N.J. animal rights group files complaint against pro-hunting committee An animal rights group has filed a complaint against a pro-hunting political action committee, claiming it violated campaign contribution limits last year by holding a rally for then-gubernatorial candidate Chris Christie. Stu Chaifetz, an investigator for the group Showing Animals Respect and Kindness (SHARK), also filed a complaint against Christie for not reporting the rally as an in-kind contribution. He alleged the group used its political clout to encourage the state to host a bear hunt this year. AVMA condemns threats by animal rights activists The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has publicly condemned the alleged actions of animal rights activists accused of terrorizing a University of California (UC) researcher and neuroscientist. The group, representing roughly 80,000 U.S. veterinarians, issued the statement today, noting that its stance is based on the AVMA policy titled Use of Animals in Research, Testing and Education. The policy reads, in part: “The AVMA recognizes that animals play a central and essential role in research, testing and education for continued improvement in the health and welfare of human beings and other animals. … The use of animals used in research, testing and education is a privilege carrying with it unique professional, scientific and moral obligations.” Hamleys defies animal rights outrage at live penguin show Hamleys today declared it was pressing ahead with plans to have live penguins in the Regent Street toy store despite protests from animal welfare groups. The shop was accused of using the penguins as “living toys” after advertising next Monday's appearance. Critics said the penguins would be distressed by being brought into a hot and busy store. It follows a visit to Hamleys by reindeer this week. New state laws strengthen animal rights, target drivers Among new state laws taking effect this week is Susie's Law, which promises the possibility of judges being able to sentence even first-time offenders to jail for being cruel to animals. Animal-rights advocates and law officers alike have heralded the change in law — and the overall shift in attitude toward animals — as long overdue. “I think that's a good thing,” said Macon County Sheriff Robert “Robby” Holland, who started his career in law enforcement as a part-time animal control officer, Macon County's first. Help for pets left behind on shelled Korean isle Hungry dogs and cats roaming the streets of the remote South Korean island shelled by North Korea last week, some of them injured, are being fed and tended to by animal welfare groups. North Korea fired dozens of artillery shells on Yeonpyeong island on November 23, killing two soldiers and two civilians and setting houses ablaze. Most of the 1,600 residents of mountainous Yeonpyeong have fled, leaving their pets behind, but animal welfare groups have taken them food and administered first aid. Animal Rights Coalition protest and petition against circus A large number of NGOs and animal rights organizations have joined forces through a Circus Animal Rights Coalition, to express their deep disappointment and concern that JS Productions intends to bring over ‘Circo Fantasy' to Malta & Gozo to perform during the coming festive season. The coalition is highly dismayed by the fact that notwithstanding the public's opposition to the exploitation of animals in circuses, this same company persists year over year to make profit from this form of animal cruelty. The Circus Animal Rights Coalition would like to raise awareness of the fact that behind the glitz of the circus lies a cruel world of untold animal suffering. Animals used in circuses are unwilling participants in a show that jeopardizes their health and psychological well-being. Circuses force animals often through painful and punitive methods to perform tricks that are contradictory to their innate instincts and behavior, which factor results in substantial injuries during performance and training. BM
