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AR-NEWS Digest 479
Topics covered in this issue include:
1) (UK) Oversized clones 'die soon after'
by Vadivu Govind
2) (US) Human tissues made to order
by Vadivu Govind
3) (US) Spider Silk
by Vadivu Govind
4) [CA] Beluga Vigil Update
by David J Knowles
5) [CA] Who needs the aquarium?
by David J Knowles
6) [CA] Wolf-Cross Update
by David J Knowles
7) [UK] Salmonella scare over toddler milk
by David J Knowles
8) [UK] Cancer tests on rats 'inefficient'
by David J Knowles
9) AR-News Admin Note--subscription options
by allen schubert
10) National Chimpanzee Sanctuary Task Force Comments on NAS Report
by NAVS
11) Lori Gauthier Disaster Relief Kentucky/Ohio
by "D'Amico, AnnMarie"
12) Greyhounds: Protest on Racing's Biggest Day
by baerwolf@tiac.net (baerwolf)
13) ACTION ALERT: EU FUR BAN
by CFOXAPI@aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 12:46:50 +0800 (SST)
From: Vadivu Govind
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: (UK) Oversized clones 'die soon after'
Message-ID: <199707280446.MAA10211@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>The Straits Times
27 July 97
Oversized clones 'die soon after'
LONDON -- The scientist who led the team that produced Dolly the sheep,
the world's first clone of an adult animal, admitted in an interview
yesterday that clones are often born abnormally large and die soon
after, putting paid to any commercial potential for the project.
Dr Ian Williams of the Roslin Institute in Edinburgh told The Sunday
Times that all attempts to eliminate the problem had failed and was now
threatening its commercial viability.
"You do sometimes have an increase in size which is sufficiently great
to threaten the well-being of both mother and offspring," he told the paper.
"Obviously you are not going to go on using a technique with those
effects."
He added that the institute's most recent cloning experiments produced
lambs almost twice the normal size at around 9 kg, compared to a typical
lamb weight of 4.75 kg.
Even Dolly, who survived to celebrate her first birthday earlier this
month, was more than a third the normal weight when she was born.
The advent of Polly, a lamb with an added human gene, earlier this week
was hailed as opening up the commercial viability of cloning.
The added gene produces a human protein in Polly's milk, which can then
be extracted and given to patients who lack it, such as haemophiliacs
and bone disease sufferers.
Although transgenic sheep have existed for years, Polly was the first
transgenic clone, allowing for the possibility of creating instant
transgenic herds. -- AFP.
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 12:46:57 +0800 (SST)
From: Vadivu Govind
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: (US) Human tissues made to order
Message-ID: <199707280446.MAA13280@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>The Straits Times
27 July 97
Human tissues made to order
BALTIMORE -- Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed the
first laboratory cultures of human stem cells -- unspecialised cells
that can grow to form all the different cells and tissues of the body.
The breakthrough may pave the way to the eventual laboratory production
of human tissues, such as heart muscle or nerve cells, that have been
lost to disease or injury, the researchers said in a statement issued at
the weekend.
The development could also allow scientists to introduce changes into the
genetic code that are passed from one generation to the next, although
any such research would be prohibited at Johns Hopkins.
Such "germline" mutations have already been produced in mice.
"We will not perform any experiments aimed at genetically engineering
the human germline in my lab or anywhere at Hopkins -- it is not
ethically acceptable," said Dr John Gearhart, a professor of gynaecology
and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins and lead researcher on the project. The
developments were first disclosed during a session on
the ethics of cloning and stem-cell research at a recent International
Congress of Developmental Biology.
Dr Gearhart said he had chosen the forum so the process of establishing
ethical guidelines for this type of research could begin immediately.
The human stem-cell cultures were developed from tissues obtained as a
result of pregnancy termination, Johns Hopkins said.
The researchers are working to develop the cell lines so they can be
manipulated to grow desired tissues such as heart muscle, blood cells or
nerve cells, the university said.
"Based on results with animal studies, it seems likely that we will be
able to alter the cells so that a patient's immune system will not
recognise them as transplants and reject them," Dr Gearhart said.
"If so, we would have a universal cell donor -- cells that could be
transplanted to any recipient with little chance of rejection by the
immune system." -- Reuter.
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 12:47:04 +0800 (SST)
From: Vadivu Govind
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: (US) Spider Silk
Message-ID: <199707280447.MAA12649@eastgate.cyberway.com.sg>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>The Straits Times
27 July 97
Spider spin-offs
WASHINGTON -- Materials scientists, medicinal chemists and agricultural
biotechnologists are looking increasingly to spiders as a potential
source of superfibres, medicines and insecticides.
Mr Mark Lacey, a Wilmington, Delaware-based entomologist specialising
in spider biology, said: "Spider webs are being studied by mechanical
engineers because of their remarkable tension displacement qualities,
and spider silk could replace some synthetic fibres, such as nylon,
dacron and even Kevlar for some applications."
He added: "Spiders have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries,
and it's looking like their venom may be able to prevent permanent brain
damage in stroke victims."
Spider venom also showed promise as a rich source of new insecticides,
he said.
Just this month, Australian scientists reported that they had
determined the molecular structure of a nerve toxin in Australian
funnel-web spiders, and showed that it was a powerful insecticide with
commercial potential with no effects on mammals.
Last month, the United States Army, in collaboration with a
biotechnology company, spun the first few centimetres of a new,
genetically-engineered spider silk using a gene from the golden-silk
spider, Nephila Clavipes, which had been inserted into bacteria.
Spider silk is one of the toughest substances known, and the army wants
to weave it into bulletproof vests and parachute cords.
Others see potential applications from bridge-suspension cables to fine
apparel.
Mr Glenn Elion, vice-president of Agricola, a San Francisco-based
company which cloned the spider gene used by the army, said: "Everyone
is desperate for spider silk in commercial quantities."
Warriors from the era of Genghis Khan wore arrow-blunting body armour
made from leather and spider silk, and New Guinea fishermen made nets of
spider silk.
Spider silk was used to make the cross hairs on air force
bomb-targeting systems and optical instruments until the 50s.
But it is not practical to farm spiders for their silk. Their webs take
up lots of space, they require live prey, and many are too aggressive to
domesticate.
So biotechnologists are turning to spider genes. DuPont has cloned parts of
some spider-silk genes and, like Agricola, is working with the army to
make home-spun fibres.
Both companies have inserted the genes into bacteria, which then make a
gooey protein which, when purified, can be spun into spider silk.
An official of the Army Soldiers System Command in Natick,
Massachusetts, said that the army hoped to choose the best
genetically-engineered spider silk and then blend it with Kevlar, the
synthetic fibre now used in bulletproof vests.
Mr Glenn King, who led a recent work on toxins from funnel-web spiders,
said that spider venom was loaded with potentially-useful insecticides.
Spiders were insect predators, he said, "so if you are looking for something
to kill insects, spider venom is a good place to start".
Spider venom is also able to block glutamate, the major chemical
transmitter in insect motor nerves.
That ability may have medical applications, since glutamate in the
human brain is responsible for much of the damage which follows a
stroke, according to Ms Rosemarie Roeloffs, an arachnologist at NPS
pharmaceuticals in Salt Lake City. -- Washington Post.
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 00:56:45 -0700 (PDT)
From: David J Knowles
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: [CA] Beluga Vigil Update
Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970728005726.2fd760e4@dowco.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
VANCOUVER, BC - Despite the delayed departure of Nanuq, six protestors
remained on site until he finally left the aquarium, continuing their
candlelight vigil.
Local mainstream media covered the event, but the coverage varied from
station to station.
UTV, part of the CanWest Global system, did interview one of the protestors
- Laurie Kazakoff - and aired part of the interview on its evening news
program, together with footage of Nanuq being placed in a sling and being
hoisted into a container for transport.
BCTV, part of the CTV network, gave only the aquarium's version of things,
and failed to mention that a protest had even taken place.
CBC Newsworld aired footage of Nanuq's capture and the protest, but did not
use any of the footage of an interview the CBC cameraman had recorded with
Annelise Sorg.
The local CBC TV station in Vancouver does not have a news program until
11:00 PM this evening, and the next main news broadcast is not until Monday
evening, so there is no way of knowing how they will edit the footage they
have at this time.
Nanuq was taken to the airport via downtown Vancouver and had a police
escort so the truck did not have to pull up at red lights - about the only
consideration given to him by either the aquarium or Sea World all night.
He arrived in San Diego on Sunday afternoon, and has now been placed in his
new tank. It is hoped by the Sea World staff that after a few days to settle
in, he will start to get aquainted with their adult female beluga.
Back at the Vancouver Aquarium, the female beluga who has been kept in the
back-area holding tank for over two years, was placed back into the main
tank, which is open to public viewing.
It was reported on BCTV that the planned "loan" of Nanuq to Sea World may be
a more permanent venture, and that a replacement beluga from there will be
sent to Vancouver under the guise of "increasing the gene pool." Nanuq was
originally intended to stay at Sea World for two years.
David J Knowles
Animal Voices News
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 00:56:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: David J Knowles
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: [CA] Who needs the aquarium?
Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970728005728.2fd7833c@dowco.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
VANCOUVER, BC - Hours after the transfer of Nanuq from the Vancouver
Aquarium, some humans in the West Vancouver area - especially those who were
out on the water - were fortunate to see whales as they should be seen.
A pod of orcas moved into English Bay and stayed for over an hour, feasting
on salmon and other fish.
the pod consisted of 18 whales, ranging in age from a young calf to an
elderly female estimated to be nearly 80 years old.
Unfortunately, several boaters came in too close to the pod, and although no
physical harm was apparent, some of the orcas became stressed and swam off.
Local ecologists warned that boaters should keep a distance of at least 100
metres from a pod in order not to stress them.
Although having a pod of orcas in English Bay is not unknown - there have
been sightings even in Vancouver Harbour, they are not common.
Nonetheless, it is a much better sight, and a lot more educational, than
anything that the local aquarium can ever offer with their captive cetacaens.
David J Knowles
Animal Voices News
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 00:56:59 -0700 (PDT)
From: David J Knowles
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: [CA] Wolf-Cross Update
Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970728005740.2fd79ab6@dowco.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
[Thanks for all of you who passed on info to us re. this rescue -
unfortunately, we were unable to find a place in a wolf sanctuary. Thanks
also to all the local activists who worked together on this, and to the
local newspaper reporter who wrote an article on the problem and was of
great assistance. It is nice, once in a while to report a happy ending. David]
Two wolf crosses kept in an east Vancouver front yard are safe in new homes
thanks to the hard work of several local animal activists.
The two females were kept in a front yard enclosure, measuring about 3
metres by 3 metres. There was no shelter, except for one dog transporter and
a kitchen table, and only had bare earth to walk on.
They were believed to have been obtained so their human guardian could breed
them - wolf-crosses can demand a high price - and were originally rumoured
to have been kept in the garage attached to the house, according to neighbours.
After a long search for a suitable home for the animals, the activists were
eventually able to rehouse them with the BC Animal Advocates Society, run by
Judy Stone.
Stone said Saturday that the younger animal was now living in a new home out
of the area, but the older one needed a little longer to become settled and
would remain in a temporary foster home for the time being.
David J Knowles
Animal Voices News
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 02:38:00 -0700 (PDT)
From: David J Knowles
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: [UK] Salmonella scare over toddler milk
Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970728023842.09efc502@dowco.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>From The Electronic Telegraph - Monday, July 28th, 1997
Salmonella scare over toddler milk
By Celia Hall, Medical Editor
A SUPERMARKET has withdrawn a fortified toddler milk after 16 children aged
under three developed a rare strain of salmonella food poisoning.
Six of the children had been given Sainsbury's own-brand Fresh Toddler Milk,
the Department of Health said, although no traces of the salmonella have
been found in the milk supplied to the supermarket by Unigate. The product
is fresh whole milk fortified with iron and vitamin D. All the children have
recovered.
The 16 cases of the rare salmonella jarva in children compares with 12 cases
overall in England and Wales in 1996 and seven in 1995. Like other strains
of salmonella it causes fever, sickness and diarrhoea and is a potentially
serious illness for the young and elderly. Scientists at the Communicable
Disease Surveillance Centre of the Public Health Laboratory Service are
looking for common sources of the bacterial infection and investigations by
the dairy and Sainsbury's are continuing.
"As soon as we heard from the Department of Health we took the milk off the
shelves," said Sainsbury's spokesman Kelly Flynn. "It was not worth taking
any risk. The strain of salmonella has not been isolated from any milk
samples. We are continuing to work with the dairy."
The supermarket placed advertisements in newspapers Yesterday advising
customers not to use the milk but to return it to any Sainsbury or
Savacentre Store where their money will be refunded. The advertisement said:
"Initial statistical evidence has shown a possible link with the consumption
of this product."
The Department of Health said that the 16 children lived in the South-East.
Sainsbury's have set up a customer helpline on 0500 622211.
© Copyright Telegraph Group Limited 1997.
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 02:38:03 -0700 (PDT)
From: David J Knowles
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: [UK] Cancer tests on rats 'inefficient'
Message-ID: <1.5.4.16.19970728023844.09eff382@dowco.com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>From The Electronic Telegraph - Monday, July 28th, 1997
Cancer tests on rats 'inefficient'
By Roger Highfield, Science Editor
WORLDWIDE efforts to use rats and mice to test drugs and chemicals for their
cancer-causing effects are falling apart, says a scientist working at a
leading toxicology unit.
The £150 million effort is inefficient because it relies on the wrong
strains of rodents and one consequence is that efforts to develop
alternatives are being held up. Poor design of current experiments also
makes the procedure less effective than it could be at revealing
carcinogenic chemicals.
Moreover rodents have been selected for fast growth over many years with the
result that many are now fat, frail and die before completing the trials,
according to a paper that appears in Nature by Dr Michael Festing, a
geneticist at the MRC toxicology unit, Leicester University.
Dr Festing, who was recently given a recognition award by the Johns Hopkins
Centre for alternatives to animal testing in America, has been pointing out
the inadequacies for two decades but has met indifference, more as a result
of regulatory inertia than opposition from his peers.
Toxicologists' outdated persistence in using "outbred" stocks of rats and
mice - as opposed to stocks bred from close relatives - renders their
results less accurate, he said. It would be like conducting all clinical
trials on Eskimos and then claiming the results were valid for all humans,
he said yesterday. He said: "One can do better than that by conducting trials on
different races."
The way different strains of rodents react to a drug can vary so widely that
scientists should test drugs on a range of genetically homogeneous animals,
rather than one genetically undefined stock, so that results can be more
easily compared between labs.
Dr Festing said: "We would also get a better understanding of the mechanisms
of carcinogenesis and therefore the relevance of the tests to humans." Dr
Festing said it was crucial for toxicologists to improve experimental
designs by introducing the use of inbred stocks.
© Copyright Telegraph Group Limited 1997.
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 06:49:33 -0400
From: allen schubert
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: AR-News Admin Note--subscription options
Message-ID: <3.0.32.19970728064930.00687e30@clark.net>
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Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 10:18:30 GMT
From: NAVS
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Subject: National Chimpanzee Sanctuary Task Force Comments on NAS Report
Message-ID: <199707281018.KAA28968@spear.miint.net>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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GOVERNMENT, ANIMAL ADVOCATES FIND COMMON GROUND ON THE CARE OF
SURPLUS RESEARCH CHIMPANZEES
Coalition of animal advocacy groups welcomes newly-released report
from the National Research Council
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE--A National Research Council (NRC) report, released on
July 16, 1997, on the ethics, care, management and use of chimpanzees in
research brought a mixed, but generally favorable response from the National
Chimpanzee Research Retirement Task Force, a coalition of animal advocacy
groups which is seeking to establish a congressionally-chartered sanctuary
system that would allow chimpanzees no longer suitable for research to
"retire" in a sanctuary setting.
"Although we do not agree with every point in the report, the Task Force
welcomes the NRC's conclusions relating to long-term care requirements as a
significant step forward in dealing with the moral and practical issues
posed by the hundreds of chimpanzees who are no longer considered suitable
for research, yet remain housed in government facilities at a tremendous
cost--both to the animals themselves and to the American taxpayer," stated
Peggy Cunniff, Executive Director of the National Anti-Vivisection Society
(NAVS) and Task Force member. Other Task Force members include the American
Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS), the American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), and the Doris Day Animal League (DDAL).
Of particular importance to animal advocates is the NRC's conclusion that
the similarity of chimpanzees to humans "... implies a moral responsibility
for [their] long-term care." The report goes on to strongly recommend a
minimum five-year moratorium on the breeding of chimpanzees destined for
research, as well as a ban on the use of euthanasia as a form of population
control. "We are gratified to know that the scientific community has finally
acknowledged their ethical and moral responsibility of providing our closest
genetic relatives with the highest standard of necessary and appropriate
long-term care in their retirement," stated Tina Nelson, Executive Director
of the American Anti-Vivisection Society.
The Task Force is also pleased with the NRC's findings that the current
system of managing the surplus of chimpanzees is woefully inadequate.
Presently, many chimpanzees who are considered no longer suitable for
research spend the rest of their lives languishing in 5' x 5' x 7' stainless
steel cages--the minimum standard established by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture.
Instead, the NRC report proposes that sanctuaries should become an integral
component of the strategic plan to solve the problem of maintaining these
chimpanzees in government facilities, which is very costly. "A sanctuary
system for retired' chimps would benefit the animals by providing them with
a natural setting where they could live out the remainder of their lives,"
explained Roger Caras, President of The American Society for the Prevention
of Cruelty to Animals. "This system also benefits taxpayers, since chimps no
longer needed for research would be placed in a setting where maintenance
costs would be lower. To bring a better quality of life to these magnificent
animals at lower cost is truly a win win' situation for everyone." The
sanctuaries, as proposed by the National Chimpanzee Research Retirement Task
Force, would also serve as centers of excellence, where students and
scholars from around the world would be able to conduct observational studies.
Renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, who sits on the Task Force's
Scientific Advisory Committee, enthusiastically endorses the development of
research retirement sanctuaries. "Never before has there been such a
concrete opportunity to work in cooperation with the scientific community,
government officials, and the world's most renowned primate experts to
provide chimpanzees who have given so much of themselves to science with a
safe, permanent home to live out the remainder of their lives. This is a
crucial time for us in our stewardship to define their future with respect,
compassion and justice. They deserve nothing less."
The Task Force is pushing for a congressionally-chartered National
Chimpanzee Research Retirement System, which would be supported by
government funds, private donations and endowments for individual animals.
Legislation establishing such a sanctuary system will likely be considered
by Congress this year.
"The Task Force is pleased with the NRC's acknowledgement that real change
is required to solve the problems presented by the surplus chimpanzee
population. We are encouraged that both the scientific and humane
communities appear to be working in the same direction on this issue, and
hope that the end result will be a true retirement system designed to
benefit the animals in whose name the recommendations were made," commented
Holly Hazard, Executive Director of the Doris Day Animal League.
The fact that the NRC encouraged input from animal advocates on the issue of
chimpanzee management is especially encouraging to Task Force members. "We
view the NRC report as an example of individuals with opposing viewpoints
working together to find some common ground and making a real difference in
the lives of animals," said Cunniff.
For more information, contact:
Peggy Cunniff, Executive Director
The National Anti-Vivisection Society
(312)427-6065 or (800)888-6287 or navs@navs.org
or
Holly Hazard, Executive Director
Doris Day Animal League
(202)546-1761 or ddal@aol.com
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 16:34:59 -0400
From: "D'Amico, AnnMarie"
To: "'ar-dc'" ,
"'ar-news@envirolink.org'"
,
"'ar-views@envirolink.org'"
Subject: Lori Gauthier Disaster Relief Kentucky/Ohio
Message-ID: <199707282032.QAA22588@envirolink.org>
For those of you who have been concerned about Lori, the latest report
is that she was admitted to the hospital last week with a heart attack.
She will be undergoing bypass surgery this week.
I will keep you updated.
TKS -- AM
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 17:39:28 -0400 (EDT)
From: baerwolf@tiac.net (baerwolf)
To: Veg-Boston@waste.org, ar-news@envirolink.org, info@ma.neavs.com,
veggie@envirolink.org
Cc: Me1ani@aol.com, BHGazette@aol.com, veg-ne@empire.net
Subject: Greyhounds: Protest on Racing's Biggest Day
Message-ID: <199707282139.RAA12902@mailrelay.tiac.net>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
To People Concerned About Greyhounds:
Greyhound tracks across the country will participate in a
national simulcast event culminating in a one million dollar pay-out.
The event is touted by the greyhound racing industry as
"Greyhound racing's biggest night."
With your help, it could be one of the biggest days
for people who care about animals. Across the nation
simultaneous protests against dog racing will be held to call
attention to the manipulative and abusive greyhound dog racing industry.
See if there is a rally in your area.
In Massachusetts the following 2 same-day protests will occur.
1) Aug 9 (Sat) Protest GREYHOUND RACING's "Biggest Night"
10:30 AM - 1:00PM. Protest expected to receive media coverage.
Meet in front of the red gates at
Wonderland Dog Track, Rt. 1A, Revere, MA.
Posters, banners and flyers will be provided.
Please, no dogs - site is close to traffic and is unshaded.
2) Aug 9 (Sat) Night Protest of GREYHOUND RACING's "Biggest Night"
Rally 5:00pm - 8:00pm.
Meet in front of the red gates at
Wonderland Dog Track, Rt. 1A, Revere, MA.
Posters, banners and flyers will be provided.
Accessible by:
TRAIN:
MBTA Blue Line Wonderland train station, Revere
Dog track is on the opposite side of the train tracks from where you get off
then across and down the street about a half a block.
or by
ROADWAY:
MA Pike (Rt. 90) to Boston,
North on Rts 93 & 3 half a mile to Callahan Tunnel Exit
Callahan Tunnel is Rt 1A
Follow Rt. 1A North for approx 7 miles to Revere.
Dog track is on Left. Park in Stop & Shop Mall on Right.
Red Gate is diagonally across the Rotary.
For more info call Libby at 617-567-0280 or Steve at 508-393-5339
or Robin at 508-435-6023 or Laurel at 508-465-6961
+++++++++++++++++
For Connecticut folks, email to
receive info on the "simulcast" protest from the Plainfield Dog Track.
Thank you for turning your compassion into action,
sbaer
steven baer
baerwolf@tiac.net
Massachusetts
HOW DEEP INTO SPACE MUST HUMANS GO BEFORE THEY REALIZE
ALL THE NEIGHBORS THEY'VE TORTURED ON PLANET EARTH.
Date: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 19:36:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: CFOXAPI@aol.com
To: ar-news@envirolink.org
Cc: joe_Luma@compuserve.com, 75543.3331@compuserve.com, 0007562215@mcimail.com,
Animatty@aol.com, propaw@ix.netcom.com
Subject: ACTION ALERT: EU FUR BAN
Message-ID: <970728193540_1381941770@emout12.mail.aol.com>
Animal Protection
Institute
****ACTION ALERT****
EUROPEAN UNION ALLOWS LEGHOLD-TRAPPED FUR IMPORTS
After two years of delay, the European Union (EU) General Affairs Council
voted July 22 for new agreements with Canada and Russia on "humane" trapping
standards that will ensure use of the cruel leghold trap for an indefinite
period of time. The Council also called upon the European Commission to reach
an equivalent official agreement with the United States.
U.S. officials have refused to give up leghold traps and say they will not
sign a negotiated agreement that requires any phase-out of leghold trap use.
The new agreements nullify the original intent of Regulation 3254/91 (the
European Union Leghold Trap Fur Import Ban) to ban imports of fur pelts from
countries still using the leghold trap or not complying with "internationally
agreed humane trapping standards." Passed by the EU in 1991 and originally
scheduled to begin in January 1, 1995, the regulation is intended to reduce
pain and suffering to furbearing animals worldwide.
The Clinton administration has threatened international trade sanctions
through the World Trade Organization (WTO) if the EU implements the ban.
The new agreements exempt Canada and Russia from the ban and permit the use
of standard steel-jaw leghold traps for two to four years. Other forms of
leghold traps may be used for at least eight more years and indefinitely if
they meet certain trap standards.
The weakened agreements are a great disappointment to animal advocates and to
those who have fought for more than two years to ensure implementation of the
ban in its original form. "Millions of animals die in cruel leghold traps
each year," said Camilla Fox, API Wildlife Program Coordinator. "It is a
terrible tragedy that concern for free trade has preempted concern for
improving the welfare of animals worldwide."
The U.S. will face an import ban in December if a similar agreement is not
signed by then. Animal advocates are urging the Clinton administration and
Congress to support HR 1176 that would ban the leghold trap nationwide and
bring the U.S. into compliance with the EU regulation. "The U.S. government
should be ashamed of undermining this progressive European legislation," said
Fox. "More than 80 countries have already banned the leghold trap. It is time
we took a stand
and banned this instrument of torture forever."
You can help. Letters to the EU Commission will help ensure that the EU does
not offer the U.S. further concessions that allow continued use of leghold
traps in any trapping agreement.
Please write to:
Sir Leon Brittan
Vice-President, European Commission
200 Rue de la Loi
B1049 Brussels, Belgium
Fax: 011-322-299-4686
(Your salutation should read, "Dear Sir Leon.")
In your letter, respectfully request that any negotiated trapping agreement
between the EU and the U.S. must be binding and must specify that all forms
of leghold traps will be prohibited nationwide, as Regulation 3254/91
stipulates.
You may also want to include the following points in your letter:
**Trade concerns should not preempt concern for improving the welfare of
animals
worldwide.
**The majority of Americans support a ban on leghold traps. (A recent
national poll showed that 74% of Americans believe leghold traps should be
outlawed entirely. In 1996, voters in Colorado and Massachusetts passed
public ballot initiatives to ban leghold traps statewide. More than 50 U.S.
members of congress are currently co-sponsoring a federal bill to ban leghold
traps nationwide and support for this legislation is growing.)
Note: Letters to Europe cost $0.60 (if .5 oz or under).
Please also write to your Representative at the House Office Building,
Washington, DC 20515 and encourage him or her to support and co-sponsor H.R.
1176. Remind your Representative that:
**Leghold traps have been banned in over 80 countries and restricted or
banned in six states.
**Leghold traps are indiscriminate. For every "target" animal trapped, at
least two other "non-target" animals, including dogs and cats, are trapped.
**Leghold traps cause extreme suffering and pain to their victims. Animals
caught in leghold traps can endure broken bones, ripped tendons, severed
paws, swelling, bleeding, and starvation.
**A national poll conducted in November 1996 showed that 74% of Americans
believe leghold traps should be banned.
Please send copies of any letters you receive to Camilla Fox at the Animal
Protection Institute office/ P.O. Box 22505, Sacramento, CA 95822.
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