extremism: Groups, Perspectives and New Debate edited by Elisa Orofino and William Allchorn (UK: Routledge, 2023).
Summary: This Handbook provides the first in-depth analysis of non-violent extremism across different ideologies and geographic centres, a topic overshadowed until now by the political and academic focus on violent and jihadi extremism in the Global North.
Whilst acknowledging the potentiality of non-violent extremism as a precursor to terrorism, this Handbook argues that non-violent extremism ought to be considered a stand-alone area of study. Focusing on Islamist, Buddhist, Hindu, far-right, far-left, environmentalist and feminist manifestations, the Handbook discusses the ideological foundation of their ‘war on ideas’ against the prevailing socio-political and cultural systems in which they operate, and provides an empirical examination of their main claims and perspectives. This is supplemented by a truly global overview of non-violent extremist groups not only in Europe and the United States, but also in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Middle East. The Handbook thus answers a call to decolonise knowledge that is especially prescient given both the complicity of non-violent extremists with authoritarian states and the dynamic of oppression towards more progressive groups in the Global South.
The Handbook will appeal to those studying extremism, radicalisation and terrorism. It intersects several relevant disciplines, including social movement studies, political science, criminology, Islamic studies and anthropology.
The Handbook is available for pre-order on February 16th, 2023.
International Updates
Netherlands to Ban Flat-Nosed Dogs and Other Animals with Harmful External Characteristics
Dutch Agriculture Minister Piet Adema has announced that bans on trade and import, as well as on advertising and social media, are being considered for animals with harmful external characteristics, such as dogs with flat faces and cats with folding ears, given the health problems these characteristics create. In a statement released on January 20th, Minister Adema said: “We make life miserable for innocent animals, purely because we think they are ‘beautiful’ and ‘cute’. That is why today we are taking a big step towards a Netherlands where no pet has to suffer from his or her appearance.” Those who currently own these designer pets will be allowed to keep them as they live out their lives.
Dutch Agriculture Minister Piet Adema has announced that bans on trade and import, as well as on advertising and social media, are being considered for animals with harmful external characteristics, such as dogs with flat faces and cats with folding ears, given the health problems these characteristics create. In a statement released on January 20th, Minister Adema said: “We make life miserable for innocent animals, purely because we think they are ‘beautiful’ and ‘cute’. That is why today we are taking a big step towards a Netherlands where no pet has to suffer from his or her appearance.” Those who currently own these designer pets will be allowed to keep them as they live out their lives.
European Citizens’ Initiative to End Animal Testing Receives Over 1.2 Million Signatures
A European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) calling on the European Commission to uphold and strengthen its ban on cosmetic animal testing has received over 1.2 million validated signatures. For an ECI to be successful, it has to collect at least 1 million validated signatures and has to meet a minimum target across at least seven different EU countries. No other ECI has ever received this level of support across so many different countries. The European Commission must now meet with campaigners and address citizens’ concerns.
A European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) calling on the European Commission to uphold and strengthen its ban on cosmetic animal testing has received over 1.2 million validated signatures. For an ECI to be successful, it has to collect at least 1 million validated signatures and has to meet a minimum target across at least seven different EU countries. No other ECI has ever received this level of support across so many different countries. The European Commission must now meet with campaigners and address citizens’ concerns.
New Scottish Hunting Legislation Includes Loopholes for Royals
On January 24th, the Scottish Government passed the Hunting with Dogs Scotland Bill into law. The new law introduces a two-dog limit when chasing animals out of cover, as well as a ban on the practice of trail hunting (laying a trail with animal-based scent). Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party have warned that the bill contains too many exemptions, including a loophole that requires law enforcement to gain permission from the Crown Estate before entering its land. Arianne Burgess, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party, said: “Given the long historic links between the aristocracy and hunting, it’s particularly galling to see a potential loophole which could block police from entering Crown land to gather evidence in cases of suspected illegal hunting.”
On January 24th, the Scottish Government passed the Hunting with Dogs Scotland Bill into law. The new law introduces a two-dog limit when chasing animals out of cover, as well as a ban on the practice of trail hunting (laying a trail with animal-based scent). Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party have warned that the bill contains too many exemptions, including a loophole that requires law enforcement to gain permission from the Crown Estate before entering its land. Arianne Burgess, a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the Scottish Green Party, said: “Given the long historic links between the aristocracy and hunting, it’s particularly galling to see a potential loophole which could block police from entering Crown land to gather evidence in cases of suspected illegal hunting.”
Nigeria Introduces Bill to Tackle Wildlife Trafficking and Endangered Species Protection
Nigeria’s new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, jointly sponsored by Johnson Oghuma (Chairman of the House Committee on Environment) and Sam Onuigbo (Member of the House of Representatives), recently passed first reading at the House of Representatives. The bill is intended to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species by creating new criminal offences and increasing penalties to reflect the seriousness of the crimes and their impact on endangered species. According to a statement by Africa Nature Investors, Environmental Investigation Agency and Wild Africa Fund, the legislation would make Nigeria compliant with international conventions on endangered species, organised crime, and corruption.
Nigeria’s new Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, jointly sponsored by Johnson Oghuma (Chairman of the House Committee on Environment) and Sam Onuigbo (Member of the House of Representatives), recently passed first reading at the House of Representatives. The bill is intended to combat wildlife trafficking and protect endangered species by creating new criminal offences and increasing penalties to reflect the seriousness of the crimes and their impact on endangered species. According to a statement by Africa Nature Investors, Environmental Investigation Agency and Wild Africa Fund, the legislation would make Nigeria compliant with international conventions on endangered species, organised crime, and corruption.
Director of Mexican Zoo Allegedly Killed and Cooked Four Pygmy Goats for Holiday Party
The former director of a zoo in southern Mexico, José Rubén Nava, allegedly killed four of the zoo’s pygmy goats and had them cooked for a holiday party. According to officials, an investigation found that several of the zoo’s other animals had also been sold, traded, or eaten under Nava’s orders. It is not clear whether Nava has been formally charged in this case, but Fernando Ruiz Gutierrez, the state environment department's director of wildlife, said: “This put the health of the people who ate them at risk, because these animals were not fit for human consumption.”
The former director of a zoo in southern Mexico, José Rubén Nava, allegedly killed four of the zoo’s pygmy goats and had them cooked for a holiday party. According to officials, an investigation found that several of the zoo’s other animals had also been sold, traded, or eaten under Nava’s orders. It is not clear whether Nava has been formally charged in this case, but Fernando Ruiz Gutierrez, the state environment department's director of wildlife, said: “This put the health of the people who ate them at risk, because these animals were not fit for human consumption.”
New South Wales Government Invests $40.6 Million in Animal Welfare and Rehoming
The Government of New South Wales has announced a record investment of $40.6 million in funding to improve the welfare of animals across the Australian state. The funding includes money to expand the enforcement of animal cruelty laws, support the construction of new facilities for companion animal rehoming, deliver cat desexing programs, and improve access to support for people with animals experiencing domestic and family violence.
The Government of New South Wales has announced a record investment of $40.6 million in funding to improve the welfare of animals across the Australian state. The funding includes money to expand the enforcement of animal cruelty laws, support the construction of new facilities for companion animal rehoming, deliver cat desexing programs, and improve access to support for people with animals experiencing domestic and family violence.
Other Updates
City of London Ontario Transit Commission to Allow Small Pets on City Buses
The London Transit Commission has recommended allowing small pets, including dogs and cats, on buses in the City of London, Ontario starting March 1st. The new policy will require small domestic animals to be in crates, which must be either carried on a rider's lap or be small enough to fit under a bus seat.
The London Transit Commission has recommended allowing small pets, including dogs and cats, on buses in the City of London, Ontario starting March 1st. The new policy will require small domestic animals to be in crates, which must be either carried on a rider's lap or be small enough to fit under a bus seat.
Three Horses Collapse on Canadian Live Export Flight to Japan
Government inspection documents obtained by the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition have revealed that a mid-December live export flight of horses to Japan caused three to collapse. The shipping company decided to reroute the plane, meaning the horses were left without food, water, and rest for thirty hours. According to Canadian law, the maximum time horses can be transported without these provisions is twenty-eight hours. No update has since been provided on whether or not these three horses have recovered.
Government inspection documents obtained by the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition have revealed that a mid-December live export flight of horses to Japan caused three to collapse. The shipping company decided to reroute the plane, meaning the horses were left without food, water, and rest for thirty hours. According to Canadian law, the maximum time horses can be transported without these provisions is twenty-eight hours. No update has since been provided on whether or not these three horses have recovered.