Beer company creates edible 6-pack rings that feed sea turtles instead of killing them

mypositiveoutlooks.com
Farah R. | Positive Outlooks

In the midst of the massive plastic problem that is being experienced globally, a craft beer company is trying to help fight it by encasing their products in non-plastic and eco-friendly packaging.

The Florida-based beer company Saltwater Brewery, in collaboration with the startup E6PR (Eco Six Pack Ring) – who produces the eco-friendly six-pack rings – has upped their products’ sustainability game by putting their beers in edible six-pack rings instead of the usual plastic ones.

The cardboard-like rings are created from beer by-products – such as barley and wheat – that are left during the brewing process. They are completely safe for fish and humans to eat.

But before you start munching on them in place of your greasy potato chips, know this: The rings are edible for humans too, but they might be contaminated on their way to the production process so it really isn’t recommended. Plus, it doesn’t taste very appealing, with one E6PR founder saying that its flavor is comparable to “a very, very stale cookie.”

There have been many cases of marine life death due to plastic ingestion. Other sea creatures also get stuck within the loops of these plastic rings, causing deformities. If they don’t end up as a meal for fish, the edible rings are also 100% biodegradable and compostable, so disposal problems are avoided as well.

According to the brand, their own design is as sturdy and efficient as the plastic variant. However, the only downside is that edible six-pack rings are much more costly to produce, so customers would have to pay more for them. But they hope that patrons would be willing to shell out more cash to help the environment, especially animal life.

Peter Agardy, head of brand at Saltwater Brewery, said:

“It’s a big investment for a small brewery created by fisherman, surfers and people that love the sea.”

If more beer companies hop on the bandwagon, the company believes that prices will decrease. Also, if more companies invest in the technology of creating edible six-pack rings, then the production cost would go down as well and there is a chance that edible rings would become competitive with the plastic variant.

The brewery sells about 400,000 cans a month, and they hope that their target consumers – “surfers, fisherman, and people who love the sea” – will find the eco-friendly packaging worth spending for – all in the name of saving the environment.

Every day, approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution find its way into the ocean, and it is killing our marine life. In fact, 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million sea birds are killed by plastic pollution yearly.

These are horrifying figures, but we believe that it is not yet too late to reverse it. Initiatives like this one started by EP6R and Saltwater Brewery gives us hope that more and more people and businesses are becoming aware of this serious environmental issue, and that they are doing their best to combat it in ways that they can.

“We hope to influence the big guys,” Chris Goves, Saltwater Brewery’s president, said. “And hopefully inspire them to get on board,”

We hope so, too.

If these edible six-pack rings are embraced by the market, maybe they’ll eventually make their way into soda cans and other packaged drinks! It’s still a far cry from the progress that we currently have, but that future is certainly something to look forward to.

How about you? What steps are you taking to reduce your use of plastic?

https://mypositiveoutlooks.com/beer-company-edible-6-pack-rings/

Hairballs in Cats: Treatment Options – Katzenworld

katzenworld.co.uk
Marc-André

Following on from our past article discussing hairballs in cats and their causes, this article focuses on how to deal with those pesky balls of fur once they have formed.

When we talk about treating hairballs, we are really talking about two separate things. Usually, we are referring to a cat with chronic hairballs that requires treatment to reduce their incidence. However, sometimes we are talking about a kitty with a gut impaction caused by a hairball, which will need more intensive treatment to move it along.

Cats that have become impacted because of a hairball may retch unproductively, go off their food and act lethargic. They may have repeated episodes of vomiting and can strain in their litter trays, without producing any faeces. Within days, these guys will go from happy-go-lucky critters to very poorly cats. An owner will be able to tell that there is something amiss and should know that a vet visit is in order without delay.

To diagnose an impaction, not only will the vet check the cat over (focusing on their abdominal palpation and checking for any areas of tenderness or tension) they will usually have to perform some diagnostic tests, such as taking an ultrasound or X-ray of the stomach and intestines. Hairballs do not show up well on X-rays or scans and it is not always easy to spot them straight away. While something like a needle that was swallowed will show up as a bright white object on an X-ray, the same is not true when it comes to a ball made of fur. Sometimes, vets will have to feed the cat a special dye known as ‘barium’ before taking an X-ray, in an attempt to make the impaction more obvious. Vets may also determine that the cat has an obstruction from analysing the pattern of gas on the X-rays but may not actually know that it is a hairball until they are performing the surgery and are able to see it in person. Things that can mimic hairballs can include hair ties and clumps of wool, two things that cats are well-known for eating.

If a cat has developed a hairball that is causing a gut impaction, they will need to be urgently treated. If the impaction is only partial or a vet is confident medical therapy could be successful, some lucky cats will get away with a few days of fluid therapy and laxatives, passing the hair naturally over time once it has been moistened and lubricated. However, in more severe cases when the hairball is completely lodged and not budging, vets may actually need to perform an ‘exploratory laparotomy’. This is a surgical procedure in which the cat’s abdomen is opened and the blockage is identified. The vet will then cut into the stomach or intestine (wherever the hairball is) to remove the offending clump. After removing it, the tissue will be sutured back up. There is a risk of leakage and infection afterwards, so this is certainly not a procedure that should be taken lightly. Cats may need to spend several days afterwards in hospital being monitored as they recover.

As they have had an abdominal surgery, it will take several weeks before they can go back to their normal routine and they will need to be rested while their tissues heal. As well as surgery, many will need additional medication such as pain relief, gut motility medication and stool-softeners, to help them on their road to recovery. Many will not want to eat for a day or two, so will need to be supported with intravenous fluid therapy and syringe feeding or tube feeding. Cats who have had blockages in the past can be more prone to repeat offences going forward. These guys need to be closely monitored and will benefit the most from life-long interventions which aim to reduce hairballs from building up.

Now let’s take a look at the issue that we see more often in our pet cats and which owners will constantly quiz vets about during a cat’s annual visit: Hairball vomits! Luckily, the vast majority of hairballs do not cause obstruction and tend to either pass out unnoticed with the poop or are vomited up surrounded by lots of slimy saliva. It is these pesky hairballs that cause owners the most contention and that many abhor the sight of.

Luckily, all is not lost and when a cat has been throwing up lots of hairballs, there are a few things that we can do to treat them.

Recently, pet food companies have launched several diets that claim to treat fur balls that are already present and to reduce the amount of fur balls being produced when fed long-term. They aid in the elimination of fur from the digestive tract and contain several sources of natural fibre which assist the gut and its movement. These foods will also contain a good amount of essential fatty acids to promote a healthy, shiny coat that is not prone to breaking. Owners can choose from wet and dry diets or may wish to mix feed. Some of the more popular diets on the market at the moment include ‘Royal Canin Hairball Care’ and ‘Purina One: Coat & Hairball’. It’s advised that the hairball diet that is chosen is the sole source of nutrition, as mixing it with a different type of feed could negate the benefits. Most hairball diets are appropriate for adult cats of all breeds, though owners should double check with their vet that it is an appropriate choice for their pet. It is critically important when introducing a new food to a cat that the diet swap is done gradually over 5-10 days. This changeover gives the gastrointestinal tract time to get used to the new food and will prevent stomach upsets.

Another important tool in our ‘Fur ball treating tool box’ is traditional ‘Hairball Paste’, a favourite of many. There are lots of different brands of pastes and gels on the market (such as ‘Katalax’ and ‘Laxapet’), each containing slightly different ingredients but all claiming to do the same thing. These products are fed every now and then in an attempt to help hairballs pass through the system naturally. Most owners will start the course when they hear that familiar retching noise or when they see a pile of undigested fur in the corner of the living room. These treatments contain mild lubricants such as paraffin oil and cod liver oil, so may result in diarrhoea if used too often. Most products are designed to be given for a maximum of two to three days in a row, rather than lifelong. Some will contain added ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, to encourage the growth of healthy fur.

Manufacturing companies work hard to make these hairball treatments palatable, meaning that most cats will be keen to lick them straight off your finger or out of their food bowl. Many will have a meaty or fishy taste, so cats are actually fooled into thinking that they are a treat. In fussy cats, the paste can be squirted onto their paw or cheek and they will automatically lick it off in an attempt to keep themselves clean; silly cats! As only a small amount is needed to be effective, this method can actually work quite well.

As with many things in life, when it comes to hairballs, prevention is better than cure. Rather than working hard to eliminate (or surgically remove!) hairballs that have already had a chance to form and create trouble, we should really be aiming to prevent them from building up in the first place.

Though many will assume that hairballs are an inevitable evil, there is actually quite a lot that can be done to make them a less common occurrence and to minimise the risks that they can pose. A dedicated owner who follows the fur ball reducing advice can help cats keep things under control, making for a happier cat and less nasty hairballs to find under the sofa or in your shoe! All of these handy hairball preventative interventions are discussed in detail in the last of our three Furball articles.

https://katzenworld.co.uk/2019/04/29/hairballs-in-cats-treatment-options/

Toxic Chemical PCB in Food Linked with Premature Death: Study

Chemical Free Life

They have been banned for years, but they are still in the environment–and in your food–and they have now been linked to premature death.  Despite the ban, PCBs (Polychlorinated biphenyls) decompose very slowly and are stored in fatty tissue, so they remain present in animals and humans today.

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Study overview

In the study known as PIVUS (Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors) published in the Journal of American Medicine (JAMA), more than 1,000 randomly selected 70-year-olds in Uppsala were monitored over a long period. In the study relating to PCBs in blood, concentrations were measured in the subjects’ blood in 2001-2004, and then again when they reached the age of 75. Follow-up of those who had died over a 10-year period showed that the individuals with the highest PCB levels with many chlorine atoms in the blood had 50% excess mortality, especially from cardiovascular disease, compared with…

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Heroic Pigeons

Humane PA

By Elissa Katz, President, Humane PA PAC

During World War I, a pigeon named Cher Ami flew for the US Army Signal Corp in France, and served on the front lines for many months. She is credited with single-handedly saving the lives of over 200 American soldiers by flying 25 miles and through a sky of bullets, sustaining serious injuries in the process, to deliver a life-saving message to the Allied lines on behalf of the embattled 77^th Infantry Division.  Cher Ami was awarded the French Croix de Guerre and the “silver medal” by General Pershing for his heroism and bravery.

What a contrast with how we treat pigeons in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, pigeons like Cher Ami are netted, often unlawfully and from out of state, stockpiled, and then used for live target shooting competitions known as pigeon shoots.

The British depended on pigeons so extensively during…

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How to avoid the bite of a kissing bug

treehugger.com
Melissa Breyer MelissaBreyer April 25, 2019

Kissing bugs can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease, and they are now making their way through the US.

Meet the kissing bug; the contrary insect with a charming moniker and deadly habits. While its name may bring to mind ladybugs or other cute critters, the kissing bug is actually a nocturnal bloodsucker that comes with an inflammatory infectious disease. Good times.

Also known as triatomine bugs, kissing bugs can carry Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Once found only in Latin America, this creepy crawler has worked its way north to the U.S., where it can now be found in dozens of states. The CDC says that an estimated 8 million people living in Mexico, Central America, and South America have Chagas disease, most of whom do not know they are infected. If untreated, infection is lifelong and can be life threatening.

The first (acute) phase can last for a few weeks to a few months and often shows no symptoms, but may also present with fever, fatigue, body aches, headache, rash, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. In the chronic phase, which can last for decades or forever, approximately 20 to 30 percent of infected people develop cardiac complications and/or gastrointestinal complications.

Called the kissing bug for its propensity to bite the face, the bug doesn’t directly deliver T. cruzi to the host. The pathogen lives in the bug’s feces; to infect a person, it finds its way into the bite, another area of broken skin, or through a mucous membrane.

kissing bugCDC/Public Domain

And while all of this is rather disturbing, the CDC points out that the transmission of the T. cruzi parasite from a bug to a human is not easy:

It is important to note that not all triatomine bugs are infected with the parasite that causes Chagas disease. The likelihood of getting T cruzi infection from a triatomine bug in the United States is low, even if the bug is infected.

That said, babies, people with compromised immune systems, and pets are all especially vulnerable. So if you live in a state in which kissing bugs have been confirmed, you can take these CDC precautions to keep them at bay and avoid being bitten.

kissing bugCDC/Public Domain

KNOW WHERE THEY LIVE

Beneath porches
Between rocky structures
Under concrete
In rock, wood, brush piles, or beneath bark
In rodent nests or animal burrows
In outdoor dog houses or kennels
In chicken coops or houses

When the bugs are found inside, they are likely to be in one of the following settings:

Near the places your pets sleep
In areas of rodent infestation
In and around beds and bedrooms, especially under or near mattresses or night stands

HOW TO PREVENT INFESTATION

An important precaution to avoid being bitten is to make sure they can’t get in your home in the first place. Since they bite at night, in bed will be the most likely place a person will be bitten.

Seal cracks and gaps around windows, walls, roofs, and doors.
Remove wood, brush, and rock piles near your house.
Use screens on doors and windows and repairing any holes or tears.
If possible, make sure yard lights are not close to your house (lights can attract the bugs).
Seal holes and cracks leading to the attic, crawl spaces below the house, and to the outside.
Have pets sleep indoors, especially at night.
Keep your house and any outdoor pet resting areas clean, in addition to periodically checking both areas for the presence of bugs.

For more information (and the sources used for this story), see the CDC pages: Chagas Disease, Triatomine Bug.

Kissing bugs can carry the parasite that causes Chagas disease, and they are now making their way through the US.

https://www.treehugger.com/health/how-avoid-bite-kissing-bug.html?utm_source=TreeHugger+Newsletters&utm_campaign=95a00d3832-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_11_16_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_32de41485d-95a00d3832-243719061

Here Are 7 of Our Favorite Children’s Books With a Vegan Message

chooseveg.com

Kids love animals. So it’s no surprise that the vast majority of children’s books feature animals as the main characters. Unfortunately, many of these books still refer to animals as something, rather than someone—so finding animal-themed books that teach respect for animals is crucial to nurturing our children’s natural love of animals.

I sat down with a few parents at Mercy For Animals to find out their favorite kids books that inspire compassion for animals. Here are our top picks:

1. Sprig the Rescue Pig by Leslie Crawford

Sprig the Rescue Pig tells the story of Sprig, a pig who leaps—or falls—off a farm truck. As the little pig trades a factory farm for freedom, his world changes from grim to hopeful. Inspired by a true story, the book is a fun, funny, and beautifully illustrated adventure tale with a happy ending.

*Sprig is the first in a series of farmed animal children’s books published by Stone Pier Press. Keep an eye out for the next book, Gwen the Rescue Hen!

2. Linus the Vegetarian T. Rex by Robert Neubecker

Young kids seem to LOVE dinosaurs, so this book is a great treat! It’s a very cute story with a simple message—“I don’t eat my friends!”—that resonates with kids and will help inspire them to eat their veggies.

3. A Book of Babies by Il Sung Na

Il Sung Na is an incredible artist, and his books are all beautiful and animal themed. One of our favorites is A Book of Babies, which features all kinds of animals going to sleep with their parents—showing just how alike we really are—and is the perfect read just before bedtime.

4. Care for Our World by Karen Robbins

This is a wonderful book advocating for all life on the planet. The last lines say: “Please care for all people, and all living things, with leaves, legs, or feathers, arms, fins, or wings. This is their world and it’s yours and it’s mine. If we treat it gently, it will last a long time. This world is our home, we need one another. Please care for our world, we’re sisters and brothers.”

5. Steven the Vegan by Dan Bodenstein

Steven the Vegan is about a boy whose class goes on a field trip to a farmed animal sanctuary. He tells everyone that the foods they are eating come from animals. The kids are shocked and all become vegan. This book is great because it normalizes the feeling of being the only vegan in the class and gives kids hope that they can change their friends’ minds.

6. Dave Loves Chickens by Carlos Patino

This is a favorite among very young vegans. Dave, a monster from outer space, loves all animals and doesn’t understand why humans eat them, especially chickens. In this heartwarming book, kids learn about how wonderful chickens are!

7. The True Adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig by Steve Jenkins

This brand-new kids book details the adventures of Esther the Wonder Pig. Rescued by her dads Steve Jenkins and Derek Walter when she was only a piglet, Esther has become an internet sensation, opening hearts and minds all around the world. This is her touching story.

Want more? Click here for 17 of our favorite kid-friendly vegan recipes for the little ones in your life!

https://chooseveg.com/blog/childrens-books-with-a-vegan-message/

Sign Petition: Ban Animal Testing for Cosmetics Now!

thepetitionsite.com

by: Alicia Graef
recipient: U.S. Congress

Help push for the reintroduction and passage of landmark legislation that could end the suffering of millions of animals who are needlessly tortured and killed to test cosmetics in the U.S.

The Humane Cosmetics Act, has been introduced with bipartisan support in the 113th and 114th Congress, but was never passed out of committee. It was introduced again, but has yet to make progress. The bill as written will make it illegal to conduct or commission animal testing for cosmetics after a one year phase in, which will be followed by a ban on the sale of products and ingredients that were made using animal testing after three years.

Even though animal testing is not required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the Product Safety Commission in the U.S., and despite the fact that alternatives to animal testing exist, many companies continue to test their products and ingredients on animals. In fact, the FDA leaves it up to companies to substantiate the safety of their own products and recalls are left entirely up to manufacturers.

Hundreds of ethical companies have already proven that valid alternatives exist, while dozens of other countries have taken steps to end animal testing for cosmetics. Now it’s time for the U.S. to catch up and end this inhumane practice.

Please sign the petition asking your representative to support and co-sponsor the Humane Cosmetics Act.

As someone who cares about animal welfare, I am asking you to support the reintroduction of the Humane Cosmetics Act (H.R. 2858 from the 114th Congress) and hope you will support and co-sponsor this groundbreaking piece of legislation.

For decades millions of animals have been used in cruel and wasteful experiments for nothing more than human vanity. However, advances in science have proven that there are alternatives available to test the safety of cosmetics hitting the market and thousands of ingredients have already been listed as safe.

This legislation will make it illegal to conduct or commission animal testing for cosmetics after a one year phase in, which will be followed by a ban on the sale of products and ingredients that were made using animal testing after three years.

While hundreds of ethical companies have already pledged not to test on animals, a number of other countries have also already taken steps to end animal testing for cosmetics proving that it’s an unnecessary practice that belongs in the past, including Israel, Norway and India. Korea, Brazil and ASEAN are also taking steps to end cosmetics testing on animals. In June, China will end its mandatory animal testing requirement for imported cosmetics.

The European Union’s ban on the testing and marketing of animal-tested cosmetics and ingredient that was enacted in 2013 was a major milestone for animals in labs and further proof that testing is unnecessary.

There’s no reason for the U.S. to continue to lag so far behind on this issue.

With global markets closing their doors to products that have been tested on animals, a move by the U.S. to ban animal testing for cosmetics would not only be an ethically sound one, but will also allow the U.S. to continue to compete in these markets.

I sincerely hope you will support and co-sponsor this critical piece of legislation to end the needless suffering of animals in labs and help the U.S. stay current in the global marketplace.

Sign Petition

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/887/398/274/congress-pass-the-humane-cosmetics-act/?TAP=1319&cid=hl_petition_postinfo

 

3 Easy (But Effective) Ways to Support World Day for Laboratory Animals | Care2 Healthy Living

While you’re reading this in the comfort of your home or office or maybe at a cozy coffee shop somewhere, there are an estimated 115 million animals enduring unspeakable pain and suffering in laboratories around the world.

They’ve never known freedom or what it means to be loved and cared for. They’ve never set foot outside. They have no identity, bar for a number tattooed on the inside of their ear. They’re seen as a means to an end, nothing more.

WHY ANIMAL RESEARCH IS FLAWED

It’s 2019. You’d think by now we’d have put these archaic ways behind us. Sadly, we haven’t. To make matters worse, animal testing has proven time and again to produce flawed results.

A study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) concluded that along with being unreliable, animal experimentation also poses a harm to humans. Yet still we persist.

There are numerous cases where animal test results failed to predict dangers. In once instance, a drug that showed no ill effects on mice, rats and monkeys resulted in death and brain damage when given to human volunteers.

LET’S PUT AN END TO ANIMAL TESTING FOR GOOD

Animal research has to stop, and it’s up to us as individuals to make that happen. We can take a stand, we can petition and protest, we can vote with our pocketbooks. We can be the voice for the voiceless.

World Day for Laboratory Animals

1. Help Spread the Word

The easiest way is to make a difference is to spread the word on social media. Tell people about World Day for Laboratory Animals (April 24) and Lab Animal Week, which runs until the end of April. Ask them to share the message, too.

Talk about it to your friends, family and colleagues. Encourage them to shop responsibly by supporting cruelty-free brands. The more we put it out there, the better our chances of putting an end to this abhorrent practice.

2. Get Heard

If you live in the U.K., ask your MP to sign Early Day Motion #2228: Developing Innovative Science – Better for Animals. You can find a template letter at Animal Defenders International.

The biggest march for laboratory animals the UK has seen in recent years is taking place in Oxford on Saturday, April 27. Home to a university experimenting on the largest number of animals in Britain, it seems only fitting that protesters gather there.

In the US and Canada, you can help put an end to animal testing for cosmetics and the sale of animal-tested products by asking your legislator to support the US Humane Cosmetics Act.

You could also petition brands directly if you know they test their products on animals. Care2.com has enjoyed many wins with this method. Our Start a Petition page has all the information you need to make your cause heard.

3. Vote With Your Dollar

Taking action and spreading the word are important, and there’s also something you can do every single day that will have a big impact. Choose to support only those brands that sport the Leaping Bunny Logo.

It’s easy enough to spot on the packaging, but you can also search by company or brand name as well as browse by product category on the Cruelty Free International website. Every dollar spent with a like-minded company is a vote against animal testing.

HERE’S WHY YOU NEED TO SUPPORT A CRUELTY FREE WORLD

There are lots of other ways to make a difference, such as helping research animals get adopted and donating to organizations that are fighting to put an end to animal testing.

Since its inception 40 years ago, World Day For Laboratory Animals has resulted in one million fewer tests on animals. A lot of lab animals have also been saved. Take a look at these video clips to see why it’s so important to support a cruelty-free world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our planet is facing enormous challenges right now: climate change, poverty, and food and water security, to mention a few. All of them seem impossible to tackle, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try.

Right now, people all over the world are making a difference in big and small ways. Every effort adds up. As the Danish journalist Jacob Riis reminds us, a stonecutter never splits the rock on the first blow. But if he hammers away long enough, it will eventually give.

Want to take some direct action to help lab animals today? Please sign and share the petition asking Congress to support and co-sponsor the Humane Cosmetics Act.

Sign Petition: Ban Animal Testing for Cosmetics Now!

If you want to make a difference on an issue you find deeply troubling, you too can create a Care2 petition, and use this handy guide to get started. You’ll find Care2’s vibrant community of activists ready to step up and help you.

https://www.care2.com/greenliving/3-easy-but-effective-ways-to-support-world-day-for-laboratory-animals.html

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Breaking! Lawsuit Prompts U.S. Officials To Consider Protecting Giraffes Under The Endangered Species Act – World Animal News

By WAN –
April 25, 2019
After a push from a lawsuit filed by conservation groups, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that giraffes may qualify for protection under America’s Endangered Species Act.
The 2018 lawsuit, brought by the Center for Biological Diversity, Humane Society International, Humane Society of the United States, and the Natural Resources Defense Council, seeks a response to their April 2017 legal petition for Endangered Species Act protection for giraffes. The species is gravely imperiled by habitat loss and fragmentation, civil unrest and over hunting, as well as the international trade of bone carvings, skins, and trophies.

As per the lawsuit, the United States provides a large market for giraffe parts with more than 21,400 bone carvings, 3,000 skin pieces, and 3,700 hunting trophies having been imported over the past decade. Limiting U.S. import and trade would give giraffes important protections, and an ESA listing would also help provide critical funding for conservation work in Africa.
A full giraffe hide for sale at The African Market Trophy Room Collection, Myakka FL, March 2018.
“The U.S. on average imports more than one giraffe trophy a day, and thousands of giraffe parts are sold domestically each year,” said Anna Frostic, attorney for the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International. “The federal government must now expeditiously take stock of the role we are playing in giraffe decline and how we can work to instead save these unique animals.”
Africa’s giraffe population has plunged nearly 40% in the past 30 years. It now stands at just over 97,000 individuals.
“This is a big step toward protecting giraffes from the growing use of their bones by U.S. gun and knife makers,” Tanya Sanerib, international legal director at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in statement. “It’s disgusting that it took a lawsuit to prompt the Trump administration to act. Saving everyone’s favorite long-necked animal from extinction should have been the easiest call in the world.”
With fewer giraffes than elephants left in Africa, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature elevated the threat level to giraffes from “least concern” to “vulnerable” on its “Red List of Threatened Species” in 2016. That finding was confirmed in 2018 along with a critically endangered assessment of two giraffe subspecies and an endangered assessment for another.
“The United States has long been complicit in the trade of giraffe parts, so it’s time for the federal government to stick its neck out for this species,” said Elly Pepper with NRDC. “The United States has taken action to help limit the trade of numerous species in trouble. Sadly, now it is time to take action to ensure giraffes remain on the planet. They need Endangered Species Act protections and they need them now.”
Known for their six-foot-long necks, distinctive patterning and long eyelashes, giraffes have captured the human imagination for centuries. New research recently revealed that they live in complex societies, much like elephants, and have unique physiological traits, including the highest blood pressure of any land mammal.
The IUCN currently recognizes one species of giraffes and nine subspecies: West African, Kordofan, Nubian, reticulated, Masai, Thornicroft’s, Rothchild’s, Angolan and South African. The legal petition seeks an endangered listing for the whole species.
The Fish and Wildlife Service has 12 months to decide whether Endangered Species Act listing is warranted.

https://worldanimalnews.com/breaking-lawsuit-prompts-u-s-officials-to-consider-protecting-giraffes-under-the-endangered-species-act/

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This Arkansas City Has Reversed Its Law Banning Pit Bulls

ladyfreethinker.org
Image Credit: Pexels/Aubrey Haase

On Tuesday, the city of Cabot, Arkansas announced that it will change its rules on pit bull ownership.

Effective May 15, previously banned pit bull breeds will be allowed to live within city limits. Residents who adopt pit bulls will be required to register their dogs. In coming weeks, the city’s official website will provide updates on the implementation of the registration process.

Once the change goes into effect, the City of Cabot Animal Shelter will be able to adopt pit bulls out to city residents.

In the announcement, the city acknowledged a growing need for animal sheltering and services within Cabot, as well as a need to focus on progressive animal welfare by changing their way of thinking and ordinances.

The ban went into effect in 2007, when the city stopped allowing people to register several dog breeds that were considered pit bulls. Dogs who were registered prior to the implementation of the ban were allowed to remain in the city, but under very strict rules.

The Cabot City Council’s decision to lift the ban on pit bulls reflects a shift away from the aggressive stigma associated with the breed, as well as a willingness to place more responsibility on guardians of pit bulls for the dogs’ behavior.

Under the current ordinance, pit bulls are classified as ‘vicious.’ The new policy is not breed-specific and will apply the term to individual dogs who show aggression.

Cabot is one of several cities that have recently repealed pit bull bans. So far this year, pit bull bans have been voted down in Gardendale, Alabama; the Missouri cities of Eureka and Liberty; and Garfield Heights, Ohio.

https://ladyfreethinker.org/arkansas-city-reverses-its-law-banning-pit-bull-breeds/

SIGN: Justice for Estrella, Dog who Died from Sexual Assault

ladyfreethinker.org
Representative Image: Flickr – Kat Kellner

Petition Target: Oregon Governor Kate Brown

This case is horrifying. An Oregon man brutally raped his fiancée’s dog in a drunken rage after she wouldn’t respond to his text messages. The dog’s internal injuries were so severe the vet had to euthanize the small Lhasa Apso, named Estrella.

Estrella lost her life — but her attacker only served 60 days in jail, because that is the maximum allowed under current law for first-degree aggravated animal abuse and sexual assault of an animal.

“If it could have been more, I gladly would have given you more time,” the judge said, according to New York Daily News.

Oregon must stop letting animal torturers get away with their crimes.

When this case broke, over 32,000 people signed LFT’s petition calling for justice. But justice has not been served, and we must keep speaking out for Estrella.

Estrella’s attacker, Fidel Lopez, is already out of jail. He will be able to own a dog again in his lifetime. His meager sentence — which includes three years of probation, mental evaluation and counseling — sends a message that anyone can hurt or kill an innocent animal and get away almost scot-free. While counseling is indeed crucial, allowing this man to walk the streets puts both animal and human lives in danger.

“The torture and abuse that Estrella suffered is unimaginable,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Nicole Jergovic said in a news release.

And what is to deter Estrella’s rapist from striking again?

Sign this petition urging Oregon Governor Kate Brown to make it a top priority to pass stronger animal protection laws, so judges can hand out appropriate sentences and animal torturers are held accountable for their crimes.

https://ladyfreethinker.org/sign-justice-for-estrella-dog-who-died-from-sexual-assault/

SIGN: Don’t Kill Adorable Bear Cub Just for Being ‘Too Friendly’

ladyfreethinker.org
Image credit: Youtube/Halfcabking

Petition Target: California Department of Fish and Wildlife

A sweet bear cub may lose her life because she innocently approached a group of snowboarders in Truckee, California.

According to News 4, the cub, whose mom may have died, was looking for food when she discovered newfound friends on the slopes. The bear was extremely friendly, and a video of the encounter is going viral on social media.

This behavior is out-of-character for most bears, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has taken the cub in for evaluation.

Soon, they will determine if the bear will be sent to a sanctuary or put down.

“They were feeding her, handing her sandwiches, in other words taming her…she’s old enough, almost, to be alone, but she’s still dependent. And now, she’s dependent on people,” said Ann Bryant, executive director for the Bear League, a non-profit dedicated to keeping bears safe and wild in their natural habitat, to News 4.

But a helpless, likely-orphaned bear cub doesn’t deserve a death sentence just for approaching humans.

Sign this petition urging The California Department of Fish and Wildlife to spare this innocent cub and send her to a sanctuary where she can gain independence, roam free, and live a safe and happy life.

https://ladyfreethinker.org/sign-dont-kill-adorable-bear-cub-just-for-being-too-friendly/

Officer Out on Bail for 40 Counts of Dog Sex Abuse Now Arrested for Child Pornography

ladyfreethinker.org
Image courtesy In Defense of Animals

Yet another disturbing case reveals the strong link between animal cruelty and crimes against humans.

A former police officer in Bossier City, Louisiana was arrested for possession of child pornography while out on bail for multiple acts of sexual abuse against a dog.

On April 12, Terry Yetman was booked into the Bossier Parish Jail on 31 counts of child pornography. Yetman had previously been arrested on December 20 of last year on 20 felony counts of bestiality and 24 counts of filming the sick acts with a retired police dog.

“Yetman’s second arrest for sickening abuse of the vulnerable should come as no shock to anyone involved in law enforcement or animal protection,” stated Doll Stanley, campaign director for In Defense of Animals. “Yetman’s case is a classic example of how animal abusers are a threat to the entire community. Statistics bear out the indisputable fact that acts of animal cruelty and violence to fellow humans are linked.”

An investigation was launched in August 2018 by the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit into the alleged animal abuse, during which electronic evidence of Yetman’s abuse against a Belgian Malinois was uncovered.

The day before Yetman’s arrest for child pornography, In Defense of Animals delivered a petition containing 20,000 signatures to Bossier District Attorney Schuyler Marvin calling for the rigorous prosecution and sentencing of Yetman for these crimes. The organization is also calling for animal protection training among law enforcement agencies throughout the country.

It is unclear whether Yetman was charged under state or federal child pornography laws. He faces a possible life sentence in prison for his animal abuse charges.

Yetman’s bail is currently set at $620,000 and additional charges could be filed. He is currently being held at Bossier Maximum Security Facility, and his next bond hearing is set for April 23.

https://ladyfreethinker.org/officer-out-on-bail-for-40-counts-of-dog-sex-abuse-now-arrested-for-child-pornography/

PETITION: Justice for Helpless Chicks Dumped Like Trash Because they ‘Didn’t Sell At Easter’

ladyfreethinker.org
Image Credit: Pxhere

PETITION TARGET: Cambridgeshire Police and Lincolnshire Police

Tossed like disposable trash, more than 160 helpless chicks were dumped on the roadside to die in the English counties of Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire.

Sixty of the chicks were already dead by the time anyone found them. These baby birds never had a chance.

“They had no access to nearby food or water or shelter from predators and had they not been found, then sadly the rest would have perished as well,” said RSPCA inspector Justin Stubbs, describing the appalling scenario.

The chicks were abandoned in two separate incidents that appear to be connected, according to RSPCA spokesperson Amy Okelford, who believes the animals may have been for sale as pets and were discarded when they failed to sell in time for Easter.

It is never OK to simply throw out a living, breathing creature because they are not “profitable.”

Sign this petition urging police to do everything in their power to track down and prosecute the individual(s) behind these cruel acts.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the RSPCA.

https://ladyfreethinker.org/sign-justice-for-helpless-chicks-dumped-like-trash-because-they-didnt-sell-at-easter/

50 shoe tips and tricks that you’ll wish you knew sooner

shareably.net
By Ashley Brewer Contributor at Shareably

Shoes are one of the things that you use the most, so it’s absolutely essential that they’re comfortable. Sometimes, you can add a little comfort yourself with a couple of neat tricks and shoe hacks. Your feet will definitely be thankful for reading these great shoe tips below.

1) Apply some sandpaper

New shoes, in particular, might lack a bit in grip, but there’s a quick fix that’ll allow you to get better traction and should help ease the tripping. Apply some sandpaper to the soles, and your shoes will get a lot grippier.

2) Fix creases with a steam iron

Make no mistake about it – preventing shoe creases is a dozen times better than fixing them, but if you want to give your creased basketball shoes a newer look, this tip might come in handy. Grab a wet cloth and put it on top of the creases of your sneaker, and gently rub over it with a steam iron. It won’t eliminate them completely, but it’ll make a huge difference nonetheless.

3) Prevent blisters with deodorant

Deodorant can really do wonders, and they’re pretty great at preventing blisters after a long night on the dance floor. Simply get a bit of clear gel deodorant, and rub the inner heel of your shoes.

4) How to get rid of squealing shoes

Squeaky shoes that you can hear from miles away, it’s not exactly the best thing there is. Luckily, there’s an easy fix for noisy and squeaky shoes. Grab a bit of baby powder and put some underneath your inner shoe sole. It’ll allow for better cohesion between both parts of the shoe, and less squealing as a result.

5) Switch up your shoelace patterns

There are dozens of different ways to tie up your shoes, and you can find plenty of great shoelace patterns that’ll give your footwear a distinctive look. Tired of seeing criss-cross patterns all the time? Just swap it out for another style!

6) Easily widen your boot shafts

Boots that have a firm grip on your leg are never comfortable, so it may be worth taking some time to widen those boot shafts. All you need is a couple of newspapers. Simply stuff the shafts with the papers, and pull them out when you want to use your boots. Simple as that!

7) Heel caps are true lifesavers

For someone who loves their shoes, the thought alone of a heel breaking is absolutely terrifying. It’s worth investing in a couple of heel caps that will quickly allow you to fix shoes with broken heels.

8) Create your own inner soles

If you often feel discomfort when wearing shoes, it may be worth it to create your own inner soles. Some soles are just way too uncomfortable, and you can make your feet a lot happier by getting some thick and grippy fabric, and cutting it to the size of the shoe. Here are the full instructions.

9) Soften your flip-flop straps

Some flip-flops have a really uncomfortable toe strap and it can just plain hurt – especially if you’ve been wearing them for a while. The trick? Cover the hard straps in soft fabric, and your feet will definitely be thankful.

10) Widen shoe toes in the freezer

There’s a great method to loosen up the tip of your shoe, which is often the one spot where footwear is too tight. Grab an airtight bag filled with a little bit of water, and stick it in the toe area. Let your shoes rest in the freezer overnight. Because water expands when it becomes ice, the shoe toes will be a little bit wider than before.

11) Stinky shoes? Tea bags to the rescue!

Smelly shoes with a noticeable odor – nobody likes them. There’s a quick solution to eliminate nasty smells. Put unused tea bags in your shoes, as they’re absolutely great at absorbing unpleasant scents.

12) Cushion tight shoe straps with moleskin

Similar to the pain some flip-flop straps can cause, regular shoe straps can also be the cause of serious discomfort in some cases. A quick and easy fix is just a little bit of moleskin, you’ll be amazed how much difference it can make!

13) Have more control over your shoes with heel grips

If you’re planning a long night wearing heels, you can already imagine the pain and discomfort you’re going to feel at the end. Ease some of that pain and increase your movement by inserting a handy heel grip.

14) Give your heal linings a new life with patches

There’s no denying that shoes eventually wear out, and heel linings are often one of the things that are broken down first. If they need repair, simply patch some material over it and nobody will be able to spot the difference. Denim, for example, is an absolutely great choice!

15) Get arch support inserts

If you’re particularly dealing with pain around the arches of your feet, special arch supports inserts can help you relieve some of that body stress fin a matter of seconds.

16) An easy way to get rid of water stains

After being exposed to water, some leather shoes have the tendency to develop water stains. They’re a pain to remove, but a vinegar and toothbrush duo is all you need to keep these ugly stains away.

17) DIY Waterproof Shoes

Did you know you can use something as simple as beeswax to make your shoes waterproof? It’s an instant method to make your kicks much more comfortable to use around water, and the beeswax won’t even leave stains or change the color of your shoes.

18) Buy shoes during evenings

Have you ever bought a pair of shoes, and realized that they were actually tighter than before? That’s simply because your feet have the tendency to swell throughout the day, especially when you’re sedentary for long periods. During evenings, you’re much more likely to get shoes that will be comfortable to wear at any time of the day.

19) Make new shoes comfortable by using a dryer

Getting new shoes is often double-sided. After all, you’re happy with your new footwear, but breaking in new shoes can’t exactly be described as fun. The best thing to do when starting to use new shoes is putting on thick socks and blowing any tight or uncomfortable spot dry. The heat will loosen up the material and will make your feet get used to their new surroundings much faster.

20) Use panty liners to absorb sweat

It may sound like a weird thought, but panty liners are great at absorbing sweat. Less sweat in your shoes equals less smelly odors, and it’ll naturally keep your shoes fresher longer. Simply put them in the soles, and you’re all done.

21) Make your heels shorter

High heels just aren’t for everyone, but the majority of shoes available have pretty significant heels. Getting your heels shortened is a great idea if you’re looking for shoes that are somewhat more subtle and more comfortable to wear. It’s also great for giving your old shoes a second life!

22) A great solution against chafing

Chafing feet in your running or sports shoes, it isn’t exactly the most pleasant feeling in the world. If you’re planning on using these type of shoes intensively, coat your heels with a layer of K-Y Jelly first to prevent chafing.

23) Fix scuffs with some vaseline

There are dozens of uses for vaseline or petroleum jelly, and restoring shoes is just one of them. Apply some petroleum jelly on a cotton swab, and rub gently until the scuff is gone. Works best on a patent leather shoe.

24) Keep your boots moisture-free

After a rainy day in your boots, the chances are rather high that there will be some moisture left. Grab a couple of old newspaper pages (or paper towels) to keep your boots nice and dry.

25) Add wool into your soles

This tip is particularly useful during the winter. If there’s one material type that you can associate with warmth and comfort, it’s wool. Just insert some wooly fabric whenever you might think your feet need some warming up.

26) Use sneaker protectors to prevent creases

Some sneakers look absolutely fabulous and are a pleasure to wear, but after a while of use, creases at the top are simply inevitable. Before you start wearing new shoes, consider getting sneaker protectors. After a while, you won’t even notice them anymore and they do a splendid job at keeping your sneakers crease-free. Works particularly well for Air Jordan Retro shoes.

27) Tape your toes when wearing heels

This may seem a bit odd and unnecessary, but there’s scientific reasoning behind it. Heels aren’t exactly comfortable by definition, and there’s a lot of strain placed on the nerve directly between your second and third toe. The best and easiest way to help relieve some of the tension, it to tape the toes together. Not too tight, otherwise you’ll cut off blood circulation.

28) Grab a pair of no-tie shoelaces

Tired of tripping over your laces or needing to redo them often? No-tie shoelaces, which have been hugely popular lately, are the perfect solutions. You can stretch them pretty far and just trim them afterward. No need to ever tie your shoelaces again.

29) Clean shoes with a magic eraser or toothpaste

The pristine condition of your brand-new shoes is something that doesn’t last very long, but you can keep your kicks looking new with magic erasers or simply by rubbing some white toothpaste all over it. They’ll do a great job of scrubbing off scuffs, and it’s cheap too!

30) Clean suede shoes with pieces of bread

Suede is a delicate material to handle, and cleaning with a regular cloth can sometimes make things even worse. Instead of cloth, just use some bread to get rid of stains.

31) Get a special blister-protective spray

If your feet are quite prone to blisters, you may want to consider purchasing a special type of feet spray that creates a protective barrier around your feet when dried. It works wonders to prevent blisters!

32) Give your old shoes a new look

We have plenty of accessories for ourselves, so why not let our shoes have the same? Grab a couple of blank shoe clips, attach them to your old shoes, and go creative with buttons, decorations, and patches to give your footwear a completely new and distinctive touch.

33) Use feet spray regularly

Sprays for your feet are seriously underrated. It’s not a bad idea to make a habit of spraying your feet before you go out, as they’ll help your feet feel refreshed, but will also give them a firmer grip to prevent slips.

34) Keep your balance on heels outdoors

Heels on the dancefloor or at a fancy event? No problem at all. But when you walk outside – with tons of small rocks, grass, and gravel, a heel suddenly doesn’t sound like a good idea anymore. Heel protectors help you spread your weight on less sturdy outdoor grounds.

35) Invest in shoe pegs

Your collection of shoes needs a place to shine, but what if you could make storing your shoes easier? This won’t work great with high heels, but for all other types of footwear, you can install shoe pegs and store your shoes efficiently, fast, and off the ground.

36) Add traction with a hot glue gun

Shoes don’t only have to look good, they have to provide you with enough comfort, grip, and traction as well. If your pair is lacking in that last department, you can try to use a hot glue gun and create your own grips. It may not be perfect, but it’s certainly better than nothing!

37) Get a little bit of extra stretch

Did you know that there are special devices that can give your shoes just that little bit of extra stretch? It doesn’t take long and you can get your footwear closer to the perfect size within mere minutes.

38) Easily repair a loose flip-flop

Flip-flops are fairly cheap, but you can’t exactly call them durable. One of the most frequent issues is a loose flip-flop strap which makes the whole thing just a pain to walk on. Instead of throwing a broken flip-flop in the trash, grab a bread tag or a flat washer for an easy and quick fix.

39) Fleece-lined slippers a pain to clean?

The soft fabric of fleece-lined slippers feels absolutely amazing to your feet, but they’re not exactly fun to wear when they’re all dirty. The solution is remarkably simple: just use a bit of dish soap, get rid of the stains and let it dry. As good as new!

40) Revitalize leather with a banana peel

Leather has the distinctive feature that it ages quite uniquely. Some people like this aged leather look and even purposely wear out their boots, but there are plenty of people who’d like to keep their leather footwear in pristine condition. If you’re one of those people, rub a banana peel over your leather footwear and you’ll instantly make them look like new.

41) Black tea helps with blisters

If it’s too late to make your shoes comfy and you’ve already found yourself with blisters, black tea can come to the rescue. Just soak your feet in warm black tea; it will soothe the pain and reduces chances of an infection.

42) Shine patent leather with glass cleaner

No need to buy special products or cleaners if you scuff up your patent leather shoes. Windex or any glass cleaner will do the trick. Just give it a spray, gently scrub, and the scuff should come off with ease.

43) Clean white sneakers with nail polish remover

Keep those white tennis shoes looking bright by giving them a quick wipe down with nail polish remover. It will instantly remove any stains and keep the rubber parts as white as the day you bought them.

44) Buff out stains on suede with a nail file

Earlier, we mentioned bread as a useful tool for cleaning up your suede shoes, but a nail file works even better when it comes to tough dirt stains. Use the side of the nail file that has finer abrasion and give your suede a quick buff.

45) Prevent tall boots from falling

Keep your knee-high or tall boots in their proper form with a little help from pool noodles. Cut the pool noodles into an appropriate length and stuff them inside your boots when you’re not wearing them. This will hold their shape and keep them from creasing.

46) Keep feet sweat-free with dry shampoo

If you like to wear flats without any socks, this little trick will be a godsend. Keep your feet sweat and moisture free by spraying a little bit of dry shampoo into your shoes before you put them on. It will help absorb any moisture inside.

47) Use a pencil eraser to remove scuffs

Scuffs on your tennis shoe’s rubber is super easy to remove with the eraser of a pencil. Simply use the eraser as you would to remove a pencil mark and the scuff is gone!

48) Make your own no-tie laces

If you don’t want to buy a pair of no-tie laces, you can make your own for a fraction of the cost. Just replace your old shoelaces with a piece of elastic cord that you can sew to the tongue. Head over to Make It Love It for the instructions.

49) DIY shoe deodorizing spray

Keep your shoes smelling fresh and also free of fungus and bacteria by making your own shoe deodorizing spray. All you need to do is mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and apple cider vinegar with a few drops of tea tree oil.

50) Lace your shoes for function and fit

Switching up the way you lace your shoes isn’t just a fashion statement–it can actually help people with certain shapes of feet or foot problems. Refer to the chart below to see which lacing pattern would be the best fit for you. Here are the tutorials.
Source: He And She Eat Clean

Shoes are incredibly important because they’re one of the items we use every single day. In other words, getting your walking and running experience just right is essential!

https://shareably.net/50-nifty-shoe-tips-tricks/?utm_source=twitter_ads&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=3e17fdc7-5bcc-83be-d6b7-b99e4fe813df

 

HERMIT CRABS: SHELL-DWELLERS WITH MOBILE HOMES

ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO

HERMIT CRABS: SHELL-DWELLERS WITH MOBILE HOMES

As everyone knows, Hermit Crabs get their name from the fact that from an early age they borrow empty seashells to live in. As they grow they trade up to a bigger one, leaving their previous home for a smaller crab to move into. It’s a benign** chain of recycling that the original gastropod occupant would no doubt approve of, were it still alive… The crabs are able to adapt their flexible bodies to their chosen shell. Mostly they are to be found in weathered (‘heritage’) rather than newly-empty shells for their home. [**except for fighting over shells] 

 HERMIT CRAB FACTS TO ENLIVEN YOUR CONVERSATION

• The crabs are mainly terrestrial, and make their homes in empty gastropod shells
• Their bodies are soft, making them vulnerable to predation and heat.
• They are basically naked – the shells protect their bodies & conceal…

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Kitten saved by PDSA after eating toxic pollen – Katzenworld

katzenworld.co.uk
Kitten saved by PDSA after eating toxic pollen – Katzenworld
Marc-André

Lucky Luna nearly loses life after lily lark

Luna, a Ragamuffin kitten, was just four months old when her owner, Emily Pryce (29), received a bouquet of flowers for her birthday. The flowers included lilies and Emily had placed these on a table, thinking they would be out of harm’s way.

However, Emily came home for lunch one day to find Luna with pollen all around her mouth. She knew lilies could be dangerous to cats, so contacted her local vet. They advised Luna would probably need urgent treatment, but an overnight stay and all the treatment could cost around a thousand pounds.

Emily said: “I checked our insurance paperwork only to find out that it had run out the day before! Although I work, I couldn’t afford to pay that much up front.

“But I knew I had to get Luna the help she needed though, so I rang PDSA. They advised that I was eligible for their new reduced-cost service. They told me to bring her straight in, and it was such a relief to know that she would get the treatment she needed.”

Luna was examined by the vet team at PDSA and blood tests confirmed that she had eaten enough of the pollen to cause potential kidney failure, so needed urgent treatment.

She stayed at PDSA for two nights, receiving round-the-clock care to help her recover. Her confident and friendly nature meant she quickly became a firm favourite with the team, and her care plan included plenty of cuddles as well!

Thankfully, with intensive support to remove the toxins from her system, Luna remained stable and was able to go home a few days later. But not all cases have a happy ending like hers.

Veterinary Care Assistant, Jemma Hughes, said: “Lilies have become quite popular in Easter bouquets, but all parts of the plant, including the flower and leaves are toxic to cats. The biggest danger is if a cat gets some of the pollen on their fur, then grooms themselves, as ingesting even a small amount can be fatal.”

PDSA is advising people not to give lilies to anyone with cats, and for owners to be aware of the dangers.

Jemma continued: “All members of the lily family [Lilium] are toxic to cats, and a number of other plants can also pose a danger to pets, including peace lilies [Spathiphyllum], daffodils, Lily-of-the-Valley [Convallaria], Laburnum, Azalea and Cherry Laurel. If you think your pet may have eaten something they shouldn’t, call your vet immediately for advice. The quicker they get treatment the more likely it is they will survive.”

Continue reading here.

https://katzenworld.co.uk/2019/04/22/kitten-saved-by-pdsa-after-eating-toxic-pollen/

Shelter dog refuses to be adopted without his food bowl

mypositiveoutlooks.com

Farah R. | Positive Outlook

Staff from the animal rescue site have shared photos of one shelter dog who developed a strange habit of carrying his food bowl around everywhere he went, and the pictures will surely capture your heart!

A dog named Oliver was found as a stray in Memphis, Tennessee after he refused to leave a family’s backyard. Desperate for help, they contacted the nearest animal control office to ask for assistance in handling the elusive dog.

The pup’s playful personality immediately showed when the officers arrived to collect him. Whenever one of them would get close, he would jump over the fence and run out of the yard, treating the whole situation as a game. Oliver was relentless, so the team decided to set up a humane trap to capture him. Finally, after the long chase, the dog was caught and brought to Memphis Animal Services.

From the moment he arrived at the shelter, the staff instantly knew that Oliver once belonged to a home. He was extremely smart, and he was a big lover of food and treats! He knew that if he behaved well and listened, he would be showered with lots of them.

Katie Pemberton, a community engagement specialist at Memphis Animal Services, told The Dodo:

“I met him the first day he came in, and he sat for me immediately before I even showed him I had treats. Then, of course, as soon as the treats came out, he was even more eager to sit. The more he got to know me, the more he would press himself up against the bars of his kennels to let me pet him.”

Apparently, Oliver loved food so much, that he quickly developed an attachment for the thing that held it – his food bowl! Wherever he went, the shelter staff would see him carrying around the container with his mouth.

“The very first night he got here, our field supervisor passed by his kennel in our ACO intake room and noticed him with his bowl in his mouth,” Katie said. “His cute trick was very effective because she gave him more food! Then when he moved to his permanent kennel, he kept doing it. He had his bowl in his mouth most of the time.”

The staff from the animal rescue site surmised that the act might have been taught to him as a cute trick by his former owner. Another possibility was that he lacked food at one point in his life, and he was afraid of losing sight of his food bowl because he might not be fed again.

Throughout his days as a shelter dog, Oliver continued to carry his food bowl around with him everywhere he went, and the staff thought that it was extremely adorable! They started taking pictures of him whenever he did it, and they posted the snapshots on their social media for everyone to enjoy.

Unsurprisingly, Oliver captured lots of hearts across the country with his food bowl carrying trick!

“We received a very unusual amount of inquiries about Oliver after his photos went viral — I wish every dog had that many people interested in adopting them,” Katie shared.

Because of the photos posted by the animal rescue site, the huge amount of online attention that Oliver got led to his eventual adoption. On April 16, his new family arrived at the shelter to take him home, and of course, he’s not going without his food bowl!

Now, Oliver wouldn’t need to worry about going hungry again, for his food bowl – and his heart – will always be full.

https://mypositiveoutlooks.com/dog-food-bowl/

Categories: Stories

Tagged as: adoption, adorable, animal adoption, cute, dog adoption, dog tricks, food bowl, Memphis, Memphis Animal Services, Oliver, shelter dog, Tennessee, the animal rescue site

It’s Only April and We Already Have the Best Selfie of the Year

twistedsifter.com

gorilla selfie standing 4 Its Only April and We Already Have the Best Selfie of the Year

The official Instagram account for the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo recently shared this viral selfie of a park ranger and two orphaned gorillas named Ndakazi and Ndeze.

According to The BBC:

The image was taken at a gorilla orphanage where the animals were raised after poachers killed their parents. The park’s deputy director told BBC Newsday that they had learned to imitate their carers, who have looked after them since they were found.

The gorillas, he added, think of the rangers as their parents. The gorillas were just two and four months old at the time. Because they’ve grown up with the rangers who rescued them, Mr Mburanumwe added, “they are imitating the humans” – and standing on two legs is their way of “learning to be human beings”. But it “doesn’t happen normally”, he said.

Pictured above is Ranger Mathieu Shamavu. In the images below we see more gorilla selfies taken by another ranger, Patrick Sadiki Sadiki. Being a ranger is an incredibly dangerous job. Five rangers were killed in Virunga National Park last year in an ambush by suspected rebels, and more than 130 park rangers have been killed in Virunga since 1996.

The park also reminds people that this photo happened under exceptional circumstances and that it is never permitted to approach a gorilla in the wild. Donations to the park and their conservation efforts can be made here. https://twistedsifter.com/2019/04/gorilla-selfie-standing-story/#like-122594

Categories: ANIMALS, BEST OF, NATURE/SPACE, STORIES, TRAVEL
Tags: · animals, congo, conservation, gorillas, national park, rare, sanctuary, selfie

A shipload of trouble: Stop Europe and North America from offloading their plastic waste

actions.sumofus.org
94,925 signatures – 5,075 signatures until 100k

In early May, governments around the world will meet in Switzerland for a vote on international rules to help force wealthy states and corporations to stop treating developing countries like dumps for their plastic rubbish.

In the past two decades, businesses in the EU, US, Japan, Mexico and Canada have been exporting millions of tonnes of plastic waste overseas. That’s how European and North American plastic ends up choking the rivers and coasts of countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand.

Together, we can fight that plastic flood and environmental racism — but we need a majority of governments to back the proposal.

You know how this works. If we show governments that this vote has massive public support, we can overcome the plastic industry lobbyists and polluters.

Sign the petition to governments around the world to vote for this game-changing proposal to update international law, and to minimise marine pollution and international dumping of plastic waste.

The Basel Convention is a legally binding agreement on cross-border waste disposal signed by almost every country in the world, including the European Union. With one small tweak, proposed by Norway, countries exporting their plastic rubbish would have to get the prior informed consent of the country receiving it — so developing countries can keep shiploads of plastic pollution from landing on their shores.

But getting all 190 governments on board by May will be no easy task, especially with plastic industry lobbyists desperate to keep the status quo. That’s why we need this campaign right now.

Sign the petition to your government, and all Parties to the Basel Convention, to vote for Norway’s Proposals to amend Annexes II, VIII and IX to the Basel Convention.

https://actions.sumofus.org/a/stop-fake-plastic-recycling-now/?akid=54526.783029.SL_Ruv&rd=1&source=CIEL

Break Free From Plastic
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Sign Petition: This Jerk Shot a Lion While It Was Sleeping and Celebrated as It Slowly Died on Video

thepetitionsite.com

by: Care2 Team
recipient: Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Water, and Climate

For years, Guy Gorney, 64, of Manhattan, Illinois got away with the perfect crime. It was premeditated, plotted down to the very minute and, with the help of another man, he walked up to his prey, aimed and pulled the trigger. His victim stood little chance, he was unaware he was even being stalked. In fact, he was sleeping when the first bullet entered his body, jolting him awake with burning pain. Seconds later he was dead after Guy shot him twice more.

But now that video evidence has come to light and made its way to the internet, everyone knows exactly what Guy did, and what type of person he is — a coward and a killer. Guy’s victim was an African lion, laying down, basking under the African sun when he and his guide took aim and murdered the feline.

In the clip, Guy’s guide whispers instructions on how best to kill the sleeping beast and then the two celebrate as the lion — that was alive just minutes before — slowly extinguishes.

The video has now gone viral and people all over the world are shocked at what this “hunter” did. But Guy couldn’t care at all. In an interview, he showed no remorse. He bragged about having killed at least 70 other big game animals including elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. One might ask how many of those poor creatures were also sleeping.

There really is nothing more pathetic than a tiny man with a big gun who bases his manhood on his ability to shoot animals.

Is this the type of “hunting” Zimbabwe allows in their country? Where wealthy men pay large sums of money to kill defenseless animals? Is this considered “sportsmanship” and good for conservation? People who behave in such despicable ways, don’t deserve to own guns, and they definitely shouldn’t be allowed to travel and kill animals willy nilly just to stroke their ego.

Zimbabwe should make an example of Gorney’s deplorable behavior and permanently ban him from hunting within their country. Sign the petition if you agree.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/894/706/592/this-jerk-shot-a-lion-while-it-was-sleeping-and-celebrated-as-it-slowly-died-on-video/?TAP=1007&cid=causes_petition_postinfo

Sign the Petition:Ask Target to Eliminate Plastic Bags They are Cho king the Earth

change.org

Customers Who Care started this petition to Target CEO Brian Cornell and 10 others
We, Target customers, ask Target to eliminate plastic bags.

We understand this won’t be convenient to us, but it is time to act. For those of us who also shop at Costco or IKEA, we know we can survive without plastic bags.

2 million single-use plastic bags are consumed every minute. These bags often wind up in waterways and our landscape, degrading water and soil as they break down into tiny toxic bits. These bags have a massive carbon footprint.

Switching to paper won’t help. The carbon footprint of paper bags is even bigger. Paper production uses trees that could instead be absorbing carbon dioxide, releases more greenhouse gases, takes 3 times the amount of water, and results in 50 times more water pollutants. Paper bags do not breakdown faster in a landfill and take more space.

If Target provides bags for purchase, we ask it to charge a meaningful amount because this approach works. Plastic bag use fell by 90% in Ireland following a plastic bag tax of 37 cents. In Australia, 2 major retailers led by eliminating plastic bags in their stores and the country reduced plastic bag use by 80% in 3 months. In Los Angeles county, a plastic bag ban with a charge on paper bags reduced single bag use by 95%. Target’s current 5 cent discount for those bringing bags does not meaningfully curb Target’s plastic bag consumption.

We want Target to act swiftly. Target’s plastic bags are choking the earth.

https://www.change.org/p/target-stop-filling-the-world-with-plastic-bags/sign?utm_medium=email&utm_source=aa_sign_human&utm_campaign=518517&utm_content=&sfmc_tk=HN59zdK007tLL%2bIgCs05Zf2QCitGoQRNqFyPCCIZ9%2b1o%2bDFBwMzR0h7VV9tdIc1W&j=518517&sfmc_sub=61374949&l=32_HTML&u=66848711&mid=7233053&jb=815

Appalachian Regional Prescription Opioid (ARPO) Strike Force Takedown Results in Charges Against 60 Individuals, Including 53 Medical Professionals

Mining Awareness +

https://www.arc.gov/research/MapsofAppalachia.asp?MAP_ID=148

“Entrance to a coal mine in West Virginia. September 1908. By Lewis Hine ”
Mining doesn’t bring prosperity to most, though some of the coal miners were comparatively well-paid in more recent times: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixteen_Tons https://youtube.com/watch?v=MTCen9-RELM Nonetheless, it’s environmentally damaging and is unsustainable.

Although this ARPO Strike Force takedown is billed as Appalachia, this horrible case occurred outside of Appalachia: “In the Western District of Tennessee, 15 individuals were charged, involving eight doctors and several other medical professionals.  In one case, a nurse practitioner who branded himself the “Rock Doc,” allegedly prescribed powerful and dangerous combinations of opioids and benzodiazepines, sometimes in exchange for sexual favors; over approximately three years, the doctor allegedly prescribed approximately 500,000 hydrocodone pills, 300,000 oxycodone pills, 1,500 fentanyl patches, and more than 600,000 benzodiazepine pills.” (Excerpt from DOJ News release, found further below.)  Louisiana is also included, and it is certainly not Appalachia…

View original post 3,327 more words

10 Years After Arrest, These Rhino Poachers are Finally Going to Prison

ladyfreethinker.org
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Bernard DuPont

Three South African rhinoceros poachers who tried to drag out their trials indefinitely have finally been sentenced — a decade after their crimes.

Senior Regional Court Magistrate Logan Naidoo convicted the men based on “overwhelming evidence” and declared that it would be a “travesty” to allow them to further prolong their cases.

On August 26, 2009, a rhino was shot to death in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve. Hours later, three men were arrested for the crime: 50-year-old Mutugokwakhe Khoza; 40-year-old Ayanda Buthelezi; and South African National Defence Force (SANDF) officer Mduduzi Xulu, 51.

The men were intercepted at a roadblock and discovered wearing bloodstained clothing and with a rifle, bloody axes, and a pair of rhino horns in their possession. DNA evidence later connected the severed horns to the carcass of the poached animal.

Cell phone records proved that extensive correspondence occurred between the criminals in the days leading up to the crime, despite some of them claiming not to know each other when they were caught.

To stall the proceedings and delay a verdict, Khoza and his accomplices hired and dismissed somewhere between 12 and 25 private and public lawyers throughout their trials.

On March 25, they sought further delays by firing their team of defense attorneys; but by then, court officials were fed up.

Despite threats from Xulu that the men would appeal their cases, Naidoo concluded that they had unreasonably delayed the trial and were therefore responsible for their own defense.

The three men were convicted on all eight of their original poaching charges. Khoza, who was convicted on a separate case of poaching that he committed while out on bail and served six years in prison for, was sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment. Buthelezi and Xulu were each sentenced to ten years, with five years suspended.

https://ladyfreethinker.org/10-years-after-arrest-these-rhino-poachers-are-finally-going-to-prison/?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email

Help Horses and Camels Who Are Whipped, Beaten, and Abused for Tourist Rides in Egypt

secure.peta.org.uk

PETA Asia’s latest investigation in Egypt has revealed horrific abuse of horses and camels forced to haul visitors on their backs or in carriages at top tourist sites in the blistering heat. The animals are often denied access to food, water, and shade.

Eyewitnesses also observed camels being viciously beaten with sticks by men and children at the Birqash Camel Market before being sold to the tourism industry. Some are even sold for meat.
Take Action Now

If you’re planning to visit Egypt, please do not ride an animal or take a horse-drawn carriage ride. When you book your trip, ask your tour company and hotel whether they promote these rides. If they do, explain why they should stop doing so.

Animals are living, feeling beings who suffer in this industry. They give rides only because they’re compelled to. Please urge Egypt’s Minister of Tourism to end this abuse by banning the use of animals at these sites.

Sign Petition: The Government Is Paying Children To Brutally Murder Animals

thepetitionsite.com

by: Laura G
recipient: Governor Kristi Noem and the South Dakota Dept. of Game, Fish and Parksmore

On April Fool’s Day, the disturbing new Nest Predator Bounty Program was launched in South Dakota, and it’s sadly not a joke.

Through the end of August, residents young and old will receive $10 for each tail of a raccoon, striped skunk, opossum, badger or red fox they turn in to the state Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks (GFP).

“Love seeing kids this excited about being outside!!” Governor Kristi Noem wrote on her Facebook page. One of the photos accompanying her post was the one above: a little girl smiling and giving a thumbs-up gesture next to a dead raccoon.

The purpose of the Nest Predator Bounty Program—which the GFP started without a public hearing—is to protect the nests of pheasants and ducks. But during a public forum on April 4, residents who opposed the program expressed their concerns, such as its negative impact on the ecosystem. One resident pointed out that human activities like using chemical fertilizers and draining wetlands is much more of a danger to pheasants and ducks than small predators.

The GFP and supporters of the Nest Predator Bounty Program say it will bring back South Dakota’s trapping tradition by getting more young people involved. But it’s the 21st century, and there are humane alternatives to trapping available that can effectively control predators.

Yes, kids (and adults) should be excited about being outside—to respect wildlife, not to destroy it. Please sign and share this petition urging Noem and the GFP to end the Nest Predator Bounty Program.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/524/880/254/?TAP=1007&cid=causes_petition_postinfo

Sign Petition: This Country’s Poised to Ban Animal Testing for Cosmetics

thepetitionsite.com

Animal advocates are applauding lawmakers in Canada for bringing the country closer to embracing cruelty-free beauty by moving forward with legislation that would ban animal testing for cosmetics.

The Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act (S-214) will amend the Food and Drugs Act to make it illegal to test cosmetics products or their ingredients on animals in Canada, and it will ban the sale of beauty products that have been newly tested on animals elsewhere in the world.

It was first introduced in 2015 by Sen. Carolyn Stewart Olsen, but didn’t pass the Senate until last summer. Now, it’s supporters are celebrating more progress with its introduction in House of Commons by Conservative Shadow Minister for Health, Marilyn Gladu.

If it’s passed, Canada will become the 40th country in the world to ban animal testing for cosmetics.

Not only will doing so protect animals in labs from cruel, unnecessary, wasteful and outdated tests for personal care products and cosmetics, it will help keep Canada competitive in a global marketplace where more and more doors are closing to products that were tested on animals.

Around the world, dozens of countries have already banned this practice, while hundreds of companies have proven that they can make quality products without causing harm.

With valid alternatives and thousands of ingredients that have already been proven safe, there’s no longer any reason to continue torturing animals for nothing more than our vanity.

Please sign and share this petition urging Canadian MPs to pass this historic piece of legislation before the next election.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/130/104/403/this-countrys-poised-to-ban-animal-testing-for-cosmetics/?TAP=1007&cid=causes_petition_postinfo

Petition: Calling out the Candymakers to stop the rainforest destruction.

act.ran.org

Millions of dollars in sweets are sold by Hershey’s, Mars, Mondelēz and Nestlé every Easter — more, even, than Halloween. Sweets that contain palm oil born of rainforest destruction.

With commitments to “No Deforestation” but no adequate system in place to actually track where destruction is going down, these candymakers continue to profit off of a bitter fate for rainforests, and for the tigers, orangutans, elephants, and people that depend on them.

To Hershey’s, Mars, Mondelēz and Nestlé:

For years RAN and its partners have been monitoring your supply chains and exposing the connection between your candies and rainforest destruction in Indonesia’s endangered Leuser Ecosystem.

Instead of making excuses, candymakers must track where destruction is taking place and prove to customers that Conflict Palm Oil isn’t ending up in your sweet treats.

Your companies claim to be committed to “No Deforestation” — but you have failed to take responsibility for knowing what’s happening at the forest floor and intervening to stop forests from falling for Conflict Palm Oil.

This Easter, I’m calling on Hershey’s, Mars, Mondelēz and Nestlé to use the billions of profits made off candy and chocolate to establish a proactive, transparent monitoring system. This system must show consumers where the palm oil that candymakers use is grown, and the actions that each company is taking to track where forests fall and to intervene to keep forests standing.

https://act.ran.org/calling_out_the_candymakers

Deadline to Sign Petition is Thursday April 18th -Demand Plastic Polluting Corporations Help Stop the Pollution Crisis

act.greenpeace.org

Our world is choking on throwaway plastic. From our parks, to our waterways and all corners of our oceans, the devastating impacts of plastic are mounting.

Despite our best efforts to avoid it, every day we are confronted with plastic packaging. We’re told recycling is the solution — but in Canada, only 10-12% of plastic is recycled. We’re urged to clean up plastic pollution in our communities — but the trash just keeps on coming.

The only way to break free from plastic pollution is to stop it at the source. Corporations must stop churning out single-use plastic in the first place.

Five cleanup and brand audit events held across Canada found that the top five companies contributing to branded plastic pollution are Nestlé, Tim Hortons, PepsiCo., The Coca-Cola Company and McDonald’s. They produce billions of single-use plastics annually, and not one of them has a clear plan to reduce their plastic footprints.

Add your name to demand these companies’ CEOs take responsibility for the plastic pollution crisis they’ve helped create.

https://act.greenpeace.org/page/31413/action/1?locale=en-US&utm_campaign=plastic&campaign_project=plasticpolluters&utm_source=engagingnetworks&utm_medium=email&utm_term=share&utm_content=link&content_specific=nestle.plasticmonster.delivery&ea.tracking.id=en_plastic_plasticpolluters_engagingnetworks_email_20190416_share_link_nestle.plasticmonster.delivery

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Sign Petition: Bill Honoring Cecil the Lion Will Protect Wildlife from Trophy Hunters

thepetitionsite.com

When an American trophy hunter killed a beloved lion known as Cecil in 2015, the backlash was swift, but the sad reality is that he is hardly alone and imperiled species continue to be put at risk by poaching and trophy hunting – even Cecil’s own son, Xanda, met a similar fate just two years later.

Now, however, there’s a chance to change the way things are done with the Conserving Ecosystems by Ceasing the Importation of Large Animal Trophies Act (CECIL Act), which was just reintroduced by Rep. Raúl Grijalva.

This legislation would protect wildlife from trophy hunting in a few different ways; It will amend the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ban the unpermitted take or trade of species proposed for listing, which would mean they’re treated like they already have protection, and it would increase transparency by requiring the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to publish permit import applications and hold a public comment period before issuing permit.

It would also ban imports of elephant and lion trophies from countries including Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia, where both of these species have experienced severe population declines.

Lastly, it directs the Government Accountability Office to determine whether or not trophy hunting in foreign countries contributes to wildlife conservation, and recommend reforms for the industry, and it will shut down the International Wildlife Conservation Council, a forum created by the Trump administration to promote international trophy hunting.

Passing this legislation will ultimately help imperiled species who are in need of greater protection from further exploitation by trophy hunters and the wildlife trade.

Please sign and share this petition urging members of Congress to protect wildlife from trophy hunters by passing the CECIL Act.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/781/265/836/bill-honoring-cecil-the-lion-will-protect-wildlife-from-trophy-hunters/