Australia needs humane live export laws!

'Wherever there are industries that profit from the abuse of animals; wherever the eyes of the public aren't looking; animals are at great risk.' Lyn White, Animals Australia.

The recent, shocking images on Australian tv were enough to make anyone cringe. I confess, I haven't been able to bring myself to watch them. My imagination runs rampant and I can't help but wonder why people behave the way they do. It seems logical that animals would be stunned before they are sliced, diced or out and out killed, doesn't it? Obviously that is not logical to some nor is the treatment of livestock with dignity and empathy. Therefore the responsibility must fall to exporters to ensure that stunning occur. Again - logical? Again - obviously not! It falls to us, as responsible, caring human beings of the general population to express our concerns and insist that this practice be legislated. Don't sell our livestock to ANYONE, ANY COUNTRY, ANY COMPANY who doesn't stun. SIMPLE.

Thank you to everyone who chose not to look away and sign the petitions, write to their government representatives & educate their friends to legislate & enforce livestock stunning before slaughter. The road is long but starts with each small step.

What can you do? Please log on to Animals Australia who are doing such an awesome job on this project and follow their simple list of "Take Action" things you can do. It does make a difference. Truly.

New threat to endangered Congo gorilla

Sadly there are only approximately 480 gorillas in the Virunga volcano area of the Democratic Republic of Congo, with less than 800 worldwide.
Whilst authorities have sought to crack down on the illegal poaching of these gorgeous creatures, it appears that they are fighting an uphill battle. In its fourth raid since April, an anti-poaching raid uncovered this little guy hidden in a rucksack!

Photo courtesy of Guardian post UK

Four babies have been recovered this year alone. Unfortunately these raids only scratch the surface of this wildlife trading issue. Ape Alliance thinks that the Middle East is a large source of demand with wealthy animal collectors and the local tradition of soliciting favours with large, exotic gifts. Poachers can claim in excess of $40,000USD ($26,000UK) for each gorilla kidnapped from its parents and natural habitat.

It goes without saying that such an incentive may be seen as attractive to a poor Congo local.

You can help by:

1. talk to your friends
2. share this blog
3. contact Ape Alliance (www.4apes.com) to register your support
4. Volunteer Australia with O2E

Report on the decline of wild cats and dogs

Eighty percent of all wild cat species are experiencing population declines, as are 25 percent of wild canids - the family of foxes, wolves and wild dogs. The report looks beyond the raw numbers and delves into the plight of 15 of these species that are considered ecologically vital (www.ifaw.org for full report details).

• A century ago there were as many as 200,000 lions living in Africa, today there are fewer than 30,000. Lions are now extinct from 26 countries that they formerly occupied. The single greatest threat to lions is killing by people who own livestock. Herders and ranchers shoot, trap and poison lions across their range.
• There are fewer than 500 Darwin’s Fox living today. The animal are found only in Chile and their restricted distribution makes them highly vulnerable to extinction. The gentle and curious canids are not fearful of people which contributes to their endangerment, however timber exploration and land development are the two biggest factors that have pushed the animals to the brink.
• There are fewer than 7,000 snow leopards in the wild today. Snow leopard poaching is rampant with their bones and hides frequently confiscated in illegal shipments of wildlife parts bound for markets in China and throughout Asia.
• Fewer than 500 Ethiopian wolves remain with more than half found in the Bale Mountains. The highly social animals live in packs which makes them especially vulnerable when their populations decrease. Entire packs are wiped out by rabies outbreaks, while those that survive face rapid loss of habitat.
•  One of the most ecologically and genetically unique animals, African wild dogs exist in less than seven percent of their historic range, and are extinct in 22 countries that they formerly inhabited. Accidental snaring and rabies have decimated populations throughout Africa, and fewer than 8,000 of the animals remain.

Wow!

African Wild Dog
8,000 left