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.

House to Vote on Bill to Protect Wild Horses

Dear Humanitarian:

We have just learned that H.R. 1018, the Restore Our American Mustangs (ROAM) Act, sponsored by House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick Rahall, will be voted on before the full House of Representatives tomorrow (July 17, 2009). Chairman Rahall’s ROAM Act will responsibly restore many of the guaranteed protections originally established in the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 that have been gutted by stealth riders and Bureau of Land Management's wanton mismanagement of these magnificent animals for decades. At a time when there are nearly as many wild horses in captivity as on the range this legislation is urgently needed.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

Because time is of the essence please call your US Representative RIGHT NOW and urge her/him to support Chairman Rahall and vote “YES” on H.R. 1018.

To find your Representative please visit http://www.compassionindex.org/. While there, you can also send a quick email in support of the bill if you have not done so already. You can also call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be transferred to your Representative.

For more information on wild horses, please visit http://www.awionline.org/ht/d/sp/i/11223/pid/11223.

Additional Facts:

• The Restore Our American Mustangs (ROAM) Act (H.R. 1018) will restore protections for our country’s wild horses and burros that were stripped out of the 1971 Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act in recent years.
• The ROAM Act will ensure that our mustangs and burros are once again protected from slaughter.
• The Act also seeks to reclaim land – some 19 million acres – taken away from these magnificent animals since the 1971 Act went into law.
• At a time when there are nearly as many wild horses and burros in captivity as there are in the wild, this legislation is badly needed.
• The ROAM Act makes sound fiscal sense, too; the Bureau of Land Management currently spends nearly half of its annual budget on caring for wild horses and burros removed from the range. This legislation will enable the BLM to keep more horses on the range which will be better for the welfare of the animals and better for American tax-payers.
• Passage of the ROAM Act will mean that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), which currently has primary authority for managing these animals, focuses once again on managing them as an integral part of the rangeland.

Please be sure to share this eAlert with friends, family and coworkers and urge them to call their legislator first thing!

AWI Press Release: Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Industrial Wind Project that Jeopardized Endangered Bats

Washington, D.C. (June 11, 2009) – Charging that a massive wind energy project threatens endangered bats, the Animal Welfare Institute, a national animal protection organization, along with the West Virginia-based Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy and other conservationists, have filed what is believed to be the first federal lawsuit challenging an industrial wind energy project on environmental grounds. The lawsuit, brought under the Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) and filed in U.S. District Court in Maryland, contends that a massive wind power facility slated for Greenbrier County, West Virginia, will unlawfully kill and injure Indiana bats – a highly endangered species known to live in caves in close proximity to the project site.

As planned, the Beech Ridge wind project will include 124 wind turbines nearly four hundred feet tall along a twenty-three mile stretch of forested Appalachian mountain ridgelines. In addition to turbine construction, Beech Ridge Energy and its parent companies also plan to install habitat-destroying roads, buildings, and transmission lines that are necessary to operate the facility.

The project is especially concerning because of its impacts when considered in conjunction with White Nose Syndrome (“WNS”) – a disease that is ravaging bat species in the eastern United States at an alarming rate. Last week the House Natural Resources Committee convened an oversight hearing seeking a solution before time runs out for the Indiana bat and many other at-risk bat species.

Poorly sited wind power projects in the eastern U.S. have already killed and maimed scores of bats, and leading bat experts predict that, without reforms, hundreds of thousands more will be killed in coming years, imperiling populations already being decimated by WNS and other forms of habitat destruction. According to conservative estimates, the Beech Ridge project alone is expected to kill more than 130,000 bats over a twenty-year period.

Although properly sited wind power projects may help in mitigating global climate change, numerous projects are being built without adequately addressing wildlife and other environmental impacts. According to D.J. Schubert, wildlife biologist at the Animal Welfare Institute, “Wind power may be part of the solution to climate change, but locations such as the Beech Ridge project site are entirely inappropriate for industrial wind facilities. We cannot allow a new ecological crisis to be created in the name of solving an existing one.”

“We were hoping to avoid a federal lawsuit,” said John Stroud, spokesperson for Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy. “However, Beech Ridge Energy is currently moving forward with construction despite repeated requests to first bring the project into compliance with the Endangered Species Act to ensure that the Indiana bat is afforded the full protections of the law.”

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The plaintiffs include the Animal Welfare Institute and Mountain Communities for Responsible Energy, and are represented by the Washington, D.C. public interest law firm of Meyer Glitzenstein & Crystal. All legal inquiries should be directed to William Eubanks. The complaint filed today can be downloaded here.