WSPA Spring/Summer 2013 by World Animal Protection US

WSPA NEWS SPRING | SUMMER 2013

Choose Cage-Free Campaign Takes Flight Curtains Close on bear dancing in India World of Difference: FARMING

Dad Doesn’t Need Another Tie Dad probably doesn’t need more stuff – so why not give something more meaningful this year? A WSPA Really Wild Gift is a donation in Dad’s name that will help save animals from cruelty and abuse. Buy one today for Dad and he’ll receive an e-card with a personal message from you, as well as a description of how the gift is ending suffering for animals around the world. And don’t forget about your uncle, grandfather, and all the other special ‘Dads’ in your life!

Give your gift today at reallywildgifts.org

WSPA NEWS World Society for the Protection of Animals

CONTENTS IN EVERY ISSUE

SPRING | SUMMER 2013

From the Executive Director

6 Headlines 8 Making a World of Difference: Farming FEATURES

Ending Bear Dancing in India

10 On the Ground: Collars Not Cruelty 12 Choose Cage-Free Takes Flight

14 Supporter Spotlight

WSPA U.S. 450 7th Avenue, 31st Floor New York, New York 10123 T: 1-800-883-9772 F: 212-564-4250 E: wspa@wspausa.org WSPA-USA.org Unless otherwise stated, all images are the copyright of WSPA.

WSPA News is published twice yearly by the World Society for the Protection of Animals. © WSPA 2013. WSPA is a registered 501©(3) nonprofit organization (04-2718182)

Cover photo © i.c. productions

EDITORIAL

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Small choices today mean big change tomorrow I’m a believer in a solid breakfast, and almost every morning I stand at the stove tending an omelet, scrambled eggs, French toast or some other variation on this theme for my 16-year-old son (who eats a lot of eggs!) As a mother, it’s important to know that I’m feeding my family food that not only keeps them healthy and energized, but supports good animal welfare. So for all these years, I’ve been buying cage-free eggs. Where I live in New York City, it has never been difficult to find humanely raised eggs, whether shopping at my local city grocery store or from farmers’ markets. But when I stop and really look at the array of offerings and inconsistent labels at the grocers, I see how confusing it can be for consumers.

like an egg-buying guide and a restaurant feedback card, we are also working with food businesses to help them commit to going cage-free. We’re inspired by the European ban on caged eggs, implemented in 2012, and are proud to be on the forefront of the movement here in the US. Buying cage-free eggs is a simple choice. And when enough of us act, it will lead to real change.

That’s why I’m so excited about WSPA’s newest campaign – Choose Cage-Free. In addition to creating tools for consumers,

In this issue, you can learn more about our Choose Cage-Free campaign and how you can get involved (page 12) as well as updates about many of our other projects around the globe (page 8.) Your support is what makes our work possible, and we’re proud to share our success with you, our fellow animal advocates. Sincerely,

Anne Lieberman Executive Director, WSPA USA

WSPA has a new home WSPA USA recently moved from Boston to New York City! Our new office… • Has six portraits of marine animals hanging on our walls • Has views of the Empire State Building, Chrysler building, Brooklyn and New Jersey • Is 31 flights up (or 720 steps!) • Has a wall of reclaimed wood, salvaged from a barn in Pennsylvania WSPA USA staff in our new Manhattan Office.

WSPA NEWS

FEATURE

Final curtains close on India’s cruelest dance © Dr. Brij Kishor Gupta

For 17 years, you have helped save India’s endangered sloth bears from the suffering of bear dancing and from being snatched out of the wild. With research, partnership, education and persistance, we’ve nearly ended the brutal practice of bear dancing.

1992 2008

Your outrage about the treatment of bears inspired the launch of our Libearty campaign. One of our first successes was a ban on bear dancing in Greece and Turkey.

With the Wildlife Trust of India, we brought the concept of animal welfare to rural areas. Street theatre and games highlighted the cruelty of bear dancing and poaching. © WTI

1997 A WSPA-funded study found 1,200 bears dancing on India’s streets and showed that around 100 bear cubs were being taken from the wild every year to fuel the industry.

2009

2000 Needing somewhere safe to house rescued bears, we lobbied the Indian government for land to build a sanctuary. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to design and fund it.

2002 Balkasar Sanctuary welcomed its first bears and was given to our local partner, Wildlife SOS, to manage. Today, it is the biggest sloth bear sanctuary in the world.

With your help, we drew the public’s attention to the cruelty of bear dancing with billboards in tourist areas. With our partner, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), we pressed the government to enforce laws designed to protect bears in the wild.

2006 You helped us develop the alternative livelihoods program, which persuaded more than 50 individuals to give up their bears in exchange for alternative sources of income not rooted in animal abuse.

2004-2007

Your generosity enabled us to work with the WTI to train 816 forestry staff and community volunteers in India in anti-poaching methods that stop bears from being captured from the wild.

2010 Our latest survey showed there were fewer than 15 bears still dancing in India.

2012 The Indian government announced the National Bear Conservation and Welfare Action Plan to safeguard bears. The plan was largely funded by WSPA and shaped with input from our experts.

2013 Nearly 400 bears rescued from lives of dancing are now living in sanctuaries. WSPA turns its efforts to other bear abuses like bear baiting and the bear bile industry.

Together, we ended a cruel and outdated practice. Now, our work turns to another ongoing issue: the bear bile industry. WSPA is working in partnership with Asian governments, using research, education and diplomacy to work for an end to bear farming. More information about our work with bears around the globe can be found online at WSPA-USA.org WSPA NEWS

HEADLINES

WSPA’s Fight to Stop Sea Turtle Farming Continues

After a self-proclaimed ‘scientific report’ from the Cayman Turtle Farm failed to take a serious look at its operations, WSPA has come to the conclusion that the Farm does not have the turtles’ best interests at heart. Their report failed to disclose the research methods on which it based its conclusions, and downplays serious issues like the risks of human handling that independent scientists have already confirmed. The farm has refused to stop selling sea turtles for meat, and we will continue our campaign for changes on behalf of the turtles. Endangered and wild turtles deserve better. The campaign has received global attention around the world, but the turtles still need our help. Visit StopSeaTurtlefarm.org to learn more about what you can do.

New Hope for Exotic Animals In February 2013, WSPA UK was honored with the prestigious PAW’s Partnership of the Year award for their work to end the wildlife trade. The award was given to WSPA by the UK Government’s Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for their work with the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit to combat wildlife crime. London is a major hub for the buying and selling of illegal animals and animal products. WSPA’s partnership allows the Metropolitan Wildlife Crime Unit to grow their team and invest in more training for borough police officers and high-level intelligence gathering equipment. Our work makes it clear to criminals that they will not get away with animal exploitation and cruelty. So far, the Wildlife Crime Unit has already confiscated product made from polar bears, black rhino, snow leopards and black bears.

Members of the Metropolitan Police Wildlife Crime Unit

Joining forces to save dogs in China WSPA and the China Animal Disease Control Centre (CADC) have signed an agreement to work together on a four-year project to save at least 500,000 dogs from being cruelly killed in response to rabies. Through our global Collars Not Cruelty campaign, we have proven that vaccination is the only effective way to protect dogs and safeguard communities from rabies.

WSPA NEWS

The first phase of this project will focus on setting up dog vaccination pilot programs in China to demonstrate to authorities there that this solution works. With the CADC as our partner, we can make real inroads to protecting animals’ lives in China.

HEADLINES

PROGRESS ON THE PEGASUS PROJECT Eighteen months ago, Rose, an elderly female donkey, was found starving and wounded in the desert. A pack of dogs had gruesomely ripped her face and torn her ears off. Fortunately, she was helped by volunteer Zvika Tamuz, founder of the WSPA-supported Pegasus shelter. He stepped in to help Rose and bring her back to the shelter, as he has with other donkeys and horses living lives of abuse, abandonment and neglect. The Pegasus shelter provides food, housing, and veterinary care to donkeys and horses in need. Your support was vital in getting her the veterinary care and attention that she needed. Thanks to you, her physical injuries are now healed, and Rose leads a cruelty-free life. You can learn more about Zvika and the Pegasus Project online at WSPA-USA.org.

Chatragun walked more than four miles to find shelter for his eight cattle

Disaster Relief Team deployed to help animals in India After an appeal for help from the Indian government, WSPA sent an expert disaster response team to the Western state of Maharashtra to help the animals affected by the worst drought there in 40 years. WSPA is providing essential minerals and shelter to over 9,000 cattle suffering in the sweltering heat. Animals are so important to the lives of the people in this region that many are traveling extremely long distances on foot to seek shelter. Chatragun walked more than four miles to find shelter for his eight cattle, knowing that a loss of his animals would have devastating economic consequences for him long after the drought ends. Visit our Animals in Disaster blog on WSPA-USA.org to see how you are is helping animals and people suffering in disasters around the globe.

Rose now leads a happy life at the Pegasus Sanctuary

THANK YOU Thanks to your support, we’ve already made a difference in 2013. Without your donations, time and willingness to help, we wouldn’t be able to engage in the work we’re doing on behalf of animals from New York to Bangkok and everywhere in between. So far in 2013, we’ve rescued two more abused bears from the cruel sport of bear baiting, partnered with the Indian government to provide training for animal first responders, and rallied more than 180,000 of you to call for an end to endangered sea turtle farming. It’s because of you that this work happens, and it means the world for animals around the globe. WSPA NEWS

REPORT

Life for North America’s egg-laying hens is far from easy. More than 300 million of them live in cages so small and cramped that they can’t even turn around. But our Choose Cage-Free campaign is proving that individual changes can have an impact. Our work with businesses and consumers is changing the lives of hens throughout North America.

Canada / USA

DENMARK, SWEDEN, UK AND THE NETHERLANDS WSPA’s European Cows on Grass campaign is lobbying governments and industries to halt the rapid expansion of indoor dairy farms. Indoor farms house thousands of cows where they live in unnatural conditions, without sunlight or the ability to graze on grass. More at NotInMyCuppa.com.

Making a World of Difference:

Farming

Across the world, WSPA’s work is focused on bettering the lives of animals involved in agriculture, from cows to sheep to egg-laying hens. The majority of the world’s farm animals currently live in harsh conditions, raised using ‘production line’ methods. High output is achieved by subjecting the animals to intense and prolonged suffering. They live short lives spent in cages, crates, overcrowded sheds or narrow stalls, and don’t have the freedom to engage in their natural behaviors. But WSPA is working to end factory farming by raising awareness, establishing local coalitions and demonstrating and promoting humane alternatives. We work with businesses and consumers to make changes that are better for animal welfare and human health.

WSPA NEWS

In early May, WSPA Brazil held its first training course on Animal Welfare and Humane Slaughter of poultry, pork and beef in the city of Rio Branco in northern Brazil. The course brought together educators, food inspectors, veterinarians and farm workers to discuss how to improve the management of livestock and spread the concept of good animal welfare throughout the country.

BRAZIL

A co-op of small-scale pasture-based dairy farmers called the Lessos Livestock Breeding Network Dairies Limited (LELBREN) is showing that animal-friendly farming methods make good business sense. By using farming case studies, the group is helping raise productivity, improve livelihoods, increase food security, and provide good health and welfare for their animals.

REPORT

INDIA

WSPA disaster teams are passionate about acting quickly to help farm animals in need. When terrible flooding affected Assam, India in late 2012, nearly 60,000 animals were given veterinary care thanks to our efforts. This not only helped save these animals, but also the livelihoods and security of the people who depend on them.

INDONESIA

KENYA

AUSTRALIA

In Indonesia, WSPA is supporting the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) to improve the welfare of Indonesian cattle in slaughterhouses by developing a detailed humane slaughter training program to be introduced during 2013. The new program is a concrete step towards a strong veterinary commitment to animal welfare in the region.

Millions of livestock animals from Australia are shipped overseas alive, enduring horrific and often fatal journeys. So far, nearly 200,000 Australians and many key politicians have backed our Humane Chain campaign, calling for an end to live exports and a switch to exporting refrigerated meat. You can follow the chainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress at HumaneChain.org

WSPA NEWS

REPORT

On the ground: Collars Not Cruelty

the number of canine rabies cases is reduced to zero – and when rabies in dogs is eliminated, the main threat to humans is also eliminated.

But with your support, WSPA’s Collars Not Cruelty campaign has been working to stop these killings and educate communities about alternative ways to prevent the disease. In collaboration with governments and local partners, we’ve set up clinics that offer free mass vaccination programs, which are the only scientifically proven way to stop the spread of rabies. WSPA’s shown that vaccinating 70 percent of a dog population creates a barrier of healthy immune dogs, which prevents the disease from spreading. Unable to pass between dogs,

Recently, WSPA has been in the Bangladeshi township of Tongi to establish vaccination clinics, and found stories of meaningful connections between people and dogs. Here are some of the stories from the young residents of Tongi who share your passion for animals.

eople and dogs have a strong and meaningful connection. But in parts of the world where rabies is a constant threat, that connection is tested every day as humans and animals contract the disease, most often in regions with inadequate public health resources and limited access to preventive treatment. The fear of rabies – a 100 percent preventable disease – causes the needless and cruel deaths of millions of dogs every year as they’re violently killed in an attempt to stop the spread. Twenty million dogs, or 38 every minute, are killed because of this health scare.

We’ve seen success in Mexico, which vaccinates 80 percent of the country’s 20 million dogs each year. As a result of this, rabies cases in humans fell from 60 in 1990 to zero in 2006, and a 97 percent reduction in canine rabies cases was observed during the same period. And in Bali, we’ve vaccinated more than 300,000 dogs, leading to a 48 percent reduction in human rabies deaths from the previous year. In every country, after each vaccination, the dogs are outfitted with red collars so they can be easily identified as safe and protected from the disease.

Forty percent of rabies victims are children under fifteen years of age.

WSPA NEWS

Shaon

REPORT

Shaon: After hearing about the Collars not Cruelty program, 11-year-old Shaon brought two puppies to be vaccinated. He’s glad WSPA is there to vaccinate the dogs and remembers seeing culling in the past. “I hated seeing the dogs being poisoned. If this works to protect dogs and people it is a very good thing,” he said. Little Meem: Meem is five years old and walks through town every day to see her favorite dog, Laila. After WSPA began the vaccinations, Meem and other local children spread the word about the program throughout the town. Within a few minutes, dozens of locals appeared with dogs, all waiting to get their animals vaccinated and fitted with collars. Sumon the dog whisperer: Ten-year-old Sumon has a natural touch with dogs and knew he could help the WSPA team vaccinate many more dogs. He led teams to three different litters of puppies, helping to vaccinate more than 20 dogs.

Why are Mass Dog Vaccinations the Answer to Rabies? It’s humane: Millions of dogs are saved from needless slaughter.

Little Meem

It’s effective: In fact, it is the only effective solution. No other approach has been proven to prevent rabies. It stops the spread of rabies among dogs: When 70 percent of a dog population is immunized, the disease is unable to spread. And a disease that can’t spread dies quickly. It stops the spread of rabies to humans: 99 percent of human rabies deaths are caused by a bite from an infected dog. By ending the disease at the source – dogs – we end the cause of the disease for people.

Sumon

It’s cheaper than mass culling: While mass vaccination programs are initially expensive, they save governments money in the long run. The World Organization for Animal Health estimates that just 10 percent of the money spent on treating people after a dog bite would be enough to eradicate rabies in animals and stop virtually all cases.

To support Collars Not Cruelty or to stay up-to-date on our progress visit WSPA-USA.org WSPA NEWS

FEATURE

CHOOSE CAGE-FREE Takes Flight

All animals deserve humane treatment, including the more than 300 million egg-laying hens kept in cages in North America. The decision to buy cage-free eggs may feel small, but when you do it, you’ll be a big hero for hens.

WSPA’s latest North American campaign demonstrates that you don’t have to make sacrifices to help animals

n late 2012, WSPA launched our Choose Cage-Free initiative, designed to educate consumers about egg buying and help businesses address the hurdles to going cage-free. WSPA staff are providing businesses with economic, scientific and health-focused research to demonstrate why cage-free is good for animals, people and business. Our research includes studies on the predicted growth in cage-free sales (see page 13) and the human health risks that are more prevalent in factory farm operations. We’ve produced tools to make egg buying easier and less confusing, like an egg-label guide available online and on smartphones. We’re also working to educate consumers about the harsh realities of U.S. egg production, like the fact that less than five percent of hens are raised in cage-free systems in the U.S.

WSPA has spent years crafting the campaign, creating strong research and science-based cases for change.

Cage-free eggs are not just kinder to hens – they’re kinder to you and your family as well. Cage-free hens are less stressed and have healthier immune systems than hens in caged systems, which means they’re less susceptible to diseases like Salmonella. Many egg farmers have already gone cage-free, and four U.S. states and two Canadian provinces have passed policy and regulation to ban caged hen systems. WSPA’s work will put cage-free hens at the forefront of animal welfare discussions, and grow the cage-free momentum in North America. The headquarters of the campaign is online at ChooseCageFree.org. There, you’ll find more tools for making change, profiles of cage-free farmers and businesses, and fun ‘facts about the flock.’ You’ll also learn how the simple act of buying cage-free will support good hen welfare for just pennies more. WSPA’s campaign is building a better life for our feathered friends in farms across North America.

More information about the campaign is available at ChooseCageFree.org In this issue, we’ve included a feedback card for you to bring to your favorite local restaurant. Just leave it on the table to let the restaurant owner know that you care about going cage-free, and encourage them to do the same!

WSPA NEWS

Rabbit River Farms in Richmond, British Columbia, is a cage-free egg farm and grading station owned by Steve and Lynn Easterbrook. Twenty years ago, these farming visionaries started the first organic hen farm in Canada. Their 6,000 hens have the freedom to live as hens should. They have nests and the space to run, forage, and play in the dust. Each morning, the hens are let out into the sunshine to peck around for tasty bugs. Steve and Lynn walk through the barn at least three times a day and once at night to look for hens that might have a health issue or be in distress, and make sure they get the attention they need.

FEATURE

Meet two Farmers who are Putting the Chicken Before the Egg

Steve Easterbrook, owner of Rabbit River Farms with one of his hens.

Good Eggs Make Good Sense WSPA recently commissioned a study from a leading agricultural economist, who found good news for hens in cages. His research found that when consumers learn more about the conditions in which caged eggs are produced, they are more likely to buy cage-free eggs. In fact, his research showed that a modest 10 percent growth in consumer knowledge could increase the

purchasing of cage-free eggs by 20 percent. The full report on market trends is available online, and shows three different scenarios in buying habits – all of which predict a rise in cage-free sales. In turn, this could bring down the price of cage-free eggs. It’s good news for WSPA, farmers and consumers, and especially good news for our feathered friends!

The Case for Cage-Free

What You Can Do:

Cages don’t allow hens to behave naturally but choosing cage-free eggs can help.

Want to do more than just buy cage-free eggs?

• 95% of hens in North America live in tiny cages, in a space the size of a page of WSPA News. • Little room to move causes stress, frustration and injuries. • Cage-free means better hen welfare – and more wholesome eggs for you.

Facts about the Flock • Keeping hens in small, crowded cages increases their stress levels, which can make the hens more susceptible to diseases like Salmonella. • The average size of a caged flock in the U.S. is 75,000-100,000 hens, while the average size of a cage-free flock is 25,000 hens. • Cage-free hens can flap their wings, turn around, and engage in natural behaviors. Their caged cousins are unable to spread their wings because of their tight quarters.

• Start talking to your friends and family about why buying cage-free matters. At ChooseCageFree.org, we’ve created a cheat sheet of conversation topics to guide you in sharing your concern for hens with the people around you. • Download our easy-to-read egg buying guide and reference it when you’re buying eggs. There are dozens of labels on the market, and it can be confusing to know what each one means. But with our simple guide, you’ll be able to see what each label means for hen welfare in the same amount of time it would take you to check a text message. The guide is available online for print, or download to your smartphone. • Join the flock by taking our cage-free pledge online. It shows your support for healthy and humane treatment of hens and shows that you care about the welfare of farm animals around the world.

WSPA NEWS

SPOTLIGHT

Supporter

SPOTLIGHT Motivations from a Legacy Giver

Supporter Christine and horse, Oreo

Christine Dale with her cat, Wobbles

Christine Dale, a long-time WSPA supporter and lover of horses, shares her motivation for giving and dreams for a better future for animals. Why did you decide to start giving? My parents were animal lovers and donated regularly to some of the early humane organizations. After I finished school and started working, it seemed normal to continue the habit. I have supported all kinds of animal welfare groups over the years, gradually becoming more discerning and focused. WSPA’s mission appeals to me because the philosophy involves a pragmatic approach that works in the real world and gets results.

How has your connection with horses influenced your feelings about animal welfare? I’ve recently begun to become more educated on the situation of unwanted horses in the US. And the more I get to know a horse personally, the more heartbroken I am by the way they’re discarded once they’re no longer wanted. What horses go through during the slaughter process is unforgivable; sport horses are all about docility and obedience, and it’s the ultimate wrong the way we betray them. My time with my retired horse is very special, and it’s extra important to me to make sure all animals – including horses like him – are safe and well cared for.

What made you decide to become a legacy giver? I am committed to improving the condition for animals in the world, and I feel that WSPA is uniquely positioned to help accomplish that in many regions and situations that would otherwise be very difficult to change. It’s important to me for that work to continue into the future.

Leave a Legacy for Animals Including WSPA in your will is one of the easiest ways to help animals well into the future. To join our Legacy Society, please call 1-800-883-9772 or e-mail leadershipgiving@wspausa.org.

WSPA NEWS

What message do you have for people who are thinking of becoming supporters? Supporting animal welfare wholeheartedly is one of the great rewards and achievements of my life. It is heartening to know that thanks to me and others, progress is being made on many fronts. I also feel that personally I am putting my life and efforts to good use. Most important, though, is that the pain and suffering of complete innocents must not be allowed. Donating to support animal welfare will make you feel good about yourself; you become the type of person who has stepped up to the plate to protect innocent creatures: you are part of the solution. The abuse of helpless beings under our stewardship is a shameful moral wrong.

What part of WSPA’s work are you most proud of? My major interest with WSPA has been the bear bile trade in Asia. I felt this was an issue that demanded attention because the suffering was probably the greatest among all animal issues: bears are naturally strong animals and live a long time, and the pain they are exposed to is extreme – the result is a long lifetime of agony. I had been donating for several years when the Vietnamese government committed to phasing out bear farms after reaching an agreement with WSPA. My WSPA contact at the time said to me that she felt that “Vietnam was the first domino to fall.” What a wonderful feeling that I had contributed towards an eventual end to the massive suffering of those poor creatures!

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and help make more good news stories for animals

The work described in this magazine would not be possible without the financial support of individuals who, like you, are passionate about animals. Strengthen your support for WSPA today and help stop the suffering of animals around the world. Donate to WSPA today. Tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more.

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Connect with WSPA WSPA U.S. 450 7th Avenue, 31st Floor • New York, NY 10123 • Phone 1 800 883 9772 • wspausa@wspausa.org • WSPA-USA.org WSPA USA tax identification number (EIN) is 04-2718182

WSPA seeks to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty has ended. With governments, NGOs and local communities in more than 50 countries, we work passionately, responsibly and sustainably to change animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives for the better.

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