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Dog Fighting: More than the Abuse of Dogs

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Dog Fighting: More than the Abuse of Dogs

Dog fighting conjures up images of cruelty, animal suffering, and greed – but that’s not the full picture. To that, add crime, gangsterism, violence, and drugs, and then the realities of dog fighting become clearer. 

It’s a problem of dangerous, disturbing proportions: people who flout animal protection laws flout other laws, too – just as those who violently hurt animals have no problem with violence towards people, too.

As dog fighting is illegal, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA works with the City of Cape Town’s Law Enforcement (Animal Control Unit) to enforce the law and educate communities about the harms of dog fighting and ways to spot it and report it.

This work pays off, as we saw in March when our Inspectors responded to a tip-off about youngsters inciting their dogs to fight – a regular occurrence, according to the Lotus River resident who reported the matter.

Young people become desensitised to animal suffering by witnessing dog fighting in their communities and imitating it with their own dogs. Numerous studies have also identified how animal abuse is often linked to child abuse and gender-based violence – two of the greatest societal ills in South Africa.

Please help us keep up the pressure to end dog fighting by supporting our anti-dog fighting campaigns. It takes teamwork and a united front to dismantle a secretive system that operates in the shadows of our communities – and in the darkest corners of the human psyche.

Source: SPCA

EFSA Says Serious Animal Suffering is Unavoidable on Fur Farms

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EFSA Says Serious Animal Suffering is Unavoidable on Fur Farms

Findings confirmed in its scientific opinion as part of the Fur Free Europe ECI process

It is not possible to ensure good animal welfare or to mitigate the serious welfare concerns in the cage-based systems in fur farms, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has confirmed, in its scientific opinion as part of the Fur Free Europe ECI process. Global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS and other animal protection organisations urge the European Commission (EC) to address this opinion by banning fur farming in the EU, as demanded by millions of EU citizens.

The EFSA findings confirm what scientists have been stressing for years: fur farming is fundamentally incompatible with animal welfare. It highlights the severe welfare consequences faced by mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas in fur production, including restriction of movement, isolation stress, tissue lesions and lameness, while it asserts that the complex behavioural and physiological needs of these animals simply cannot be met within the fur farming industry.

Given that the only currently-used farming system relies on wire mesh cages, this conclusion aligns with a broad body of existing research highlighting the harmful impact of caging animals, whether domesticated or not.

As scientific evidence highlights that no enrichment or change to the system can respect the welfare needs of animals farmed for fur and with the industry being in a state of decline, the EC should seize the opportunity of the current revision of the EU animal welfare legislation to acknowledge the calls of the ECI and adopt:

  • A ban on fur farming
  • A ban on the placement of farmed fur products on the European market, to ensure that fur produced under similarly cruel conditions in third countries is not sold within the EU.

This call has also been supported by The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), representing 330,000 veterinarians across 39 countries, who asserted that fur farming is not future-proof and urged a full ban on farming and the sale of fur products in the EU.

“The practice of confining millions of animals in small wire cages for the production of non-essential fashion items is outdated and fundamentally incompatible with contemporary ethical standards. EFSA has now provided detailed scientific evidence that the existing cage systems for fur animals are incompatible with animal welfare standards. We once again urge the European Commission to take action and swiftly present a comprehensive ban on fur farming and the trade in fur,”

Dr. Martina Stephany, Director Animal Welfare Issues at FOUR PAWS

“The newly published EFSA opinion brings no real surprises: confining inherently wild animals in cages for a luxury product that serves no essential purpose violates the most basic principles of animal welfare. In light of this new EFSA assessment, and given the well-documented public health and environmental risks associated with fur farming, we urge the European Commission a ban across the EU, in line with the demands of citizens”, commented Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals.

FOUR PAWS was one of the major signature contributors to the ‘Fur Free Europe’ European Citizens’ Initiative. Read more about the efforts and achievements of FOUR PAWS on ending fur farming in the EU here.

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#FurFreeEurope

Timeline of activities and achievements

Learn more

Source: Four Paws

Piglet Castration

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Piglet Castration

How young pigs are neutered without anaesthesia

In pig farming, piglets are castrated very early (within the first week) – mostly without anaesthesia. This is extremely painful for the animals. The reasons for castration are both to avoid the unpleasant boar taint in the meat and to reduce the aggression and sexual behaviour of adult male pigs, thus making the animals easier to handle.1 Boar taint occurs extremely rarely and only when the meat is heated. The affected meat can be sorted out at the slaughterhouse and processed cold, for example as sausages.2,3

piglet

Cruelty to animals for cheap meat

The reason why it is not legally required for pig to be anesthetised during surgical castration, but dogs and cats do, is simply due to the costs of anaesthesia. Castrations without anaesthesia are allowed be carried out by the farmer themselves, whereas anaesthesia must (usually) be administered by a veterinarian. The veterinary costs saved by omitting anaesthesia make the production of cheap pork even more efficient – at the expense of the animals.

In the European Union, surgical castration without anaesthesia or analgesia is allowed within the first days of life of the piglets. After that, the use of analgesic medicines including narcotics, administered by a veterinarian, is mandatory.4 In 2010 a European Declaration of Alternatives to Pig Castration proposed that by 2012, surgical castration should not be performed without the use of medication and by 2018, surgical castration itself should be abolished and alternative methods should be used. For this to happen, several prerequisites should have been achieved, such as developing successful and quick methods of detecting boar taint and developing information and training of farmers and other members of the whole pork chain. But these goals were not achieved by 2018 and conventional surgical castration without anesthesia and without pain relief is still widespread across the European Union.5

Since 1 January, 2021, castration of piglets without anaesthesia has finally been banned in Germany. Anaesthesia can be administered either by injection by a veterinarian or by inhalation by persons with the appropriate certificate of competence and must be supplemented by the administration of painkillers. However, the use of anaesthetics by persons other than (veterinary) doctors should be viewed critically.  

There are some countries that do not or only to a certain percentage perform surgical castration of pigs and rather prefer keeping of intact males, like the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, or Greece.5

There are alternatives

There are more animal-friendly alternatives such as boar fattening or immuno-castration (vaccination against boar taint)1, as well as genetic castration6, all of which do not involve surgical castration. Surgery with general anaesthesia is also an acceptable alternative if castration cannot be avoided.1 However, it is crucial that only the veterinarians are allowed to put this anaesthetic on. The pig industry is still lobbying for local anesthesia, which would be cheaper for farmers. However, this is not an alternative, as it is extremely painful for the animals and is not efficient in alleviating pain and distress.1

Read more about the alternatives to non-anesthetised piglet castration.

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Sources:

  1.  EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW), Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin-Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Schmidt G, et al. Welfare of pigs on farm. EFSA Journal. 2022;20(8):e07421. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7421
  2.  Keenan DF. Pork Meat Quality, Production and Processing on. In: Caballero B, Finglas PM, Toldrá F, editors. Encyclopedia of Food and Health. Oxford: Academic Press; 2016. p. 419–431. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123849472005511. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-384947-2.00551-1
  3.  Mörlein J, Meier-Dinkel L, Gertheiss J, Schnäckel W, Mörlein D. Sustainable use of tainted boar meat: Blending is a strategy for processed products. Meat Science. 2019;152:65–72. doi:10.1016/j.meatsci.2019.02.013 
  4.  European Commission. Council Directive 2008/120/EC of 18 December 2008 laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs (Codified version). 2008. http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2008/120/oj/eng 
  5.  Higuera MA. Pig castration: Where are we at in finding alternatives? 2019 Jul 16 [accessed 2024 Feb 5]. https://www.pig333.com/articles/pig-castration-where-are-we-at-in-finding-alternatives_15100/ 
  6.  Hein T. Gene editing offers avenues to end castration. Pig Progress. 2020 Jul 6 [accessed 2024 Feb 5]. https://www.pigprogress.net/pigs/gene-editing-offers-avenues-to-end-castration/

 

Source: Four Paws

The Torment of Sheep in the Wool and Meat Industry

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The Torment of Sheep in the Wool and Meat Industry

Lamb or mutton – the suffering in sheep husbandry

Sheep are not used only for the production of wool – they are also very commonly used for the production of dairy and meat products. As with most widely used animal-based products, wool production and sheep farming come with major animal welfare issues. Most sheep live in extensive production systems and stay outdoors permanently. However, intensive farming, where animals are kept indoors permanently, is also practised, leading to various animal welfare issues. Mutilations, that are practised in sheep production systems (e.g., tail docking, castration, live lamb cutting (mulesing)) are not always necessary and are often very cruel. Sheep are sometimes transported over long distances to be slaughtered in other countries, with weaker (less animal-friendly) legislation or enforcement. Slaughtering sheep without adequate stunning methods is also of concern.

Live Lamb Cutting: a cruel mutilation

Live lamb cutting is the process where lambs are restrained on their backs, while strips of skin are cut away from their backside. It causes excruciating pain, fear, and stress, and it is legal to carry out this procedure without any form of pain relief. This painful procedure is practised in Australia to avoid Myiasis (Flystrike) – the infestation of a sheep’s body by flies, which lay their eggs in the skin folds of the hind parts of the sheep. ‘Live lamb cutting’ does not adequately protect sheep against flystrike, as flies can attack other parts of a sheep’s body (‘bodystrike’). FOUR PAWS opposes live lamb cutting and calls on brands and industry stakeholders to phase out the practice.

Learn more about our campaign to stop live lamb cutting (mulesing).

Mutilations

Like other farm animals, sheep are subjected to a number of painful mutilations, that adapt the animal to the husbandry system, instead of vice versa. Besides mulesing in Australia, there is tail docking, where the tip of the tail (or the whole tail) is removed, without anaesthesia during the procedure or with any pain relief after it, even though a simple solution exists – breeding of sheep with short tails. Male sheep are also subjected to painful castration procedures, again performed without anaesthesia, and female sheep are sometimes artificially inseminated laparoscopically, which is very painful for the animal.

Learn more about other painful mutilation sheep have to endure.

Long-distance transport of sheep

Sheep are often transported over long distances to be slaughtered in other countries, with weaker and less animal-friendly legislation or enforcement. In particular, animals are usually transported for several days and weeks in disastrous conditions. Numerous animals sustain serious injuries and quite regularly animals die a torturous death during the journeys.

In November 2019, a vessel loaded with 14,000 sheep capsized on its way from Romania to Saudi Arabia, leaving the sheep to die. FOUR PAWS and its Romanian partner organisation ARCA were able to rescue 254 animals, out of which 180 survived. These sheep are the lucky ones, and a constant reminder of the millions of farmed animals that keep suffering as long as live transports exist.

Read more about this mission.

Separation of lambs from their mothers

Sheep, that are also used for the production of dairy products, are separated from their young soon after giving birth – just as dairy cows and their calves are separated. This causes severe welfare issues for the animals and should not be allowed, with mother-bounded rearing becoming the standard in the dairy industry for all animals.

When a sheep and her lamb are separated right after birth, there is no mother-child bond established. If they are allowed to stay together for a certain time, but still weaned too early, then this can lead to serious animal welfare relevant reactions. Due to lack of child-mother-contact, behavioural disorders can occur, with signs of extreme mental suffering, which can lead to physical impairment, e.g. serious loss of weight (emaciation).

Therefore, all lambs must be reared for a period of at least 45 days (90 for meat lambs) and given an opportunity at least twice a day to complete a natural suckling process and then engage in social behavior with their mother. At least during the first seven days of life, mother and lamb must be kept together and if they are separated afterwards, the mother and lamb must be able to have visual and physical contact until they are weaned, which should take place gradually, over a period of at least one week. From the 8th day of life, the lambs must also be kept in groups – no single keeping of animals should be allowed.

FOUR PAWS Calls For…

The end of cruel practices:

They are inducing fear, pain and distress, thus diminishing the immune system, altering brain function and the natural behaviour of animals.

  • Live Lamb Cutting (Mulesing): Live lamb cut-free wool should become a standard worldwide, as it can easily be replaced by less cruel alternatives.
  • Ban on painful mutilations: Like other farm animals, sheep are subjects to painful mutilations.
  • Ban on the separation of lambs from their mothers: Sheep, that are also used for the production of dairy products, are separated from their young.
  • Higher standards regarding transport: Various abuses are known, such as dehydration due to lack of water supply, diseases, and injuries to the animals due to rough handling. Long-distance travel (more than 8 hours) should therefore not be allowed, nor should it be allowed for animals that are not weaned yet. Read more about our demands regarding live animal transport.
  • Highest regulations on slaughter in all world countries: Sheep are often transported into countries that have a weaker and less animal-friendly legislation or the enforcement.

Fulfilment of basic needs:

If neglected it leads to poor welfare states and therefore to suffering, acute pain, distress, fear, and long-term negative welfare states. Basic needs of sheep are:

  • Sheep are a social species and must be kept in stable groups – no individual keeping should be allowed, with lambs having access to their mothers and male sheep should be separated in a different group once they reach maturity (3 months).
  • A diet of quality grazing material is not only essential for maintaining their physical health, but also gives them the possibility to express their natural behaviour of browsing for food.
  • The animals should be kept in dry outdoor climate stalls (open front deep litter stalls) with a permanently accessible, paved and sure-footed running yard; or if kept outside, they must have a shelter in place that gives protection from extreme weather conditions with readily available water and food.
  • Regular, but animal-friendly shearing of wool, as the animals do not shed their fur naturally, therefore the establishment of a good human-animal relationship is crucial for the wellbeing of animals, otherwise the shearing process is fear and stress-inducing.
  • Animals should be kept in good health, get parasite treatments and receive veterinary care if needed, with regular inspection of feet as they are prone to foot rot.
  • What to do as a witness of farm animal suffering

here

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Our Work for Farm Animals

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Source: Four Paws

Cat Strangled to Death – SPCA to Oppose Bail for Accused

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Cat Strangled to Death – SPCA to Oppose Bail for Accused

On Sunday, 1st June 2025, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA was contacted by the Lansdowne South African Police Service (SAPS) following a horrific incident of animal cruelty. It was reported that a resident of the area had strangled his neighbour’s cat to death — a deeply distressing and violent act that has shocked the community.

According to information received, this is not the first such incident allegedly involving the suspect. It is believed that as many as five cats have been killed in the area under similar circumstances, raising serious concerns about the safety of animals in the neighbourhood.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA immediately dispatched Inspector Trevor Rodney, who met with officers at the Lansdowne SAPS before proceeding to the property in question. There, Inspector Rodney discovered the lifeless body of the family’s beloved cat. The animal’s body had been discarded in a dustbin after the brutal act. Despite the trauma of the scene, Inspector Rodney persisted in collecting evidence to support a criminal prosecution.

The suspect was not present at the time of inspection and was initially at large. A criminal case of animal cruelty was officially opened, and the remains of the cat were taken by the SPCA for a post-mortem examination to support the case.

The following images may be disturbing to sensitive viewers.

Cat

Later that evening, thanks to the swift and commendable efforts of the Lansdowne SAPS, the suspect was apprehended and placed under arrest. He is expected to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates Court tomorrow, where the Cape of Good Hope SPCA will be in attendance to oppose bail.

“We will not tolerate acts of cruelty toward animals,” said SPCA Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse. “No animal should ever have to suffer such violence. We are committed to pursuing justice for this cat and for every voiceless victim of cruelty.”

The SPCA will continue to monitor the case closely and will push for the maximum penalty available under the Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962.

If you suspect animal cruelty, please report it immediately to our 24/7 Inspectorate on 021 700 4158.

Source: Cape Of Good Hope SPCA

The link between animal and domestic abuse

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Image: Pixabay

The link between animal and domestic abuse

Exploring the disturbing connection between Animal Abuse and Domestic Abuse:
In recent years, the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse is supported by a growing body of research and anecdotal evidence that has shed light on a disturbing connection that exists between two forms of violence. While each of these issues has long been recognized as independent societal problems, the emerging understanding of their interrelationship has brought attention to the complex dynamics that underlie both. The link between animal abuse and domestic abuse is not merely coincidental but rather represents a deep-rooted and troubling correlation that demands further exploration and intervention.

As part of the mission of The Paw Company, I focus on efforts to help change legislation in South Africa to improve the lives of animals.  I recently attended three consultation workshops by the animal law project in which Dr. Sheena Swemmer shared about the link between animal abuse and domestic violence.

Sheena Swemmer currently works at the School of Law (Centre for Applied Legal Studies), University of the Witwatersrand. Sheena does research on the intersection of violence against vulnerable groups (such as women, children, and animals) and rights in the Bill of Rights. Her Ph.D. is based on the intersection of companion animal abuse and domestic violence in the home, with the aim of developing South African domestic violence laws to include companion animals.

Animal abuse, which encompasses a wide range of cruel acts towards animals, is often viewed as a precursor or warning sign for more extensive forms of violence. These abusive behaviours may include physical harm, neglect, abandonment, or even deliberate acts of torture directed toward animals, both domestic and wild. On the other hand, domestic violence refers to a pattern of controlling, coercive, and violent behaviours exerted by one person against another in an intimate relationship. This abuse may manifest as physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual harm and is characterized by a power dynamic where the abuser seeks to dominate and control their victim.

Studies examining the link between these two types of violence have uncovered compelling evidence of shared characteristics and common underlying factors. Perpetrators of domestic violence have often been found to have a history of animal abuse, suggesting a progression of violence from animals to human victims. This is also evident in crime channel stories where serial killers’s first victims are usually animals. This makes abuse of animals a significant risk factor in identifying potential domestic abusers and even murderers.

Dr. Swemmer shares the following in her presentation:

  • In a 2016 study, of men arrested for animal cruelty crimes, 41% have been previously arrested for interpersonal violence crimes, including domestic violence.
  • In the same study, it was found that 75% of women who previously experienced domestic violence, stated that their partner had harmed or threatened to harm their companion animals, and 90% of the time the children witnessed the violence. This can also increase the risk of the children perpetrating such violence.

Image: Pixabay

Animal abuse is frequently used as a tactic to exert control and intimidation within domestic violence situations. Abusers may harm or threaten to harm beloved pets as a means to manipulate and exert power over their human victims, instilling fear and preventing them from leaving or seeking help. For many individuals, their pets are cherished family members, and the thought of harm coming to them can be a powerful deterrent to seeking safety and leaving abusive environments.

This intertwined relationship between animal abuse and domestic violence has implications for both the victims and society as a whole. Recognizing and addressing this link can offer crucial insights into understanding the minds of abusers, their motives, and the potential escalation of violence. Furthermore, it reinforces the importance of a multidisciplinary approach involving law enforcement, social services, mental health professionals, and animal welfare organizations to protect both vulnerable human and animal victims.

It is therefore important to report animal abuse and cruelty, not only because it is the right thing to do, but by saving animals, you can save people too! Read more about how to better understand animal cruelty, recognize it and report animal cruelty.

Some suggestions to address this link in terms of legislation include:

  • Establishing protection order mechanisms in the Animal Protection Act.
  • Creating mandatory reporting mechanisms for Veterinarians.
  • Creating cross-reporting mechanisms between the Department of social development, SAPS, and the NSPCA (or animal welfare).
  • Including the use of animals as complainants in domestic violence laws.
  • Establish caregiver (owner) responsibilities and obligations so that they can lose “custody” of animals if they are not well taken care of.

In conclusion, the connection between animal abuse and domestic abuse serves as a poignant reminder of the complex nature of violence in society. Addressing this link is essential not only to protect animals and their human caretakers but also to break the cycle of violence that can perpetuate from one generation to the next. By fostering awareness, conducting research, and implementing effective preventive measures, we can strive towards building a safer and more compassionate society for all beings.

I agree with Gandhi that the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. Animals didn’t have a choice where they live, so do right by them!

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin

Do you unknowingly support animal testing?

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Image by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa)

Are you making ethical choices when it comes to animals and the products you use?

Most people don’t really give any thought to animals when they buy products for themselves, whether clothes, beauty or cleaning products, medicines, etc., but when you work in animal welfare, it most likely becomes second nature to make ethical choices, especially when it involves animals. Cruelty is not only physical abuse and unknowingly you might be cruel to animals by supporting certain practices, products, or industries. Today we will focus on the medical and beauty industry with regards to animal testing.

Animals used for research include (in decreasing order) mice, rats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, farm animals (including pigs and sheep), dogs, primates (including monkeys and chimpanzees) and cats. Frogs and fish are also widely used. These are however not the only ones and some are sadly not protected under animal welfare acts. Animals can’t consent to this and their lives are given for a cause they can’t comprehend. Do you think that is ethical?

Charles Magel shares that when you ask the experimenters why they experiment on animals, the answer is, ‘Because the animals are like us.’ Ask the experimenters why it is morally okay to experiment on animals, and the answer is, ‘Because the animals are not like us.”

There are modern, reliable, effective, repeatable and available tools, yet they are not being exclusively used. Why? Dr. James Gallagher gives part of the answer: “Animal studies are done for legal reasons, not scientific ones. The predictive value of such studies is meaningless to men”. Legislation and potential litigation are to blame, along with vested interests.

Image by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa)

MEDICAL RESEARCH AND ANIMAL TESTING

Every year millions of animals suffer and die for nothing because animal-based experiments are misleading and retard medical progress. Did you know that when it comes to the statistics for medical research, the number of animals who suffer and die in laboratories increases to over 190 million a year? It is heartbreaking if you can even begin to imagine the suffering, kept in cages their whole life, being blinded, blistered and poisoned?

Here are just a few examples of how animal-based testing retard medical progress or how animals respond differently to humans as shared by Beauty without cruelty SA:

  • The introduction of blood transfusion was delayed for over 200 years because of misleading results of animal experiments.
  • Corneal transplants were delayed nearly 90 years by misleading animal tests.
  • Morphine drugs are a depressant in rats, dogs, hamsters and other species, but produce tremors and convulsions at comparable doses in mice and cats. Morphine sedates people and dogs but causes maniacal excitement in cats and mice.
  • Tests on animals have led to around 100 drugs being thought potentially useful for stroke; not one has proved effective in humans.
  • Penicillin kills guinea pigs, but can be a lifesaver for humans.
  • Aspirin and Streptomycin can produce allergic reactions for lab animals.
  • Paracetemol kills cats.
  • Did you know that more than 90% of experimental drugs that are safe and effective in animals fail in human clinical trials as they are too dangerous?

Animal studies do not predict with any certainty what will happen in humans! Dr. Sabin Albert also said that giving cancer to laboratory animals has not and will not help us to understand the disease or to treat those persons suffering from it.

Three major conditions explain why animal experimentation, regardless of the disease category studied, fails to reliably inform human health:

  1. The effects of the laboratory environment and other variables on study outcomes.
  2. Disparities between animal models of disease and human diseases.
  3. Species differences in physiology and genetics.

I agree with Beauty without Cruelty when they say that you don’t need to be a balaclava-wearing animal rights activist to question the value of animal studies in this area of medical research.  Animal testing is INHUMANE, UNNECESSARY & INEFFECTIVE! There are safe, modern, effective, accurate, reliable and repeatable methods available that require no living beings. What’s missing is the will. Why are governments not legislating an end to all animal use and insisting that all future research and testing options must be modern, as these are the ones that benefit humans in the short, medium and long term?

We also support the development of the 4 R’s guiding principles, namely Replacement, Reduction, Refinement and Responsibility when using animals for scientific purposes. The more we push for better welfare standards, higher prioritization of animal life and further questioning the scientific validity of animal experiments, the more we can make a difference.

ARE YOU USING CRUELTY-FREE BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

Animal testing for cosmetics will never have a place, will never be necessary nor valid and should always be condemned.

Image by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa)

The term “cruelty-free” is unregulated. This means that brands aren’t breaking the law by calling themselves cruelty-free, even if they test on animals. Companies lie through omission, intention or misdirection. Many beauty brands try to mislead us this way, even some sold by your friends and family! It is not what they claim, but what they can prove!

The CRUELTY-FREE 5 QUESTIONS cover the stages at which animal testing can occur. If a brand can confirm that they pass these stages without animal testing, we can consider them really cruelty-free. Brands that are truly transparent and cruelty-free will respond with clear answers to these questions. If they skip questions or follow up with a short animal testing policy or smart marketing slogans, watch out because you might not be dealing with a cruelty-free company.

Contact the brand and ask them the CRUELTY-FREE 5 QUESTIONS.

  • Does your brand test on animals, for either finished products or ingredients?
  • Does your suppliers test on animals? How do you ensure this?
  • Do any third-parties test on animals on your behalf?
  • Do you test on animals where required by law?
  • In which countries are your products sold?

One way you can distinguish these types of products from others is the rabbit logo on the product.  It does not cost anything to be able to use the rabbit logo so when the brand can answer “no” to the 5 questions, with proof, they may be allowed to use the logos. So, the only reasons I can think of why a brand would not do it is because they are either testing on animals or they don’t care enough. PLEASE NOTE there are different rabbit logos and not all rabbit logos mean the same. I trust the Beauty without Cruelty logo. 

The day you make this decision to change the brands you love or products that work for you to cruelty-free brands, it can be quite overwhelming and it certainly was for me! There are just so many products that are tested on animals worldwide. Be kind and use the humane guide endorsed by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa). They have already done the hard work and this comprehensive list of beauty products not tested on animals can and should be your go-to. Companies won’t provide the public with the detail that they require and get from them. Keep in mind that there are companies listed that don’t use the logo which also means the guide is essential. You can also contact BWC via social media.

If your brand is not listed there, you can contact your brand and ask the 5 cruelty-free questions or encourage them to apply for the use of the logo if they claim they are cruelty-free. I first asked a brand if they are cruelty-free and got a smart marketing slogan reply back. I then asked the 5 questions with no reply, so I changed my brand. For another brand I asked about the rabbit logo they do use but which I know doesn’t mean they are cruelty-free and got no reply. Next you can start with changing out your beauty products one by one as your current ones are finished.  I have used Oh so Heavenly, The Good Stuff, Be Bare life (shampoo and conditioner bars) and W-beauty brand from Woolworths. (None are paid endorsements). 

Next you can move to more environmentally friendly packaging products. Also think about the clothes you wear. Do you dress to kill, or kill to dress?  I now choose not to buy any more fur, feathers (including feather duvets), or leather products. 

Image by Beauty without Cruelty (South Africa)

 

CHINA – As of May 2021, according to the Chinese National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), imported cosmetics products that fall into the ‘general’ category will no longer require mandatory animal testing to enter the Chinese beauty market. This means that shampoo, body wash, lotions, and make-up no longer require mandatory animal testing for products sold IN China. While animal use remains standard for hair dyes, perming products, blemish pigment-removing products, sunscreens, and others, including cosmetics claiming new efficacy, this is still a significant step forward. There is no mandatory animal use requirement for products manufactured in China for export purposes.

SOUTH AFRICA – An update on the SA Bill regarding a ban on cosmetic testing in SA currently before the Portfolio Committee: The Bill was presented in 2018 but ended up on the back burner, and was streamlined and had to be represented, thus Act 497 of 2020 is currently with the portfolio committee, awaiting review. The Bill shouldn’t be contentious, it is not complicated, far from it and it would be a big international win for the Government, doing the right thing. Beauty Without Cruelty (South Africa) has worked hand in glove with Cruelty-Free and assorted government officials to get us to this point and we look forward to things finally improving!

Watch this 4-minute animated short film on #SaveRalph. It is directed by Spencer Susser and stars Zac Efron, Ricky Gervais and others.

The least we can do is remember the animals, be thankful and acknowledge them for any breakthroughs in medical sciences they have helped towards, but continue to protest all unjust harm to them and for animal-free research to be our future.  Make ethical choices when you buy products and please help create awareness for the many millions of animals who suffer and die in labs around the world for useless research every year!  

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

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“FREE TO GOOD HOME” Animal ads are fueling the massive overpopulation crisis.

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FREE TO GOOD HOME

Image by The Paw Company

What are you really supporting when you advertise, share or take animals from “FREE TO GOOD HOME” Ads?

Our biggest challenge in an overwhelmed animal welfare system is the massive overpopulation crisis fuelled by irresponsible owners, breeders, pet shops that sell animals and those who support them. This includes every single person who is highly irresponsible in giving away animals, for free, especially to strangers.

There are not enough homes for every domestic animal and that is why we so fiercely advocate for spay and neutering. So, if there are not enough homes, how many good homes do you think there are? What do you consider a good home? Sadly, a “good home” means very little in today’s society.

What people don’t seem to understand, is that whether they sell, buy, give an animal away for free or adopt, it is never just about a good home, but about a good placement for that animal. The needs of the animal should come first.

Your intentions might be considered well-meaning, but here we will share some reasons why you should seriously reconsider free to good home ads! Animal rescuers can share hundreds of stories about this that ended up in horror situations for those animals.

Just a short while back I spoke to someone about a situation locally. A person gave an animal away for free and thought it was a good home. A while later they asked how the animal was doing. The new owners sent photos. The animal was chained, lost weight and appeared very scared. They did take the animal back, but it was an irresponsible homing and the animal paid for it, even if just for a while. They said they wished they did better for the animal and that they will never do this again! Other stories are even worse!

A FEW REASONS WHY “FREE TO GOOD HOME” ADS HURT ANIMALS.

First of al it fuels the massive overpopulation crisis. How many of those animals do you think are sterilized? If these animals are not re-homed properly with home checks and sterilization, through the SPCA or other reputable animal welfare organizations, these animals countless times, end up in the wrong hands! Trailers full of dogs and other animals are found at borders and other places by authorities. 

Where do you think they got all these animals? Free to good home “stock” usually comes from backyard breeders, irresponsible owners or those that do not want animals anymore because it is inconvenient for them. Someone in a difficult situation, the very few exceptions, will do re-homing through a responsible organization. Paying for an animal is no guarantee that they will be taken care of or loved.

  • There are speculators which mean the person can make a pure profit by selling these animals instead of having to care for mothers and litters. They collect the “free to good home” or buy litters only after they have found buyers.
  • These “free to good home” animals are targets for animal dealers. They take these animals and sell them for profit too.  Some call them “flippers”. They can sell to other people as pets, to breeders, for animal trades like skin or for racing, as security animals and to laboratories for animal testing to mention a few. Some animal dealers troll these ads too and are “experts” when it comes to fooling most. They pretend to care for the animals in front of you and if you are not trained to spot them, like those who work in animal welfare, you will be fooled and an animal will pay the price. There are literally animal brokers who will meet you at a different house or even has a fake Facebook profile where it looks like they love animals.
  • Those who failed the adoption process are on the list too. Some people could not get animals through reputable shelters, so now they troll these “free to good home” posts. There is a reason that shelters reject some people, whom those who do not work in animal welfare, would consider “good homes”. So, chances are someone who asks for animals online, free or to buy, might have been rejected by reputable organisations already.
  • Dog fighters may take the power breeds to use in fights and bait dogs (other breeds and species) can easily be obtained through these adverts and used in fights too. Bait animals are used for sparring and building up aggression of the pedigree or power breed, like a pre-show for the main event.
  • In some cases, these animals are used as food for humans and other animals.
  • Some people just want to abuse animals for their own entertainment………. Yes, there are people like this living among us.
  • They are used in witchcraft as offerings. Again, it happens locally!
FREE TO GOOD HOME

Image by The Paw Company

How can you guarantee it is a good home? Do you really know what we consider a good home? You most likely can’t because you are not trained to do this.

NO ANIMAL IS ACTUALLY FREE

The “buying price” is but a small expense compared to their care by a responsible pet guardian (owner). Usually, the veterinary bill for first vaccinations, de-worming, tick and flea treatment and sterilization will fall on the new owner and this will remain an expense during the animal’s lifespan. If you are at all a responsible pet owner you will need to pay for sterilization as well as spend on proper food, toys and shelter. Easily more than R2000! Do you think someone who asks for free animals will do the above? Can you guarantee they won’t?

Yes, we don’t support selling and yes, we don’t support “free to good home”, so what do we support? ADOPT DON’T SHOP. Adoption from reputable organizations is the only kind of “trading” of animals we support. These organizations will do an adoption application, home check, sterilization, adoption contract and follow-ups. That’s responsible. There are registered organizations that do not do this. Don’t support them!

The fact remains that millions of animals are euthanized annually because there are just not enough homes for all the animals. If there are fewer animals then chances are less for these animals to fall in the wrong hands and get abused.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

  • Educate your friends and family on this topic and share our posts.
  • Report any such post on the social media platform and to your local welfare organizations. Facebook doesn’t allow the selling of animals, so report it too.
  • Sterilize your animals and don’t give them away for free (nor sell them). Rehome your pets through reputable organizations if you can’t take care of them.
  • Please stop supporting the “free to good home” ads. 
  • Stop being mad at shelters and start blaming breeders (of any kind), irresponsible pet owners and every single person who gives animals away for free as if they are objects and not sentient beings.

Are you willing to take these risks with an animal’s life? If these people really cared about these animals, they would let them be adopted through a responsible organization and sterilize their pets.  When you support breeders, pet shops that sell animals and the “free to good home’’ adverts, you contribute to the massive overpopulation crisis. Irresponsible homing hurts animals.

WHEN YOU KNOW BETTER, DO BETTER!

Source: The Bulletin
Website: www.thebulletin.co.za

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Pet sitters caught on camera abusing dog while Hermanus owner was away

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The house sitters were aware that there was a home camera system, says pet lover Zelda la Grange, who now wants to take action to regulate the industry. Image: Pixabay

The National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) is investigating a case of animal abuse after a dog owner released camera footage of her dog sitters abusing her seven-month-old boxer pup.

Two pet sitters are depicted in the video, first appearing to hit the dog, called Hector, before one of them grabs the pet by its skin and violently flings him out of the house through an open door.

Hector’s owner, Mel Coltman, had found the pair through a Hermanus community Facebook group when she asked for recommendations for a reputable dog sitting service.

In the video a man appears to hit the dog with a stick several times while shouting at it. A female can also be heard speaking to the dog in Afrikaans, appearing to be upset with it for coming into the house, saying: “Really now, Hector! You’ve been outside the whole time!”

After she says this, the man picks up the dog by the skin on its back and neck before throwing it through the air out of the door.

Neither responded to WhatsApp messages or phone calls made by TimesLIVE.

In a video posted on her Facebook page just after midnight, Coltman wrote the caption: “House and Pet Sitting WARNING”.

“I feel obligated to warn people using this couple as pet sitters after very disturbing video footage that we saw of how they treated our seven-month-old boxer puppy while we were away this weekend,” read the post.

“This is just a short clip, but not the only one where our poor Hector gets repeatedly beaten. Please feel free to contact me via Messenger should you want more information,” she said in the post.

When contacted by TimesLIVE later on Wednesday, Coltman said she would not be able to comment until she had finalised her affidavit regarding the incident.

“At this stage we are busy with legal processes and I have been advised to wait until that is concluded before taking on interviews or answering publicly to the details around this incident,” she said.

The NSPCA told TimesLIVE that they were “absolutely appalled at this despicable act of violence against an innocent animal”.

“There is no excuse for committing such a crime. Perpetrators of the Animals Protection Act are liable to punishment of a fine, imprisonment, or both,” said NSPCA spokesperson Keshvi Nair. “We are hopeful that our judicial system will hand down a sentence that is befitting for this atrocious act, and that the vile humans in the video will be denied ownership of animals in the future.”

Nair encouraged the public to report cruelty against any animal to their local SPCA or the NSPCA if there is no local society in their area.

“When reporting a complaint, pictures and videos are extremely useful and can assist with conviction. The public is assured that their details will be kept confidential when reporting a complaint,” she said.

Zelda la Grange, who was private secretary to former president Nelson Mandela, said she reached out to Coltman after seeing the video on a community Facebook group and decided to get involved.

“She put a post on the community group saying she’s looking for a reliable dog sitter. A bunch of people sent names, because everyone and their mother is a dog sitter these days, and then she got two recommendations from people who recommended these dog sitters,” said La Grange.

“They started using these people on and off over the past six weeks. She became aware at one stage that the dog was a little timid but she said it was nothing strange. She didn’t even notice it at the time, it’s only upon thinking back that she’s realised it.”

She said the pair first came to Coltman’s home to meet the dog. “They knew the dog was young, they knew there was a camera in the home, they knew there were cameras around the house, and they agreed to dog sit,” she said.

La Grange said the incident took place at the weekend when Coltman and her partner decided to go away for the weekend.

“When they got home yesterday they checked the footage because the dog was not looking itself. That’s when they came across this. That which you are seeing is a fraction of what was recorded. It was continuous beating with a belt,” said La Grange.

She said the dog did not appear to have done anything wrong, but the house sitters allegedly told Coltman that the dog snapped at them.

“But the [footage shows the] dog is trying to hide, it’s submissive and they just carry on [beating it]. It’s obvious that these young people said they could be dog sitters but they know very little about dog behaviour and obviously can’t handle a young boxer pup.”

She said the purpose of the social media posts, both by her and Coltman, was to make people aware of the conduct of the dog sitters so they don’t hire them in that capacity.

She said the video had since gone viral in the Hermanus community and people were extremely angry at the pair.

“I’m afraid that people may do harm to the dog sitters, which also isn’t the solution. I just told people last night to please calm down,” said La Grange.

She said lawyers have already come forward with a pro bono offer to help Coltman depose an affidavit and give her legal advice. La Grange said she wanted to use the opportunity to find a way to regulate the dog sitting industry.

“There’s no law to regulate this, there’s not going to be any law and it’s not a priority, so we need to find a different way to regulate it. Myself and a few friends who love dogs have decided to start doing something to get people verified so that not just anyone who wants can just become a dog sitter, or at the very least get training,” she said.

La Grange said she had also decided to get a therapist for the dog to treat the trauma caused by the abuse.

Source: Talk of the Town

Your Car is a Potential Death Trap

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Image: Pixabay

Joey, Tess and Starla are only a few names on the lengthy list of innocent victims of heatstroke due to being left alone by their guardians in parked cars. The tragedy here lies in the truth that these beloved pets were simply casualties of poor judgment. People are grossly unaware of the detrimental effects that heat can have on their animals and it’s time to bring this ignorance to a grinding halt.

Reality

It’s unbelievably harder for dogs and cats to regulate their temperatures than humans when their only cooling mechanisms are panting and sweating via their little paw pads. Then people unfairly jeopardise their pets’ lives by leaving them in a baking hot car whilst they run off to do some menial chore.

Debunking the Misconceptions

  1. You’ll leave the window open a crac
    Multiple studies have shown that a partially open window will make insignificant difference to the average temperature inside the vehicle.
  2. You’ll only be gone five minutes
    Those intended “five minutes” can easily accumulate to an unexpected 20-minute expedition and every minute your fur-covered friend is trapped in that hot box, is deadlier than the last.
  3. It’s a cool day!
    See the study below proving that even on a mild day, pets can suffer at the hands of heatstroke:

Approximate Vehicle Interior Air Temperature vs Time Passed
Time Passed Outside Air Temperature
(Degrees Celsius)
  21 24 27 29 32 35
0 minutes 21 24 27 29 32 35
10 minutes 32 34 37 40 43 46
20 minutes 37 40 43 46 48 51
30 minutes 40 43 46 48 51 54
40 minutes 42 45 48 51 53 56
50 minutes 44 47 49 52 55 58
60 minutes 45 48 51 53 56 59
> 1 hour 46 49 52 54 57 60

Courtesy Jan Null, CCM; Department of Geosciences, San Francisco State University

Even on a cool day of 21 degrees, the interior temperature of a car can rise by almost 20 degrees in thirty minutes! Bring a dark coloured vehicle that amplifies the heat into the equation, and the rate increases even further.

  1. You’ll keep the aircon running
    What if the aircon fails whilst you’re away? The vents will continue working but they’ll be blowing warm air into the vehicle therefore exacerbating an already lethal situation. What if your pet moves around the car and accidently hits the AC switch, subsequently turning it off?
  2. You’ll leave them water
    Dogs and cats generally cool off by panting, so in a blistering hot vehicle this essential task is made overwhelmingly more strenuous and no amount of water is going to fend off heatstroke. 

The Consequences:

Parked cars are death traps for pets who can sustain brain damage and have a heart attack from heatstroke so you need to get them to a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.

The following are warning signs of heatstroke to look out for:

  • extreme panting
  • difficulty breathing
  • agitation
  • vomiting/bloody diarrhoea
  • fever
  • lethargy
  • collapsing
  • convulsing
  • crying for help
  • disorientation
  • dilated pupils
  • rapid heart rate
  • excessive thirst
  • dark tongue
  • lack of coordination
  • glazed eyes

Treatment:

If a pet falls victim to heatstroke:

  • Remove the pet from the vehicle and move them into a shaded area or an air-conditioned car or building (if you cannot transport the dog yourself, call the local animal rescue organisation).
  • Rush the pet to the vet immediately.

En route to the vet:

  • Lower their body temperature gradually by applying cool water or wet towels all over their body. Don’t try to cool them down instantly with iced water as this will jolt them into shock.
  • Place their paws in cool (never cold) water.
  • Allow the pet to drink some cool water or lick some ice.

If you see a pet in a hot car?

  1. Contact the nearest police or animal protection authorities.
  2. Specify the vehicle’s details and exact location.
  3. Quickly enter the building/s and ensure an announcement is made to alert the owner of the pet.

If help is unresponsive or takes too long, find people to bear witness to your judgement and do what is required to remove the distressed animal from the vehicle. Follow the treatment steps above and wait until authorities arrive. DO NOT LEAVE THE SCENE UNTIL THE ANIMAL IS SAFE!

Some places legally protect citizens who break into a car to save an animal’s life. In other places, only certain authorities are permitted to do so. Check your local laws so you know your rights if such a situation arises.

Don’t become another statistic: Be responsible by leaving your pets at home where they are comfortable and most importantly, safe. They’ll be waiting happily for you on your return.

FYI: Fur Your Infurmation

Even pets in their prime can be plagued by heatstroke, but the following are more prone to the risk:

  • Puppies or kittens
  • Senior pets
  • Overweight pets
  • Pets with pre-existing health issues
  • Shorter snouted breeds (Boxers, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekinese and Shi Tzus, Persians and Himalayan cats) struggle more with the heat than pets with longer muzzles.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson