Our latest email from PETA involved some graphic images. There is worse online but we have chosen to show just one small image of a maltreated, sad looking rat. If you want to read the whole story and view the footage please follow the link at the end of his report.

Here is what it said:

A PETA undercover investigation into a California rat- and reptile-breeding warehouse found that thousands of animals—including rats, snakes, geckos, and turtles—were neglected, abused, and left to slowly die in filthy, crowded conditions. It went on:

The full story can be found at PETA here

Share the link online at PETA and sign the petition to urge Riverside County District Attorney Paul Zellerbach to file criminal charges against all appropriate parties.
Thank you

We were shocked to read of the sexual abuse of animals in countries such as Germany. Many people have read an occasional news story regarding bestiality but few would realise just how frequent terrible sexual abuse of animals may be. Although this story relates to Germany that country is not the only one to allow such criminal acts. The problem is that in Germany it is not a criminal offense. There has been an increase in animal brothels in Germany in recent times. The fact that there are any in the first place is surely shocking in itself.

One online petition  to be sent to Ilse Aigner, agricultural minister of Germany carries the following information:
"The German agricultural minister Mrs. Ilse Aigner says, sodomy with animals is just an administrative offense and should only be punished with a little fine. Sodomy has been decriminalized since 1969 in Germany. Sex with animals right now is not categorized as a problem of missing moral (anymore)"

Animal protection laws in Germany are to be reformed but it is doubtful that they will strike at the heart of these issues. Animal brothels are said to be increasingly popular and described by some as offering "lifestyle choices" It does not take more than one brain cell to know that is wrong. No matter what religious beliefs you have, believing that it is right to have sex with an animal is completely off the mark.

The laws regarding animals in Germany are completely at odds in that to spread bestiality porn is illegal, but the act itself is not.What sort of law is that? In other words the law condones bestiality. The outdated animal laws of Germany date back to 1969. Like us you may have felt they dated back to the dark ages. If the law is not fully and effectively reformed animal brothels may continue to increase.

Animals subjected to bestiality often on a regular basis suffer greatly. The German authorities can choose to try and play this down but it is a fact. Restrained cruelly and abused they will be terrified. Many will also experience physical pain.

Apart from the animals' pain and suffering though what of the people who want to have sex with animals? Decent, fit individuals who have a rightful place in society? Hardly. It is a terrifying prospect that such monsters are roaming free. To enjoy animal brothels you must surely be less than a decent human being?

Opinion: Barbaric, depraved, cruel, sickening and heartbreaking. Shame on Germany. Call yourselves civilised?

In Canada it is time for the annual Calgary Stampede. This spectacle is much enjoyed by many but is it cruel?  Last year the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge dropped by but little was mentioned about animal cruelty. It was more about who wore what and how exciting the whole affair was. That may be so, but not if you are one of the poor animals literally "roped in to help".

In 2011 standards of animal welfare at the events were said to have been greatly improved. Even so one horse had to be euthanised following a chuck wagon race. The UK has its own cruel events such as the Grand National which once again this year led to the death of too many horses. 

Whilst all of these events may provide spectators so inclined with an exciting event, whether or not they remain appropriate in the 21st Century is debatable. The improvements outlined have included a reduction in outriders which accompany chuck wagons and the micro chipping of horses. This, vets claim, will enable them to monitor the health of the animal before, during and after the event.

The VHS, Vancouver Humane Society, still has many concerns though. It raises issues regarding the treatment of calves in the Calgary Stampede and more. Their dedicated website page reads: 

The Calgary Stampede – a spectacle of animal abuse
Latest news: 

"VHS is publishing a thought-provoking ad in a Calgary newspaper condemning rodeo calf-roping.  The ad, appearing in Fast Forward Weekly on Thursday, July 5, highlights the young age of calves used in the event by juxtaposing a photo of a calf and a human baby, underlined by the words: “Just 3 months old – Would you abuse a baby to entertain a crowd?” 

Urgent: Please ask the mayor of Calgary to stop cruel calf-roping."

Calf roping was renamed tie down roping some time ago. That may sound better but the end result is the same. The Calgary event attracts tourists and visitors but it now also attracts those who attempt to protect animals from unnecessary suffering. Calf roping remains on of the most cruel events during the Calgary Stamped, claim the VHS.

Check out the link to VHS to read their assessment of calf roping and the fear it will instil in a young calf. It does not take a genius to realise how terrified the creature will be. Whilst at events such as the Calgary Stampede, enthusiasts will claim it is part of their heritage and a reminder of their past, but VHS maintain that is bunkum and that the event is simply a concoted spectacle.

VHS also maintain that rodeos, which have heeded their pleas and dropped spectacles which are cruel to animals, have remained popular. In other words the changes have not cost the organisers in money nor attendance. 

If this is the case what point is there in continuing as they are. None it would seem apart from perpetuating animal abuse.

Read also Calgary Stampede young horse slaughter here

Tags: Calgary Stampede cruelty, animal abuse, animal cruelty, animals, Canada, VHS, Vancouver Humane Society

This blogger has written about bear baiting in the past. At that time it was in relation to bear baiting in South Carolina, USA., perhaps not the first country which would spring to mind. However cruelly tormenting animals in the name of "sport" happens in more countries than you may think.

This story however relates to bear baiting in Pakistan.

WSPA, the World Society for the Protection of Animals, organises campaigns around the globe to ease the plight of animal suffering. When and where it is possible it ensures such practices cease but there are many battles left to fight. WSPA currently are appealing for donations which will help fund a sanctuary for bears that finally have been released from their torturers. Here is what WSPA say,

"Misty has horrific injuries. Her pain is excruciating.  She is desperately weak, undernourished and exhausted. But Misty is terrified because she knows what’s coming next. But with a gift to WSPA, you could help save her.

The cruellest fight

Tethered to a post, Misty* is defenceless as two trained fighting dogs launch a savage attack. Still bleeding and wounded from her last fight, the powerful jaws of one dog sink into Misty’s muzzle whilst the second dog tears into her neck. Misty cries out in pain as the crowd cheer, all in the name of entertainment. She is only spared from death as she’ll be forced to fight again. Every time she is dragged to her next fight, all she can do is swipe helplessly, as her teeth have been removed and claws filed back.

This is the horrific reality of bear baiting in Pakistan. But Misty isn’t the only bear. Right now there are 60 bears facing this atrocious cruelty. Will you help WSPA save them? WSPA and local partner in Pakistan, have been saving bears from this miserable existence for over ten years, taking rescued bears to a new life of peace and safety at a WSPA funded bear sanctuary. But there is still so much more to do, and we’re determined to end bear baiting for good."

There are no words that we can say. Barbaric? Yes it is. Too cruel? Of course. Yet educating those who currently enjoy the spectacle of an animal in pain is also essential.

For this blogger it is impossible to imagine watching such horror let alone enjoying it. Remember though that in France, for example, people watched, cheered and enjoyed others being guillotined. In the UK past, people watched even children hung on the gallows. Obviously this means that the passing of time and evolution can civilise us all. 

In countries that still enjoy animal cruelty as a spectator sport there is a long way to go.

Please support WSPA if you can.

Tags: Bear Baiting, WSPA, animal cruelty, animal charity, donations, protection of animals

Rottweilers are huge dogs that are more often than not misunderstood. They need the same care and attention as any other dog but they also need an owner who is boss. That does not mean in a cruel way. It just means that if you let a dog rule your home it will. That applies from the smallest dog to the largest.

Having shared our home with dogs over 40 years we have learned that the hard way. You live and learn. There is never any excuse for animal cruelty and brutal treatment though. If you are not up for the job do not own a dog. These wonderful four legged intelligent creatures deserve so much more than that.

Rottweilers are like some huge people. At heart they are gentle giants. We came across this story by way of a tweet and an online petition. It makes for dreadful reading. We have used the petition letter and image in the hope that our readers will sign and make their voices heard.

Justice for the Wallkill Rottweilers found in horrific conditions in NY: Maximum sentence for Sylvia Panetta for the inhumane treatment of animals
Sylvia Panetta 64 of New York had a total of 76 Rottweiler's 5 of which are pregnant. An investigation into Karousel Kennels revealed dogs living in horrific conditions with barely any shelter. insect infected water, fed for the most part a diet of moldy bread and conditions were described by Authorities in New York as one of the most disturbing cases of animal abuse they have ever seen.

20 dogs were removed immediately to be given medical attention, one of which had a leg amputation, another dog having an eye removed. The town of Wallkill limits private owners to four dogs or less. Panetta is not registered as a shelter or breeder in the town. Kelly, a female dog came to the rescue with two broken toes, and Josh, a five-year-old rottweiler arrived at the rescue with a mangled leg. His leg later had to be amputated, another dog had to have an eye removed. Many of the dogs were sick and Malnourished 

The petition asks that Ms Panetta receives the maximum sentence. We agree. Without such a firm stand how ill others be deterred?

Those found guilty of animal neglect and or abuse deserve to have the book thrown at them. If you agree please follow the link and sign the petition.

Details of the abuse state, We are urging the Township of Middletown to serve JUSTICE FOR THE WALLKILL ROTTWEILERS . Sylvia Panetta 64 of New York had a total of 76 Rottweiler's and counting as some are pregnant. An investigation into Karousel Kennels revealed dogs living in horrific conditions with barely any shelter, insect infected water, fed for the most part a diet of moldy bread and conditions were described by Authorities in New York as one of the most disturbing cases of animal abuse they have ever seen. Approximately a quarter of the dogs were removed immediately to be given medical attention, one of which had a leg amputation, another having an eye removed, one euthanized due to kidney failure and most dogs underweight due to malnutition,  many sick needing medical care, toe amputations and it has been reported that  many of the dogs have deformaties due to the lack of care and conditions they were living in. This is not taking into account the emotional and psychological damage that these poor dogs have endured.

The town of Wallkill limits private owners to five dogs or less. Panetta is not registered as a shelter or breeder in the town so in fact has broken the law. We want to see justice for these dogs and the maximum sentence for Sylvia Panetta setting example that this will not be tolerated .

A little background about this picture. This is Blossom, she is one of the 76 dogs found at the Puppy Mill raided in Middletown, NY. She had to be carried out because she was completely closed down while being lead out of her cage. The only home she has ever known was awash in a putrid slime of mud and who knows what else. "Pets Alive" and Rottweiler rescue groups "Mountain Rottie Rescue", "Rottie Empire Rescue" and "Hudson Valley Rottie Rescue" lead the way and were given only 10 days by the court  to get the dogs out and we applaud the above rescues and the good citizens for accomplishing this in getting every dog out and to safety. 

Please sign and share this petition as justice needs to be served and in your part you are saying enough is enough.

Sylvia Panetta's Court date is set for June 15th 2012 and we need to get as many signatures as possible to be presented in the court on that date. 

Sandy Elis who is fostering one of the rottweilers who has been named Summer writes:  

Summer is 8 years old. First time in her life to be loved, cuddled, toys, real food instead of moldy bread and cared for the way she should . . The poor girl is missing part of her mouth. .the lips are gone on one side and some of her toes are deformed but everyday is a brighter day for both of us and I plan on giving her the forever home she deserves.

Special Thanks to all of those rescue's above and the following for their part in the amazing  team work for the welfare of these animals. Warwick HS, Paws Unlimited, Middletown HS, Goshen HS, Franklin Shelter NJ, Oneonta Vet, For The Love Of Dog and to  the many good Time is moving on but we can all help swell the numbers on this petition and hopefully make a difference.

Thank you

The UK likes to think of itself as a nation of animal lovers. That is it used to. With so many reports of dreadful acts of animal cruelty in the UK it would be easy to think the reverse is true and that we were a nation of animal abusers.

The RSPCA is one organisation that attempts to fight animal cruelty in the UK but it is suffering under the weight of a significant increase in animal abuse.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been in operation since the early 1800s. Today's news of the charity's struggle to survive is sad news. It shows just how far we still have to go. Footage of a dead dog in a squalid house, slaughter men abusing stock and of dogs spurred on to fight for spectators to make money looked reminiscent of the dark ages. 21st Century living it is not.

The RSPCA has experienced a huge increase in its workload. The number of animal cruelty and neglect cases has risen by a quarter. In the UK there are many other smaller charities also trying to do their bit. These include this blogger's local Hessle Dog Rescue, PDSA, Blue Cross and Hillside Sanctuary. There are hundreds more which gives some idea of the scale of the problem.

According to the Telegraph "1,300 people were prosecuted for the crime last year, a rise of 23.5 per cent, while more than 2,100 were convicted for cruelty to dogs, representing a rise of 22 per cent. The overall number of convictions is the highest since records began and the RSPCA warned that the soaring figures had left it facing a funding crisis. The charity said it showed zero tolerance to animal abusers but warned that it could only deal with the number of cases for which it had capacity."

All too often the courts let us down. Abusers of animals deserve a tough sentence not a slap on the wrist. Weak sentencing does not act as a deterrent plus it makes the work of the RSPCA that much harder. The Chief Executive of the RSPCA said, "The RSPCA faces a crisis that is stretching us to breaking point."We need the courts and councils, police and people who care to join us in standing up and getting justice for Britain's abused animals."

Recent cases have included  "a dog repeatedly stabbed with a potato peeler and a blind kitten found dumped in a carrier bag. An emaciated dog was found dumped on Christmas Day and another ate her dead mate to survive after being abandoned."

None of these reports surprise this blogger. Working to help a local dog rescue she has known of a dog with nails hammered into its head, a dog being made to drink bleach, starvation of animals, abandonment, and on sicko who was feeding live puppies to his pet snake.

There are many charities needing donations so it is up to you. If you can help the RSPCA or other animal charities please consider doing so. Your help does not have to only be money as it could be supplying old bed linen for rescue shelters, organising a sponsored walk or supermarket bag pack, working in a charity shop, walking dogs in a rescue shelter, fostering a dog on a short term basis or adopting a dog for life.

Above all NEVER turn a blind eye or deaf ear to an animal that is suffering. We need to all act in order to support organisations such as the RSPCA and be zero tolerant of animal cruelty in the UK and around the world in general. Reading the report last week of a puppy in the US who had lighter fuel poured onto it before, to the laughter of observers, it was set alight, shows just how sick some members of our society are. They must be stopped and brought to justice.

Note: Look online and you will soon see that setting dogs on fire is not as rare as you may hope. What a world.