About Animals Winter 2018

Animals About

Winter 2018

magazine £1.50

A will is the way – ensure your love of animals continues beyond your lifetime, Farmyard Friends – illustrations with unusual facts, Animal Adoption – the gift that keeps on giving, Vegetarian Festive Recipes – the perfect Christmas feast

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❄ ❄ Contents

Contents

4

Welcome to the Winter edition of ‘About Animals’ We hope you all enjoy reading these articles in this latest issue.

4 A will is the way to leave a forever gift

12 Farmyard Friends

6 What’s on your Plate?

A marvellous celebration of favourite farmyard animals – complied by award-winning artist Hannah Dale. Some of our favourite illustrations, with unusual facts to accompany them.

Although donations are always welcomed, a legacy is one of the ways of making sure your love of animals makes a difference beyond your lifetime.

Reha Kakkar writes about why eating animals is unethical for a variety of moral, health and environmental reasons and why more people should consider going vegetarian or vegan.

14 Celebrate Christmas – Vegetarian Style

Christmas is the perfect time to enjoy great food– whether treating yourself or sharing with family or friends.

Whether you’re a veggie or catering for one, the Vegetarian Society has got your festive feasting under control.

7 Picking a Pedigree?

Emma Milne’s new book is an invaluable guide to choosing a healthy puppy or kitten.

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8 Animal Adoption

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Smuggled chimpanzee Natalie is rehomed to UK rescue centre, Monkey World, with help of Thai Government on eve of Illegal Wildlife Trade conference; Help keep our ducks and yourself healthy this winter; Help us to create a cruelty free world for animals!; Tri, tri and tri again! Fundraiser runs 11 triathlons to raise funds for cancer research in dogs.

Published by: Amra Media Solutions The Old Lavender Mill, 46a Brook Street, Aston Clinton, Bucks, HP22 5ES Tel.

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Do you need inspiration for a member of your family ‘who has everything’ or that unique gift for a friend? Read about animal adoption as an ideal gift for any animal lover.

11 Animal Chatter

01296 632700

Email: info@amramedia.co.uk Website: www.aboutanimalsmagazine.com Designed by: Tom Evans Design

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Monkey World

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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior permission of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher.

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Although every care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information and the advertisements contained within the magazine, the publishers cannot accept any liability. About Animals would be pleased to receive your articles and photographs for possible publication. Although all reasonable care will be taken the magazine can assume no responsibility and contributors are advised to retain a copy.

Hannah Dale

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A will is the way to leave a forever gif t

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A will is the way to leave a forever gift Animal charities need your help!

legacy is one of the ways of making sure your love of animals makes a difference beyond your lifetime. We look at how a legacy, however small, can make a significant contribution, ensuring your love and affection for animals can be continued by another generation.

Charitable organisations work silently and constantly purely for the benefit of others and although donations are welcomed by most charities, it is legacies that really can make a difference.

To just survive another day is a constant struggle, with many charities working for animal welfare still fighting for every penny they can lay their hands on. With the current economic climate, whereby people are struggling to keep their houses and often families are breaking up, it can be impossible for people to keep their pets. Others, for many reasons, cannot afford the up-keep of pets and therefore more and more animals are being abandoned or taken to animal sanctuaries. There is often no certainty for charities that

Thinking of Picking a Pedigree?

Then you need to read Emma Milne’s new book Picking a Pedigree? helps prospective pet owners to make an informed decision when selecting their new family member.

Order online at 5mbooks.com Ă marketing@5mpublishing.com

d @5mpublishing c /5mPublishing

A will is the way to leave a forever gif t

the next month’s rent on property, accommodation, or stables can be paid.

The weekly food bill alone for resident animals at a sanctuary can be counted in thousands every week. Add, on top of that, the cost of staff, veterinary fees, surgery, hospitalisation and medicines, the list is endless.

Some charities are fortunate in owning or having had bequeathed properties that are home for both the animals and the administration. But, as every house owner will know, the upkeep of any building will, in itself, cost a small fortune.

Most animal homes and sanctuaries rely on their full time members of staff, whose training is essential, to look after the sick or injured animals.

Being full time usually means that this is how they earn their living so however dedicated they may be in animal welfare, the charity has to pay them a living wage or risk losing them to other forms of employment.

So just how do these animal charities that do some sterling work all over the country survive? The answer is most will tell you they heavily rely on work done and income raised or donated by a loyal group of ‘friends’ and ‘supporters’.

Funds are also needed to help animal organisations in their research work, to improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease and injury in animals, enabling them to live happier, healthier lives. Being an animal lover, you may at some time have had to have a much- loved pet operated on and will appreciate the importance of ensuring animal hospitals remain at the forefront of veterinary medicine

and vital up-to-date equipment is at hand, to provide care to thousands of sick and injured animals every year, as well as the training of veterinary personnel.

We would be churlish, to say the least, if we didn’t state that money is what it’s all about, after caring for the animals, that is. But without that so vital ingredient, the loving care that all charities give to every resident animal, or the continuation of research develop, or the conservation of wildlife, would be impossible.

Although it’s a subject many people don’t like to deal with, it is essential to keep your affairs in order. A legacy in a Will left to your favourite animal charity will ensure your love and affection for animals can be continued by another generation.

Charitable organisations work silently and constantly purely for the benefit of others and although donations are welcomed by most charities, it is legacies that really can make a difference. Leaving even a little money to a charity, after taking care of loved ones, can make a vast difference.

Of course, family and loved ones should always come first, but donations to charity in wills can sometimes mean your family avoids paying inheritance tax on your estate, as a legacy to charity is a tax-free gift, which means the charity receives to full value of the gift. By contributing in this way everyone benefits – the charity by receiving the gift and the donor because legacies are not subject to Inheritance Tax. It’s not just the rich and wealthy that leave money to charity when they die.

Anyone can leave a legacy to charity however big or small. What matters is the end result, which is playing your part to help the good work live on, as without the gifts left in wills many of the charities we know and support today would not even exist.

An example of how a legacy can greatly benefit a charity Legacies Brought Alfie Back to Life

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quine rescue and welfare charity, Bransby Horses, rescued three Shetland ponies that were severely emaciated last year, including two-year-old Alfie.

All three were extremely lethargic on collection and Alfie collapsed in the trailer and then had to be lifted by the charity’s Animal Reception Centre Team on numerous occasions during the first few weeks of his recovery. He had no muscle or fat on him and weighed just 35kg. Alfie received intensive care and veterinary treatment for weeks and slowly started to gain weight.

Thankfully Alfie survived and is now enjoying life at the charity; he is a real hit with visitors and loves the attention. He has a few ongoing health issues which the charity is addressing but on the whole he has made a remarkable recovery.

Bransby Horses is funded entirely by public donations and gifts in Wills; without these donations and legacies the charity wouldn’t be able to help ponies like Alfie in desperate need.

About animals

5

What’s on your Plate?

What’s on your Plate?

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nyone who has ever tried mentioning that eating meat is unethical around a ‘diverse’ dinner table with family or friends, is not unfamiliar with the rolling of the eyes or scoffs or even shrugging off from non-vegetarians. While meat is increasingly becoming a staple for many households around the world, especially in America, it is has become abundant, budget friendly and easily available for so long that the method of its production is often overlooked or even forgotten. The meat eaters consider it as the ‘way of life’. The vegetarians and vegans condemn its use vehemently citing health, environmental and moral reasons. And then there are those, in recent years who are adopting “flexitarian” or relaxed vegetarian label meaning someone who only eats ethically-sourced meat and that too occasionally. However, the question remains, no matter how humanely animals are treated before slaughter, can eating meat everbe ethical?

One of the most common arguments extended for eating meat is that 6

About animals

By Reha Kakkar

humans are at the top of the food chain or Darwin’s theory of the survival of the fittest. First, this statement comes across as self-proclamation by humans considering themselves as fittest and at the top of the food chain. Second and more importantly, what is often overlooked and sometimes conveniently forgotten is that this philosophy of food chain was valid when we were living in an era where human hunted for survival or when a farmer had a small stock of animals who lived freely outdoors and were fed a normal diet before meeting their end. What strongly distinguishes this from the age we live in today is the animal that is on your plate did not die while running away from a lion in a jungle or growing up in a ranch under humane living conditions.

This animal was raised in an animal farm, pumped with growth hormones and antibiotics in tightly cramped spaces full of animal faeces before being killed in the most inhumane way. This animal witnessed and experienced death every day before being killed slaughtered ruthlessly. Could it still be considered a food chain or survival of the fittest?

The second common theory to justify the ethics of eating meet is that we need protein for better health. An increasing number of credible studies reveal that eating meat has been linked to obesity, cancer and a million other diseases. Even if you are not a science nerd, it does not take a lot of scientific data analysis to understand that any food that has been raised with artificial hormones, fed GMO corn and treated with endless anti-biotics among other issues will do more harm more than good to human body. There are abundant vegetarian sources of protein from tofu to lentils but what stops many meat-eaters often is the lack of awareness, or even inertia to explore new sources of protein or try new recipes for food.

And then there is the undisputed environmental cost, which is simply undebatable to any rationale mind concerned with climate change. Raising animals for food requires massive amounts of land, food, energy, and water.

Consider these figures: Globally, animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than all the world’s transportation systems combined;

What’s on your Plate?

it takes more than 2,400 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef, while producing 1 pound of tofu only requires 244 gallons of water, animals on U.S. factory farms produce about 500 million tons of manure each year; and more than 90 percent of all Amazon rainforest land cleared since 1970 is used for grazing livestock. Even if you are a climate change skeptic, these figures should give you enough cause of concern to take that step towards environmental protection. According to the United Nations, a global shift toward a vegan diet is necessary to combat the worst effects of climate change.

Then there are those who would admit that they are aware of and agree with these concerns and often feel guilty but that they find meat to be too delicious and convenient to give up.

And at this point, the only truth that comes to mind is what both spiritually and science had agreed upon. Albert Einstein put is as, ‘everything is energy’, and Buddha called it what you think is what you become, what you feel is what you attract. The vibrations of pain, misery and negativity that an animals experiences before its death

surely make its way to human body thus transferring that misery and negativity to us which manifests itself in the form of physical and mental diseases. Whether you believe in this philosophy or not, the fact is that the suffering an animal experiences to end up on your plate can bring no good

energy or vibes or karma. Only the tiniest fraction of the tens of billions of farm animals slaughtered for food each year—the figure for the United States alone is nine billion—were treated during their lives in ways that respected their interests. Even when animals are roaming freely over large areas, operations like hot-iron branding, castration, and dehorning are carried out without any regard for the animals’ capacity to suffer. The same is true of handling and transport prior to slaughter.

In the light of these facts, the issue to focus on is not whether there are some circumstances in which it could be right to eat meat, but on what we can do to avoid contributing to this immense amount of animal suffering.

The answer is to boycott all meat and eggs produced by large-scale commercial methods of animal production, and encourage others to do the same. As Gandhi famously said, Be the change you want to see in the world. Every new vegetarian or vegan contributes towards one less animal dead, and towards your inner well-being and that of the environment around you.

Picking a Pedigree?

Then you will need Emma Milne’s new book Vet and Television Personality Emma Milne has written an invaluable guide to choosing a healthy puppy or kitten.

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he issue of congenital problems in popular breeds of dogs and cats is now much more public than a decade ago, yet brachycephalic breeds of dog, hairless cats and munchkin cats continue to grow in popularity. Often prospective pet owners don’t know the health implications of the pet they are buying. With Picking a Pedigree?

Emma Milne wants to raise public awareness of what constitutes a healthy puppy or kitten.

TV Presenter Michaela Strachan says of Picking a Pedigree?: ‘I have been so shocked at what I’ve learned from Emma and her book. We have turned many pedigrees into freak shows, unable to breathe, give birth, walk properly, or even fit their brains into their heads! It’s hideous and it has to stop. Our pets should be companions not accessories designed to look cute, pretty, fluffy, fragile, funny. It’s a world gone mad. If you love animals and care about their welfare, I urge you to read Emma’s book before you

get a pet so you can be sure you’re not adding to the cruelty of inbreeding a designer animal. My advice, go for a rescue mongrel, as I call them, pavement specials!

I did and she’s the most amazing companion.’

Emma Milne is a TV Vet, author and animal welfare campaigner. She appeared in all eleven series of Vets in Practice and has been a guest on numerous TV and Radio Shows, including BBC Breakfast, This Morning and Radio 5 Live. Emma lives in France with her husband and their two daughters.

Picking a Pedigree? is available from www.5mbooks.com, priced at £19.95 each www.5mbooks.com/ picking-a-pedigree.html About animals

7

Animal Adoption

Animal Adoption – the alternative gift

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truggling to come up with yet more interesting ideas as gifts for friends and family?

Whether at Christmas, as a birthday present, or for a special occasion, animal adoption or sponsorship is a fantastic way of giving someone a truly memorable gift and at the same time making a great contribution to animal welfare. Presents received can become quickly discarded and often forgotten about, but animal adoption really is the gift that keeps on giving. It can be a great alternative, especially for children and adults alike

who for whatever reason are unable to keep a pet, or larger animal, and it can also encourage them to develop an interest in wildlife conservation too. No other gift can teach a child love and compassion, the qualities most important in a child’s development.

Animal adoption is a very important method of fund-raising and can also build a lifetimes relationship with a charity.

The details vary but the essentials remain the same. Here are some examples as great choices for potential adoptees – take a look and this year why not give a truly giving gift.

Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre

Catastrophes Cat Rescue Catastrophes Care Rescue, is based in East Sussex and was originally set up through involvement in animal welfare in the 1970s. Their aim is to help any cat that is in need and they believe that every cat deserves the chance of a good home. Many of the cats at their sanctuary have been abandoned or need a new home because of a change in their owner’s circumstances and are sometimes difficult to rehome for various reasons. In this instance, they are given the chance to live out their days in a peaceful, idyllic environment with the freedom of the country garden that surrounds the sanctuary in beautiful East Sussex. Many of the cats need regular medication for ailments or illness, some are on special diets, because of age or health, all of our which need funding as well as finding additional funds to expand the ‘cat accommodation’.

Help unwanted cats by sponsoring one in the care of Catastrophes and receive an update on your chosen cat.

Sponsor today and get: Photo of your chosen animal Fact sheet and update

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About animals

Adopt today and get: Free entry pass to the park for one year Adoption certificate Photo of your chosen primate or group Newsletter 3 times a year Monkey World

At a glance

At a glance

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www.catastrophescats.org www.internationalanimalrescue.org

Monkey World, the internationally-acclaimed ape rescue centre, is home to over 250 rescued and endangered monkeys and apes of 20 different species. Set in 65 acres of Dorset countryside, the sanctuary works in conjunction with foreign governments worldwide to stop the illegal smuggling of apes and monkeys, as well as rescuing primates from abuse and neglect from the UK and abroad. At the park, they are rehabilitated to live in natural family groups of their own kind, with specialist care.

You can support Monkey World by taking part in the Adopt a Primate Scheme. This scheme enables them to create additional reserves and a safe haven for the many primates whose lives are still in danger around the world.

Your adoption/donation money goes into a 100% fund, which is used solely for the rescue and rehabilitation of primates.

Prices start from £25 (+P&P) for the year and include a photograph, certificate, three editions of the Ape Rescue Chronicle and free entry to the park for a year!

Their apes can all be adopted individually, and the monkeys by group- more for your money! The woolly monkeys are great to adopt, as the only on-show species who are a breeding group. In 2018, they welcomed two youngsters, Layla and Lemmy to their group- visitors can see them being carried around on the back of their mothers, their prehensile tails anchoring them in place! www.monkeyworld.org

Bianchina, 8 years old, Palermo LNDC kennel

She cannot find the Words WE CAN

Tiggywinkles Tiggywinkles is a wildlife hospital dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating all species of British wildlife. All wild animal casualties brought to the hospital are treated completely free of charge and are released through a controlled programme, back to the wild, when they are fully fit.

Any animal or bird unable to be released back to the wild is maintained at the hospital, in as natural conditions as possible.

Marvin is one of the many patients at Tiggywinkles that cannot be released back into the wild. He arrived at Tiggywinkles this summer when a concerned member of the public spotted him out during the day walking around in circles. This is unusual behaviour for hedgehogs as they are strictly nocturnal. Sadly, the nurses at the hospital found that Marvin was missing his right eye. It is impossible to tell how he sustained this injury but his impaired sight would explain why he was out during the daytime. Unfortunately a hedgehog with partial sight would struggle to survive in the wild so Marvin was given a new home with the other permanent hedgehogs at Tiggywinkles. He lives in the visitor centre and aside from exploring the garden during the day, he enjoys an otherwise ordinary life.

Marvin is one of several animals living at Tiggywinkles available for adoption. Donations such as adoptions allow them to care for the thousands of animal casualties that pour through their doors every year. www.tiggywinkles.com

For over 60 years AISPA has been the voice of those who do not have a voice.

Thanks to your support we can help animal welfare projects in Italy to rescue, lovingly look after and find a new home for thousands of animals.

Please help our projects to do more and to do it better.

Please check out our website www.aispa.org.uk Email us at info@aispa.org.uk or fill out the form below and return it to us by post.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - YES, I WANT TO SUPPORT AISPA I enclose a donation of ÂŁ ............................... (Cheque/PO/CAF made payable to: AISPA) Please Gift Aid my donation. AISPA will send you Gift Aid information Name ............................................................................................................................................................

Address ........................................................................................................................................................ .................................................................................... Post Code ................................................................

AISPA, Anglo-Italian Society for the Protection of Animals

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At a glance Adopt today and get: Certificate of adoption Detailed history and photo of adopted animal Fact sheet Badge One free entry to Visitor Centre for every ÂŁ40 spend

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Not only do we treat more hedgehogs than any other wildlife hospital, but our caring teams save lives every day.

Our aim is simple, to treat injured British wildlife, then return them to the wild. Like Rudolph, who arrived badly injured at just five days old. Our specialist care saved this little deer and he is now facing a brighter future. But it is only with your support we can help casualties like Rudolph; please remember Tiggywinkles in your Will.

Our late friend Dame Thora Hird actively encouraged others to help us secure funding for our lifesaving work. In her words "All the little wild creatures and I thank you so very much".

For more information please contact: Jenny Babb, Tiggywinkles, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire HP17 8AF

01844 292 292 mail@sttiggywinkles.org.uk www.tiggywinkles.com Registered Charity No. 286447

Come and have a look around our Visitor Centre.

Opening times can be found on our website www.tiggywinkles.com.

is the busiest wildlife hospital in the world.

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RETIREMENT

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Charity News

Smuggled chimpanzee Natalie is rehomed to UK rescue centre, Monkey World, with help of Thai Government on eve of Illegal Wildlife Trade conference.

Natalie, a chimpanzee who was a victim of the illegal wildlife trade, was safely rehomed to UK rescue centre Monkey World recently in the early hours of the morning.

Natalie was smuggled from Africa and transported to Thailand as part of the illegal wildlife trade.

Estimated to be 20-25 years old, the female chimpanzee formerly known as ‘Naree’ has been under the care of the Department of National Parks Wildlife and Plant Conservation since the Thai authorities seized her in 2003. She had been living alone at a government wildlife captive breeding centre in Thailand. Due to past mistreatment as a result of the illegal trade, Natalie cannot be released back into the wild. The move to Monkey World will, however, allow her to live among her own kind again.

Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild. To date the centre has assisted 27 governments in this mission. Monkey World specialise in the care of chimpanzees and rehabilitating victims of illegal wildlife smuggling.

Here, Natalie will join 53 other chimpanzees living in four groups at the centre, most of whom have been rescued from the black market wildlife trade.

After completing her health checks, Natalie boarded a British Airways flight to the UK on the 8th October, with Monkey World’s Director Dr Alison Cronin and Animal Director Jeremy Keeling on hand to care for Natalie throughout the 26 hour journey. Landing safely in the UK, she was transported to Project2:Layout 1 17/4/13 12:51 Page 1 the Dorset centre where she is settling into her new home, and has already met a member of her new chimpanzee family, Lulu, who was rescued from a Cypriot circus. www.monkeyworld.org

Monkey World

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atastrophes Cat Rescue CATASTROPHES CAT RESCUE

home environment with the freedom of the country es Cat Rescue was set up through our Over the years we in have increasing number of garden that surrounds thecats sanctuary. nt in animal welfare campaigning the helped an and kittens in distress, by taking them into our care and finding s we became established and our “no-kill” Ourtake work cats involves spaying and neutering ame known ourgood workhomes increased for dramatically. them. The cats we inwith haveferal often been rquay Torquay colonies and giving any necessary veterinary e cats have been abandoned or are treated, simply somecomplete abandoned or badly are simply strays who have treatment. Feral cats are returned to their site of capture a new home because of a change in people’s had They the chance of a ifproper caring home. long-term food and shelter can be provided. If not, ces. Some have been never ill treated. are Our aim is to help any cat that is in need and we believe they are relocated to a suitable farm or country home of love and care. or haveof a home life with us with complete freedom that every cat deserves the chance a goodforhome. once they have settled in. s always been to help any cat regardless of rament or behaviour be in they wild animals to sleep unnecessarily We doproblems, not believe putting We believe every cat deserves a chance to have a safe, onsequently we tend to get desperate calls for and we actively encourage sterilisation as apeaceful vital partplace of pet caring and to live and enjoy the rest of derly, feral and ‘difficult’ to re-home cats. In ownership.

Please remember us in your will.

Your donation their lives. Its surprising how often the most seemingly eet these needs we have had to become a unfriendly called ‘spiteful’ cat that arrives hissing, or legacy help our work for the animalsand andsosave lives. s well as a cat rescue andwill re-homing spitting and lashing out, or has the most difficult and n. The cats in our care are given a high Contact Liz Varney anti-social habits and behaviour, can change with love, veterinary care and we strongly believe care and lots of patience. Catastrophes believe that and neutering as a responsible part of pet every life saved is worth the effort it takes and with your The cats that are difficult to re-home are Great oice choice • Great facilities • Great facilities support more cats in need will have a bright future. hance to live out their days in a peaceful

el hotel smallwith hotelawith big heart a big and heart and ew... big view... in the in heart the of heart Torquay of Torquay Catastrophes Cat Rescue

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mes...guaranteed eat times...guaranteed For further Varney Tel: 01435 information: 830212 Fax:Contact 01825 Liz 768012 Half Moon Cottage, Bakers Lane, Dallington, Heathfield, East Sussex, TN21 9JS Email: lizzie@internationalanimalrescue.org 00500 803 400500 Tel. 01435 830212, Fax 01825 768012, Email: lizzie@catastrophescats.org

Registered Charity Number: 1017304 uk w.tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk sales@tlh.co.uk Visit us on We’re social, join usWe’re on social, join us on

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About animals

Animal Chatter

Help us to create a cruelty free world for animals!

This October Cruelty Free International took 8.3 MILLION of your signatures against cosmetics animal testing to the United Nations. This petition marked the start of an important journey to a world where no animal suffers for the sake of beauty - but they know they have much work still to do.

Forever Against Animal Testing is the largest ever animal-related petition received at the UN and the second biggest on any topic! They will continue to campaign at the UN and in countries around the world to ensure that a commitment to ending the suffering of animals for cosmetics is adopted and enforced everywhere. With your continued support they will succeed in saving half a million animals from suffering every year.

Thank you for joining us on our journey to a cruelty free world!

Donate online www.CrueltyFreeInternational.org Or Phone 0207 7700 4888 Use the campaign hashtag, #ForeverAgainstAnimalTesting, on social media to raise awareness of the issue.

Every donation, big or small, helps animals in laboratories.

HELP KEEP OUR DUCKS AND YOURSELF HEALTHY THIS WINTER As the nation braces itself for the cold weather and shorter days so do the hundreds of thousands of ducks who live on a waterway cared for by the charity, Canal & River Trust. Today it’s urging the public to head down to their local canal, grab some fresh air and help our feathered friends this winter by feeding them healthy treats.

With shorter, darker days we all need to get outside and top up our vitamin D and ducks and other wild waterfowl need the public’s help to supplement their natural food source, when plants and flowers begin to die back and become scarcer.

But the waterways and wellbeing charity, which cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England & Wales, is reminding people to do so responsibly by swapping white bread for healthier treats.

Uneaten soggy bread can cause a build-up of bad nutrients which can lead to greater algae growth, spread disease and encourage pests such as rats.

Throwing bread into a canal or river can create overcrowding of bird populations, as the birds will flock to the same location in search of their starchy treat.

Too many ducks or waterfowl in one place can stress the birds and lead to their habitats being damaged. It also creates excessive amounts of bird poo which is smelly and slippery underfoot.

To help families enjoy their time even more when visiting a waterway this autumn and winter, the charity has created a free activity booklet which is full of helpful tips on how to care for our feathered friends and have fun at your local canal or river. To download your free guide visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/duck-guide

TRI, TRI AND TRI AGAIN! Fundraiser runs 11 triathlons to raise funds for cancer research in dogs Daisy Ledger, a 24 year-old from Oxfordshire, has gone Triathlonmad to raise vital funds for the Animal Health Trust. Daisy took on the challenge in memory of Moose, her childhood pet Labrador, who she lost suddenly to cancer in April last year. With one in four dogs getting cancer, Daisy and her family are not alone in their loss.

Daisy wanted to find out more about the disease and was surprised to learn how many other people had lost dogs to cancer, and that she was not alone in wanting to do something to help.

Inspired by a Facebook group called Zoe’s Journey UK, where dog owners are raising money for the AHT’s canine cancer research, Daisy set herself the target of completing 11 triathlons – one for every year of Moose’s life – and recently completed the challenge raising a wonderful £2,500 for the charity.

Daisy said: “I never used to be a fitness fanatic! This has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do – but it’s not as hard as finding out your dog only has two weeks to live and there’s nothing the vet can do. This is why we need to support more research into cancer in dogs.”

“Please find out more about the AHT’s cancer research at www.aht.org.uk.”

About animals

11

Farmyard Friends

Your legacy is our future

Farmyard

The Animal Health Trust is the leading veterinary and scientific One Mission Society , a and registered Christian research charity dedicated to the health welfare of your animal.

Charity, works internationally to spread Thanks to previous legacy gifts, the AHT is constantly finding the new ways to prevent and reduce Christian the suffering oflove present and future generations.

Gospel, show and compassion in many differentplease countries.

Through For further information call: 01638 555648 a donation or email us: legacies@aht.org.uk or visit: www.aht.org.uk

An International School in Mozambique

in your will you will be partnering with us to: Spread the Gospel, train local Church leaders, Send today for your FREE Legacy Guide assisting in humanitarian aid and medical work Initials Surname toTitle give the underprivileged an education and Address hope through trust, sharing love and Faith in Postcode Telephone Jesus Christ.

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Please select your preferences: www.onemissionsociety.org.uk

Please return to: Fundraising, AHT, Lanwades Park, Kentford, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 7UU

info-uk@onemissionsociety.org Registered charity no. 209642 Please quote AA18

A refuge in Columbia for rescued Street Children

A gift in your will to Cruelty Free International would help us campaign to protect over 115 million animals suffering in experiments worldwide each year.

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RETIREMENT

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marvellous celebration of favourite farmyard animals – complied by award-winning artist Hannah Dale.

Britian’s beautiful landscape abounds in farmyard friends – from the pigs wallowing in muddy fields to the sheep and goats grazing in the pastures. These animals offer an insight into Britain’s cultural and historical heritage, and in Hannah’s words, ‘are as important as any historical building or landscape’.

Combining Dale’s signature quirky and characterful illustration with descriptions that capture the spirit and personality of the breeds will open your eyes to the true diversity of the British countryside and to those breeds that risk exctinction.

Here are a few of our favourite illustrations, with unusual facts to accompany them.

Farmyard Friends

Friends Cochin

The Cochin is best known for its abundance of fabulous, fluffy feathers, adorning not just its body but its feet as well. The hen isn’t a prolific egg producer, but more than makes up for this with her gentle and sweet personality and she makes a wonderful pet. Given the chance, a Cochin will swiftly become part of the family, often padding into the kitchen on her feathery feet in search of a treat. The Cochin originated in China but made its way to Europe and the UK in the 1840s. Queen Victoria is said to have been a fan of this beautiful breed, which led to a surge in the popularity of keeping poultry.

Berkshire

The Berkshire has enjoyed some fame over the years, starring in George Orwell’s Animal Farm as the notorious Napoleon and, rather more flatteringly, as Pig Wig in Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Pigling Bland.

It was oddly known as the Lady’s Pig, perhaps due to its friendly and curious nature and good looks; Queen Victoria is said to have been a fan of the breed.

Shetland Pony

The diminutive Shetland Pony is instantly recognisable and much loved. The sturdy little pony has a thick coat and is well equipped to thrive in the tempestuous weather conditions of its original home on the Shetland Islands. Able to pull twice its own body weight, the Shetland is the strongest of all horse and pony breeds weight for weight, and their pony power has been exploited extensively in the past when they were used to pull carts carrying peat and coal. This intelligent little horse can also be used as a ‘guide pony’, fulfilling the same role as a guide dog.

Aylesbury Duck

The Aylesbury Duck was originally known as the White English Duck until 1815 when it was renamed after its place of origin – the town of Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire.

Immortalised by Beatrix Potter as Jemima Puddle Duck, Aylesbury ducks were bred for their meat and feathers. The part of the town in Aylesbury where the ducks were reared, often in people’s homes, was known as Duck End. In recent years, the popularity of the Aylesbury Duck has declined, and the breed is now critically endangered.

Friesian

The beautiful black and white Friesian has become synonymous with the countryside pastures it makes its home. It originated in an area called Frisia in the north of Holland, where the rich land produced some of the best grass in the world.

Famous as the most prolific dairy cow in the world, the handsome Friesian arrived in Britain in the 18th century.

The Friesian is often crossed with the Holstein to create the similar but larger Holstein-Friesian.

Scottish Blackface

The Scottish Blackface is the most common breed of domestic sheep in the UK and, unsurprisingly, most are found in Scotland. They are one of the hardiest sheep breeds, with their thick, dense coat protecting them against the worst of Highlands’ weather.

Although its origins are unknown, there are records from monasteries in the 12th century that make reference to a ‘blackfaced’ breed of sheep.

Extracted from The Farmyard Set by Hannah Dale. Published by Batsford

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Vegetarian Festive Recipes

Vegetarian Festive Recipes

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hristmas is the perfect time to enjoy great food– whether treating yourself or sharing with family or friends. Whether you’re a veggie or catering for one, the Vegetarian Society has got your festive feasting under control. Their collection features some great recipes including party food,

½ tsp vegan stock powder mixed with 100ml boiling water 1 tsp sage, roughly chopped Salt and pepper, to taste For the garnish: 1 raw beetroot, peeled and cut into very small cubes (approximately 2mm) 1 tsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped 1 tsp fresh sage, roughly chopped ½ tsp smoked paprika

Butternut Bells A sumptuous golden centrepiece.

Serves 4-6 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 1 hour 20 minutes INGREDIENTS 2-3 small butternut squash (each one approximately 650g) For the filling: 1 red onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 4 cloves garlic, crushed 100g walnuts, roughly chopped 3 tomatoes, roughly chopped 15g raisins 20g dried apricots, roughly chopped 300g tinned Puy lentils, drained and rinsed 100g pine nuts 2 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp smoked paprika

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METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 180C. 2. Individually wrap the butternut squash in foil and bake them in the oven for around 50 minutes (depending on the size) or until soft. Set aside and allow to cool down.

3. While the butternut squash are cooling, start to make the filling. Gently fry the onion in the oil for 5 minutes, then add all the other ingredients for the filling and simmer for 15 minutes. Season to taste.

Once finished, set aside.

4. Once the squash are cool, cut them in half and scoop out the seeds along with a little of the flesh.

5. Add the filling mixture to the squash and bake for a further 10 minutes.

6. To serve: garnish with beetroot, herbs and paprika.

Copyright ©The Vegetarian Society

main courses and delightful desserts as well as ways to use leftovers.

For further information visit www.vegsoc.org.

Here are some of our favourites Recipes ©The Vegetarian Society

Festive Layered Loaf Introduction A fabulous centrepiece for your table.It can be made vegan by substituting the Quorn with vegan mince and the eggs with gram flour/water mix.

Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 50 minutes *Can be vegan INGREDIENTS 1 onion, finely chopped 1 tbsp olive oil 3 cloves of garlic, crushed 300g Quorn mince or *frozen vegan mince 2 tbsp mild curry paste 30g breadcrumbs 3 drops of almond essence 2 tbsp water ½ tsp dried rosemary 50g toasted chopped hazelnuts 250g ready to eat prunes, finely chopped 4 free range eggs, beaten or *1 tbsp gram flour mixed with 4 tbsp water 1 orange, skin removed and finely sliced 1 jar roasted red peppers or 1 red pepper roasted and skin removed Salt and pepper to taste METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas Mark 4. Line a loaf tin (20 cm x 12cm x 6cm) with greaseproof paper.

2. Gently fry onions in olive oil for 5 minutes then add the garlic and mince and continue to cook for 10 minutes.

3. Add the curry paste, breadcrumbs, almond essence, water, rosemary,

half the prunes and hazelnuts, stir and remove from the heat. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then add the beaten eggs or gram flour mixture, stir and season with salt and pepper.

4. Line the base of the loaf tin with sliced orange.

5. Put half of the mixture into the tin then a layer of red peppers. Top up the tin with the remaining mince mixture.

6. Then place a layer of the remaining prunes on top of the mixture. Cover the loaf with greaseproof paper and bake for 30-40 minutes.

7. Carefully lift out the loaf, invert so that the orange slices are at the top and serve as a festive centre-piece.

Vegetarian Festive Recipes

Jewelled Sponge Puddings with Brandy Sauce Apple and rosemary crowns with wild mushrooms and puy lentils Serves 4 Preparation time 15 minutes Cooking time 50 minutes INGREDIENTS For the potato crowns: 1 cooking apple, peeled and chopped 1kg potatoes, peeled 40g vegan margarine 2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 spring onion, finely sliced Salt and pepper, to taste For the filling: 2 onions, finely sliced 5 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp paprika 2 tbsp olive oil 300g mixed mushrooms, sliced 1 tsp soy sauce 100ml vegetable stock 20ml vegan white wine 75ml soya cream 150g cooked puy lentils 100g wild mushrooms 100g pine nuts 25g vegan margarine

To garnish: Chopped chives A little paprika METHOD 1. Preheat oven to 190C. 2. For the potato crowns: Cook the apple in a small saucepan with a splash of water until stewed.

3. At the same time, place the potatoes into boiling water. Cook for five minutes or until tender and then mash.

4. Add the apple, margarine, rosemary and spring onion to the potato, then season with salt and pepper.

5. Place the potato mixture into a piping bag and pipe into individual serving dishes to create the crowns.

6. Place the crowns in the oven for 15 minutes or until crispy. Alternatively, brown under a grill.

7. For the filling: Gently fry the onions, garlic and paprika in the oil for 10 minutes. Add the mixed mushrooms and soy sauce.

Cook for five minutes then add the stock.

8. Add the wine, soya cream and lentils, then cook for five minutes.

9. In a separate pan gently sautĂŠ the wild mushrooms and pine nuts in the margarine.

10. To serve: place the mixed mushroom filling in the middle of each dish and top with the wild mushroom and pine nut mixture.

11. Garnish with chives and paprika.

These little spongy gems can be made with any of your favourite or seasonal fruit.

Preparation notes Preparation time for sponges 10 minutes Cooking time for sponges 40 minutes Cooking and preparation time for brandy sauce 10 minutes Serves 4 Can be vegan* INGREDIENTS Ingredients for sponges: 100g butter 70g brown sugar 2 medium eggs, beaten (for vegan* use 2 tbsp soya flour with 4 tbsp water) 100g ground almonds 40g plain flour 1 tsp baking powder pinch nutmeg and cinnamon 450g fruit - cherries, apricots, raspberries, blue berries or your choice 3 tbsp caster sugar 200ml of flavoured brandy or liqueur to match fruit e.g. crème de cassis for raspberries, apricot brandy for apricots, cherry brandy for cherries etc Ingredients for brandy sauce: 30g butter or vegan margarine* 30g plain flour 350ml milk or soya milk* 20g caster sugar 100ml single cream or soya cream* 2 tbsp brandy 2 drops of vanilla or almond extract METHOD Method for the sponges: 1. Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4.

2. To make the sponge base, cream together the butter and brown sugar. Now add the eggs, almonds, flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and mix in thoroughly. Set aside.

3. Make the fruit layer next.

Add the fruit, sugar and brandy or liqueur to a small

saucepan and simmer until most of the liquid has been absorbed. This should take around 15 minutes.

4. Grease four ramekins and line with baking parchment. Place the fruit mixture into each of the ramekins then add the sponge mixture. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes or until the sponge has risen and is crisp.

5. When done, let the puddings cool slightly before turning them out onto a plate each. You may need to go around the puddings with a sharp knife if they have stuck to the sides, carefully remove baking parchment.

Method for the brandy sauce: 1. Gently melt the butter (or margarine) then add the flour, stirring with a whisk. Allow to cook for two minutes, keep stirring.

2. Slowly add the milk, stirring all the time. As the milk is added the sauce will start to thicken.

3. Add the sugar and allow the sauce to cook for 5 minutes on a low heat, stirring from time to time.

4. Add the cream and brandy plus either vanilla or almond extract. Bring slowly back to a higher temperature stirring all the time then serve immediately.

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