Cruel Draize Test Dropped in EU

The British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection has reported that, on 24 July 2009, the European Commission announced the adoption of a non-animal alternative to the cruel Draize test. Every year, some 10,000 animals are used in these tests in the EU. The new method, commercially labelled as EpiSkin, EpiDerm and SkinEthic, is an in vitro test that uses skin donated by human volunteers. It replaces the notorious 60-year-old Draize test, which assessed the irritancy and harmful effects of chemicals on the skin of rabbits. As rabbits’ skin is considerably more sensitive and delicate than human skin, the pain experienced by these gentle animals must be immense. The in vitro method was actually validated in 2007 by the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods, but it has taken more than two years for a commercially available test to be accepted by the European Commission. (courtesy - www.animalaid.org.uk)

Animal Aid

AAID's aim to support existing charity organisations such as the SPCA, the Animal Anti-Cruelty League, the Vervet Monkey Foundation, Wet Nose Foundation, South Africans for the Abolition of Vivisection, the Horse Care Unit, Wings in Need, Alley Cat Allies, Society for Animals in Distress, etc. There are also many individuals, There are also many individuals, such as the “Cat Lady”, currently serving animals at their own costs, in dire need of financial help. (courtesy - www.animalaid.org.za)

 

Animal Rights Africa

The Monkey Helpline Project: Helping Vervets and other primates

 

The Monkey Helpline project undertakes hands-on Vervet monkey rescues and assists with Vervet sanctuary and rehabilitation. The Project also lobbies government, distributes educational leaflets and gives talks to schools and other interested groups. It has been a hectic year so far for the Monkey Helpline with rescue callouts daily. Looking at the statistics of Vervet monkeys dealt with by the Monkey Helpline so far this year, it is shocking how many of these monkeys were unable to be saved. In the period 1 January 2009 to 17 May 2009 (137 days), Monkey Helpline dealt with 143 dead monkeys – just more than one dead monkey every day! These monkeys were euthanased, died en route to the vet, died during or after veterinary treatment, or in some cases were already dead on arrival.

67 deaths were the result of motor vehicle accidents.
29 deaths were the result of pellet gun injuries.
22 deaths were the result of injuries caused by dogs.
12 deaths were the result of injuries caused by other monkeys.
13 deaths were due to poisoning, razor-wire, electrocution, raptors, Tetanus or snares. One was burnt with hot oil. Monkey Helpline is only dealing with the tip of the ice-berg when it comes to rescuing or retrieving sick, injured, orphaned or otherwise in-need-of-help Vervets in KZN.

 

WSPA

Universal Declaration

 

The future of animal welfare lies in achieving international recognition that animals matter. WSPA is seeking this in the form of a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare (UDAW).

A declaration of our duty to respect animals and their welfare needs would have a long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals and people worldwide.

Agreement on the importance of an issue affects people's attitudes, and attitudes affect actions.

What is it?

A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would be an agreement among people and nations that: 

  • Animals are sentient and can suffer.
  • Animals’ welfare needs must be respected.
  • Animal cruelty must end for good.

 

What will it achieve?

The adoption of a UDAW by the United Nations would:

  • Establish animal welfare as an international issue.
  • Encourage governments to improve and enforce national animal welfare legislation by providing a benchmark.
  • Recognise that animal welfare is a key factor in humanitarian and environmental policy making.
  • Encourage industries which use animals to keep welfare at the forefront.
  • Acknowledge the risks to animals caused by environmental factors such as climate change, habitat loss and pollution.
  • Create a more compassionate global attitude to animal welfare, including their needs and habitats.

A declaration would also enhance the lives of over 1 billion people who rely on animals for their livelihoods, and the countless others look to animals for companionship.

A UDAW would work for human health – animal welfare contributes to sustainable farming systems and the improvement of human food safety.

"Over 1 billion people in the world rely directly on their animals for survival, and Kenya is no different … People in my country know this. When there is a drought, we will often give water to our animals before we give it to ourselves."
Hon Noah Wekesa, Minister of Education, Science and Technology, Kenya

What can I do?

Join WSPA, over 220 animal welfare groups, and supportive governments around the world – including Cambodia, Fiji, New Zealand, Samoa, the Seychelles and Sweden – in calling for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare.

Sign the petition today (courtesy http://www.wspa-international.org/wspaswork/udaw/Default.aspx)
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