U.S. quietly lifts controversial ban on horse slaughter

From yesterday's Toronto Star: www.thestar.com/news/article/1095751

This week U.S. Congress quietly lifted a five-year ban on funding horse meat inspections, opening the possibility that slaughterhouses could be up and running within weeks. In 2006, the U.S. federal government stopped providing funds for inspections at plants that slaughter horses intended for human consumption.

Since then horses that would have been slaughtered in the U.S. have been diverted to plants in Mexico and Canada.

"It was all done secretly," says Silvia Christen, executive director of the South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, who says she and her member ranchers were pleased with the news. "It was passed by Congress in a budget meeting."

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a statement Tuesday confirming that it was prepared to inspect facilities set up for horse slaughter to make sure federal laws were being followed. And the first facility may be in South Dakota.

Christen believes there are facilities prepared to go into action almost immediately. But she also says inspections will be "more stringent than they were before the ban. There will be a lot of people watching to make sure slaughter facilities follow appropriate procedures - to make sure they treat the animals humanely."

This summer, reporters from the Star followed a trailer truck filled with horses purchased at auction in Shipshewana, Ind., through to its final destination at Richelieu Meats near Montreal. The shocking revelation of the long drive and poor treatment led one Toronto restaurant to remove horse meat from its menu.

At issue was not simply the morality of eating horse meat but rather the mistreatment of horses shipped in cramped conditions without food or water over days toward certain, and perhaps inhumane, death in Canada.

The U.S. Government Accountability office reported that 138,000 horses were transported to Canada or Mexico in 2010 - virtually the same number killed before slaughter was banned in the U.S.

Equine welfare advocates were hoping the ban would remain in effect and there would be an additional ban on the transportation of horses meant for slaughter across borders. That didn't happen.

Canada was even labelled "opportunistic" - taking advantage of a situation in which horses could be purchased in the U.S. for less than $50 and sold toEurope and Asia at a considerable profit. Some horse meat is also consumed in Quebec.

It is a controversial issue that has even horse lovers divided. While some animal welfare organizations insist horses should not be slaughtered for human consumption, others, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, acknowledge there is a problem with horse overpopulation in the U.S. - and that it would be better to kill the animals humanely rather than
allow them to starve to death.

For example, as horse owners lost their farms to foreclosure during the economic downturn over the past few years, there were reports that horses were being set free in open ranges to survive on their own. Ultimately many horses, unaccustomed to fending for themselves, died slowly and painfully, say equine advocates.

Animal welfare organizations noticed a spike in horse neglect investigations after 2007.

But many animal lovers insist horses are not like cows or sheep in that they are not raised to be eaten and are often medicated with drugs rendering them unfit for human consumption. And the European Union, a large buyer of horse meat, has increased its own inspection standards regarding the safety of the meat in imports.

Many ranchers, however, are celebrating.

One Wyoming lawmaker dismissed the 2006 ban, which took its toll on the state's agriculture industry, for what she called sentimental notions.

The legislation has already sparked an emotional response from animal rights activists.

Sinikka Crosland, executive director of the Canadian Horse Defence Coalition, says she was disappointed to hear the news that horse slaughter plants could reopen in the U.S. She was surprised U.S. President Barack Obama would sign such a bill considering he had previously indicated he did not support horse slaughter.

"A few people managed to slip this through in the Department of Agriculture," says Crosland, who remains optimistic a federal bill, currently before Congress called the Horse Slaughter Prevention Act of 2011, will supersede this recent bill and end horse slaughter completely.

Caribou going down, Moose to be slaughtered, in Newfoundland

Newfies continue tradition of bad wildlife decisions.

By: Barry Kent MacKay

I love Newfoundland, “The Rock”, as it is known in Canada. It is a huge island, the easternmost landmass in North America, and a place out of time, possessed of a cold, rugged beauty encompassing forests, rocky cliffs and shorelines, deep fiords, ancient mountains and bleak seas. It also has a bloody history of animal destruction. Newfoundland species and endemic subspecies of wildlife driven to extinction include the Labrador Duck, Atlantic Gray Whale, Newfoundland Wolves, Sea Mink, Great Auks, and the migratory Eskimo Curlews. Other species have greatly declined, most infamously including the Northern Cod (although, of course, the Newfoundland fishing industry and federal government, after years of ignoring all scientific warnings about overfishing, blame the seals for the disastrous collapse of commercial fish stocks – a collapse that continues to this day).

By virtue of it being an island, Newfoundland lacks many species that are common on the mainland, just over the horizon. These include such species as frogs and Ruffed Grouse, the Striped Skunk, Wolverine, Least Weasel, porcupine, jumping mice, White-tailed Deer and, well, the Moose!

Weighing in at 300 to 600 kilograms, the Moose is the world’s largest deer, and one of the most widely distributed, with 8 subspecies spread around the northern hemisphere, but not, originally, on the island of Newfoundland. That would never do, and so about a hundred years ago a very small number of Moose were moved from the mainland, and released in Newfoundland; a bigger target for hunters than the native, but smaller, Caribou. The third and final species of deer native to the nearby mainland, the White-tailed Deer, is even smaller than the Caribou, and also is not native to the island of Newfoundland.

In November, 2011, Canadian Boreal Initiative released a bulletin called Intact Habitat Lanscapes and Woodland Caribou on the Island of Newfoundland, by Dr. Jeffrey Wells, Dr. John Jacobs, Dr. Ian Goudie and Jonathan Feldgajer, which referenced research indicating that the Caribou, the one native deer on the vast island of Newfoundland, had decreased by two thirds.

This at a time when we are fighting to try to prevent planned lethal culling of Moose, the larger, and non-native deer species, whose numbers are burgeoning to the point that there have been many horrific collisions with automobiles on the island’s roads.

But here’s the catch, and the proof that we are dealing with a species out of control – not Moose, but us! The reason that Moose are increasing to a point where they are regarded a serious road hazard is the exact same reason that has been identified as the primary factor driving the caribou to endangerment, and that is the practice of cutting large swaths of timber. It’s even allowed in national parks!

In 2002 the caribou population was estimated at around 85,000 animals, but has now dropped to about 32,000 animals. Caribou need joining “corridors” of intact forest to navigate their migratory routes in relative safety from bears. Bears are nowhere near as likely to kill caribou as wolves, but they were wiped around 1913, close to when, in 1904, four moose from Nova Scotia firmly established that species on the island (there were earlier attempts, apparently unsuccessful). The coyote is not as efficient a predator of ungulates, but in the 1980s they established themselves by crossing the ice from the mainland.

Both Moose and Caribou are, of course, hunted for “sport”.

We are advocating a more nuanced forestry practice, including the protection of forests in national parks, and the establishment of protected forest areas that will contribute to fewer moose and more caribou. Moose might well have reached the island on their own, of course, it is just a quirk of ecological fate that they did not. But they should never have been wiped out. Wolves should never have been exterminated. Forestry management should be more nuanced, and regulated to consider the needs of caribou. Coyotes also benefit from deforestation. Saving Newfoundland forests from clearcutting would be a good major step in correcting a long history of bad decisions.

Ontario Election Results

The Vegan Environmental Party unofficial results for the 2011 Ontario Election:

Mississauga South - Paul Figueiras - 165 votes

Don Valley West - Rosemary Waigh - 108 votes

Toronto Centre - Harvey Rotenberg - 102 votes

Congratulations and great work!

Ontario Elections - Vote Vegan!

For voters in Ontario, you can go cruelty-free and vote Vegan!

The Vegan Environmental Party of Ontario is newly formed and has three candidates running in this election:

Mississauga South - Paul Figueiras

Don Valley West - Rosemary Waigh

Toronto Centre - Harvey Rotenberg

You can visit the Party's facebook page via the link below:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vegan-Environmental-Party-Parti-%C3%A9cologique-v%C3%A9gan/283571875003156?sk=info&ref=nf

A wise man

My friends, love is better than anger. Hope is better than fear. Optimism is better than despair. So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.

All my very best,
Jack Layton

***

Wise words from a wise man who will be deeply missed.

We will do our very best to turn his words into reality.

Our condolences to his family and to all Canadians who were touched by this great man.

Lia and the AAEVPC crew

Horse Slaughter Article

Good article in The Saturday Star (link below).

http://www.thestar.com/news/article/1032379--dirty-little-secret-canada-s-slaughter-industry-under-fire?bn=1

Video Production delayed

Because of the mail strike, the majority of supporters still have not received their invitation to the "Spread the Word" video production. As a result, we're rescheduling the shoot.

We'll let everyone know the new date once we reorganize ourselves.

Sorry everyone!

Lia

Spread the Word

Video Production Invitation

You and your friends and family are invited to come to the Animal Alliance / Environment Voters office to add your voice on video to Canadians demanding that the proposed Canada - EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement protect animals and the environment, not harm them. For more information about the Agreement, click here.

The final production will be made available to all EU politicians and officials, and their Canadian counter-parts - as well as the general public and press in Europe and Canada.

WHEN: Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24. Choose the day that works best for you.

TIME: Anytime between 10 am and 4 pm

WHERE: Suite 101, 221 Broadview Avenue, Toronto M4M 2G3

WHY: To video brief statements from Canadians urging European Union officials and politicians to ensure that the proposed free trade agreement between Canada and the EU increases protections for animals and the environment, and does not entrench or worsen Canada's horrific environmental and animal protection record.

RSVP: Please, call or e-mail Lia at 416-462-9541 ext: 24 or contact@environmentvoters.org to let us know if you're coming.

REFRESHMENTS: A selection of vegan snacks and beverages.

CAN'T MAKE IT? If you're not able to visit us to record your comments, you can always make your own video using a camera, cell phone or computer. Send it to us by regular mail, e-mail or by uploading it to the Internet, and we'll add your voice to the video.

No Crisis in Hay River Shelter

From Bonnie Dawson, in Hay River.

***

Having just received a long distance call from the President of the HR SPCA who is currently out of town, I found comfort in learning that there is NO CRISIS situation with the shelter in Hay River.

I wish to apologize to all of those who have contacted me so far and do greatly appreciate that you were so quick to respond.

The information which I had been provided in the email request I received yesterday from the Hay River By Law Officer asking for my assistance,( as well as follow up telephone conversations), to utilize my own network of contacts was unfortunately as it turned out to be .... inaccurate....leading me to believe and to Post an Urgent Request for help...believing that the shelter was full to capacity and that no additional animals could be taken in.

I have learned in speaking with the President of the HR SPCA that at present there are actually three (3) dogs currently in foster care and two cats which need to be placed. .... a great relief to me.

Again I sincerely and publicly extend an apology for issuing an unnecessary ALERT and a deep and honest thank you to all of you who have responded so quickly.

Should anyone wish to inquire about the current three (3) dogs and two cats looking for loving forever homes, please contact Kerry at the HR SPCA.

Hay River SPCA at: 867-874-3667 : likely having to leave a message or email: hrspca@hotmail.com

To view HRSPCA Page: http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NT03.html

NWT Animals in Need of Homes!

We just received this appeal today - relayed by Bonnie Dawson from Hay River. Please feel free to circulate.

If you have any questions, Bonnie can be reached through her website http://bonniedawson.com/

***

Hello everyone

Today I received an email from the Hay River By-Law Officer requesting my help in getting both dogs and cats that have been at the Town shelter too long relocated out of the NWT to shelters elsewhere where they would stand a better chance of finding forever homes. There is no room left to take in any more animals if found as strays, abandoned or injured.

I have requested more information, i.e. # of cats and # of dogs involved, as well as pictures if possible. (I just spoke to him and he should have the exact #'s to me likely by the weekend).

I do not want to see any of these animals having to be put down.

If anyone is able to help, by accepting any of these animals, please contact me ASAP.

To quote the By-Law Officer "We are looking for places that will not charge the Town any monies and will hopefully cover all, or at least some of the shipping charges to send the dogs and cats to them and also pay the shipping charges to return the crates back to us."

I am sure that arrangements on the above quoted may be discussed further.

This is an URGENT request.

Please circulate this widely. Remember the NT does not have shelters as does other provinces, we have only 3 small shelters where volunteers care for the animals; and only one veterinary hospital located in Yellowknife. We have no resident vets to perform humane euthansia if it comes down to that...hopefully it won't.

Thanks Everyone

From the Canadian Wolf Coalition

ACTION ALERTS!

1. The BC government is finally coming up with a Wolf Management Plan for the province.We want to make sure it’s based on conservation, ethics, and a healthy future for wild wolves, and that shareholders such as ENGO’s, First Nations peoples, agricultural interests and others are all heard and part of the process. Visit our website (www.canadianwolfcoalition.com) to stay informed, and let BC Minister of Forests, Lands and NRO Steve Thomson know that wild wolves and the wilderness they require is a public asset Canadian’s want to see protected.

Call: (250)387-6240

2. Add your name to the petition against the sterilization of wolves in BC at http://www.change.org/petitions/stop-the-sterilization-of-wolves-by-bc-vets. In just 10 years 79 wolves were removed and 52 sterilized as part of an experimental project. Visit ourhomepage or Facebook site to learn more. There are over 1,400 signatures and growing! The BC College of Veterinarians was swamped by e-mails from supporters like YOU and we’ve got their attention…let's keep it!

3. The High Prairie region of Big Lakes Alberta still has a $300 bounty on wolves. If you have not yet written, phoned, or e-mailed the decision-makers responsible, learn how to make your howl heard from our homepage. More than 60 wolves have already been killed and claimed over 7 months.

4. Great Canadian Heliski Company’s proposal to expand into critical caribou habitat after failing to live up to their end of the promise to the Mountain Caribou Projects Recovery Implementation Plan is still being processed. The COMMENT PERIOD HAS BEEN EXTENDED. Let them know you don’t want to see more human scars in habitat recognized for its critical importance to caribou,wolverines, and other sensitive species.

Contact: Sharon.Dailey@gov.bc.ca and AuthorizingAgency.Cranbrook@gov.bc.ca, reference file number4410686. Please cc. canadianwolfco@gmail.com

Great News from Bonnie Dawson, NWT Candidate

(Received May 26 - Terrific work, Bonnie!!!)

Yesterday I received the mailed hard copy confirmation letter from MACA Min. Robert McLeod's office, date stamped May 17, 2011. Same letter I had received via email on May 18th.

New Dog Act came into effect on May 15, 2011.

NWT cannot pat itself on the back just yet. Enactment of the new Dog Act moved NWT to Third Last place for Best Place to Abuse Animals. Still nothing to be proud of, a minor improvement at best.

It is most encouraging to see that after three years of my hard work (2008-2011) pressuring the GNWT I have won a Victory for the Dogs here in the NWT. While it is not the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act that I have been fighting for, it is an "interim measure until a comprehensive Animal Protection Act" can be legislated. The motion was brought forward and carried in the Legislative Assembly on March 4, 2011 (Hansard) to continue working towards a comprehensive act, which means that the new government resulting from the Fall election are to continue working towards that goal. I want to see a Comprehensive Animal Protection Act similar to that of Ontario (The Best in Canada). Note that I provided every Canadian Provincial Act to the GNWT for them to draw upon as a Template, as well as graphic pictures, incidents as reported by the media and countless research documents on the Link Between Animal Cruelty and Human Violence. My hope is that the GNWT will adopt an Act closely like that of Ontario ..the Best in Canada.

The decades of unprosecuted and continuing violence against animals should now hopefully come to an end. With the New Dog Act in effect and combined with the Federal Criminal Code perpetrators of neglect, cruelty and violence against dogs should be properly charged and face the consequences. There is no viable or acceptable excuse that can be given for not charging and prosecuting these individuals to the fullest extent of the Territorial and Federal Law.

I will continue my work towards the Comprehensive Animal Protection Act, will continue to monitor all cases of violence against animals in the NWT and I will continue to draw Global attention to these incidents. Until such time as a Comprehensive Act is legislated in the NWT the territory will remain in the bottom tier compared to the rest of Canada. Until such time as violators/offenders in animal cruelty cases are charged and successfully face the justice deserved for their acts of violence against animals the territory will remain in the bottom tier.

Fifth place candidate glad she ran

May 4, 2011

Yellowknife, N.W.T. - The fifth place finisher for the Western Arctic seat has mixed reactions to this week's federal election.

Bonnie Dawson of the Animal Alliance Environment Voters' Party got 87 votes at the polls in the NWT, garnering 0.6 per cent of the vote -- more than she and likely many others expected.

"I'm quite happy with the number of votes I got. I'm rather surprised. I knew there were going to be people voting for me, but I was surprised. So I'm happy about that. But I would've liked to have seen a better outcome as far as change in government and leadership."

Dawson said even on election day she was getting emails from people asking her position on topics like animal research and the commercial seal hunt on the East Coast.

She believes that by running in the election, she's had a better opportunity to speak about animal and environmental rights and hopes more people will be aware and educated on the issues.

One such issue, Conservative tax breaks for big business, ignores the reality of how the oil sands are affecting the entire food chain, she said.

"They're not worried about people dying in Fort Chip dying of these cancers. They're not worried about the land and vegetation that is contaminated and the wildlife that eats that contaminated vegetation. In turn, the people eat that contaminated meat. They're not worried about that."

Dawson, from Hay River, is known for lobbying the Government of Northwest Territories for improved animal rights legislation, which resulted in a recently updated Dog Act.

She said she'll continue pushing for a comprehensive animal protection bill to include more than dogs.

CJCD Mix 100 News
http://www.mix100.ca/news_and_sports/news/Local/11/05/4/Fifth-place-candidate-glad-she-ran

Election Results

Animal rights candidate happy she pushed for change

Kim Zarzour May 02, 2011 - 9:20 PM

Not expecting move to 24 Sussex, Liz White still pleased she challenged environment minister on issuesLiz White doesn’t need to wait until the results come in tonight to know she didn’t win, but she’s fine with that.“I don’t think I’ll be moving to 24 Sussex Dr. or anything exciting like that,” said the Thornhill candidate for the Animal Alliance Environment Voters party, while she prepared for her election night party.She planned to celebrate Monday night at a downtown hotel with six of the seven candidates her fringe party fielded this election because she’s happy her group was able to raise the issues no one else wanted to discuss.

Ms White, who lives in Toronto, chose to run in Thornhill to take on Conservative candidate, and Minister of the Environment, Peter Kent.

“I honestly don’t think they’ll vote for me, but I hope they don’t vote for Kent.

“We invest huge amounts of money fighting all the stuff he does,” she says, pointing to activities like the recent cormorant cull at Point Pelee.

While she doesn’t expect to put a big dent in Mr. Kent’s campaign, she says she would definitely run against the environment minister again.

“Change doesn’t come from the mainstream,” she says. “Those who campaigned for the women vote were looked upon as extremists, crazy, fringe, all the things i get called. But change comes from people at the edges.”

http://www.yorkregion.com/website/article/1001496--animal-rights-candidate-happy-she-pushed-for-change

***

A big thank you to everyone who supports the ideals upon which the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party are founded. More and more people are acknowleding that things must change for animals and the enironment, as evidenced by Elizabeth May's historical win.

Official results from the Elections Canada website are as follows:

Marie Crawford (Toronto - Danforth) - 476 votes
Bonnie Dawson (Western Arctic) - 87 votes
Karen Levenson (Guelph) - 123 votes
Simon Luisi (Davenport) - 128 votes
Yvonne Mackie (Newmarket - Aurora) - 182 votes
Anna Maria Valastro (London North Centre) - 236 votes
Liz White (Thornhill) - 219 votes

The cormorant cull on Middle Island (Point Pelee National Park) contines over the next two weeks. Liz has been back and forth between Toronto and Middle Island where she has been observing the slaughter by Parks staff. In spite of the obvious disturbance to the other nesting bird populations (Great Blue Herons in particular), Environment Canada has determined that there has been no violation under the Migratory Birds Convention Act or Regulations. Very disappointing, although not surprising.

Lia and the AAEVPC crew

Yesterday's Thornhill Debate

Well, I think Liz's chances of being sent to Ottawa are slim to none (statistically speaking), but she, nonetheless, wooed the crowd at the Thornhill Community Centre last night.

A number of young vegetarians approached her after the debate to say how glad they were that she spoke about animals. And she has received a number of complimentary e-mails today. One person said he wouldn't be voting for her but that her answers made the most sense and thanked her for running. None of our literature was left behind, disgarded by the crowd, so we take that as a good sign!

Liz had the opportunity to speak about Parks Canada, which is under the purview of Peter Kent's Environment Ministry. She said:

I have a very warm spot in my heart for Peter Kent - the man. When I first was a candidate and I canvassed Peter Kent on my street, he invited me into his home and we taked about his interest and compassion for animals. I found him a warm and caring person.

That's why I have so much trouble with Peter Kent - the Conservative - a person who supports dirty oil, the sale of asbestos and the slaughter of wildlife in our national parks, all across the country.

From the Peaceful Parks Coalition:

Parks Canada has a history of killing wildlife they perceive has having no value:

Sable Island – 100,000 grey seals in the first year, 30,000 grey seals in subsequent years (proposed). Horses and gulls under consideration.
Gros Morne and Terra Nova National Parks – moose
Cape Breton National Park – coyotes
Point Pelee National Park, Sidney Island, St Lawrence Island – white-tailed deer
Elk Island – bison and elk
Banff National Park – elk
Gwaii Haanas and Kejimkujik – raccoons
Middle Island, Point Pelee National Park- double-crested cormorants

Canada’s national parks fall under federal jurisdiction. In this federal election, please consider the state of national parks when casting your ballot. Currently, the only issues being highlighted is taxes – money- because the front runners believe that is all we care about.

Please raise environmental and animal welfare issues when your local candidate comes knocking.

Home stretch...

Only a few more days till voters head to the polls. Our candidates are quite busy, between interviews, debates and their regular day jobs! But the voters they have been talking to have been very open and receptive to animal issues. Yvonne Mackie, our candidate in Newmarket-Aurora said it was particularly inspiring to visit a high school and talk with the students, many of whom were very interested in the Party.

As with the last election, people have been calling us, asking if we have a candidate in their riding. In 2008 we had 4 candidates; this time we have 7. If anyone would like to give being a candidate a try, please call us.

On Saturday Liz attended a public forum for Canada's smaller parties. Please visit the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada website for details (http://www.mlpc.ca:80/Articles/2011/F11-1316.HTM).

Ever onwards.

Lia and the AAEVPC crew

Thrilling Time to be a Volunteer at Animal Alliance Environment Voters

I've been a volunteer for Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada for almost 3 years now. We volunteers do the necessary but unglamorous work of stuffing envelopes for mail-outs, revising addresses, updating fax numbers, and whatever else needs doing.

I quickly learned that human cruelty towards animals is awfully pervasive: there’s the seal hunt; puppy mills; horse slaughter; factory farming; laboratory testing on animals; coyote bounties; deer culls; the plight of elephants in Canadian zoos; rodeo brutality; roadside zoos ... The horrors affect me so deeply that I cannot bear to read about them anymore.

With the upcoming election on May 2, 2011, Animal Alliance / Environment Voters has a great opportunity to get our platform into the public forum for debate. We have 7 candidates standing for federal election this May.

Prior to the election call, Animal Alliance Environment Voters fought to protect wildlife in our national parks. You would think wildlife would be safe in our national parks. Sadly this is not the case. In fact, some wildlife is targeted and sometimes dealt harshly by the very agency mandated to provide protection. In addition to the cormorants on Middle Island, Parks Canada is considering or has already implemented the slaughter of moose in Gross Morne and Terra Nova National Parks in Newfoundland, elk in Elk Island and in Banff; bison on Elk Island; raccoon in Gwaii Haanas and Kejimkujik; and whitetail deer in St. Lawrence Island and in Point Pelee.

The Party for the Animals in Holland has demonstrated that it is possible to give animals and the environment a political. They have party members in Parliament and in their Senate. Their goals are to see animals living free from suffering caused by humans, and to promote animals’ rights to live naturally in their natural environment. They pressure the other political parties to work for change so that animal interests will not be continually subordinate to economic interests.

What is happening in Holland to improve the lives of animals can and will happen here in Canada too! Lynda Spencer

A Looming Election

The Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada is your federal political party. AAEVPC makes it possible for you to hold federal politicians accountable for their environmental and animal policies during elections, when it matters most. Our political party - the only party singularly focused on animal and environmental protection - would not exist without your vision, passion, and generosity.

Right now we’re finalizing our campaign messages for the coming election, and we'd appreciate your views and counsel. Tell us, please, what would you like us to say to the Conservative, Liberal, and NDP leaders and candidates on your behalf? What questions can we raise for you at all candidates’ meetings? What answers can we demand from the candidates running where you vote?

Please e-mail us your thoughts - today if at all possible. Tell us your hopes and dreams for a more compassionate, healthy world. Tell us what issues you’d like to see us campaign on.

Click here for a list of our achievements (all thanks to your support) over the last year.

Remember, our party, your party, is the only federal political party that gives the animals and the environment a political voice - the powerful, national voice needed to secure protection for all animals and the environment.

On behalf of all of us here at AAEVPC, thank you!

Seal hunt on Hay Island underway

Grey seal hunt begins in Hay Island, N.S.
Federal quota of 1,900 animals, down from last year

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/story/2011/02/24/ns-hay-island-seal-hunt.html

Ontario's Illegal Coyote Killing Contests

Please take a few minutes to help stop the mindless persecution of coyotes in Ontario. Dalton McGuinty knows the Coyote Killing Contests are both illegal and immoral, but unless you and I let him know that we will no longer tolerate such cruelty, it will continue.

It’s bad enough that coyotes can be killed year-round in Ontario, leaving newborn pups to die, but if these barbaric contests are not stopped, it will add another whole dimension to this barbaric 'sport'. One where people and their pets will be afraid to venture into natural areas this summer.

For convenience, you can simply choose to use some of the points listed in the following link in your email to McGuinty, with a copy to your MPP and, if you live in the Ottawa area, your City Councillor. Please bcc webmaster@wildlifeontario.ca as well. Please do not forward the 'Take Action' page to politicians, however, as it will not count as personal comment.

http://wildlifeontario.ca/content/action/actionalert/Stop-Coyote-Killing-Contests/index.html

Together, we can make a difference for these animals. Please forward this to your friends and family as well. To have the greatest impact, Dalton McGuinty needs to receive a large number of letters over the next few days, so even if you’ve written before, do so again.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 416 - 462 - 9541 or e-mail contact@environmentvoters.org

For recent news articles on this issue, please visit www.animalalliance.ca and click on the "Resources" page.

Thank you for all your help!

Liz and the AAEVPC crew

UVic bunnies in danger again!

The Responsible Animal Care Society (TRACS) needs our help.

The Battle of the UVic bunnies is not over.

After volunteers successfully rescued the majority of the abandoned pets (Nearly 900 rabbits!!) to sanctuaries, the University of Victoria in BC recently announced plans to kill any abandoned pet rabbits that they find on the campus after March 1st. Volunteers, under the TRACS umbrella, have delivered hundreds of rabbits to the Wild Rose Rescue Ranch in Texas. All spays and neuters are being paid for by FurBearer Defenders!!

In order to save the rabbits and move them to their new home sanctuary, a government wildlife permit is required. TRACS's Wildlife Permit to move the rabbits expires on March 31st. They have asked for it to be extended, as the University says the killing of rabbits will resume March 1st.

Prior to government approval of the permit, the university killed over 100 innocent bunnies in May of 2010. By signing this petition, you are showing your support for the continuation of the rabbit rescue, and sending a message to UVic and the local municipal governments that killing abandoned pets and their offspring is unacceptable and inhumane. By signing the petition, you also support the municipalities changing their bylaws to stop the sale of unsterilized rabbits and to strengthen and enforce the penalties for dumping unwanted rabbits.

You can further help the UVic bunnies, by visiting the AAEVPC web site and making a tax deductible donation to help with transportation costs, and ongoing care and feeding costs of these adorable innocent creatures.

On behalf of the bunnies, thank you!

Visit http://www.tracs-bc.ca/uvicbun.html for more information.

Lia and the AAEVPC crew

A New Year

Well, the year is starting off to be a busy one. We are sad to report that there are issues all across the country, and we are working on as many of them as possible. We will soon be uploading to our website a new Report to Members on the campaign work done in 2010.

Liz met with another person today who is interested in running as a candidate for the animals. She did this in between phone interviews from media interested in an elk issue in the Bancroft / North Hastings area in Ontario and the ongoing coyote issue in Ottawa.

Meanwhile, Morris (one of our wonderful volunteers) and I plugged away at the daily mail and getting receipts for our monthly donors ready to send out.

It's going to be a full house tomorrow with a number of other volunteers in to help with receipts. Thank you to all who make this important work speaking out for the animals possible.

Lia and the AAEVPC crew