One of the leading Hindi news channels, INDIA TV’s team accompanied me to two of the most amazing animal shelters in Delhi.

As well as featuring on the main news channel, they intend to return to make a one hour special to be screened later, having been so impressed by what they saw.

SONADI CHARITABLE TRUST

This shelter is one of the only shelters in Delhi who genuinely love and keep dogs as children and never refuse anyone seeking help.
Managed by Mrs Sen and Dr Vijay, (and now Col. Ranadhir Dey, who is giving voluntary services) this place houses around 400 dogs. In my 5 years of experience with them, never have they once refused to pick up any injured or abandoned animal in any part of the city.

Their shelter houses 400 dogs and they have for many years run a sterilisation programme.

Over the last four months, they have organised an anti-rabies camp in Dwarka.

SAI ANIMAL WELFARE ASHRAM.

Set in about two acres of land, as the name suggests, this ashram is a shelter in its true sense.

Mr Kumar has developed this unique place with a unique concept, in that it is like a natural habitat for dogs. About 90 dogs and more puppies are housed here.

- No dog is chained or tied up, but all of them are kept together.

- All the dogs are healthy, living in a natural habitat and developing resistance to diseases which generally a dog might catch in a shelter.

- All of them are allowed to go out in the open and roam freely and they come back.

- Special dog houses are constructed with natural cooling and heating systems.

- There are swimming pools for dogs to play in, on their own.

- The place is thickly planted for them to take a nap, as, when and where they want to.

- No dog is aggressive and none have failed to assimilate peacefully into the group.

- Because of the way these dogs are kept, anyone can enter this compound at any time, without fear of getting bitten.

Mr Kumar said that the reason these dogs are like this is because they are fed well, given freedom and love, which makes them calm and loving by nature. By tying up dogs, one makes them aggressive. Mr. Kumar is in is late 60s and has never come across any dog that has bitten him for any reason.

Due to shortage of funds, they have no ambulance and have to depend on volunteers to take dogs to the vets, and they are short of staff and medical supplies.

India TV has been actively supporting and working with us to promote love and compassion towards animals. India TV, being one of the leading channels which addresses the public in our country, has been able to change many mindsets through their genuine love for animals. They were the first ones to support us in our campaign against the killing of dogs in Karnataka and Kerala.

By Rishi Dev.

www.freewebs.com/rishidev000/

Citizens for Animals

Visakha SPCA began in 1996 and has been supported over the years by Maneka Gandhi, Animal People News, The Ahimsa Foundation of Boston, USA. The Project Director/Founder/President is Pradeep Kumar Nath and patrons include Philip and Trix Wollen, of The Winsome Constance Kindness Trust in Australia.

Visakha SPCA is recognised by Animal Welfare Board of India and the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. Visakha SPCA is the “sister shelter” of the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

They are involved in an amazing number of projects, in and outside the Shelter.

These include:

Olive Ridley sea turtle conservation, protection for migratory birds, cobra liberation, wildlife rescues involving monitor lizards, dolphins, boars, hares, jungle cats, mongooses, squirrels and snakes.

They have also worked with the authorities to run their animal birth control programme, to get offenders in an illegal slaughterhouse prosecuted, achieved the seizure of circus animals; they have worked with the navy to protect the sea turtles, are a recognised Cow Sanctuary, have succeeded in getting a ban on coloured plastic bags, dangerous to animals.

All this, as well as running an establishment which has received the highest sanitation grade given to an animal shelter in India, giving sanctuary to hundreds of needy animals of all species.

They are run on extremely sustainable principles, using a biogas plant to convert cow dung in to electricity and gas for cooking. The cow dung and urine are also used to produce completely natural fertilizers and pesticides to grow the plants and trees within the shelter. They have excellent waste and water management systems for a shelter of their size. A 30,000 litre septic tank handles the waste from our hundreds of resident animals. Rain- harvesting pits and onsite wells provide the enormous amounts of water we use everyday.

Visakha SPCA is an Associate member of the RSPCA and WSPA and Founder of ASIA LINK, formed in 2000 in London. They are also one of only three members of the committee formed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which conducts reports on the animal sacrifices that are running rampant through the state.

Pradeep Nath was selected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests as a member under the Zoo Committee, working to improve the welfare of zoo animals, and received permission by the Central Zoo Authority to assist in setting up the Large Animal Rescue Center in the city- one of only five in the whole of India.

Mingling amongst mutts and pedigrees of all shapes and sizes, Wilbur Pig capped off his day at the Peninsula Pet and Pony Expo, Victoria, Australia, on Sunday Nov. 25 with a centre stage appearance. Accustomed to bright lights, adoring fans and media frenzy, Wilbur amicably munched and snored his way through the day while his guardian, Pam Ahern told the captivated crowd of his whirlwind rise to fame.

“For the past 12 months Wilbur and his human entourage have toured Victoria reminding people that although Wilbur may look a little different to their beloved pets his needs are much the same as theirs. Sadly our legislation doesn’t see it this way, allowing animal industries to put profits above animals, meaning gentle creatures just like Wilbur can be subject to acts of cruelty we would never allow to occur to our beloved pets”.

Under a beautifully clear summer sky, hundreds of animal lovers came together to celebrate the animals that have taken over their homes and hearts. Taking a day off from farm duties at Edgar’s Mission farm sanctuary, his home in Willowmavin, which he shares with over 100 other rescued animals, Wilbur happily posed for photographs and was the curiosity of many a dog.

“With Christmas just around the corner, there is no better time to create peace and goodwill for all living beings. Wilbur has indeed proved a worthy ambassador for farm animals today,” concluded a very proud porcine guardian Pam Ahern.

Wilbur and two young friends

More admirers

and a curious dog

Visit: www.edgarsmission.org.au

www.savebabe.com

*Edgar’s Mission is a not for profit sanctuary for rescued farm animals and our outreach centre aims to expand the public’s circle of compassion to encompass all animals.

“If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we?”

After reading the momentous news of this Best Friends initiative, to which Quaker Concern for Animals contributed, you will surely want to be part of the movement…

Quaker Concern for Animals was invited to work on this historic Proclamation, which was unveiled and signed on November 7 2008. Everyone is invited to sign on-line.

A Religious Proclamation for Animal Compassion

Purpose Statement

As people from diverse religious traditions, we are united in our belief that animals have intrinsic value as part of God’s creation and are entitled to live lives free of cruelty and exploitation. We therefore invite and encourage people of all faiths to speak with one voice on behalf of those who cannot speak in an effort that will define our legacy as stewards of God’s creation.

Preamble

In a world of increasing violence towards others, ourselves, and our environment, we believe it is essential to reclaim and recover a commitment of compassion for all of life. We believe that a commitment to compassion begins with the most vulnerable among us, which includes animals. Therefore,

We Proclaim:

that creation is a gift of love;

that we have been especially entrusted by God to care for this creation;

that as an integral part of creation, farm, wild, and domesticated animals depend upon us, both directly and indirectly, for their welfare;

that as heirs of their respective traditions, religious communities bear a special responsibility for the welfare of these animals;

and that as ambassadors of compassion, religious communities should extend compassion not only to the human family, but to animals and to all of creation.

Five Calls to Action

As concerned people of faith and in response to these proclamations, we make the following five calls to action in five arenas that directly impact the quality of animals’ lives: Pet Overpopulation and the Plight of Homeless Pets; the Meat and Fur Industries; Animals in Sports and Entertainment; Medical Research and Experimentation on Animals; and Wildlife Preservation and Protection.

I. Whereas millions of animals are killed each year and many more are left homeless due to a) aggressive for-profit breeding programs that add to an already massive pet overpopulation crisis, b) the reluctance or unwillingness on the part of some pet owners to spay or neuter their pets, and c) ???No Pets??? restrictions in common interest housing areas such as apartments and condominiums;

We therefore call upon all people of faith to promote legislation and educational programs designed to prevent further animal cruelty, abuse, and overpopulation; spay or neuter all pets; adopt animals from shelters rather than purchase them from breeders or pet stores; and advocate for more inclusive policies in all common interest housing agreements.

II. Whereas the increasing commercialization and commoditization of animals for the purpose of human consumption and comfort causes untold suffering upon animals each year in factory farms, the commercial fishing industry, and the fur-trade;

We therefore call upon all people of faith to make conscientious food and clothing choices by reducing meat consumption and refusing to wear fur; buy from local farms that implement humane practices; and actively support all local, regional, and national businesses, organizations, and causes that promote and encourage the humane treatment of animals.

III. Whereas tens of thousands of animals are exploited each year in various sporting and entertainment venues for the purpose of providing entertainment, amusement and, in some cases, profit, and who are then often disposed of or abandoned when they fail to adequately entertain, amuse, or provide sufficient financial gain;

We therefore call upon all people of faith to reject any form of entertainment that harms and/or exploits animals and, instead, to choose venues that benefit animals and provide opportunities for education and animal protection.

IV. Whereas thousands of animals continue to be bred for and used in medical and commercial research and experimentation, often for dubious and medically unnecessary reasons and which, in many cases, cause pain, anguish, and suffering, often in spite of alternative methods that have been scientifically proven to be as effective or more humane;

We therefore call upon all people of faith to contact their elected leaders to request their support and/or sponsorship of legislation that demands an end to medically unnecessary animal testing and commercial animal research that cause undue pain and suffering; to promote efforts that seek to find alternative methods to animal testing and research; and to educate themselves and others regarding current methods and practices in order to increase awareness of the deplorable conditions that continue to exist for countless animals.

V. Whereas urban expansion and over-aggressive land development continue to encroach upon wildlife populations and habitat and many species are being threatened or completely destroyed as a result;

We therefore call upon all people of faith to refrain from consuming or purchasing any threatened species and to boycott companies that profit from wildlife eradication and environmentally unsustainable deforestation.

Conclusion

As leaders of different religious and faith traditions, we recognize the unique opportunity we have been given to effect profound and lasting change for the sake of animals. As stewards of God???s creation, we accept and embrace our duty, responsibility, and moral obligation to both protect the lives of animals and assure that those lives reflect the respect and dignity they are to be afforded as part of God???s creation. We therefore invite all people of faith, under the guidance of their various faith traditions, to take up the mantle of compassion towards all of life and recognize that, as human beings, we are only part of God???s creation and cannot presume to be all that matters in it. Indeed, because animals are an inextricable part of our social and natural environments, we therefore affirm that any lasting effort for change on any level will only be complete insofar as it pays attention to and advocates for animals and their well-being. Finally, we call upon religious leaders of all traditions to honor and encourage those in their faith communities who make compassionate food and clothing choices and who work for the benefit of animals.

Visit www.network.bestfriends.org/religion/news

to add your signature. Best Friends aims for a million names.

It is common to hear the Portuguese tradition of bullfighting termed “bloodless” , as the spectators do not actually witness the death of the animal. This takes place behind the scenes, sometimes hours after the bull’s torment. There are also other ways that have been developed to entertain the more sanguinary and Chris Tarrant, after painting an idyllic picture of the beautiful Azores recently in the Mail on Sunday, spoiled it by describing such an event.

Miguel Moutinho, of ANIMAL, replied, part of which is reproduced here:

On behalf of ANIMAL, Portugal´s largest animal protection organisation, I am writing to you to firmly protest against the “Tarrant´s treasured islands” article written by Mr. Chris Tarrant and published in your paper.

When Mr. Tarrant writes so positively about the so-called bloodless bullfights in the Azores (which are part of Portugal), he is indeed promoting something which is far from being bloodless or free of cruelty and violence. The only creatures capable of witnessing these “rope bullfights” and finding them amusing, interesting and, moreover, free of cruelty are the very sadists who torment the animals – and those who take pleasure in watching it. The animals certainly do not find it an amusing and respectful practice … Indeed, what one can find in “rope bullfights” is another form of tormenting innocent animals who are restrained, assaulted, terrorised and many times maimed and / or killed to entertain an uncivilised group of uneducated people.

The Azores are actually one of the most active regions in Portugal when it comes to bullfights. Many different types of bullfights take place in the Azores islands and some of the most fierce bullfighting “aficionados” are gathered in the Terceira island, where violence against animals is passionately promoted. In the Azores, dozens and dozens of traditional Portuguese bullfights and of many illegal Spanish-type bullfights (with “Sortes de Varas”, in which bulls are severely injured with long spikes) take place every year. Also, so that you may have an idea of the situation of animals in these islands, we should say that last year a municipality in the Azores formed a partnership with the local police to hunt down and shoot to death all the stray dogs and cats in the island of Santa Cruz da Graciosa. They would have done it if we had not protested and generated a wave of opposition and outrage about this medieval plan.

A lot more could be said about the Azores and the promotion of animal cruelty there, but what I have written should be enough to show to you how untruthful is Mr. Tarrant´s description of what goes on in these islands.

This is why we ask you to please publish at least part of our message, so that your readers may know that those who live in Portugal and who work for animals here hold a completely different, and more realistic, perspective of the bullfighting activity in the Azores – which actually many times strongly disgusts tourists (including British tourists) who send us messages complaining about what they saw there, instead of pleasing them.

Miguel Moutinho

Executive Director and President of ANIMAL

It was the first evening of a two-day retreat at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary for a small group of religious leaders from around the country and beyond. Michael Bruner, professor of religion at Azuza Pacific University, was jotting down some ideas for a proclamation to propose to other faith leaders. His first paragraph raised a cheer from everyone.

“You get the feeling that you’re part of something that’s going to be very big and very wonderful,” said United Methodist Church pastor Jonathan Massey of Chandler, Arizona. “We’re ready to take the next jump into the rights of other living beings. It’s a major step spiritually and ethically.”

Rabbi Robin Nafshi of the Jewish CommunityCenter in West Orange, New Jersey, said kindness to animals is an important part of the Jewish faith. “We are taught that we have an obligation for their well-being and to avoid causing pain whenever possible.”

The group dove deeply into some of the issues that have divided people of faith in their attitude to animals – like the question of whether non-human animals have souls. But the group quickly concluded that theological debates of this kind really don’t address the issue. “They are sentient beings, and that’s what matters most,” said Rabbi Nafshi.

“An animal is a living, breathing being we have a responsibility to care for,” addedImam Qasim Ahmed, founder and directorof the Islamic Learning Institute.

Several people noted that even raising the subject of animal protection from the pulpit can be challenging. Reverend Zandra Wagoner, professor of religion at the University of La Verne, pointed out that historically there has always been pressure in many traditions to toe the line and not rock the boat.

“If this initiative takes flight and becomes a real conversation within our faith communities, there will be backlash,” she commented,
adding that any initiative will need to include encouragement of faith leaders to be courageous.

“There is so much pressure to be mediocre, middle-of-the-road, don’t-rock-the boat ministers and priests. It will help if there is a critical mass of religious leaders who are advocating on behalf of the animals.”

Paws for Kids was started by a group of women who recognised that there is a gap in the provision of services to women and their families who were escaping from violent homes. While refuges could accommodate women and their children, they could not take in any companion animals in the family. Animals had to be either left behind to suffer at the hands of the violent man, given away to someone else or even put down. Often women remain in a violent relationship rather than have to abandon animals to a violent fate or give them away permanently.

Paws for Kids fostering service offers some peace of mind for women and their children, knowing the animals are safe while they await re-housing from a refuge.

Their work does not end there. Research into the effects of living with violence is well documented. Sadly, therapeutic services for women & children are in short supply. Paws for Kids acknowledged that various specialist support services are available through local authorities, schools, the NHS and the voluntary sector.

However, there is often a failure to access or maintain contact with these services. There is also a need to provide bespoke support and care for all the family to complement other specialist services and to maximise take-up of services.

“What We Provide for Women & Children:

One-to-one work with each member of the family.

Whole family group work.

Peer support groups or projects for parents and children respectively.

Referrals to other services with ongoing support.

Mediation and advocacy as necessary.

Coaching and experiential learning.

Joint working with special inputs such as art and drama, outdoor pursuits, leisure.