Animal

Knesset: Animals don't have legal rights By Jonathan Lis Israel News, animal rights October 31, 2009 The Knesset rejected a bill to change the name of the Animal Welfare Law to the Animal Rights Law, since Israeli law does not recognize animals as legal entities with rights, according to coalition members. "The proposed law is based on the unacceptable premise that animals have rights," Religious Services Minister Yaakov Margi (Shas) told the Knesset. Margi said the government believes animals have the same legal status as inanimate entities such as corporations, ships, universities and cities. Knesset Speaker Reuven Rivlin showed great interest in the debate, being a dog owner. "I do not know what I would do to a person who killed my Stephan," he said during Margi's speech. Later, Rivlin described his strong convictions regarding animals. "I do not eat meat, I am a vegetarian for ethical reasons. My dog was taken to a kennel since he bit someone, or someone thought he had bit them. The kennel was next to a slaughterhouse. When I saw how they were slaughtering animals, I became a vegetarian. That was more than 40 years ago," said Rivlin. MK Yoel Hasson (Kadima) proposed the bill, and said he realized the coalition would reject it. He attempted to push through a less significant change, without the term "animal rights," but that was rejected as well. He promised to try again to get the bill passed in six months. http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1124430.html

From The Sunday Times November 1, 2009 Staff maim lab mice with ballpoints Thousands of animals being used to test a wrinkle-erasing rival to Botox are facing cruel and agonising experiments at a Home Office-approved laboratory, an undercover investigation has found. Secret footage of the tests on Dysport, a drug used to erase frown lines in cosmetic surgery clinics, shows laboratory staff accidentally breaking the backs of mice when trying to kill them with ballpoint pens. The pens were then used to fill out their death records. The film, obtained using a hidden camera inside Wickham Laboratories, a long-established facility in Hampshire that tests drugs for pharmaceutical companies, also shows rabbits being incompetently injected with other drugs. Staff are filmed botching injections and swearing at struggling rabbits, which are immobilised in “stocks” for up to eight hours in experiments that test whether drugs cause fevers. Many of the rabbit tests, although licensed by the government, are not required under international pharmaceutical testing standards. The Home Office itself boasts about how these tests can be replaced by “a new technique using human blood cells instead of rabbits”. The footage, shot by an investigator from the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, has led the government to launch an inquiry. A Home Office spokesman said: “We take these allegations seriously and are taking urgent steps to look into them further. We authorise animal research only when it can be justified. “We expect and require the highest standards, and will thoroughly examine any evidence that suggests these standards are not being met.” The filming, compiled over a period of eight months, included a sequence in which a member of staff made a number of attempts to inject a rabbit. She is recorded calling the animal “a little shit” and “a disgrace”. She warned the rabbit that it could end up with “ear-rings” — a reference to punctures in its ear from failed attempts at injections. Another member of staff is recorded remarking that blood is coming out of the rabbit’s ear. William Cartmell, the official vet charged with overseeing the welfare of the animals used for testing at Wickham, is also a founder and a big shareholder in the company. Last night he denied that this represented a potential conflict of interest and said he was “a professional”. Lab records seen by the BUAV investigator show that Cartmell’s weekly inspections sometimes took 15 minutes, with one visit in March this year lasting only eight minutes. He argued this was adequate to check that the animals were being treated well and not suffering. “The health status of the animals is at such a high level that the length of time involved is more than adequate,” he said. “The animals are under constant care unlike pet animals and farm animals.” Dysport, which is made from botulinum toxin, is licensed in Britain for medical use to treat conditions such as involuntary eye muscle contractions, facial twitches and muscle spasms. However, it is also used legitimately “off-label” as an alternative to Botox for cosmetic treatments to eliminate frown lines and wrinkles. Each batch has to be tested by law to ensure that it is safe and of the correct potency. Lab records seen by the investigator show that 41,088 mice were used in Dysport tests at Wickham between January and June this year. The method used — lethal dose 50 (LD50) — is classed as a “very severe” test by the government. Mice are injected with the toxin. They suffer progressive paralysis and the film shows them lurching from side to side as they become unable to walk properly. Some appear to suffer severe breathing difficulties before dying. Government regulations require suffering animals to be put out of their misery. Wickham Laboratories’ records indicate that far more mice died during the tests than were killed humanely. Official guidelines allow mice to have their necks broken to ensure a quick death, and pens are often used to do this. But film shot at Wickham shows that some were left writhing after their backs were mistakenly broken by staff. Alternatives to the LD50 test have been developed and are being used at other laboratories in Britain. The official government laboratory, the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, uses non-lethal methods to test Dysport. Ten years ago it developed a test of the toxin using a test tube. It also uses a far less severe test on mice that does not kill them. The BUAV, which has eight months of footage from Wickham, said the treatment of many animals was “appalling”. Sarah Kite, BUAV’s special projects director, said: “The fact that extremely sick mice end up in the hands of incompetent staff, to have their backs broken and suffer such an agonising death is totally sickening. “Our shocking findings show that crude, archaic and extremely cruel animal tests are still allowed in the UK even when an alternative test exists and animal testing is not required by official bodies.” The revelations about the testing at Wickham have shocked dermatologists who use Dysport. Nick Lowe, who is known as Dr Botox and has conducted research into the toxin, said he was surprised that the LD50 test was still being used. Lowe, whose clients at his London clinic include Anne Robinson, the television presenter, said he was “appalled” to hear that animals were being allowed to suffer in tests on the drug. “I would like to know that all the drugs I prescribe for patients are evaluated in ethical ways. With my own range of skin-care products we do absolutely no animal testing. I am not in favour of that type of testing at all. I want the highest ethical standards,” he said. Ipsen Biopharm, which manufactures Dysport, said it took the “allegations very seriously” and would be following them up with Wickham. “Animal welfare is of primary importance to Ipsen, and the approval of Wickham by the Home Office has been critical in Ipsen’s decision to work with this company,” said a spokesman. “In no way would I, or any member of Ipsen staff, condone practices outside the approved procedures laid down for this type of test.” Ipsen said that it used the LD50 test because it was required to but was “striving to replace the LD50 test as soon as suitable alternatives have been approved by worldwide regulatory authorities”. Chris Bishop, the technical director of Wickham Laboratories, said he could not comment on the footage but would seek opportunities to improve lab practice. He said the company’s “animal technicians undergo extensive training programmes”. “We have a culture of seeking continuous improvement and if there are observations which indicate such opportunities, we shall gladly embrace them, ” he said. The company added: “The welfare and care of our research animals is paramount.” Test rules - The Home Office’s policy is to license animal experiments only “when there is no alternative research technique”. - Ministers say they will not license tests which “cause severe pain or distress that cannot be alleviated” or where the animal’s death is the “end point”. - The government has banned the testing of cosmetics, such as make-up and face creams, on animals. - Tests on animals rose to 3.7m procedures in 2008, up 450,000 on the previous year. - Mice and rats are the most commonly used animals in tests. The government also allows dogs, cats, horses and primates. Last year 3,354 primates and 4,271 dogs were used in tests in UK labs. - Labs have a legal duty to keep animal suffering to a minimum. There are strict standards for humane killing, animal care, housing and health. VIDÉO http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article6898099.ece

November 11, 2009 Animal group decries dog culling Ni Komang Erviani , The Jakarta Post , Denpasar The Bali Animal Welfare Association, a non-profit organization dealing with animal welfare, has staged a strong protest against the local authorities for their plan to cull stray dogs en masse. The mass culling of stray dogs as part of the authorities' anti-rabies drive was considered "ineffective" in curbing the spread of rabies on the island. "It also threatens the population of dogs here," said Janice Girandi, the association's director. "By killing all dogs in Bali, the island will face another threat, the rocketing number of rats, which will spread other types of diseases. "This case was happened in Surash, a small city in India. "After culling all affected dogs, the city was busy dealing with the rapid growth of the rat population, which caused serious diseases." She said her organization expected that the Balinese administration's anti-rabies campaign would be carried out properly and effectively. Janice further said the local authority had culled both stray dogs and pet dogs that had already received anti-rabies vaccines. "*The drive* was regrettable," she said. Janice added that the World Health Organization (WHO) had stated since 2005 that the elimination of dogs as part of preventing rabies epidemic was ineffective. The UN body recommended mass vaccination as the most effective method to fight the epidemic. Mass vaccination programs were practiced in Mexico. The country had conducted mass vaccination programs from l990 through 2006 providing more than 7.1 million anti-rabies vaccines to free it from the rabies epidemic. Tanzania had conducted a similar program. She went on to say that the local community must be educated on the importance of taking care of their dogs. "Vaccination programs must be followed by educative activities to arouse people's awareness on their animal health conditions," she said. The Balinese people, she added, were unique. "They do not only keep dogs, they live with them. "The vaccination and educative programs are not too costly. Many foreign donors are willing to provide funds," she said. Meanwhile, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika insisted that the mass culling of stray dogs was urgently needed to halt the rabies epidemic. "We urge all organizations and foundations that deal with animal welfare to also feel responsible for solving the problem," said Pastika, adding most institutions have lodged protests against any governmental policy. The governor admitted that he was afraid that the rabies epidemic had also hit monkeys in a number of tourist sites including Sangeh and Monkey Forests. Janice, however, said that the mass culling of dogs by poisoning the animals had frightened many foreign visitors. "This will have a serious impact on the island's tourist industry."

Jonathan Safran Foer - America's #1 Terrorist? Posted: October 30, 2009 05:23 PM With the publication of Jonathan Safran Foer's captivating and powerful book, Eating Animals, much has been said and written about his undercover investigative work, which gives America a view inside the hidden world of factory farms. What has not been commented on, however, is the disquieting fact that under existing federal and state laws, Mr. Foer's undercover actions -- while clearly an important public service -- are actually illegal, and what's more, they constitute acts of domestic terrorism. Sound absurd? It should. But the reality is this: In 2006, President Bush signed into law a little-known but sweeping piece of legislation called the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA), an expansion of the previously existing and equally little-known Animal Enterprise Protection Act. With speed and lack of reflection rivaling the passage of the USA Patriot Act after 9/11, Congress pushed this animal industry-crafted law through in a single day, with only a lone dissenting vote in opposition, that of Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich. Was Mr. Kucinich the only one to read that AETA makes into domestic terrorism any actions that physically interfere with the operation of any animal enterprise, or that cause physical or economic damage to the said enterprise, regardless of motive or reason? Yes, you read that correctly. Under AETA, the following actions by Mr. Foer -- all described in his book -- constitute animal enterprise terrorism: Mr. Foer, a New York resident, illegally and under the cover of night, enters a turkey factory farm in California with an animal rights activist identified only as "C." This is interstate travel and conspiracy, and also a violation of California's own sweeping Animal Enterprise Protection Act and other laws prohibiting trespassing on, filming in, or otherwise documenting the operations of a factory farm. Following the initial trespass, "C." -- with the clear foreknowledge and consent of Mr. Foer -- euthanizes a sick and suffering turkey chick writhing on the floor. Now we're talking conspiracy and destruction of property of an animal enterprise. There are further actions and statements in the book that could also be interpreted as Mr. Foer interfering, or at least trying to interfere with the operation of various animal enterprises. Indeed, much of what Mr. Foer exposes stirs such moral indignation that it'd be strange if people didn't take to the streets to demand change, thereby possibly interfering with the operation of one animal enterprise or another. For all this, our laws say, Mr. Foer could be prosecuted as a domestic terrorist. But of course he won't be. I hope. Not because what I say isn't true, but because Mr. Foer is protected by his stature as a celebrated author. Unfortunately, animal rights activists such as "C." are not so lucky. Despite FBI and Congressional claims to the contrary, AETA has -- and is --being used to criminalize and prosecute legal, constitutionally protected activities aimed at exposing and stopping the hidden cruelties of America's animal industries. One person who tried to warn Congress of the threat of such prosecutions was investigative journalist Will Potter, who testified about the civil liberties implications of AETA before its passage, and who continues to be the lone voice covering this issue at his excellent and eye-opening blog, greenisthenewred.com, which draws chilling parallels between the persecution of animal rights and environmental activists today and the civil rights abuses of the McCarthy era. Consider this: In 2006, six young American activists affiliated with the animal rights group Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty USA received a combined sentence of 23 years in federal prison, simply for operating a website that called for legal protests against the multinational animal testing giant Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) and its suppliers. After radical underground activists unaffiliated with the campaign engaged in post-protest vandalism, the organizers were arrested, charged with inciting animal enterprise terrorism, and convicted in one of the most chilling and speedy secret trials in memory, from which all press was banned. Shockingly, the SHAC USA verdict was recently held up on appeal by the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court in Philadelphia, which found that even legal, constitutionally protected activity can be criminalized in the context of AETA prosecutions. Earlier this year, four northern California animal rights activists were arrested and charged with terrorism for protesting, chalking the sidewalk, and leafleting outside the homes of animal researchers. The FBI continues to characterize "animal rights extremists" and "eco-terrorists" as the nation's leading domestic threats, even though not a single person in our country has ever been physically harmed by these people. Ever. Prosecuting vandalism is one thing, but trying to characterize speech and protests-- no matter how brazen-- as terrorism should be of great concern to us all. And the animal enterprise industry doesn't want prosecutions to stop at protests. Several states have tried to join California in pushing for industry-hatched legislation that would make the mere act of witnessing the operation of an animal enterprise without permission an act of terrorism. In 2007, legislators in South Carolina tried unsuccessfully to pass a bill called "The Animal Ecological Terrorism Act," which would've made merely "entering an animal or research facility that is at the time closed to the public" an act of terrorism. Who are laws such as these designed to protect? Who benefits from a controversial and secretive industry being singled out for special protection by laws criminalizing otherwise perfectly legal activity? Especially when such activity is motivated by concern over animal suffering, public health, and environmental damage. We, as a nation, must demand the immediate repeal of AETA and related laws, which harm both animals and consumers, protecting only the profits of huge corporations who operate behind closed doors with increasingly little scrutiny, or as they would clearly prefer it: with no scrutiny at all. Related News On Huffington Post: Jonathan Safran Foer Argues Modern Pork Production Created H1N1 During his chat with Ms. DeGeneres, who is an advocate of veganism, Mr. Safran Foer said factory farming created swine flu.... Eating Animals: Jonathan Safran Foer Talks To Ellen About His New Book (VIDEO) Jonathan Safran Foer spoke with Ellen Degeneres today about his new book, Eating Animals, which uncovers the horrible world of factory farming. (Check out HuffPost's... What's Next For Jonathan Safran Foer And Eating Animals? Beginning the week of October 26, 2009, we ran a series of reviews on HuffPost Books on Jonathan Safran Foer's new book, Eating Animals. It... Pamela Anderson Launches Anti-Seal Hunt Campaign TORONTO — Former "Baywatch" star Pamela Anderson wants to save the seals from the annual hunt on Canada's East Coast. The Canadian-born actress has joined... http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mikko-alanne/jonathan-safran-foer---am_b_340586.html

Malaysia rescues 59 pythons from dinner table Posted: Thursday , Nov 05, 2009 at 1206 hrs Malaysian wildlife authorities rescued 59 pythons from being skinned and sold to restaurants and leather dealers, an official said on Thursday. Wildlife and National Parks Department enforcement head Saharudin Anan said the pythons were rescued in a raid last Monday from a warehouse south of the capital. "We found the pythons, together with python and lizard skins in the store where they were in the midst of being sold," he said. He added that two individuals had been arrested and were being investigated under the Wildlife Act. "The python meat would end up on dinner tables in the region while the skins would be used in making exotic leather luggage for international markets in Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam," he added. Wildlife groups say the trafficking of wildlife, for use in traditional medicine or to be eaten in kitchens abroad, has hit alarming levels in Malaysia.

Traditional display of udder courage Ranch hands show off real-life skills in wild cow milking competition By Cigdem Iltan, Edmonton Journal November 10, 2009 Cowboy Jamie Dodds risks getting trampled or kicked in the teeth by a 1,200-pound animal each time he steps into the rodeo ring. But Dodds isn't riding bulls or bucking horses at the Canadian Finals Rodeo this week. The 34-year-old professional rancher, who works at Sleepy Spring Ranch in Winfield, Alta., risks his life in the wild cow milking competition at the Heritage Ranch Rodeo, where competitions test the skills of working cowboys. "Sometimes, in the spring, you have to milk a cow that's calving, so it's a practical application," Dodds said. Events at rodeos such as CFR have evolved over many decades from actual ranch tasks, but with the added glitz and production of professional sports, said Northlands agricultural event manager David Fiddler. The Heritage Ranch Rodeo is less of a spectacle, and instead of prizes, winners leave with bragging rights only, he said. "What they're doing is replicating the everyday activities on a working ranch, so the branding, the doctoring, how you would treat a sick animal, their horsemanship skills and the animal handling skills," Fiddler said. "It's not about speed ... as much the measurement of skill and taking good care of the animals." To qualify, cowboys have to work on a ranch or must have made $1,500 working at a ranch during the year, Fiddler said. The cowboys come from all over Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, and must work at ranches that have been around for 100 years or longer to be eligible. For many of the cowboys, the Heritage Ranch Rodeo is a social event and is the one time a year they get to see some of their friends, Fiddler said. Most of the ranch hands aren't paid very well, but they get to do what they love, he said. "These men and women take a lot of pride in their skills and dexterity, and the fact they do it in a quiet, calm fashion, because that's how you make money with cattle, you handle them as gently as possible," Fiddler said. "Except wild cow milking, that can get a little hairy!" The milking event may be an audience favourite, but it still stays true to cowboy heritage and requires real-life skills, he said. "In the spring, if you're out in the range, far from any corrals, that's how it's done." While there is some technique to milking a wild cow, strength has nothing to do it, Dodds said. "You're still not going to outmuscle a cow," Dodds said. "Mostly, it's just luck. You just hope for the best, hope you get a good cow." Farmfair International's Heritage Ranch Rodeo finals begin at 7 p.m. tonight at Northlands Expo Centre.

B.C. man charged after 'distressed' horses abandoned in Edmonton By Ben Gelinas, Edmonton JournalNovember 10, 2009 Seven horses were found abandoned in a trailer on the side of the Yellowhead near 124th Street last night. Northlands took the horses in to care for at Farmfair International in Edmonton, Nov. 9, 2009.Photograph by: Ed Kaiser, edmontonjournal.comA B.C. man has been charged after police found seven horses abandoned with little food and no water in a trailer parked just off a major highway in Edmonton. Officers received complaints shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday about a truck and 21-foot trailer abandoned just off the Yellowhead Trail, where it intersects with 124th Street. "When they approached, they could hear horses kicking the sides of the trailer and they could smell urine and feces," West Division Staff Sgt. Blair Edl said. Inside, police found seven horses, with scarcely enough feed for one. "It was clear to them that the horses were in distress," Edl said. Police were able to secure space for the animals at Northlands, which is hosting the Canadian Finals Rodeo this week. "When the horses were brought out of the trailer, they began fighting for the food," said Edl, who thanked Northlands for stepping up. "With all of the Farmfair and rodeo, this is probably the last thing they needed." Initially, the horses were skittish, but calmed down Monday as they got used to their pen and the neighbouring cows on the Northlands grounds. "We've been an agricultural society for 129 years and our concern is certainly the welfare of animals," Northlands president Ken Knowles said. "We certainly said we would accommodate them down here: water them, feed them, bed them until we could find proper shelter for them." Police found the owner of the trailer staying at a nearby hotel. Based on witness reports, police believe the truck and trailer had been left in the same spot off the Yellowhead for at least two days. The driver told police he was on his way to Manitoba from McBride, B.C., to sell the horses when his truck broke down in the city. He told them he was waiting to get parts. He said he stayed with the horses the first night, but it was too cold to stay longer, Acting Det. Gary Benoit said. "We're not sure why he didn't call us for help." Benoit said police are trying to find a home for the horses, ideally with their new owners in Manitoba. The 74-year-old driver has been charged with causing or permitting an animal to be in distress under Alberta's Animal Protection Act. He faces a maximum fine of $20,000. http://www.vancouversun.com/news/charged+after+distressed+horses+abandoned+Edmonton/2207093/story.html

Carrying the Torch - Day 9: Trapping: A way of life to preserve, if not revive Saturday, Nov. 7: Cold Lake, AB to Thompson, MB By Shelley Fralic, Vancouver Sun columnist http://www.timescolonist.com/life/Carrying+Torch+Trapping+life+preserve+revive/2198182/story.html Aileen, 12, the daughter of Lac La Ronge indian band Chief Tammy Cook-Searson, sings O Canada in Cree at a blessing ceremony Saturday, in Northern Saskatchewan on Day 9 of the Olympic torch relay. LA RONGE, Sask. - Growing up in north Saskatchewan for Tammy Cook-Searson meant spending every winter working on the family's trapline, from November right through spring, living in a log cabin with a wood stove to keep warm, and taking the beaver and muskrat, the fox and lynx, from the land. She remembers eating beaver meat, boiled, and using the teeth to make keychains, and stretching the pelt to make moccasins. Today, Cook-Searson, now 38 and chief of the Lac La Ronge Indian Band, takes her three children, ages 16, 12 and four, out trapping on the family line whenever she can, it being her goal to preserve in the youth the ancestral heritage that is in the elders. ....

Aux nouvelles de ce matin, on disait que l'ourse qu'il a abattue était accompagnée de ses oursons.... ---------------------------------- Mis à jour le: 9 novembre 2009 Nunavut - Libéré de la banquise Un adolescent de 17 qui était coincé sur une banquise a été secouru au bout de 24 heures. Pour survivre, il a dû lutter contre l'hypothermie et abattre un ours polaire avec son fusil. Au Nunavut, un adolescent qui était coincé sur une banquise a finalement été sauvé après avoir été séparé de son oncle pendant 24 heures. Le jeune homme a réussi à survivre en luttant contre l'hypothermie et en abattant un ours polaire avec son fusil. Il était parti à la chasse, en motoneige, avec son oncle de 67 ans, qui a réussi à revenir à pied vers le continent. ... Radio-Canada.ca avec Presse canadienne http://actualites.ca.msn.com/national/rc-article.aspx?cp-documentid=22552414

Très touchant

C'est tout simplement atroce! Signé-Merci hop

(Comme s'il n'y en avait pas déjà assez comme ça, un nouvel organisme pro-chasse voit le jour... ) CerfChasse est un organisme à but non lucratif dont l’objectif est de promouvoir et d’encourager l’accès aux propriétés privées pour la pratique de la chasse sportive ainsi que d’autres activités récréatives. http://cerfchasse.ca/reglement.aspx

Publié le 07 novembre 2009 Début de la chasse du cerf: l'été s'est trompé de date... André-A. Bellemare, collaboration spéciale Le Soleil (Québec) Depuis la fin de semaine dernière, on dirait que l'été s'est trompé de date et de lieu... Samedi, il a fait chaud comme en été pour le début de la saison de chasse du chevreuil à l'arme à feu dans le sud-ouest du Québec. Dimanche, il a plu comme durant les pires orages d'été. Lundi, le temps est redevenu ensoleillé, mais la température était un peu plus fraîche. La pluie a repris de plus belle mardi, mais la température était encore élevée. Difficile de croire que nous chassions au Québec au début de novembre! Ces conditions atmosphériques ont été bien peu propices à la chasse, d'autant plus que les nuits ont été éclairées par une pleine lune très lumineuse dans un ciel sans nuages. Les appâts déposés par les dizaines de milliers de chasseurs pour attirer les cerfs près de leurs affûts étaient donc dévorés durant la nuit par les cerfs : les chasseurs ont été bien moins nombreux à apercevoir les cervidés durant les heures légales de chasse du jour. Il faudra attendre de connaître les statistiques d'abattage, dans quelques semaines, pour vérifier comment ces conditions atmos­phériques ont nui aux quelque 175 000 chasseurs de cerf. ... (Valeureux chasseurs qui tirent sur des animaux apprivoisés. Ils les nourrissent tout l'été avec leurs «pommes à chevreuils» pis à l'automne, POWWWW -Tiens-toé!!!!!!!!!) http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-soleil/sports/chasse-et-peche/200911/06/01-919364-debut-de-la-chasse-du-cerf-lete-sest-trompe-de-date.php

... Notons que la campagne à l'intérieur de la province est orchestrée aux côtés de la Fédération québécoise en environnement. Pour plus d'informations, il est possible de visiter le www.wwf.ca/delicieux http://www.cyberpresse.ca/le-nouvelliste/actualites/200910/05/01-908430-deux-restaurants-trifluviens-dans-laventure.php

Publié le 05 octobre 2009 à 07h48 Bien manger pour la bonne cause Silvia Galipeau La Presse Le Fonds mondial pour la nature (WWF) vient de se trouver de nouveaux ambassadeurs. Plusieurs chefs s'associent ce mois-ci à la cause, par l'intermédiaire d'une toute nouvelle initiative: la campagne Dél-ici-eux! Du 2 au 18 octobre, une cinquantaine de grands restaurants du pays, dont une douzaine au Québec, s'engagent à participer à une toute nouvelle campagne de l'organisme environnementaliste en offrant des menus originaux, mettant à l'honneur - on l'aura compris-, des produits locaux. Pour chaque repas local vendu, 2$ seront remis aux travaux de conservation du WWF. ... Objectif? Convaincre les sceptiques, à travers des compositions savoureuses, surprenantes, mais avant tout locales, que «chaque saison offre une belle palette de produits, résume le chef. Il n'y a aucune raison de manger de tout, n'importe quoi, n'importe quand dans l'année». Ce mois-ci, il nous promet donc des compositions à base de pommes, bien sûr, de cucurbitacées, de fèves blanches et de veau. «La campagne Dél-ici-eux! souligne l'importance de manger des produits locaux pour favoriser le changement à l'échelle mondiale, renchérit Gerald Butts, président et directeur général du WWF- Canada. Pensez-y. Les fraises importées parcourent en général 4800 km avant d'atteindre notre réfrigérateur. Une décision prise en une fraction de seconde à l'épicerie peut être lourde de conséquences pour la planète.» Malheureusement, seule une poignée d'établissements ont été sondés pour participer à la campagne. Parmi ceux-ci, le Fourquet Fourchette (qui nous promet de la truite fumée au pesto de pommes, ou encore du velouté de rabioles au cidre de glace), l'auberge Le Saint-Gabriel (où l'on pourra découvrir une terrine de porcelet, un poulet de grain glacé au beurre frais, sans oublier leur fameuse tarte au sucre), ou encore l'Essentiel, à Trois-Rivières (où l'on doit nous concocte, une truite de Saint-Alexis, et un wapiti de Sainte-Perpétue). ... http://www.cyberpresse.ca/vivre/cuisine/200910/05/01-908423-bien-manger-pour-la-bonne-cause.php

Publié le 07 novembre 2009 à 08h20 | Mis à jour le 07 novembre 2009 à 08h22 Une rançon pour notre chien adoré La Voix de l'Est Lundi midi, le téléphone sonne. À la hâte nous répondons, toujours dans l'espoir d'avoir un indice nous permettant de retrouver Fudge, notre chien adoré perdu depuis 10 jours, la mascotte du Ranch Massawippi. Deux minutes plus tard, nous raccrochons, estomaqués de réaliser à quel point la nature humaine peut être insensible et malhonnête. Croyez-le ou non, on nous demande le montant de la récompense que nous offrons pour récupérer notre chien. Je me croyais dans un film où on nous demandait une rançon pour récupérer l'être aimé. La dame a même négocié le montant. Non mais quel culot! Le tout, dans l'anonymat bien sûr. Pas moyen de savoir si elle a notre chien et surtout, si elle nous le rendra. Combien donneriez-vous pour récupérer votre animal préféré? Nos amis et nous avons sillonné les rues pendant des jours pour coller des affiches ou faire du porte-à-porte. J'ai mis des annonces dans tous les journaux et sur internet. J'ai le coeur gros chaque fois que mes enfants me demandent où il est. Je ne dors plus tellement je m'inquiète et m'ennuie de mon Fudge adoré. Et maintenant, j'apprends que quelqu'un l'a trouvé mais qu'il le garde en otage! ... http://www.cyberpresse.ca/la-voix-de-lest/200911/07/01-919415-une-rancon-pour-notre-chien-adore.php

Tout un honneur !!!!!!!!!

http://aequoanimo.com/campagnes.html http://aequoanimo.com/nosactions2009.html

http://aequoanimo.com/nosactions2009.html

(AWP/26 octobre 2009 12h29) NOVARTIS DÉMENT DES DOUTES SUR UN DE SES VACCINS CONTRE LA GRIPPE H1N1 Zurich (awp/afp) -- Le groupe pharmaceutique suisse Novartis a démenti lundi que l'un de ses vaccins contre la grippe H1N1 pourrait ne pas recevoir le feu vert des autorités sanitaires helvétiques en raison de contaminations par des bactéries. Le vaccin en cause, le Celtura, est produit à partir de cultures cellulaires à base de reins de chiens, ce qui permet une production plus rapide que par la méthode classique sur oeufs de poules. Citant une source anonyme proche du dossier, le quotidien Tages-Anzeiger a affirmé samedi que des contaminations par des bactéries avaient été relevées dans les lots testés par Swissmedic, l'autorité sanitaire suisse chargée d'accorder le feu vert au vaccin. Swissmedic, contactée lundi par l'AFP, a indiqué qu'elle ne pouvait "ni confirmer, ni infirmer" les informations publiées par le Tages-Anzeiger. L'autorité de régulation doit donner cette semaine son avis sur le Celtura avant le lancement d'une campagne de vaccination. Le Celtura n'est pas contaminé, a affirmé lundi à l'AFP un porte-parole du groupe pharmaceutique suisse. "Il n'y a pas de contamination pour le Celtura, le procédé (de production) est bien plus propre que pour (la fabrication classique) par oeufs de poules", a indiqué à l'AFP un porte-parole du laboratoire bâlois. Novartis espère dans les prochains jours le feu vert des autorités sanitaires helvétiques et dans les prochaines semaines de l'Union européenne pour commercialiser le Celtura. "Les procédés de production sont les mêmes que pour la grippe saisonnière et les cultures cellulaires (utilisées pour produire le Celtura) sont utilisées depuis de nombreuses années", a souligné le porte-parole. Quelque 8000 personnes ont participé aux études cliniques pour les vaccins contre la grippe H1N1, contre une centaine pour la grippe saisonnière, a-t-il ajouté. Novartis commercialise déjà en Europe un vaccin avec adjuvant contre la grippe porcine H1N1 sous le nom Focetria, produit grâce des cultures classiques sur oeufs de poules. ys Source: http://www.romandie.com/infos/news/2...29040AWPCH.asp

Publié le 04 novembre 2009 à 17h48 | Mis à jour le 04 novembre 2009 à 22h01 Un chat et deux furets ont contracté la grippe H1N1 http://www.cyberpresse.ca/dossiers/la-grippe-a-h1n1/200911/04/01-918474-un-chatet-deux-furets-ontcontracte-la-grippe-h1n1.php

Publié le 06 novembre 2009 à 07h18 | Mis à jour à 07h20 Végétalisme, kilos et calories Marie-Claude Lortie La Presse Se priver de viande pendant un mois? Facile. Mais aussi d'oeufs, de fromage, de lait et même de gélatine et de miel? C'est ce qu'à fait Marie-Claude Lortie, pour voir comment se déroule le quotidien lorsqu'on est végétalien. Cette démarche alimentaire interdisant tout produit d'origine animale existe depuis toujours, mais profite actuellement d'un vaste regain de popularité. Cure écolo extrême? Régime anticalorique caché sous des airs environnementalistes? ... voir aussi: Mon mois végétalien Vous souvenez-vous du film Super Size Me, ce documentaire où l'on suivait un gars qui avait choisi de ne manger que du McDo pendant un mois? Mes carottes contre votre vélo La semaine dernière, lors d'une conférence dans le Maine, la superstar du journalisme alimentaire militant Michael Pollan a lancé une bombe: «Un... http://www.cyberpresse.ca/vivre/sante/nutrition/200911/06/01-918983-vegetalisme-kilos-et-calories.php

OK merci beaucoup hop!