Canada activists go after rodeo A small group of protesters made the annual trek down to Rexall Place on Saturday, arguing they are a voice for abused animals who can't speak for themselves. Less than a dozen demonstrators called for a complete ban on rodeo events, citing examples of what they consider cruel treatment against livestock. “I've witnessed them electrically prodded, their tails twisted, their necks snapped, reefed back,” said one protester of what compelled him to take part. “These animals definitely suffer.” The demonstration wasn't without its adversity, with several rodeo fans yelling jeers at the activists like, “get a real job,” and “find something that's useful.” Neuroscientists, animal activists meet at center Armed with some graphic pictures and a Lincoln-quoting neurological researcher, a small band of protesters stood in front of the Convention Center on Saturday trying to turn the tide in animal research while many of the 32,000 registered attendees at the Society for Neuroscience Convention streamed in to hear the actress Glenn Close talk about research and depression. Scientist are gathered from all over the world to present their latest findings in research on the brain and nervous system. According to Society spokesman Todd Bentsen, there are summaries of 16,000 research papers up for review through Wednesday. Calgary may save Toronto dog on death row Calgary may step in and save a dog on death row in Toronto. Members of the Daisy Foundation, a local animal rights group, gathered outside city hall Friday, rallying to save Ginger's life. The pit bull mix was involved in a dogfight in November 2005, in which the owner of the other dog was bitten. But it was never determined which dog was responsible. Still, under Ontario's anti pit bull law, Ginger's fate was predetermined and the Ontario Supreme Court has upheld the original order to have the dog put down. Anti-fur protesters march through London 300 animal rights activists marched through Knightsbridge and Chelsea today with the hope of shaming some of the world's best known shops into stopping selling real fur in their stores. Armani, D&G, Chanel were amongst the groups targets. However, the main target was Harrods department store. The group paused outside while the organizers, CAFT (Campaign Against the Fur Trade) gave a short speech, stating that they hope the new owners of the store would re-think the companies policy on selling animal furs. This was followed by a minutes silence. As the organizers started to move off a group decided to hold a sit down protest. You could see the police start to get a bit annoyed, so the CAFT organizer had words and the protest was on the move again. Mexico University accused of animal abuse A YouTube video showing scenes of animals being mistreated at the University of Guadalajara (UDG) has sparked a protest campaign by local animal rights' activists. Activists say dozens of street dogs are picked up every week, loaded into a van and taken to the university's medical school (CUCS) to be used for student instruction. Once there, they are left in the sun without water or food for up to six hours, according to activists, who say they are then operated upon sometimes without the appropriate amount of anesthetic. US: Students Set To Deliberate Ethics, Science Of Animal Care Issues There's no doubt about it: these days, animal welfare questions are at the top of a lot of people's minds and being put to the vote on ballots across the country. It will be today's university students who will be charged with being the world's future decision makers on these issues. Students representing universities and veterinary schools across the United States and Canada will come to Michigan State University (MSU) Nov. 20-21 to learn about and debate topics related to the welfare of animals in the tenth annual Intercollegiate Animal Welfare Judging and Assessment Contest. The competition, which is divided into undergraduate, graduate and veterinary college divisions, allows students to compete in events focused on increasing the understanding of welfare and care issues affecting animals used for human purposes, including food production, research and companionship. The event promotes students' critical thinking, teaches ethical reasoning skills, encourages objective assessments based on science, and improves persuasive public speaking and presentation skills. BM
