Tag: animal cruelty

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News/Blog

VHS launches new podcast with series on animal cruelty

The Vancouver Humane Society is excited to announce the upcoming launch of The Informed Animal Ally, an animal ethics podcast sharing the ins and outs of topics like cruelty, legislation, and advocacy here in B.C. and across Canada!

In the first series of the show, Executive Director Amy Morris and Communications Director Chantelle Archambault will discuss the topic of animal cruelty, and in particular animal cruelty laws. The series will delve into how cruelty laws impact animals of different species, including companion animals, farmed animals, fish, wildlife, and more.

You can subscribe to The Informed Animal Ally on your preferred podcast platform to be notified about new episodes. Listen to the first episode on May 31, then keep an eye out on the final Tuesday of each month for more episodes discussing animal cruelty, ethics, and protection.

Thank you for being an animal ally!

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News/Blog

A better world for animals in 2022

The new year is here, and with it comes an opportunity to build on last year’s great progress for animals! Here is a look back on some of the amazing highlights and achievements that were made possible in 2022 because of animal allies like you. 

Table Of Contents
  1. Wins for wildlife
  2. Advocacy for animals in entertainment
  3. Change for animals in captivity
  4. Care for companion animals
  5. Protections for farmed animals
  6. A kinder future for all species

Wins for wildlife

B.C. permanently restricts deadly rodent poisons

In July 2021, the provincial government introduced an 18-month partial ban on some of the deadliest rodent poisons. Animal advocates continued to speak out throughout the temporary ban about the dangers of rodenticides to wildlife and pets—more than 2,500 British Columbians signed the Vancouver Humane Society’s petition in support of a comprehensive rodenticide ban, and more than 1,300 individuals participated in the provincial government’s public consultation! The VHS also submitted a report in support of a comprehensive rodenticide ban. 

On October 28, 2022, the government announced it would be implementing permanent restrictions on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides. This was a momentous first step in protecting wildlife and companion animals from dangerous rodent poisons—but it is not the last step. Concerned animal supporters can continue to advocate to address gaps in the regulations by following these tips.

Province updates hunting regulations

In early 2022, the VHS shared information to help animal allies to voice their support for stronger hunting and trapping regulations during the government’s public consultation period. Many advocates participated, and following the consultation the Ministry of Forests introduced updated regulations that included the introduction of new No Hunting areas as well as region-specific restrictions on baiting, using wireless cameras for hunting, and more. 

Advocacy for animals in entertainment

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media

Thousands speak out against rodeo cruelty at the Calgary Stampede

Last year, the Vancouver Humane Society collaborated with concerned Calgarians to create RodeoTruth.com, a website that aims to expose the evidence-based realities of rodeo and other animal events at the Calgary Stampede. More than 9,600 people visited the website in 2022 to learn about the realities of rodeo cruelty, and more than 2,900 people took the #SayNoToRodeo pledge. 

Following a tragic chuckwagon incident that claimed the life of a horse, the VHS spoke out against the Stampede’s continued hosting of the deadly event in interviews with media outlets including City News, CTV Calgary, and the Daily Hive.  

A Research Co. poll commissioned by the Vancouver Humane Society during the Stampede revealed that the removal of the rodeo and chuckwagon events from the Calgary Stampede program would have virtually no impact on attendance rates and would bring in new crowds. 

British Columbians rally against a new rodeo

After several years that saw the decline of cruel rodeo events in B.C., a new rodeo event was sadly introduced in Langley Township in 2022. The VHS spoke out against this inhumane and unnecessary event in interviews with the Langley Advance Times, Global News, the Jill Bennett Show, and more. Nearly 3,000 members of the public signed the VHS’s petition calling on decision-makers to prevent the new rodeo.  

Video footage captured at the rodeo shows stressed and frightened animals being roughly handled and deliberately agitated into fleeing and bucking. Following the event, the VHS launched a quick action that all British Columbians can take to help prevent inhumane rodeo practices from coming to their community. 

Change for animals in captivity

Provincial decision-makers agree to meet to discuss captivity regulations 

89% of British Columbians oppose the international trade of exotic animals to be kept on display in permanent captivity in zoos and aquariums, yet provincial regulations continue to allow the keeping, breeding, and import of wild and exotic species. These outdated regulations have enabled ongoing issues to continue, as highlighted in video footage of abnormal behaviour from animals at Metro Vancouver’s two major animal attractions, and by two recent high-profile incidents at the Greater Vancouver Zoo which put animals and humans at risk. 

More than 5,400 animal supporters signed a petition calling for the much-needed updates to captivity regulations. Thanks to this strong push for support, along with an in-depth report outlining key recommendations, the VHS was able to schedule a meeting to raise concerns and suggestions directly with provincial decision-makers! The meeting will take place today, January 12th. 

Care for companion animals

A record number of animals receive veterinary assistance through the McVitie program 

Between rising costs and a growing number of people experiencing barriers to veterinary care, more animal guardians than ever are needing extra support to keep their beloved companion animals healthy without surrendering them to the already-overburdened shelter and rescue system.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, the VHS’s McVitie program was able to provide urgent veterinary assistance to more companion animals than ever before! 629 animals received assistance through the program in 2022, enabling animals like Precious, Chipper, Shailoh, and Copper to stay with their families who love them. 

Animal heroes break down barriers at Because They Matter 

On July 24th, 22 participants took to the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside to hand out much-needed pet supplies and share essential veterinary support resources with animals and their guardians who spend their days on the streets. In all, Because They Matter event participants handed out thousands of pet supplies and around 300 pamphlets about the Vancouver Humane Society’s veterinary assistance programs! Participants also raised more than $15,000 donated by generous supporters to help make these vital assistance programs possible. 

Protections for farmed animals

Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur/We Animals Media

Federal government begins enforcement of new animal transport regulations 

Every year in Canada, approximately 14 million animals suffer injuries and 1.6 million die during transport journeys that are often long-distance and in extreme weather conditions. Despite updates to farmed animal transport regulations being introduced in 2020, the federal government delayed full enforcement of the requirements for two years. More than 2,500 animal advocates pushed back against the possibility of further delays, and thanks to the strong call for action, the CFIA announced that enforcement of new regulations would begin on February 20, 2022. 

B.C. announces review of farmed animal welfare framework 

Following the release of undercover footage revealing egregious cruelty on a dairy farm in Abbotsford, the VHS launched a public campaign calling for greater protections for farmed animals. More than 2,400 individuals took the quick action to demand change from the B.C. government. The VHS also supported advocates in speaking up for animals in the dairy industry by providing a guide for submitting comments to the National Farm Animal Care Council’s (NFACC) “Dairy Codes of Practice”. The Dairy Code, which was last updated in 2009, serves as a guideline for dairy industry practices.  

In late 2022, the Country Life in BC agricultural newspaper confirmed that The Ministry of Agriculture would be conducting a review of the farmed animal welfare framework. This review is an important opportunity to push for real action to protect farmed animals from cruelty and suffering. Read the VHS’s open letter to the Ministry of Agriculture calling for true public transparency on farms and changes that would make a meaningful difference in the lives of the millions of sentient animals raised for food in this province.  

Donors make life better for animals with VHS & The Happy Herd on Giving Tuesday

On Giving Tuesday, the VHS partnered with The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary to raise funds for vital animal supplies, programs, and advocacy work. Animal lovers supported animals through both organizations by donating or shopping at participating businesses, including Panago Pizza, who offered discounted plant-based pizzas across B.C. and donated $1 for each plant-based pizza sold.

Wonderful supporters like you raised an astounding $22,900 for animals! These generous donations will help rescued farmed animals to stay healthy and safe in their loving forever home, enable companion animals to get the life-saving veterinary care they need, and ensure the work to create a more compassionate world for all species will continue.

Photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition

Canadians call for an end to inhumane live horse exports 

More than a year after the federal government committed to end the cruel live export of horses for slaughter, these gentle animals continue to be shipped on long, stressful journeys during which they can go 28 hours without food, water, or rest. In 2022, more than 19,000 Canadians signed onto a federal e-petition led by Jann Arden calling on the government to follow through on their promise to end this inhumane industry. Your support is needed to help push this change across the finish line! Read the VHS’s piece in the Daily Hive, Why hasn’t Canada stopped horses from being shipped to slaughter overseas?, to learn more about this urgent issue. 

A kinder future for all species

Thank you for helping animals in 2022! With your continued support, we can all continue to work toward a kinder future for animals in 2023. Can you keep the momentum going by taking action on the current campaigns to end animal suffering or making a donation toward vital animal programs and advocacy?

Take action
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News/Blog

Big wins for animals in 2021

Here are some of the ways you helped make our world a better place for animals this year! Click the links below to scroll to a section.

Table Of Contents
  1. Working to protect wildlife
  2. Speaking up for animals in entertainment
  3. Keeping companion animals with their loving guardians
  4. Protecting farmed animals
  5. Animal protection recognized in federal platforms
  6. A cruelty-free future

Working to protect wildlife

Habitat protection for owls and bears

Late last year, VHS launched a petition calling on the provincial government to stop planned logging in two important wildlife habitats: the Sunshine Coast and in the Fraser Canyon. The Dakota Ridge area on the Sunshine Coast is home to a concentration of black bear dens, while the Fraser Canyon is the last known habitat of wild spotted owls in Canada. More than 2,300 people signed the petition!

In early March, the B.C. government agreed to permanently halt logging in the Dakota Ridge area. Meanwhile, the Spô’zêm Nation and environmental groups leading the campaign against planned logging in the Fraser Canyon announced that the government has put the plan on hold.

B.C. implements a partial ban on rodenticides

This year, VHS worked with a strong team of animal advocates to call for a ban on inhumane and indiscriminate rodent poisons, also known as rodenticides. These baited poisons cause a slow and painful death for the animals that consume them, and can harm or even kill the animals that eat poisoned mice or rats. VHS’s petition to end rodenticide use in B.C. received more than 3,000 signatures!

Following a meeting between VHS, other animal advocacy groups, and B.C. decision-makers, the provincial government announced a temporary restriction on second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides—the most toxic type of rodent poisons.

While the partial ban is a welcome first step, further action is needed to address the continued deaths of wildlife. You can support a permanent ban on all rodenticides by contacting the Ministry of Environment through our simple 30-second email tool.

Speaking up for animals in entertainment

New Westminster moves to repurpose the Queen’s Park petting farm

VHS shared a briefing note with the City of New Westminster about the Queen’s Park Petting Farm. The note highlighted evidence-based concerns related to animal welfare, public health and safety, and public education; we recommended a closure of the petting farm.

In July, the City launched a public consultation seeking ideas from residents for an alternative space at Queen’s Park. They have since recognized that the space is not suitable for housing large animals. We are pleased to see city programming moving in an animal-friendly direction.

Fairmont Hotels agrees to stop promoting and offering sled dog rides

In September, Fairmont Hotels announced it would no longer promote or offer sled dog rides! The announcement followed efforts by animal advocates to draw attention to the harms of commercial sled dog tourism, including a letter from VHS to Fairmont Whistler and an incredibly successful petition and campaign by advocates.

Chilliwack Fair Rodeo cancelled for a second year

The Chilliwack Fair’s rodeo event was again cancelled due to COVID-19, sparing animals from the suffering endured at rodeos. VHS plans to engage Chilliwack City Council next year, pointing to the fact that the Fair was able to go ahead as a more family-friendly event without the cruel rodeo.

Keeping companion animals with their loving guardians

More than 400 animals helped through veterinary assistance

Generous donors to VHS’s McVitie Fund and Helping Women and Pets program assisted more than 400 companion animals this year! These donations helped animals to access needed veterinary care while staying with their loving families. Learn more about how veterinary assistance helps animals and their guardians.

Because They Matter participants connect with animal guardians in the DTES

In July, volunteers gathered in Vancouvers Downtown Eastside neighbourhood to hand out harnesses, leashes, dog treats, and blankets. More than 60 people and their animals who spend their days on the streets visited VHS’s booth in Pigeon Park. The team also shared vital information about veterinary assistance with about 350 people!

Check out the photos of some of the happy recipients.

Community rallies to support animals impacted by flooding

As flooding in B.C. forced many residents out of their homes, the people impacted are doing their best to make sure their loved ones are healthy and safe—including their animal family members. VHS’s Flood Evacuee Veterinary Support fund has ensured that flood-impacted people can access care for their companion animals.

To date, VHS has assisted 37 individual companion animals and partnered with 6 veterinarians to support flood-affected farmed animals. We continue to receive applications as flood-impacted people recover and rebuild. Learn more about some of the flood-impacted animals who have been helped so far.

While this has been a very difficult time, it has also been a demonstration of the amazing power of community. We are grateful for the outpouring of support to help people and animals impacted by the floods.

Protecting farmed animals

City of Vancouver moves to decrease animal-based food purchasing by 20%

This year, VHS launched a new report, “Increasing Plant-Based Purchasing at the Municipal Level”. The report examines food purchasing for the City of Vancouver; it found that by replacing 20% of animal-based foods with plant-based alternatives, the City of Vancouver could save money, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save animal lives.

This shift would include all direct or indirect food purchasing at the City of Vancouver level; for instance, at catered city events, meetings, concessions, and through food-related funding that the city offers.

The report led to a motion that was unanimously passed by City Council! We look forward to working alongside the City of Vancouver to build a more animal-friendly future.

PlantUniversity supports people in transitioning to a plant-based diet

In August, VHS launched the PlantUniversity platform. This free online resource helps people find tasty recipes and handy resources at any stage of their plant-based journey. PlantUniversity also offers resources to institutions (like schools, hospitals, long-term care homes, and restaurants) that are looking to add plant-based options to their menu.

Adding more plant-based foods to our diets decreases the demand for industrial animal agriculture and reduces animal suffering. Even small changes like switching out a few meals each week for plant-based options can add up to a huge impact as we all work toward a more humane society for animals.

B.C. announces phase-out of cruel mink fur farms

Animal advocates and supporters across the province, including the Vancouver Humane Society, the BC SPCA, The Fur-Bearers, the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, and Ban Fur Farms BC, have been pushing for an end to unnecessary and inhumane fur farms for years. This year saw a public push for change after a COVID-19 outbreak was discovered at a third B.C. mink farm.

In November, the B.C. government announced that mink farms will be phased out completely by 2025.

While the announcement is a huge win, there is still more to be done. VHS will continue to monitor this situation and call for an end to all fur farms in B.C.

Animal champions surpass Giving Tuesday goal for VHS & The Happy Herd

On Giving Tuesday, November 30, VHS partnered with The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary to make life better for animals. With your help, we surpassed our $15,000 goal with an incredibe $18,277 raised! These funds will go toward providing a loving home for rescued farmed animals and working to prevent animal suffering in all forms.

Animal protection recognized in federal platforms

Animal protection was recognized as an election issue this year! Issues related to the wildlife trade, farmed animals, companion animals, and more were included in the main party platforms. This year also marked the first-ever federal debate dedicated to animal protection, featuring representatives from the Green Party, Liberal Party, and New Democratic Party.

Thousands of voters across Canada tuned in to watch the debate hosted by the Vancouver Humane Society, Animal Justice, Montreal SPCA, Nation Rising, and World Animal Protection.

A cruelty-free future

Thank you for helping make so much progress for animals this year. Let’s celebrate the changes made in 2021 and turn this progress into momentum for 2022 and beyond. Stay tuned for advocacy on animals in captivity as well as continued advocacy and programming to support a cruelty-free future.

You can support continued advocacy on behalf of all animals today and for years to come by making an end-of-year donation. All donations made before midnight on December 31st will receive a tax receipt for the 2021 financial year.

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News/Blog

New allegations of animal cruelty at Abbotsford farm

Animal activists release video of animal cruelty at Abbotsford egg farm

Video has been released by local animal activists which appears to show yet another case of extreme animal cruelty at an egg farm in Abbotsford, B.C.

Similar cases of alleged cruelty to chickens at farms in Abbotsford occurred in 2017 and 2018.

The group, BC Animal Ag Uncovered, released the following video and press release.(Warning: graphic):

ELITE Farm Services Abusing Birds Again (2020) **DISTURBING CONTENT**

July 16, 2020 – Covert citizen footage taken at an egg farm at the 32000 block of Huntingdon Road in Abbotsford, BC shows egg-laying hens being loaded on trucks destined for Superior Poultry Processors slaughterhouse in Coquitlam, BC. One of the workers is seen wearing an ELITE Farm Services safety vest.

MORE ANIMAL ABUSE CAUGHT ON VIDEO AT ABBOTSFORD EGG FARM 

Video taken on July 15, 2020 shows severe animal cruelty at an egg farm on the 32000 block of Huntingdon Road in Abbotsford, B.C. The disturbing footage shows workers callously throwing spent egg-laying hens into crates, grabbing the chickens by a single leg or wing. One of the workers is seen wearing an ELITE Chicken Catching Services shirt. 

Unedited longer video clips can be viewed here and here. 

The witness who took the new video said, “the chickens were being flung into crates head-first,” “some were thrown in cages by their wings and many thrown in by one leg. I saw workers close the crate lids on the necks and limbs of these poor birds.” 

After reviewing the footage, Veterinarian Dr. Nadine Meyer stated, “improper handling of chickens, as seen here several times, may result in injuries ranging from bruises and head trauma (concussions), to fractured bones or dislocated joints.” 

Sadly, this is not the first time Elite Farm Services Ltd. has been caught abusing animals. In June 2017, Elite was the subject of a video exposé after a whistleblower of animal rights group Mercy For Animals filmed employees stomping on live birds, ripping conscious chickens apart and violently slamming others against crates & walls. CTV coverage can be viewed here. 

Additionally, Elite was associated with another animal cruelty investigation at a different Abbotsford egg farm in 2018. Media coverage for the story can be found here and here. 

The company was charged with 38 counts of unlawfully harming chickens related to the 2017 Mercy For Animals investigation. Their pre-trial conference was in New Westminster Thursday August 13, 2020. There will be a preliminary inquiry on September 28 and Elite is scheduled to be tried by Jury in January 2021. 

“In 2017, Mercy For Animals exposed egregious animal abuse by Elite Farm Services, with chickens having their limbs torn off and being tossed around like footballs, slammed into objects and hit and kicked,” said Leah Garcés, president of Mercy For Animals. “It’s very concerning that this new footage suggests the company, which still has charges pending for its beating and loading of chickens in the prior case, apparently has not done enough to stamp out rough handling and callous treatment of animals.”  

According to section 6 of the industry’s own Code of Practice for the Handling of Laying Hens,  

“Hens have weak bones by the end of lay. As a result, there is a high risk of bone fractures when hens are handled prior to transport (2). Care in handling, such as catching end-of-lay hens by both legs rather than one, reduces bone breakage (8). If layer hens are carried by one leg only, there is a greater chance of birds suffering from fractures and hip dislocations.” 

“All parties involved in the catching and transporting process have a responsibility and obligation to ensure catching, transfer, and holding on-farm is undertaken in such a manner that minimizes stress and injury.” 

“Birds must be placed in transport containers gently…” 

-ends-

VHS is monitoring the situation and will comment further as details emerge. Media coverage can be seen here.

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Media Release

Vancouver Humane Society calls for end to cruel rodeo events at Chilliwack Fair

Media release

July 26, 2017

Vancouver Humane Society calls for end to cruel rodeo events at Chilliwack Fair

Society says photos from 2016 fair show rodeo animals suffering

Vancouver – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is calling for an end to calf-roping and steer-wrestling at the upcoming Chilliwack Fair rodeo (August 11-13).

VHS has written to Chilliwack City Council asking for a ban on the two events and has also called on the Chilliwack Agricultural Society, which runs the fair, to voluntarily drop them from the rodeo program. VHS has launched an online campaign to urge the public to contact the council, the fair and its sponsors to ask for an end to the events.

VHS says calf-roping and steer-wrestling subject animals to fear, pain and stress for the sake of mere entertainment. “Terrified calves, only three months old, are chased, roped to a sudden halt, picked up and thrown to the ground before being tied up and steers have their necks twisted until the are literally bent to the ground,” said VHS spokesperson Peter Fricker.  “Tormenting animals to amuse a crowd should be unacceptable in the 21st century.”

VHS obtained photographs taken at the 2016 Chilliwack Fair, which it says show rodeo animals in distress.

A 2015 survey by polling company Insights West found that 66 per cent of B.C. residents are opposed to rodeos.

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Categories
animal welfare compassion cruelty News/Blog Promoted

Help stop this circus from appearing in Vancouver

VHS is concerned about the welfare of ALL circus animals

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The circus is coming to town.  And we need to stop it.

The Royal Canadian Circus is scheduled to appear at Concord Pacific Place in Vancouver from May 12th to 14th.

This circus is put on by the U.S.-based Tarzan Zerbini Circus, which has a reportedly poor animal welfare record with regard to its treatment of elephants, as detailed in this 2016 article in the Ottawa Citizen and in this report by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). This gives us concerns about the welfare of other animals in its care. 

The article in the Citizen, by the Harvard Law School’s Animal Law & Policy Fellow, reveals that the Zerbini Circus has been cited for animal welfare violations in the U.S. and states that it “has featured elephants who are kept chained and forced to perform under threat of punishment.”

The PETA report says the circus failed to “meet minimum federal standards for the care of animals” used in exhibition, as established in the Animal Welfare Act in the U.S. It states that in 2011 the USDA “cited Tarzan Zerbini for failure to prevent elephants from being exposed to tuberculosis (TB).”

 
While it is VHS’s understanding that the Vancouver performance of the Royal Canadian Circus will feature only domestic animals and not exotic animals (which is prohibited by City of Vancouver bylaw), its parent company’s animal welfare record raises serious concerns.  Consequently, we are urging the public not to attend the Royal Canadian Circus’s performances.

We are also asking the public to complain to Concord Pacific, the company that owns Concord Pacific Place (the circus venue), and to the company that manages the venue, WestPark.

Please email these companies and politely ask them to cancel the performance of the Royal Canadian Circus:

Concord Pacific: marketing@concordpacific.com

WestPark: ritar@westpark.com

Thank you.

Categories
animal welfare compassion cruelty News/Blog Promoted

The long war against circus cruelty

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VHS fought long and hard to keep animal circuses out of BC

 

By Debra Probert, VHS Executive Director

Nobody was happier than all of us at VHS to hear that the biggest, most famous circus in the world, Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey, would be holding its last performance later this year.  Cruelty in circuses, at least in this large circus, is no longer profitable. Hooray!!

Fortunately, Ringling Brothers Circus never came to B.C. Activists in other provinces, like Zoocheck in Ontario and smaller, grass roots groups across the country, did everything in their power to stop the behemoth – along with PETA, HSUS and dozens of smaller, grass roots organizations and their supporters in the U.S.  Congratulations to all of you – your work has finally paid off!

Here in B.C., we saw the smaller circuses, under names like the Zerbini Family Circus, Garden Brothers and the Royal Canadian Circus.  Some of them continue to travel around the U.S. and in other provinces in Canada, but they’re attended by ever decreasing audiences.

Over the last two decades, VHS worked tirelessly to have exotic animal bylaws passed across Metro Vancouver to prevent circuses from bringing exotic animals like elephants, monkeys and bears into local arenas and parking lots.

The initial bylaws came into force on Vancouver Island – in Nanaimo, Victoria and Saanich after hard work from dedicated local activists and organizations. VHS took up the torch here on the mainland and after years of picketing, attending council meetings and monitoring circuses, we did what some called impossible – we made it uneconomical for circuses to bring their animals into the province. One by one, with the City of Vancouver in the lead, we worked along with local activists to enable legislation in Surrey, Delta, Coquitlam, Langley, and basically every other region of high density in British Columbia, to stop the cruelty in its tracks.

And cruelty it was. I personally spent hours watching elephants, with their legs chained the entire time they weren’t performing, swaying back and forth, occasionally stretching out their trunks for an unreachable bit of greenery. Their lives were sheer misery, often lived without others of their own kind, and never free to walk or run the miles they would in the wild. They were controlled with bull hooks jabbed into their sensitive skin. When they weren’t performing, they were travelling, often for endless hours in trucks with no ventilation.

The bears, monkeys and tigers fared no better. They were kept in cages so small, they could barely turn around. Again, apart from when they were performing and were under the strict control of their trainers, they spent all of their time eating, sleeping and defecating in the same small space.  Winter quarters were no different – the same small cages, the same chains. Exposés surfaced showing baby elephants, tigers, bears and monkeys being beaten into submission, all in the name of training and simply to entertain an audience. Well, it’s over for Ringling Brothers and the smaller circuses that haven’t already will soon follow suit.

We who care so deeply for animals seldom have something to celebrate. We should use this opportunity to contemplate that successes are possible, even if it seems to take forever.  We are on the side of truth; we know animals suffer; we know it’s not necessary and we know how to stop it.  And we won’t stop trying, however long it takes.

 

 

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animal welfare compassion cruelty Food and Drink News/Blog plant-based diet Promoted vegan vegetarianism

Please tell this Vancouver restaurant to take baby seal meat off the menu

 

A Vancouver restaurant, Edible Canada on Granville Island, is featuring meat from the cruel Newfoundland seal hunt on its menu as part of the Dine Out Vancouver Festival. 

VHS is urging Vancouverites to ask Edible Canada to remove the meat from its menu, as the commercial seal hunt is recognized around the world as inhumane.  More than 95 per cent of the seals slaughtered in the hunt are less than three months old and many are less than a month old.  They are killed by clubbing, shooting or hacking with a hakapik.

With more than two million seals killed since 2002, the seal hunt is the largest marine mammal slaughter on earth.  The hunt has been condemned internationally, with 35 countries banning the trade in commercial seal products.  A 2012 study by veterinarians determined that the hunt was inhumane, stating: “There are unacceptable (and unlawful) things being done to animals for profit in this hunt.”

Please contact Edible Canada and politely ask the management to reconsider the decision to put seal meat on their menu:

Eric Pateman, President, Edible Canada
Tel: 604 558 0040
Email: info@ediblecanada.com

Also contact the Dine Out Vancouver Festival to express your concerns about Edible Canada’s decision:

Lucas Pavan, Festival Coordinator
Tel: 604 682 2222
Email: lpavan@tourismvancouver.com

Categories
animal welfare cruelty News/Blog Promoted rodeo

Another rodeo, another spectacle of cruelty

080716 - Chilliwack, BC Chung Chow photo Chilliwack Rodeo Calf roping

This is what happened to animals at the Chilliwack rodeo

The past weekend, the annual Chilliwack Fair’s rodeo once again saw animals tormented for the sake of entertainment – graphically illustrated in the photos below. It’s the last full rodeo left in the Lower Mainland and we’d like to see it end.  If you agree, please let the Chilliwack Fair know by sending them a polite email at info@chilliwackfair.com

VHS will be taking further actions in the coming weeks, including identifying sponsors.

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Chilliwack Rodeo

 

Chilliwack Rodeo

 

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Chilliwack Rodeo - Sunday

 

Categories
animal welfare compassion cruelty News/Blog Promoted rodeo

Rodeo on the run?

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Thats entertainment?

According to media reports, the “dysfunctional” Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) is in chaos, with its general manager being fired and several board directors resigning.

This follows the the CPRA’s failure to negotiate a deal to keep its championships, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, in Edmonton.  The CFR will now be held in Saskatoon, starting in 2017.  (You can urge the City of Saskatoon not to host the rodeo here.)

All this may signify a lack of public support for rodeo, which is good news for animal welfare.  VHS has exposed the suffering of rodeo animals with photos from a number of events, most recently at the Williams Lake Stampede.

The CFR’s move from Edmonton to Saskatoon means the rodeo will be in a venue with a seating capacity of 9,550 instead of one with a capacity of more than 18,000.  In short, the move likely means fewer people will see the rodeo and its growth will be limited.

Meanwhile, the Alberta Rockies Gay Rodeo Association, which has been organizing rodeos since the 1990s, has announced that it has “ceased all operations, effective immediately”.  This follows the cancellation of two professional rodeos in British Columbia – one in Abbotsford, the other in Victoria – in the last two years, after campaigns by VHS and other animal advocates.

In addition, attendance at this year’s Calgary Stampede was the lowest in 22 years. While this was blamed on bad weather and Alberta’s economic downturn, it suggests that rodeo has a limited appeal.  There is certainly evidence that this is the case, with a December 2015 poll showing that 63 per cent of Canadians are opposed to using animals in rodeo.

As more people learn the truth about rodeo cruelty, the harder it will be for rodeo to attract new fans.  VHS intends to make sure that’s exactly what happens.