IN DECEMBER 2006 DIGEST:
1) China Dog Massacre On Hold, More Action Needed
2) India: Moon Bear Burned Alive
3) Hungary: Extreme Cruelty To Dogs
4) Coyote Killer Poisons Neighborhood Dogs Too
5) Atlanta Puppy-Baking Trial Ends In Hung Jury
6) SHAC 7: Christmas In A Correctional Institution
7) Bulgaria: Sponsor Future For Animals Foundation
8) Mercy's Killer Will Stand Trial On April 23, 2007
9) On Board With Captain Watson & Sea Shepherd Crew
10) Turkish Activists Fight In Court For Animal Rights
11) PETITIONS

1. China Dog Massacre On Hold, More Action Needed
REPLY DIRECTLY TO: Cindy Milburn, CMilburn@ifaw.org

 

MORE PHOTOS + RELATED PETITIONS: http://www.care2.com/c2c/share/detail/213855

BACKGROUND:
12/20/06, From CMilburn@ifaw.org - Thanks to thousands of letters from concerned animal lovers the anti-dog crackdown in China has been officially stopped. The crackdown started in Beijing at the end of October and in response letters were sent to various Beijing authorities (police, mayor's office, Olympic Organizing Committee etc.) and groups outside of China (Chinese Embassies and IOC). Letters from all over the world created enough pressure for the police to stop the crackdown. This announcement was confirmed to IFAW by the Beijing Police Bureau on Friday (December 7).

The crackdown involved confiscation of dogs from homes due to excessive size limits (over 35cm) or lack of registration license. Since the halt of the anti-dog crackdown, the Beijing Police Department has initiated efforts to communicate with Beijing animal welfare groups. Beijing Police organized a meeting with IFAW representatives on December 7... On December 11, we were invited to tour the police pound. It was apparent the pound had recently been renovated. Many of the dogs were wearing collars and tags, indicating they were previously owned dogs... IFAW acknowledged that efforts have gone into building the pound. However, we pointed out that shelter is not the proper solution to the problem.

...IFAW urged police to return the dogs to their rightful homes. IFAW is urging authorities to understand the positive role dogs play in communities and asking them to address the root of the problem rather than the symptoms. IFAW has pledged support to authorities to help with the following:

• Production of educational materials to promote responsible pet ownership - including registration, vaccination,
   spay/neuter, cleanliness in the environment, and harmonious relationships with neighbors.

• Introduce humane and realistic amendments to the Beijing Dog Regulation that simplify compliance for dog owners.
   Our suggested changes to the Regulation focus on the following:
       ~Size limit (35cm) has no scientific base. A dog's temperament cannot be judged by size. The size limit also makes
         the regulation unenforceable.
       ~The Regulation should penalize the behaviour of PEOPLE, not dogs. Violators are people who should be punished
         (via fines, community service etc.) not dogs, who are already victims of irresponsible owners.
       ~Breeding of dogs for commerce/markets should be regulated. Uncontrolled commercial breeding is the main cause
         of the dog overpopulation crisis.
       ~Work with China's legal community to introduce national legislation for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Continuing vigilance and support from the international community will help ensure reforms are secured.

Please write letters to the Chinese Embassy in your country and the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee, thanking the President of China for his intervention in stopping the anti-dog crackdown. Ask for legislative reforms to the Beijing Dog Regulation before Beijing hosts the next Olympics in 2008. Urge China to adopt national legislation for the prevention of cruelty to animals.

RELATED KINSHIP CIRCLE LINKS
11/6/06 - Beijing Dog Cull Begins 11/7. Write and don't stop.
8/3/06 - China's Slaughter Of Innocents: 50,000+ Dogs In 5 Days

2. India: Moon Bear Burned Alive
REPLY DIRECTLY TO: Gillian Russell, jillrussell777@btinternet.com • Trisha R., Taliesson@hotmail.com speciesism_will_end, http://profiles.yahoo.com/speciesism_will_end

BACKGROUND:
In what must rank as one of the most brutal and insensitive cases of animal torture in India, a Himalayan Black Bear (Moon Bear) was encircled by a group of villagers in Pir Panjar in Jammu and Kashmir who stoned, hammered and eventually set the live animal on fire. Sahara Rashtriya, a national channel, did a special episode on this gruesome incident and aired footage of the killing for over an hour. The Forest Department personnel and the police were present but chose not to act. People from all over the country have protested this barbarism and have called for action against the villagers who mobbed the animal. The creature was killed and carried in a cart with hordes of villagers celebrating its death.

This incident should be brought to the attention of all international organisations working with bears and human/animal conflict. Please approach organisations that might help. The Himalayan Black Bear is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act of India and deserves better treatment. An FIR has been lodged and legal action is on the anvil.

CONTACT INFORMATION TO PROTEST:
PETITION: Stop "TERRORISM" Against Wild Animals In India:
www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/213484384?ltl=1166994730

Mr. Mir Mohammed Mansoor, Chief Wildlife Vet and Biologist for Jammu and Kashmir State Wildlife Protection Dept.
email: mmmnsur@yahoo.com
Mr. Mansoor is researching bears in Jammu and Kashmir at the moment. Please urge him to take up this issue with the highest wildlife authority in his state so that appropriate action can be taken against the offenders.

Directorate of Information, Jammu and Kashmir Government
Old Secretariat Mubarak Mandi Complex, Jammu-180 001, India
ph: 0191-2544076, 2540088, 2578835; fax: 0191-2544643
email: dipjk@jk.nic.in, jmt_info@sancharnet.in, jmt_info@sancharnet.in, rajjk@jk.nic.in

The Secretary Government of India Ministry of Environment & Forests Paryavaran Bhavan
CGO Complex, Lodhi Road; New Delhi - 110 003 (INDIA)
ph: + 91-11-2436 1896, 2436 0721; email: secymenf@nic.in

Embassy of India in the United States
Ambassador Ronen Sen
2107 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W.; Washington D.C., 20008
ph: 202-939-7000; fax: 202-265-4351

EMBASSY LISTINGS FOR INDIA, AROUND THE WORLD: www.embassyworld.com/embassy/India/India1.html

DIRECTORY OF OFFICIAL WEBSITES GOVERNMENT OF INDIA: http://goidirectory.nic.in/

3. Hungary: Extreme Cruelty To Dogs
REPLY DIRECTLY TO:info@ebugatta.hu, info@dogheart.hu
websites: www.dogheart.hu • www.ebugatta.hu

Pictures about the rescue: www.dogheart.hu/dogmengele.htm
Video: www.online.rtlklub.hu/hirek/hatter/?id=0602218173

BACKGROUND: EDITED FOR LENGTH
DOGMENGELE: Please help us in the following problem, which we cannot handle...

Letter from a viewer to the Ebugatta program: I'm helpless as I visited a fearful place today and I don't know who shall I turn to, that's why I write to you. All this started with two dogs of my friend lost and we went to find them. We heard about a man, who has more than one hundred dogs in a vineyard, we hoped to get some information from him about our dogs. We went to see that place and we faced awful conditions. I'm still shocked by the scene as more than hundred dogs on chains, in horrible conditions. We mostly saw Hungarian breeds, three retrievers, kuvasz and about 80 mudis and their inbred descendants. Everywhere dogs, swill on the ground for them, dead bodies on the dog houses. It's even dread to write...

"Knowing that animals creatures able to feel, suffer and be happy, our moral obligation to respect them and ensure their well-being" this is also included in the Hungarian Animal Protection Act, we was fighting for the parliamentary decision for particular protection of the indigenous Hungarian breeds for years. There were several reports and complaints by the inhabitants and neigbhours, but still nothing to save these animals.

We reported this man for cruelty to animals with photos and videos by proof at the Police Headquarters 15th February, 2006, and on the Sopron Police.

We visited the spot with an ethologist, a vet, leaders of the breed clubs and a TV staff and witnessed awful conditions. None of the dogs had water to drink, they was on 20-30 cm chains, without kennels. The territory was covered by 30-40 cm mud, The Police worked rapidly and led by Dr Csaba Reinhoffer light colonel they made a domiciliary visit, and found 61 frozen dog carcasses in refrigerants. During the police procedure by active help of media, journalists and animal fanciers of the internet we try to rescue these animals from these terrible conditions which turned out to has been started 4 years ago...

Dr. Jozsef Dobos, the registrar of Sopron does not do this as he says all the dogs are vaccinated according to the veterinary examinations and they has satisfactory conditions, nothing justifies the close of the plant. About 180 unsocialised, wild dogs are scampering about on the yard, there are dead bodies of dogs in the fridge of the owner!

Videos, articles, letters, photos, which shows why is it cruelty to animals: http://portal.ebugatta.hu/article/archive/36/hungarian

More details here: http://www.ebugatta.hu and in dogforums. If you can help us please write to info@ebugatta.hu and we give you any kind of information about this case here. Let's work together for the protection of the rare Hungarian breeds!

Harcsas Marta, Chief editor of the Ebugatta TV program and the Kutya
ph: 0670-4572-761; email: info@ebugatta.hu

CONTACT INFORMATION TO PROTEST & HELP RESCUED DOGS:
PETITION: For The Shut Down Of The Sopron Dog Yard - www.petitiononline.com/soprone/petition-sign.html

Demonstrate with us, with motto "dog farm Sopron," to persuade Mrs. Monika Lamperth, Interior Minister of Hungary, to punish a Hungarian man who handle animals this way: miniszter@bm.gov.hu

We have a bank account to gather donations for veterinary costs, living costs etc. in case we can rescue these dogs:
This account was opened by Godollo affiliated organisation of HEROSZ
Erste Bank 11600006-00000000-17850326
Asoproni kutyak bankszamlaszamanak SWIFTkodja: GIBAHUHB
IBAN szam: HU77 11600006-00000000-17850326

4. Coyote Killer Poisons Neighborhood Dogs Too
REPLY DIRECTLY TO:Kate Burke, kateburkenow@yahoo.com

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: EDITED FOR LENGTH
12/15/06, From kateburkenow@yahoo.com - In March, my friend's two dogs were among at least 7 that died from eating poisoned chicken meat strewn about by a man in rural Adams County. He claims he was targeting coyotes that had been harassing his cattle, but the meat was not limited to his own property, the poison he used is a federally restricted herbicide that causes an excruciating death. He had no permit to poison wildlife, and he gave his neighbors no warning whatsoever that the meat was accessible to pets (and children, for that matter).

As so often happens, the Adams County DAs have been lukewarm to the point of dismissive in pursuing this case. They charged him with misdemeanor rather than felony cruelty to animals, did a dismal job of investigating the incident, and have so far done an even worse job of prosecuting the case. Trial is set for the end of January and we have determined to get media and public attention on the case to pressure the DA's office to actually take some action. This is a good opportunity to show all Colorado DAs that animal cruelty should be taken seriously and that their political careers could depend on it.
Channel 4 News coverage: http://cbs4denver.com/pets/local_story_076190310.html

CONTACT INFORMATION TOPROTEST:
Reference case number: 06 M 1909 & 06 M 1910, People v. Dan Bowen
Attorney in charge of the case is Rhoda Hafiz.

Don Quick, District Attorney, 17th Judicial District
Rhoda Hafiz, Deputy District Attorney
1000 Judicial Center Dr., Suite 100; Brighton, CO 80601
ph: 303-835-5522; fax 303-659-7720
email link to DAs: www.co.adams.co.us/index.cfm?d=standard&b=5&c=77&s=250&p=598

5. Atlanta Puppy-Baking Trial Ends In Hung Jury
REPLY DIRECTLY TO: gadove2003@juno.com

ATTEND BAKED-PUPPY RE-TRIALIN ATLANTA, GA:
Update 12/20: Spokesperson for this case, Amanda Prentice said the Moulder brothers' new trial begins on JANUARY3, 2007 at 9:00 AM. You can contact her at: 404-285-5707, gadove2003@juno.com

We want a minimum of 50 people to attend on the first day, and every day! Please come to this re-trial to be a face and a voice for the puppy who was hog-tied and muzzled with duct tape before being baked alive...

RULES: Dress professional, cell phone off, only water allowed, no food. SILENCE! Do not show emotion. Amistrial can be called if the jury sees or hears courtroom emotions. You can arrive at any time, just enter courtroom quietly.

WE NEED EVERYONE TO ATTEND: Please ask your neighbor, co-worker, friends, family, churches, full time moms, retirement centers, and any other community-based organizations to attend. Jan. 3, day one, jury selection begins. PLEASE ATTEND! If the trial is two weeks, we need people to attend each day until Jan. 19.

BACKGROUND:
Recent Case Dispositions - Office Of The Fulton County District Attorney
http://www.atlantada.org/latestnews/casedispositions/index.htm

Jury hung in puppy trial / Finds brothers "not guilty" on one charge • Atlanta Journal Constitution - Dec 15, 2006
http://www.pet-abuse.com/cases/9605/#UPDATES

District Attorney Paul Howard has written to Governor Perdue and other state officials urging an increase in criminal penalty for animal torture. See DAHoward's letter: http://www.fultonda.org/featuredarticle/humanesociety.htm

CONTACT INFORMATION TO PROTEST:
PETITION: Seeking Felony Indictment for Puppy's Torturous Death
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/564805100?ltl=1166923519

BLOG: Puppy Tortured, Baked To Death In Georgia - http://georgiapuppytorture.blogspot.com/
This blog will provide you with all the updates on this case as they occur.

Paul Howard Jr., DA, Fulton County District Attorney
Fulton County District Attorneys Office • 136 Pryor Street, SW, Third Floor; Atlanta, GA30303
ph: 404-730-4981; fax: 404-730-4785 • email: Paul.Howard@FultonCountyGA.gov, stopcruelty@atlantahumane.org
Thank Fulton DA Paul Howard for his conviction that felony animal cruelty is a very serious crime.

The Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor, State of Georgia
203 State Capitol; Atlanta, Georgia 30334
ph: 404-656-1776; fax: 404-657-7332 • web email: www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml

The Hon. Rep. Glenn Richardson, Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives
PO Box 1750; Hiram, Georgia 30141 • email: glenn.richardson@house.ga.gov

The Hon. Rep. Bob Holmes
PO Box 110009; Atlanta, Georgia 30311-3203 • email: carglor9@cs.com

SAMPLE LETTER:
Posted by Jack Russell: http://georgiapuppytorture.blogspot.com/

Dear Governor Perdue, Speaker Richardson, Rep. Holmes,
Due to an especially horrific recent case of animal cruelty in Fulton County, I am writing to urge you to support an increase in criminal penalties for animal torture in the state of Georgia. As you know, people who commit heinous crimes against animals are much more likely to harm human beings, and this particular case of animal cruelty is so reprehensible it cries out for a change in the law.

According to the Fulton County District Attorney, in August 2006, Justin Moulder, 18, and Joshua Moulder, 17, "brought a tan and white puppy into the [Englewood Manor] Community Center. They tied her front paws together with duct tape, tied her rear paws together with duct tape, and then taped her front and hind legs together with tape. They wound tape so tightly around the puppy's mouth and nose she could barely breathe.

That was only the beginning. The puppy, less than five months old, was immersed in white paint which the defendants tried to ignite with matches or a lighter. When that didn't work, they removed two shelves from a commercial gas range, put the pup inside, turned on the gas and literally cooked this animal inside and out. The puppy's body was so charred; the doctor who performed the necropsy could not determine which breed she was.

Following this horrific case, the eyes of the nation are on Georgia. Please demonstrate that you believe no animal should ever be treated in such a manner in the great state of Georgia and should it happen, those responsible will be severely punished. Currently, conviction under Georgia's felony Aggravated Cruelty to Animals law is punishable by just five (5) years in prison. I hope you will consider supporting a change in the law to increase that penalty to at least ten (10) years.

Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,

RELATED KINSHIP CIRCLE LINKS
9/10/06 - Justice For Puppy Baked Alive In Oven

6. SHAC 7: Christmas In A Correctional Institution
REPLY DIRECTLY TO:Updates on the SHAC 7, updates@shac7.com

Christmas marks the first holidays that Andy, Dari, Jake, Lauren, Josh, and Kevin will spend behind bars. We ask each of you to take a few minutes to send them a card, a letter, or some photos and let them know they are supported this holiday. Please Note: They are not allowed to receive packages, gifts, stamps, food, etc. They are limited to photos, letters, cards, postcards and books and magazines directly from the publisher.

You can also give them a gift this holiday by donating to the SHAC 7 Support Fund. All funds go to their monthly funding for phone calls, postage, and food from the prison store to supplement their vegan diets. You can donate online at www.SHAC7.com or checks can be made payable to: SHAC 7 Support Fund • 740A14th St. #237; San Francisco, CA94114

7. Bulgaria: Be A Future For Animals Foundation Sponsor
REPLY DIRECTLY TO: dogsloveioko@dir.bg

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Future for Animals Foundation
No-kill animal sanctuary in Bulgaria
email: sisiioan@abv.bg • web: www.sisiioan.hit.bg

We are a no-kill animal sanctuary located in Bulgaria. In our country, because of a lack of resources and negative attitudes towards animals, our four-legged friends often do not receive the humane treatment they deserve. We are looking for sponsors to help us improve the lives of dogs and cats in Bulgaria. We catch animals, spay/neuter them, provide medical attention, and provide a home for homeless dogs and cats. Additionally, our staff provides special attention for animals who are old or sick. If you are interested in learning more about the Future for Animals Foundation and our efforts to improve the lives of innocent dogs and cats please visit our website, www.sisiioan.hit.bg

8. Mercy's Killer Will Stand Trial On April 23, 2007
REPLY DIRECTLY TO:Denise Wilson, DeniseWilson@letu.edu

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Bill Hill, Dallas County District Attorney
Frank Crowley Courts Building • 133 N. Industrial Blvd., LB 19; Dallas, Texas 75207-4399
ph: 214-653-3600; fax: 214-653-5774

BACKGROUND:
12/6/06 - For Mercy, a sweet 10 mo. old Pit mix who was saturated with gasoline, stabbed, dragged behind a car and set on fire in Carrollton, Texas. Mercy died April 23, 2006.

Deshawn Brown, Dallas 21-year-old charged with animal cruelty for drenching his 10-month-old pit bull in gasoline and lighting her on fire on 4/13/06. Mercy, discovered near an apartment complex at Preston and Belt Line Roads, suffered burn wounds over 60% of her body. Most of her exterior skin layer was gone, replaced by slashes, stab marks, and burned flesh.

Pursue maximum felony penalties of two to ten years in jail, plus fines of up to $10,000. Ensure Brown undergoes psychological counseling and is barred from possessing, harboring or living alongside animals.

RELATED KINSHIP CIRCLE LINKS:
4/29/06 - A World Without Mercy: Justice For Tortured Pup

9. On Board With Captain Watson & Sea Shepherd Crew
REPLY DIRECTLY TO:Centcom, centcom@war-online.org

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
12/9/06, from centcom@war-online.org - Just received this from our friend Tim Gorski who is with Captain Watson and the Sea Shepherd crew. They are preparing to take to the seas in a massive effort to save whales. WAR will hold a fundraising event soon, proceeds to benefit Sea Shepherd conservation Society. We encourage anyone who can to make a donation. Let's do everything possible to make sure that the Sea Shepherd crew has everything they need to fight this battle.
Until all are free, Win Animal Rights

Date: Sat, 09 Dec 2006 / From: Tim Gorski (RTC), timgorski@hotmail.com
Hey all, We're in the final stages of preparation for Operation Leviathan. We'll soon be moving two ships, a helicopter, and two different crews into position to tackle the greatest whale killing monsters on this planet.

We have a steadfast determination to stop them. We have a band of sixty men and women from over a dozen nations united in determination to make a difference and driven by an iron will to save lives. And we have some great new tricks in store for the whale killers too. We're getting amazing support here in Melbourne. TV coverage, food donations, engine and electrical equipment, and safety gear come in every day. The people here really care about their aquatic neighbors to the south. We'll be at sea for 50 days and contact will be limited but I'll be sending pictures soon. My team and I have designed an edit studio on board; it's primitive but functional. Keep checking the www.seashepherd.org website for podcasts. Meanwhile, check out our new commercial at www.whalesafebeer.com Watch the video, it's bloody brilliant. love and revolution, tim

Defending Whales Video

10. Turkish Activists Fight In Court For Animal Rights
REPLY DIRECTLY TO:Marijo Gillis, marijo@wagny.org

This is indeed a day that shall be recorded in the history books guys! Our group in Istanbul is absolutely amazing and have taken the Municipality of Istanbul to court for the animals and have stopped the actions of the Municipal Veterinary authority! They have also just finished production on a "movie short" detailing dogs and children. And they are not wealthy, nor powerful - they are incredibly UNITED and determined! Enter our site www.wagny.org and click on Turkey www.wagny.org/turkey and then Reality in Motion; view the slide shows and listen to the music...

BACKGROUND: http://ehdkd.blogspot.com/2006/12/stop-press.html
12/9/06 - As it was to be expected Turkey's press has finally picked up on the appalling situation created by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality's and the Head of the Veterinary Department, Arif Irfan Eker. This weekend two of the leading newspapers in Turkey, Milliyet and Hurriyet have exposed the issue in their pages.

This fight will continue in the Administrative Court as well as in the Mass Media. Sooner or later the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality will come to realize that it is much easier, cost-effective and certainly better for PR purposes to manage Neuter and Return in a humane and professional way, and counting with our collaboration and supervision that leaving the whole responsibility of this crucial project under the control of companies and individuals of dubious repute.

The moment there is a firm commitment on the part of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality to make this project work in strict accordance with the Law, and guided by Humane Principles, we, EHDKD, as well as our friends of the Society for the Protection of Stray Animals, will be there to lend them a helping hand towards its successful completion.

Until then the fight will continue both in the Court as well as the public forum of national and international Media. It is up to Arif Eker and ultimately up to Kadir Topbas, the Major of Istanbul to decide which route to follow: a new way guided by humanity, legality and joint cooperation OR its current inhumane, illegal and dismissive behavior that is ending with the lifes of thousands of animals in an appalling display of animal cruelty and total disregard of both Law and public opinion.

11. PETITIONS

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