Shark Conservation Act of 2009 Approaches the Finish Line in Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the swift and unanimous passage by the House of Representatives in March of this year, the Senate’s companion bill, S. 850, the Shark Conservation Act of 2009, moved out of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee today by voice vote. The bill now moves to the floor where it awaits consideration by the full Senate. A vote has not been scheduled.

Senator John Kerry (D-MA), who introduced the bill and is a leading proponent of marine life protection, was also a sponsor of the Shark Finning Prohibition Act of 2000 signed by President Bill Clinton. Following passage of the initial bill, shark finning - whereby the fins of a living shark are routinely removed to create “delicacies” such as shark fin soup and the animal is discarded back into the sea to die an agonizing death – has been illegal in the United States since 2000 but enforcement was impeded by loopholes in the ban.

The passage of S. 850 ensures termination of the cruel and illegal act of shark finning in all U.S. waters as Congress intended in 2000, and encourages other nations to follow suit. It also provides for clear rules for enforcement officials who, under the present system, were unable to identify shark species once fins were removed. Accurate species identification ensures endangered species are not being harvested and finning is not occurring.

Animal Welfare Institute President Cathy Liss said, “Shark finning is a cruel, frivolous and painful assault on myriad shark species facing decline on a global basis, and we are pleased that their protection from shark finning is now imminent. We look forward to the Senate taking immediate action on this responsible and bipartisan legislation.”

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Media Contacts:
Christine Sequenzia, Animal Welfare Institute (202) 446-2140
Serda Ozbenian, Animal Welfare Institute (202) 446-2144

The Animal Welfare Institute has been working to alleviate the suffering inflicted on animals by humans since 1951. Please join us in our work to protect animals – visit our website to find out more and to sign up for AWI eAlerts: www.awionline.org.

AWI Press Release: Coyote and Fox Live Bait Training and Penning Condemned as Unethical & Ecologically Reckless

Indiana Natural Resources Commission to Consider Ban on Practice Nov. 17th

Indianapolis, IN (November 11, 2009) — More than 40 scientists, veterinarians, and attorneys and a coalition of wildlife advocacy organizations including Project Coyote, Indiana Coyote Rescue (ICR), and the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) have submitted a formal letter and data urging the Indiana Natural Resources Commission to support two formal petitions to prohibit the taking, killing and harassment of coyotes and red foxes for “penning” purposes and for use as live bait in the wild.

Current loopholes in Indiana’s wildlife regulations allow the capture and killing of coyotes and red foxes by dogs in the wild. Moreover, no rule or law exists prohibiting the trapping and selling of coyotes and foxes in state or across state lines to “penning” facilities where these wild canines are then used to “train” hunting dogs in “running pens.” Operators of the running pens often charge a fee for individuals to “train” their hunting dogs on the captive coyotes and foxes. Penned wild canids are often killed by being torn apart by the dog pack.

Signatories to the letter, including internationally prominent scientists Dr. Michael Soulé, Dr. Marc Bekoff, and Dr. Michael W. Fox state, “As scientists, veterinarians, and attorneys, we believe this practice — commonly referred to as ‘penning’ — violates the concept of ‘fair chase’ hunting and runs counter to fundamental concepts of wildlife management. We concur with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources that there are serious ecological, ethical, disease and health related issues associated with penning. We strongly support a ban on this practice….”

“As a society, we have decided that dog and cock fighting are ethically indefensible and we have banned these practices nationwide,” said Camilla Fox, Project Coyote founding director and wildlife consultant for the Animal Welfare Institute. “Ethics aside, this practice is ecologically reckless, and for that reason alone this practice should be immediately prohibited.”

On November 17th, the Indiana Natural Resources Commission will consider the formal petitions and decide whether to move forward with the petitions through the formal rulemaking process, reject them, or to send them back to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (INDNR) for further changes. For further details on the meeting, please see: www.in.gov./nrc/2354.htm.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has acknowledged that there are serious issues with penning, including disease transmission concerns, but does not supported a ban on the practice. However, the Midwest Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies passed a resolution in 2008 urging the adoption of state-by-state regulations prohibiting the importation or interstate movement of foxes and coyotes for the purpose of stocking coursing pens or for release and pursuit by hounds outside of coursing pens.

“This bloodsport — known as Live Bait Dog Training — has no place in civilized society,” said CeAnn Lambert, founding director of Indiana Coyote Rescue who has led the effort to ban this practice in her home state. “It’s time to close this loophole in our regulations and ban this practice once and for all.”

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Project Coyote is a national non-profit charitable organization that fosters educated coexistence between people and coyotes and advocates on behalf of all native carnivores. For information, visit: http://www.projectcoyote.org/
The Indiana Coyote Rescue is an Indiana based non-profit charitable organization that educates and inspires the human population to understand and learn to treasure the unique contribution the North American Coyote makes to our ecosystem and to begin the process of ending the slaughter of these animals. More information: http://www.coyoterescue.org/

The Animal Welfare Institute is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1951 to reduce the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. More information: http://www.awionline.org/

Video footage and photos available

Contact:

Camilla Fox, Project Coyote and the Animal Welfare Institute, 415-945-3232 (o)/ 415-690-0338 (c)
CeAnn Lambert, Indiana Coyote Rescue, (765) 566-3800

AWI Press Release: Bills Target Animal Dealers With “Sordid History”

Washington, DC - Determined to provide better safeguards against companion animals being used in experiments Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-HI) and Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) reintroduced the Pet Safety and Protection Act (S. 1834/H.R. 3907) to prohibit Class B dealers from selling dogs and cats to researchers.

By law, Class B dealers are supposed to acquire the animals they sell only from other dealers, pounds, and individuals who have bred and raised the animals themselves. However, these dealers and their suppliers routinely flout the Animal Welfare Act, obtain animals through fraud, deception, and outright theft, and falsify their records. They keep the animals in horrendous conditions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture spends hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars each year unsuccessfully trying to regulate them and has acknowledged that it can’t guarantee that dogs and cats are not being illegally acquired for use in experimental procedures.

In reintroducing his bill, Rep. Doyle said, “Class B dealers have a long and sordid history of inhumane and illegal treatment of animals. It’s long past time when the Class B dealer system should have been phased out – the recent National Academies study makes that clear beyond a shadow of a doubt.”

In May 2009, the National Academy of Sciences released a report entitled “Scientific and Humane Issues in the Use of Random Source Dogs and Cats in Research.” At Congress’ request, NAS assessed whether there is a scientific need for NIH grant recipients to purchase dogs and cats from B dealers. It found that animals with similar qualities are available from alternative sources. The report stated: “The Committee therefore determined Class B dealers are not necessary as providers of random source animals for NIH-related research.”

“We must stop stray and stolen dogs and cats from being illegally sold to research facilities,” said Senator Akaka. “This bill does not impair or impede research. It will end the fraudulent and unethical practices of certain dealers and the unnecessary suffering of dogs and cats in their care.”

Animal Welfare Institute President Cathy Liss welcomed the bills’ reintroduction. “Most researchers do not use Class B dealers to acquire dogs and cats, and it is time for the remainder who do to end their embarrassing association with these habitual violators of the law,” Liss said.

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For More Information Contact:
Cathy Liss – (202) 446-2121
Nancy Blaney – (202) 446-2141

Visit AWI's Compassion Index to take action on these and other important animal protection issues.

AWI Press Release: Wildlife Advocacy Organizations file motion to Stop Start of Early Coyote & Fox Trapping in Maine to protect Imperiled Lynx from Deadly Traps

Bangor, ME — The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) and the Wildlife Alliance of Maine (WAM) filed a motion in federal district court in Bangor Maine today seeking a preliminary injunction (PI) to stop Maine’s early coyote and fox trapping season. Set to commence on October 18, this request for a PI is an effort to protect federally protected Canada lynx from leghold traps. AWI and WAM are co-plaintiffs in a case against the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (DIFW) that seeks to stop the agency from continuing to violate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) by allowing trappers to use traps that trap, injure and sometimes kill Canada lynx- a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act since 2000.

“An immediate injunction is necessary to protect lynx and their young from traps set for coyote and fox during this early trapping season when lynx are more vulnerable,” said Camilla Fox, Wildlife Consultant for AWI who served as an expert witness in this case and two other similar cases. “Historically, more lynx have been incidentally trapped in October and November during the early coyote and fox season than any other months and the court has yet to rule on our federal case so we are forced to file this motion to protect lynx from deadly traps,” said Fox.

On August 11, 2008, AWI and WAM filed suit against DIFW to compel the agency to comply with federal law and take immediate action to protect Canada lynx. Through documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the organizations showed that at least 44 lynx have been trapped in leghold and Conibear kill traps set for other species since 1999.Two lynx died in Conibear kills traps last winter. Of the 30 lynx trapped in leghold traps from 1999 through 2006, 20 lynx were caught in foothold traps in October during the early fox and coyote trapping season. During this time, lynx – who are curious animals by nature – are often attracted to the bait used for coyotes, foxes, and other species and there are more juvenile lynx roaming the Maine woods who may be more vulnerable. Young lynx are sometimes killed or orphaned when their parents are killed in traps.

“We feel this motion will accomplish two very important goals. It will give the judge the time he needs to make a decision based on the letter of the law, and more importantly, it will protect our dwindling lynx population from further harm from someone’s idea of recreation,” said Daryl DeJoy, Founding Executive Director of WAM.

Through the PI motion, plaintiffs are seeking to enjoin the early fox and coyote trapping season to provide sufficient time for the Court to issue its decision on the ESA case.

Maine’s resident lynx population is estimated at only 200-500 individuals. However, survey data shows that fewer lynx are reproducing and the population is likely in decline while snow shoe hare populations- the main source of prey for lynx – have declined by 50% in the last two years in Maine. “When lynx are facing such increasingly challenging odds, it is biologically reckless for the State to continue to allow the use of traps that are known to capture, injure, and sometimes kill lynx,” said Fox. “It is also illegal.”

The Animal Welfare Institute is a non-profit charitable organization founded in 1951 to reduce the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. More information is available at http://www.awionline.org/.

The Wildlife Alliance of Maine is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of Maine’s wildlife and to promoting a conservation ethic that represents non-consumptive wildlife users. More information is available at http://www.wildlifealliancemaine.org/.

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Photos available

Contact:
Camilla Fox, Animal Welfare Institute, 415-945-3232 (office)/ 415-690-0338 (cell)
Daryl DeJoy, Wildlife Alliance of Maine, 207-326-0779 (office)/ 207-299-2291 (cell)

AWI Press Release: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TAKES ACTION TO PROTECT ANIMALS FROM CRUEL TRAPS ON NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES

Yesterday, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY) introduced legislation to end the use of brutal traps on furbearing animals within federal wildlife refuges. H.R. 3710, the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act, which was submitted with a total of 35 original co-sponsors, helps to restore the original intent of the National Wildlife Refuge System by placing a ban on the use of cruel body-gripping traps within the refuge system.

“The use of cruel body-gripping traps on animals living on public lands is shameful,” said Lowey. “It is inexcusable that steel jaw leg-hold traps and similarly barbaric mechanisms are still permitted for use in National Wildlife Refuges. It is time end this brutal practice once and for all.”

Currently, animals living within National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) are at risk of falling victim to body-gripping traps where they may be tortured for hours or days—struggling to be free of the long-drawn-out pain inflicted on them by the traps. More than half of our country’s refuges currently allow trapping using steel jaw leg-hold traps, Conibear traps and snares. Steel jaw leg-hold traps are designed to restrain the animal by the leg, and some animals who are caught may chew off their own limb to escape on three legs. Conibear traps are designed to crush the animal’s spinal column for a quick kill. However, the trap often misses and clamps down on the chest or pelvis, crushing bones and causing the animal excruciating pain and prolonged death. Snares are among the oldest form of trap, a simple noose made of thin wire, which tightens around an animal's neck or body as they struggle to get away.

Federal legislation is needed to stop this barbaric practice, currently allowed on more than half of our nation’s 550 refuges. These inhumane traps have been banned or severely restricted in 89 other nations and in 8 states throughout the United States. According to a 1989 study conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal Damage Control division, such traps are indiscriminate and on average take 10.8 non-target animals for each trapped target animal. Referred to as “trash” animals by the trapper, non-target wildlife often are simply thrown away. Non-target animals that may be caught include raptors, songbirds, and deer.

“The Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act is a critical step toward reducing the suffering inflicted on our nation’s wildlife and is a legislative priority for the Animal Welfare Institute (AWI),” said Cathy Liss, AWI President. Liss further added, “The Animal Welfare Institute applauds Congresswoman Lowey for her leadership in this effort.” H.R. 3710 was referred to the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources where the language will be reviewed by committee staff.

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Media Contacts:
Chris Heyde, Animal Welfare Institute (202) 446-2142
Christine Sequenzia, Animal Welfare Institute (202) 446-2140

The Animal Welfare Institute has been working to alleviate the suffering inflicted on animals by humans since 1951. Please join us in our work to protect animals – visit our website to find out more and to sign up for AWI eAlerts: http://www.awionline.org/.

Origins Natural Resources, Inc. Flip Over Dolphins

Washington, DC (August 31, 2009) – The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) applauds skincare company, Origins, for abandoning plans for a swim-with dolphins prize at Cabo Dolphins in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

Initially Origins had planned a promotional give-away of an opportunity to swim with the dolphins. AWI contacted the company regarding the cruelty inherent in the captive dolphin trade. Origins promptly responded by changing the prize, part of its “Leave it all Behind” sweepstakes, stating "…Origins would never intentionally participate in any activities that do not align with our Company's principles…we will no longer include this offer as part of the prize package.”

Many aquarium dolphins have been captured from the wild and suffer shock, stress, injury and even death because of the brutal manner in which they are seized. The dolphins at Cabo Dolphins came from Japan, renowned for its controversial dolphin hunts including Taiji, where entire pods of dolphins are regularly herded into a shallow bay. Some are sold to aquariums, including swim-with programs, for as much as $150,000 each and the fishermen kill the remainder by slashing their throats and stabbing them with spears.

Captive dolphins’ lives contrast starkly to those of their wild relatives. Highly intelligent animals with complex societies, wild dolphins travel up to 40 miles a day together and dive hundreds of feet in search of food but they are unable to do this in a small tank or sea pen. Aquarium dolphins are forced to perform tricks and interact with humans with no place to hide which can cause stress and stomach ulcers.

Since its launch in 1990, Origins has focused on providing animal and environmentally friendly plant-based cosmetic products. The company was the first major cosmetic brand to choose not to test their products on animals. “Origins has a long history of commitment to protect the planet and those who populate it,” said AWI’s President Cathy Liss, “so their compassionate decision to dissociate themselves from dolphin swim-with programs is in keeping with their philosophy.”

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The Animal Welfare Institute has been working to alleviate the suffering inflicted on animals by humans since 1951. Please join us in our work to protect animals – visit our website to find out more and to sign up for AWI eAlerts: www.awionline.org.

Media Contact:
Serda Ozbenian, Animal Welfare Institute (202) 446-2144

To view release online, visit: http://www.awionline.org/ht/display/ReleaseDetails/i/14697/pid/200

AWI Press Release: House Passes Legislation to Restore and Strengthen Wild Horse Protections

Washington, DC – In a decisive move, the U.S. House of Representatives today approved a measure to restore basic protections for America's wild horses and burros. Led by Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, Jr. (D-WV), Representative Ed Whitfield (R-KY), and Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Chairman Raúl Grijalva (D-NM) the Restore Our American Mustang Act, or ROAM Act (H.R. 1018), passed by a vote of 239 to 185.

"At a time when nearly as many wild horses are in captivity as are on the range – a situation which is unacceptable in terms of both animal welfare and fiscal responsibility – the Animal Welfare Institute welcomes this action, and we are grateful to the bill's champions and supporters," says Chris Heyde, Deputy Director of Government and Legal Affairs for the Animal Welfare Institute.

In FY08, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the agency responsible for the animals in question, spent nearly 75 percent of its $36 million budget warehousing horses removed from the range. The new legislation, which must now pass the U.S. Senate, would encourage the reopening of certain public lands to the mustangs, thus potentially decreasing the number in captivity. The bill also restores a crucial protection to keep wild horses from going to slaughter, which was stripped away several years ago. Although Congressional intent and public sentiment are clearly against sending wild horses and burros to slaughter the BLM has recently threatened to kill more than 30,000 horses in holding areas as a cost-saving measure.

"The BLM's wild horse program and policies are broken. The ROAM Act offers an opportunity for the agency to restore its credibility when it comes to managing America's mustangs," says Heyde. “We urge the Senate to act swiftly before the BLM takes further actions of detriment to the horses.”

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For More Information:
Chris Heyde – (202) 446-2142

For over 58 years, the Animal Welfare Institute has been the leading voice for animals across the country and on Capitol Hill. Please join us in our ongoing campaigns to reduce the sum total of pain and fear inflicted on animals by humans. Sign up for AWI eAlerts to receive the latest news on what you can do to help us protect all animals.