April 4, World Stray Animals Day - I love Cesar!!

World Stray Animals Day: Why This Cause is So Important to Me

Cesar’s Video for
World Stray Animals Day

By Cesar Millan

I was very honored to be asked to be the ambassador for World Stray Animals Day and I wanted to take a moment to explain why it means so much to me.

People see stray animals going through garbage on the street looking for food and they would just rather not see them. They don’t make the neighborhood look nicer—they just seem like they’re dirty and spread disease. They don’t really care where they these animals go, as long as they’re gone.

But you see, in many ways, I was a stray. I came to America. I had practically nothing. I didn’t know when I was going to eat. I didn’t know where I was going to sleep. I didn’t know what was going to happen to me. I knew I was good inside, but I was here in a strange place away from the family who loved me and I didn’t speak English and couldn’t talk to the people around me. It’s a scary thing to sleep on the streets and not know what the future is going to bring.

I was very lucky, because I was able to improve my situation by educating myself, learning the language, and developing my talents. I was even more lucky because people like Jada Pinkett had faith in me and reached out to help me raise myself up and become who I am. Things were bad, but with the help of good people, they got better for me.

But here’s the big difference between me and strays. I chose to come to America and I knew it would be a rough beginning and I went into it with my eyes open. The 600 million stray animals who live on the streets around the world didn’t make that choice. They were thrown away by their owners, born on the streets, or just simply got lost. They didn’t create their situation. They just have to live with it, or is more often the case, die with it.

Anyone who knows my philosophy, knows I only like to support no-kill animal shelters because I can’t stand the thought of euthanizing a dog simply because it's unwanted. But an even crueler form of euthanasia is what these animals face on the streets. Starving to death. Dying of untreated injury or disease. Dying painful deaths at the hands of cruel humans.

In Los Angeles this week, two dogs were found with their heads cut off and thrown into dumpsters. I’m happy the City Council has offered a reward to find out who did it. But it proves that cruelty to animals can happen in anyone’s backyard, even mine. It’s a problem that needs to be addressed locally and globally.

I think most people look at stray animals and see them as a nuisance. But these are actual living feeling beings that lead incredibly brutal and painful lives. And it’s largely because of things that we humans have done.

When I rescued Argos in Spain he had been abused by hunters who had broken his leg and used electrical tape to bind his mouth shut. He was scared and alone. Now he’s happy and one of the most valued members of my pack. He’s a wonderful companion and you only need to look at him to see the gratitude in his eyes. I know I have a friend for life in Argos.

I needed help, I’m sure each of you has needed help at some time. We all need help. And these animals most definitely need our help.

Wednesday, April 4th is World Stray Animals Day. There are over 600 million stray animals all over the world who suffer lives of misery—starving, cold, sick, and abused. It’s why I wanted to be involved with this day and why I made this video.

You can find out more about what you can do at www.strayanimalsday.org

Click here to see the video I created for World Stray Animals Day.

It always breaks my heart when a dog is killed.. just becoz he's a dog. :'(

Soap Star Suicide Shines Light on Pit Bull Prejudice

The entertainment world was shocked this week at the news of the suicide of 47-year-old actor Nick Santino. The actor, who had appeared on All My Children and The Guiding Light, was found in his apartment after overdosing on pills on his birthday. His suicide note revealed the cause of his tragedy. It read, “Today I betrayed my best friend. Rocco trusted me and I failed him. He didn’t deserve this.”

Rocco was Nick’s pet pit bull, who he had rescued from a shelter several years ago. They lived in a condo on New York’s Upper West Side, and had recently been having run-ins with the condo board. In 2010, the condo board instituted a rule expressly forbidding pit bulls to live in the building. The rule did not affect Nick as he had moved into the building before 2010, but neighbors said the building management harassed him constantly about his dog. Nick was not allowed to use the main elevator or leave the dog alone in the apartment for more than nine hours at a time.

Finally, after threats of fines and constant pressure from neighbors and management, Nick had Rocco put to sleep. The next day, wracked with guilt, Nick took his own life.

The condo board has denied any responsibility in the deaths, and other factors were involved. A veterinarian had told Nick that Rocco had become somewhat more aggressive, though no incidents had been reported. Nick also had suffered from depression. He may have felt particularly bonded to his rescued pit, as he himself had been raised in an orphanage and bounced around from foster home to foster home in his youth. Lately, his acting jobs were becoming more infrequent, and the harassment over his dog may have been what put him over the edge.

It’s impossible to pin the tragedy on any one thing, but it’s hard to ignore the pressure the condo board put on Nick Santino building that pushed him into making a terrible decision—when his dog had been guilty of nothing except being a pit bull. On his last day, Nick gave away Rocco’s bed and rawhide bones to another dog owner in the building and gave the doorman a box of treats to distribute to the rest of the building’s dogs.

Both Rocco and Nick were cremated, and Nick’s family has said they will be interred together.

http://www.cesarsway.com/training/socialization/Soap-Star-Suicide-Shines-Light-on-Pit-Prejudice?utm_source=mobilestorm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feb3BadDogReply

Help rescue bears from the horror of bear baiting

Zidi is about to be attacked by dogs for sport. He's petrified with fear. And he's too weak to stand but that won't stop his owner from dragging him into the hot, dusty arena once again.
In rural Pakistan, up to 2,000 spectators will assemble to watch a tethered and clawless bear set upon by trained fighting dogs.

Soon, he'll tie Zidi to a post and watch as two trained fighting dogs launch a savage attack on him, yanking him to the ground as the crowds cheer for more. Zidi's teeth and claws were pullet out years ago so he is left utterly helpless. The only reason Zidi will be saved from death is so he can be thrown back to the dogs again and again. All in the name of the "sport" of bear baiting.

We can't leave Zidi to endure this. But we can't rescue him from the horrors of bear baiting without your help.

Help WSPA end bear baiting

Working with the Pakistani authorities and the Pakistan Biodiversity Research Centre (PBRC), WSPA is halting an increasing number of bear baiting events.

Your donation will fund our work to continue and help WSPA reach our ultimate goal – to stamp out bear baiting for good.

vicstandp.blogspot.com
http://www.wspa.org.uk/wspaswork/bears/bearbaiting/savagebloodsport.aspx

barbarians in malaysia culling angels in the street?

Strays allegedly caught and shot in full view of children

By ZALINAH NOORDIN
zalinah@thestar.com.my
Photos by ZAINUDDIN AHAD and GOH GAIK LEE

RESIDENTS who witnessed an alleged open-shooting of stray dogs by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) have expressed shock and disgust over the inhumane act.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

The shooting was said to have been carried out in residential areas and in the midst of children who were walking to a nearby kindergarten.

The residents are now urging the council and the Penang government to review the method used to dispose off the strays because open-shooting could pose a danger to the public.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

A witness to the incident who wants to be known only as Rowe, said that of late, there were many strays roaming at Sunway Mutiara in Batu Maung but the animals did not cause any harm to anyone.

She said that she saw a few council workers shooting the dogs in her neighbourhood a few days ago, leaving behind “a trail of blood.”

“When they arrived, the dogs were sleeping under cars parked outside the houses here. They lured one of the dogs out, wrestled it to the ground and shot it several times in its head despite the dog not behaving aggressively,” she said.

Inhuman method: File photos of stray dogs being chased, trapped and shot during a local council operation to reduce the stray population in housing areas

Another resident, who wished to be known as Shu, a homemaker, said her three young children had witnessed the brutal slaying and they were now traumatised by the incident.

“What if the bullets had gone astray? The children could have been harmed,” she said.

American Sarah Rinkenberger, 32, who resides in the same area, said she was not at home during the shooting but she learnt about it from neighbours.

“I’m surprised such a method is still being used in this country. Back in America, strays are caught and sent to the pound but they are never shot in the open,” she said.

Rinkenberger, who helps to manage a language centre here with her husband, said it was her personal belief that God created both humans and animals, therefore dogs must be treated in a good way.

Peace shattered: Rinkenberger watching over her children playing in front of her house in Sunway Mutiara, Batu Maung, where the shooting of stray dogs has allegedly taken place recently

A spokesperson from the MPPP’s Urban Services, Public Health and Licensing Department denied that the council had shot the stray dogs in such a manner.

However, the spokesperson said that shooting would be carried out if there was no other way.

“We are trying to use humane methods such as tranquillisers and we have applied for licensing from the police last year but we have yet to hear from them,” the spokesperson said, stressing that the department would only act based on complaints from the public.

A non-governmental organisation called Malaysian Dogs Deserve Better (MDDB) Penang coordinator Chuah Kok Han said the alleged shooting should not be justified by any party.

“It is wrong to use such a method to cull animals. MPPP must stop doing this and the state Veterinary Services Department must ensure that it is stopped immediately,” said Chuah.

He added that nowadays most people no longer tolerate cruelty towards dogs.

“We are a civilised society and we expect relevant authorities such as the local councils to behave in a civilised manner when it comes to handling animal-related issues,’’ said Chuah.

Chuah also said that MDDB Penang plans to meet Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng over the issue.

Children’s Protection Society Penang secretary Magdeline Ng-Leong said the safety of children should not be compromised under whatever circumstances.

“The council should use other methods instead of openly shooting the strays in the presence of children.”

Penang Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) administrator Lily Leng said that stray dogs should not be destroyed in full view of the public.

“We received endless complaints about dogs being shot in public and I think there should be other ways to handle stray dogs instead of shooting them openly.

“Not only is it dangerous, the whole ordeal is disturbing and heart-wrenching to watch. Strays should be put down in private and not in the open,” she said.

animal rights activitists rally at moscow against violence, especially of stray dogs

Animal rights activists hold a rally to protest violence against animals and to demand better treatment of stray dogs in particular, in Moscow, April 21, 2011. – Reuters pic

Say NO to shark fin products (exotic food restaurants)

Take the No Shark Fin Pledge

Help stop needless cruelty and save endangered species: Say NO to shark fin products.

Each year, millions of sharks are hunted, their fins sliced off, and then thrown back into the ocean -- dead or dying. "Finning" is done to make dishes such as shark fin soup, which may be served by Chinese restaurants and during Lunar New Year celebrations, weddings, and other celebratory events.

Consuming shark fin soup is cruel and unnecessary. And not only does shark fin have little taste, it can contain high levels of mercury.

Most fins for soup are obtained by the brutal practice of “finning,” which is carried out in all the world’s oceans. Sharks are caught and hauled out of the water. Their fins and sometimes their tails are sliced off, and the fish are thrown back into the ocean. Many of them are still alive. They cannot swim without fins, so they helplessly sink into the water to the ocean bottom, to die slowly or be eaten by predators. It is estimated that 73 million sharks are killed each year in this fashion.

Sharks are apex predators, situated at the top of the food chain. When they disappear, the prey they would have eaten become more numerous. The species these secondary predators eat are then hard hit; it has been observed that populations of such tertiary prey species as scallops, clams, and spiny lobsters were ravaged after the numbers of local sharks diminished drastically. This is the situation from the culinary consumer’s point of view. From the marine biologist’s point of view it is a grim picture of a possible ecological collapse. One thing has been learned from similar situations: there will be a domino effect but it is not easy to predict what will fall.

Is shark fin soup a part of your Lunar New Year celebration?

If shark fin soup is a part of your Lunar New Year/ wedding/ engagement/ Full Moon celebrations, I ask you to consider re-thinking that choice. The sad truth is, shark populations are dwindling and the process for extracting fins is cruel and painful.

Please re-think this tradition and pledge NOT to eat shark fin soup this year. »

Shark fin soup is produced by hunting and catching sharks, slicing off their fins and throwing the bodies back into the water. These tortured sharks will die a slow, painful death underwater just so their fins can be added to a traditional soup. It's simply not worth it.

Tens of millions of sharks are killed every year to meet the demand for shark fin soup, a terrible blow to the many species of which are already threatened with extinction.

Celebrations should not be tied to cruelty and the degradation of our oceans. Please pledge not to eat shark fin soup this year!

National Geographic bird ash mother wings protect chicks christmas

An article in National Geographic several years ago provided an interesting picture of God's wings. After a forest fire in Yellowstone National Park, forest rangers began their trek up a mountain to assess the inferno's damage.

At the base of a tree, one ranger found a bird literally petrified in ashes. Dismayed by the strange sight, the ranger knocked the bird over with a stick.

To his amazement, three tiny chicks scurried from under their dead mother's wings. The loving mother, sensing the impending disaster, had carried her chicks to the base of the tree and gathered them under her wings.

She could have flown to safety but had refused to abandon her babies. The blaze had descended upon her, scorching her small body, but the mother remained steadfast, willing to die so those under the cover of her wings would live.

God's love is like that. God defined His unconditional and relentless love for us when He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to earth as a baby. And Jesus said, "Yes!" What an amazing gift!

The love of God for you and for me compelled Jesus Christ to willingly exchange a throne for a manger, divinity for humanity and Heaven for Earth. God's love changes everything and everyone it touches. It protects and breathes life and purpose into every minute of every day.

God's love is a gift beyond measure that surrounds us and covers us when the fire of life rains down. It is God's love and the very reason for the season we call Christmas - or it should be. I know many of you are experiencing those "fires" of life this year. No job and no prospect of one.

Someone you love is very ill or maybe you are the one battling to survive each day. A rebellious child has broken your heart. A secret addiction is slowly destroying your life. Your spouse packed his bags and walked out the front door because he no longer wants to be married.

It is hard to celebrate anything in the midst of such darkness.

I have great news for you, friend. You can celebrate Jesus. Do not believe the lies of the enemy when he tells you that your God has forsaken you. God is with you - Emmanuel.

God understands your fear and loneliness. He endured the cross, completely and absolutely alone because He loves you and because no one can take your place in the Father's heart. No matter where this Christmas Eve finds you - you can celebrate Jesus. Let's Pray

Father, I celebrate You and the love You so freely offer. I may not understand some of the things happening in my life right now but I choose to trust You with each one. My faith is small, Lord. Give me Your strength for each step and help me to remember that You are with me. Lord, today I celebrate Your birth. Thank You for the gift of life and love I find in knowing You. My Christmas gift to You is everything I am, everything I have, everything I hope to be.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Source: Girlfriends in God

December 24, 2010 And Jesus Said "Yes" Mary Southerland Today's TruthPsalm 91:4 "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge."

Inhumane killing of licensed dogs in Ipoh, Malaysia

Inhumane killing of licensed dogs in Ipoh

IPOH: The recent killing of a licensed therapy dog by Ipoh City Council enforcement officers is totally unacceptable, said Perak state executive councillor Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon.
“It is too much,” he said yesterday.

He wants the city council to investigate the matter.
Food fair: Dr Mah (right, in white t-shirt) trying his hand at making chapati during the ISPCA food fair in Ipoh Sunday.

Speaking to reporters after opening a food fair in aid of Ipoh Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Dr Mah said a more humane manner was needed to put down dogs.
On Oct 29, the dog named Spunk, belonging to a 75-year-old woman, was gunned down after it was caught by council dog catchers.

According to a blog named Petpositive, run by the Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association, Spunk was wearing a valid dog licence at the time of the incident.
Petpositive said the woman had wanted to bring Spunk for his daily walk.
She, however, left the dog unattended for a while as she went to her house to bring toilet paper to pick up after Spunk.

When she came out of the house, she saw Spunk in a council lorry. The 10-year-old dog was later found shot at a nearby neighbourhood.
Asked why the council opted to shoot dogs rather than put them to sleep, Dr Mah, who is also state Local Government Committee chairman, said it was more economical.
“Notwithstanding that, I will talk with the animal rights groups for their views on the methods of putting down dogs,” he added.

Ipoh Barat MP M. Kulasegaran said he visited the woman, a retired teacher.
“She is devastated and hurt. She has mentally broken down,” he said when contacted yesterday, adding the woman has difficulty controlling her emotions.
Kulasegaran lambasted the council for their inhumane treatment of the dog, adding that there was no apology from the council to the woman so far.

“There is not even a word about compensation due to her,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/11/8/nation/7381959&sec=nation

A day of mourning - 12 killed in horror crash near NS-Malacca border

12 killed in horror crash near NS-Malacca border

Today is indeed, a sad day, a day of mourning for Malaysians. Many a times when tragedies befall upon people we know, we can't help but to ask the creator, "WHY?! WHY?!"

We are nothing but merely human beings, created by the creator. We may know the reason one day, perhaps in our lifetime, or after our lifetime on earth? Whatever the reason, it is still a day of mourning for many of us here... :'(

My deepest condolence to the family and friends of the victims... ":'(

Reports by SARBAN SINGH, C. S. NATHAN, MARTIN CARVALHO and FLORENCE A. SAMY

SEREMBAN: Twelve people were killed when a north-bound express bus crashed through the guardrail and ploughed into five vehicles heading in the opposition direction at KM223.2 of the North South Expressway near Simpang Ampat here.

Forty-five others were also injured in the 7.45pm accident, which occured near the Negri Sembilan-Malacca border here yesterday.

Witnesses said the express bus crashed into the rear of a car before the driver lost control of his vehicle and rammed through the guardrail and onto the path of an oncoming bus, two cars and a motorcycle.

The impact caused the express bus to flip onto its side. The bus driver and motorcyclist were among the casualties. The oncoming bus belonged to the Welfare Department.

Grim scene: Rescue personnel looking for trapped victims in the wreckage near the Simpang Ampat toll plaza at the Negri Sembilan-Malacca border Sunday.

Apparently, out of the 45 injured, four have been rushed to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment, 22 were sent to a hospital in Seremban and 12 to another hospital in Malacca.
The express bus had left Malacca about 45 minutes before the accident and was on its way to Kuala Lumpur.

The accident caused a traffic jam stretching for more than 25km along the expressway.
Of the 12 who died, eight were believed to be passengers from the express bus.
One of them was decapitated.

Two others were from a MyVi, which was crushed by the bus, and another from a Honda Accord.
PLUS officials had to divert motorists at the Pedas/Linggi toll plaza as the south bound lanes were impassable to traffic.

A Plus traffic control centre spokesman said the accident occurred at about 6km from the Simpang Ampat toll near Alor Gajah, Malacca.

“The middle and left lanes for the south-bound traffic were blocked by the vehicles involved in the accident while the right lane for the north-bound traffic was closed to facilitate emergency works at the scene,” he added.
Sources said that the department’s bus was carrying delegates for a gathering of former servicemen, which was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak at Putra Stadium in Bukit Jalil earlier in the day.

“None of them in this bus was injured,” said Malaysia Ex-Servicemen’s Asso­ciation Datuk Muhammad Abdul Ghani.

Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/10/11/nation/7201269&sec=nation

Dog farming in south korea, under the sun

In South Korea, a typical dog farm will house hundreds of dogs, crammed together in tiny cages. They are left exposed to extreme heat, biting wind and driving rain. Disease is prevalent. At the end of their short, traumatic lives they are taken to slaughterhouses or markets where dog meat is sold. They are typically electrocuted. It’s neither quick nor painless.

WSPA is working to prevent other dogs from going through this unimaginable suffering. But we can’t do it without funding.

Dear friends, if u feel a pain in your heart as you read the above lines, do click at the following link, to see what you can do about it. Stop being spectators. It's time to make a change. Do something about it, while you have the capacity and ability to.

To those who give, more will be given unto them.

Grievous dog's leg neck tied tightly to grill and wood shoved down inside its throat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.(Ghastly animal abuse at Kepong)

M Nisha
Mar 17, 104:43pm
http://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/126798

Grievous dog's leg neck tied tightly to grill and wood shoved down inside its throat in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ghastly animal abuse at Kepong KTM station

I am writing because of a grievous incident that took place on Monday, March 15 at about 3pm at Kepong Central KTM Station. My friends and I (six of us) were there to take the train to the Bank Negara station.

After parking our cars, we heard a dog howling, more like a painful cry. Then, we noticed a dog being tied to the grill (steel fence) of the KTM station. As we approached the dog, we stood aghast at the sight.

The stray dog's leg and neck was tied very tightly to the grill and a piece of wood had been shoved down inside its throat! The dog was bleeding and its feces were all around it. The string was attached to a pole in the KTM station.

Immediately, we confronted the KTM workers. They said that it was done by Kuala Lumpur City Hall workers because a minister was to be visiting the station next week. They failed to explain further.

At once, we called the SPCA and the Paws animal welfare society. The SPCA responded efficiently by informing us that an animal control officer would be there soon. We made a slight commotion in front of the KTM station but the KTM workers were not concerned at all.

After about an hour, as we were returning to the KTM Kepong Central Station, we received a call from the SPCA officer stating that the dog was now not tied up and was moving around. When we arrived, the dog was limping. The same KTM workers avoided us as we tried to confront them. A passer-by told us that the dog has been that way for quite some time.

The SPCA officer could not capture the dog as it walked away for quite a distance. He advised us to write to the media and to the SPCA as well.

Doesn't our country's animal rights support the idea that an animal has the right to live its life without being harmed and hurt by humans? We realize that people define the meaning of animal rights and abuse in different ways but aren't the citizens of our country merciful?

This dog could have been just put to sleep if it had been harming the public or causing a nuisance. Why stick a wooden stick down its throat?

World shame - animals, are sometimes, kinder than the so-called higher-human.

Denmark is a big shame.The sea is stained in red and in the meanwhile it's not because of the climate effects of nature.

It's because of the cruelty that the human beings (civilised human) kill hundreds of the famous and intelligent Calderon dolphins.
This happens every year in Feroe iland in Denmark . In this slaughter the main participants are young teens.WHY?To show that they are adults and mature.... BULLLLsh

In this big celebration, nothing is missing for the fun. Everyone is participating in one way or the other, killing or looking at the cruelty “supporting like a spectator”

Is it necessary to mention that the dolphin calderon, like all the other species of dolphins, it’s near instinction and they get near men to play and interact. In a way of PURE friendship

They don’t die instantly; they are cut 1, 2 or 3 times with thick hocks. And at that time the dolphins produce a grim extremely compatible with the cry of a new born child.

But he suffers and there’s no compassion till this sweet being slowly dies in its own blood

Its enough!We will send this mail until this email arrives in any association defending the animals, we won’t only read. That would make us accomplices, viewers.

reasons behind terrorist: Ben stein

Ben Stein:

In light of recent events... Terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock 's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about. And we said okay.

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says.

Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

What Malaysia is obviously & severely lacking now.

The police should come up with a standard procedure or guideline to deal with demonstrations and protests to show that it is consistent and fair in all its actions, said minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon....

... “The police must not give an impression that they only take action against certain parties. We must be consistently fair and they must be fairly consistent in handling of demonstrations,” he stressed....

credits: Choo Choy May

... He pointed out that the people have started questioning why the cow head protesters were not arrested on the spot during the demonstration but 16 people were arrested at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday for carrying out a candlelight vigil.


“People who carry out candlelight vigils and people who are sitting in mamak shops wearing black clothes are arrested. I think that is not correct,” he said, drawing laughter from the delegates....



points highlighted & quoted from : http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/9/6/nation/20090906161506&sec=nation

Dog Massacre in China: 30,000 Dead and Counting

You can help us end bloodbaths like this and protect dogs in China from future culls
A death squad pursues a terrified dog.

Please help stop the slaughter.


A massive cull in the Chinese city of Hanzhong has claimed the lives of more than 30,000 dogs - and now we need your help to make sure that it never happens again.

The local government ordered the mass slaughter of all dogs as the result of a few cases of rabies deaths. Dog killing squads are stalking the streets, mercilessly beating dogs to death with sticks and rocks.

Friendly dogs - even healthy family pets - are being slaughtered right in front of their owners. Can you even begin to imagine how you'd feel if that happened to your dog?

IFAW has pleaded with government officials to stop the killing - and now we turn to you.

Please help us stop these cruel and massive slaughters once and for all.

Horrifying scenes of cruelty

Some of the pictures from culls like these are so horrifying that I can't even show them to you. And I hate having to describe this, but I think you need to know the truth about what's happening.

In one series of pictures, several small and fluffy white dogs - you can just tell they're used to snuggling on the laps of their loving owners - are trapped in a makeshift cage. One by one, the dogs are pulled out with a pair of long metal tongs, and brutally beaten with a stick. And then - even though it appears that some of the dogs may still be alive - they're tossed into a pit to be burned.

I can't even imagine the pain and terror these poor dogs endure when the fire is set.

So many dogs will suffer slow and painful deaths...we must stop this cruelty now!

What we're doing and how you can help

We have received so many messages in the past few days from animal lovers like you inside and outside China - pleading with us to step in and stop the slaughters like the one in Hanzhong City.

I assure you, IFAW is working to end these culls:

We've already contacted local authorities in Hanzhong City to urge them to end the slaughter. Now you can help by contacting the Chinese Ambassador in your country.

IFAW is creating an emergency rabies vaccination fund so that we can offer rural communities in China an alternative to mass slaughters like the one in Hanzhong. Please give generously to our emergency rabies vaccination fund.
We're working with the central government to pass animal welfare legislation in China that will ensure the humane treatment of all animals. IFAW has already helped major cities like Beijing establish dog regulations that mandate humane vaccination and population control.

We CAN stop culls like this

We recently joined with concerned animal lovers in China to stop a similar mass slaughter in the city of Heihe by pointing out that the killing of dogs that have rightful owners is a violation of the basic rights of a citizen - owned dogs and cats are considered the "personal property" of Chinese citizens, and should be protected under China's Constitution.

Plus, it has been proven that rabies can be effectively controlled by a well-managed vaccination program. In fact, a humane vaccination and neuter program in Chennai, India, has dramatically reduced rabies cases there by over 95%.

So we must act now to stop the killing! Please click here to contact the Chinese Ambassador in your country to call for an end to mass slaughters like this and to encourage China to pass legislation that protects all animals, including companion animals.

And then please donate what you can today to help us set up an emergency vaccination fund to help cities in China establish rabies prevention programs, help eliminate these mass dog culls once and for all, and to continue our mission to protect animals around the world from cruelty.

The slaughtered dogs of Hanzhong City deserved a better fate. Please help us ensure that dogs in other communities in China are protected from similar mass killings.

Thank you so much for your help,


Fred O'Regan
IFAW President

Malaysia gets serious on animal cruelty - FINALLY (sighs of relief..)

Malaysia, Malaysia.. finally.. I see that you’re beginning to have some sense of maturity in animal and pet welfare issues. I regret that it took so long for the officers-in-charge to realize it, but nevertheless I’m utmost elated for Dr Abd Aziz’s statement, “Gone are the days when people can do whatever they like against animals because the department is taking a more proactive role.”

For Malaysian pet lovers, we’re beginning to see some glimmer at the end of the dark path we’ve been walking. We hope to see one of our dreams come true very soon. Real soon.
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PUTRAJAYA: The Government will conduct surprise checks on pet shops, animal pounds and clinics. In addition Veterinary Services Department director-general Datuk Dr Abd Aziz Jamaluddin urged local councils to re-negotiate their contracts with dog catchers to ensure that animals caught were treated humanely.

“Most of the time, the dog catchers are only interested in the number of animals caught because they are paid by each dog, and the way these animals are then transported to the pound in a small van is inhumane.

“Sometimes, the dogs may have licences, or their collars can’t be seen clearly. The dogs are also put to sleep unsupervised by the department and it is done by people unqualified to handle the dangerous drug.

“We will call the problematic local councils to discuss this matter as well as have a dialogue with animal welfare groups. We will also make it a ruling that all euthanasia of stray animals must be under our supervision,” he told reporters at his office here on Wednesday.

Dr Abd Aziz said in the case of the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) UNIFORMED MEN beating a dog and forcing it out through the railings of a locked gate, which was higlighted by The Star newspaper recently….Other news on animal welfare and cruelty by dog catchers in the Klang Valley had also been reported…….

The department, said Dr Abd Aziz, had already issued guidelines on catching stray dogs for local councils in May this year, which should be adhered to by all.

He said the department also hoped to table a proposal in Parliament next year to amend provisions under the Animals Act, seeking heavier penalties of up to RM10,000 or six years’ jail or both for animal cruelty, and a FINE FOR PEOPLE WHO ABANDONED THEIR PETS. (Bravo, bravo dr aziz for this beautiful, so-long-waited statement of yours. A wise and rational government will surely approve such a proposal.. unless…)

“Previously, the fine was only RM200 (the small figure is so downgrading, and denies the poor pets any justice!) and there was no jail term. The proposed fine for abandonment will look into the intentions of pet owners to see if their animals got loose by themselves or ran away. Abandonment of pets is the main reason behind the huge number of strays,” he said. (he’s darn right about this, my hats off for him for bringing this issue to the eyes of the public)

The department received 57 complaints of animal cruelty and had taken enforcement action against 207 cases last year.

Dr Abd Aziz said it was time that Malaysians treated animals more humanely because “WE ARE A MATURING COUNTRY.” (Amen to that! Bravo Dr Aziz, bravo for your wisdom!)

“Gone are the days when people can do whatever they like against animals because the department is taking a more proactive role,” he promised. AMEN!

Source: www.thestar.com.my