K9 ADVISORS Advocacy
Miami Coalition Against Breed Specific Legislation Click Here
Bolivia first country in the world to ban wild and domestic
animals from travelling circuses
2 July 2009
Animal Defenders International (ADI) is delighted that Bolivia 's
President Evo Morales has signed a new law to end the use of wild and
domestic animals in travelling circuses.
After a successful passage through the Congress, the Bill passed the
final hurdle, awaiting the President's signature, and the new Act is
expected to be published in the following weeks.
The law, tabled by Congresswoman Ximena Flores of Potosi, arose as a
result of evidence gathered during a disturbing undercover
investigation by ADI that included: lions confined in a tiny cage on
the back of a truck (two were pregnant but continued to perform); a
mandrill confined in a tiny cage; three brown bears kept in tiny
compartments measuring just 2.5x3m, inside a cage on the back of a
truck ¬- their only exercise was the walk to and from the ring for
their short performance. Lack of safety barriers were noted, as the
animals were made to dance, play dead and ride a bicycle. The findings
of the investigation were presented to the Congress together with
ADI's report on the scientific evidence of suffering of animals in
travelling circuses, 'The Science on Suffering'.
The new law bans the use of wild and domestic animals in circuses in
the Bolivia , as their conditions and confinement it is considered an
act of cruelty. The circuses will be allowed one year to adapt their
shows to a humans-only programme and during this time, the government
will issue regulations on confiscation and pecuniary sanctions for any
breaches of the law.
This is the first national law to ban the use of both domestic and
wild animals in circuses. So far, similar bans on animal use in
travelling circuses in Costa Rica , Sweden , Finland and Denmark only
prohibit the use of wild animals or certain species.
In recognition of President Morales' stand on the issue and his
government's prompt action, ADI has presented the Bolivian government
with the Toto Award on animal protection and conservation.
ADI Chief Executive Jan Creamer, "This is a truly historic day for
circus animals.. The undercover investigations, the scientific
research and the hard work of our supporters in Bolivia has made a
difference for animals that will reach around the world. Bolivia is
the first country to ban animal circuses in South America and the
first worldwide to ban both domestic and wild animals in circuses. We
applaud the President Evo Morales for setting the highest standard for
animal protection for South America , which the rest of the world now
needs to follow. We also salute the efforts of Congresswoman Flores
and all the local organizations and who along with ADI worked
tirelessly to ensure that the bill became a law."
Stop Puppy Mills Click Here
Dog Advocacy And Animal Welfare
We can't change the world in one fell swoop, but we can make a
difference. Use these resources to do your part in animal advocacy,
and humane education, and help make this world a better place for our
pets, one step at a time.
If
Your Neighbor Neglects or Abuses His Dog
How to stop dog abuse from happening if you see it.
Favorite Jobs for Dog Lovers
If you are determined to work with dogs for a living, here are my top
picks for jobs that appeal to dog lovers.
Choices in Dog "Work" for the Younger Set
Dog lovers come in all ages and while attending school, there are ways
to still be able to work with the animals you love so much. These are
my favorite choices to get hands-on experience with dogs for teenagers
and young adults.
Neuter and Spay
Pet overpopulation is one of the greatest reasons to have all your
pets sterilized, but did you know that is not the only reason? Did you
know that by having your dog neutered or spayed you can eliminate the
risk of serious future health problems as well?
We need your help in North Carolina to shut down gas chambers and other cruel methods of killing shelter animals. The North Carolina bill, H.B. 6, Davie’s Law, is in trouble. Opponents want to offer a bill that would leave use of the gas chamber to the discretion of a local veterinarian or official. You know what that means. Yes, nothing will change. It’s a smokescreen to get people to think it means the end of gas chambers. But it means they will be able to continue being used to kill animals. Enough is enough. North Carolina Beverly Perdue said during her campaign last fall that she opposed gas chambers. So we need Gov. Perdue to step up and help shut down these cruel contraptions. It won’t cost more to shut down the gas chambers and, in fact, a 2009 North Carolina study shows using euthanasia by injections costs less. Go here to find contact information and talking points for Gov. Perdue and write or call her on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 and urge her to do what is right and stop the use of these gas chambers and other cruel methods of killing. http://www.animallawcoalition.com/gas-chambers/article/863