volume 34 - spring 2006 end exotic pet trade now! · volume 34 - spring 2006 end exotic pet trade...

VOLUME 34 - SPRING 2006

End exotic pet trade now!

This caiman, which can grow to five feet long, is a wild animal, not a plaything for people. VHS is calling on all Vancouver residents to contactVancouver City Council and show their support for a proposed bylaw that would ban the sale and ownership of exotic animals like this one.

VHS urges Vancouver residents to speak out for new city bylaw. See page 3

By DEBRA PROBERTFrom the Globe and Mail (Nov. 23, 2005)

The inexorable increase in avian influen-za hysteria is leading governments locallyand internationally to consider increasinglyradical measures to contain the perceivedthreat of a human pandemic

The swift and lethal response of theCanadian Food Inspection Agency to theduck infected with a harmless H5 virus inBritish Columbia is a good example, andthe recent discovery that people have beeninfected in China can only exacerbate thissituation. These measures include keepingall domestic birds indoors, away from wildbirds; culling flocks at the first sign of evena harmless strain of flu; draining wetlands;culling wild populations of birds and stock-piling masses of expensive drugs of ques-tionable efficacy. But before we imposesuch drastic methods, we should heed theroot cause of the problem.

Many strains of avian influenza circulatein wild birds at low levels, without causingillness. Natural selection plays an impor-tant role in regulating wildlife populations.A virus enters a population and removesthose that are unable to defend themselvesfrom the attack. Biological diversity is thekey to the population’s survival. Animalsthat survive infection and reproduce willlikely pass on their “resistant” or “tolerant”genes to future generations.

The conditions in modern, intensive poul-try farms are quite different from thosefound in nature. There is no question thatthe virulence and rapid spread of the H7N3outbreak in British Columbia, in Februaryof 2004, was exacerbated by the limitedgenetic diversity of the birds and the waythey are raised. They spend their short liveseating, sleeping and defecating in the sameconfined space before they are sent toslaughter. Under these conditions, naturalimmunity is virtually impossible.

In contrast, backyard and organic flocksare typically more diverse and more closely

emulate nature. During the 2004 outbreak inBritish Columbia, of 553 backyard flockstested, only one tested positive for the virus,and that was after testing negative twice.

What does this have to do with thespread of the virus in Southeast Asia, Chinaand Europe? Why, in apparently more opensystems, have avian flu outbreaks beenincreasing? The Food and AgricultureOrganization of the United Nations (FAO)lists six contributing factors affecting thespread of highly pathogenic viruses in Asia.Three of these have to do with an increaseof poultry populations and intensificationof poultry production.

Asia has seen an explosion of industrialpoultry farming and is expected to eventu-ally dominate global production. Not onlyhave developed countries exported theirinsatiable appetite for animal products,they have also exported intensive poultryand egg production technology.

But this technology is being exported intoa potentially devastating environment. Indeveloping countries, a dramatic increasein intensive poultry production is oftencombined with poor hygiene and little orno bio-security. Domestic birds from differ-ent areas travel long distances, sometimeshundreds of miles, and are brought togeth-er in poultry markets crowded with people.National and international monitoring sys-tems are ignored or inadequate.

In both developed and developing coun-tries, intensively farmed poultry populationsare a jackpot for viruses. The cramped quar-ters make transmission from host to hostextremely easy. The diversity that is key tothe survival of wild bird populations doesnot exist among domestic flocks and ani-mals’ immune systems are compromised,rendering them susceptible to infection.

Before we resort to extreme measures thatcan and will have a permanent effect onnature as we now know it, we need to assessthe devastation wreaked globally by theunsustainable appetite for animal protein.

EDITORIAL: The ugly truth behind the avian fluDONATIONS

MEMORIAL DONATIONSEvelyn Rapanos, in memory of Dr. Thom deRoosEvelyn Rapanos, in memory of Elaine SainasMarilyn and James Ferguson, in memory oftheir son – Jamie FergusonVHS staff, directors in memory of John FrickerDale Stromberg, in memory of AlexanderEllen Einfeldt and family, in memory ofDebbie NothSanford Cohen, in memory of Debra NothIlla Burke, in memory of Mariann HuttonJoyce McLeod, in memory of PookyJune Humphreys in memory of PookyM. Lynne Harrison, in memory of NicholasIrina Reid, in memory of CasperJudy Werts, in memory of Bill Bailey & JakeHelen Fernandes, in memory of Jake FernandesDiane Ferrell, in memory of Esther FerrellToby Fouks, in memory of KatieToby Fouks, in memory of Jenny Layng’s dogKristin Lauhn-Jensen, in memory of EstherDomet-MillerDebra Probert, in memory of Cathy Morton’sfather

SPECIAL OCCASION DONATIONSJudy Lerner, to welcome MaggieElizabeth Esson, in honour of Mrs. Stephanie& Mr. Michael SchmidtNicholas Read, a Christmas gift in honour ofVeronica WoodruffSage & Essense Carlson, in honour of BunnyBrown and White Cloud’s birthdaysRobert Labelle, a Christmas gift in honour ofLarissa LutjenJoan Johnston, a Christmas gift in honour ofDrew DennisMrs. D. Watts, a Christmas gift in honour ofSharon & Emma WattsAlisha Read, a Christmas gift in honour ofNicholas ReadPaul Shapiro, in honour of the VHS work forbattery hensJoanne Paterson, in honour of Mrs. KristinBrysonAnonymous, in honour of Ms. Nina HoughtonNatalie Demidenko, a gift in honour of Trish& Phil Coldrey LoIssac Kramer, Arminder Lail and GayleMurphy, birthday gifts in honour of NathanDeyell.

UNITED WAY DONATIONS

Agilent Technologies Canada Inc.IKON Office SolutionsSymcor Inc.

EMPLOYEE FUND DONATIONS

BC Hydro Employees’ Community ServicesFund (The HYDRECS Fund)Provincial Employees Community ServicesFundLondon Life Employees’ SHARE Fund

Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 34 - Spring 2006

#303-8623 Granville St., Vancouver, B.C. V6P 5A2Phone: 604-266-9744 ; Fax: 604-266-1311Web: www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.caEmail: [email protected] of directors:Cathy Morton, PresidentMargaret Adams, DirectorAndrea Farmer, SecretaryJoanne Chang, TreasurerJune Humphreys, Director

Staff:Debra Probert, Executive directorPeter Fricker, Projects and communications directorBruce Passmore, Farm animal welfare project coordinatorMarianne Verigin, Administrative assistantLesley Fox, Humane EducationNewsletterPeter Fricker, EditorContributing Writers:Debra Probert, Lesley Fox, Janet Kanehara, BrucePassmore, Carmen Crosland, June Humphreys

Thank you to our many generous donors.

Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 34 - Spring 2006 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper.

Exotics need your helpNow is your chance, maybe your last

chance, to help end the suffering of thou-sands of exotic animals in Vancouver.

City Council is considering taking thefirst step toward a bylaw banning the saleand ownership of exotic pets and publicopinion will be a deciding factor. VHS iscalling for Vancouver residents to support amotion by Councillor Kim Capri to instructcity staff to come up with recommendationsfor an exotic animal bylaw. The motion is tobe considered at an upcoming council meet-ing (A date had not been confirmed at presstime – watch our website at www.vancou-verhumanesociety.bc.ca).

VHS has been working hard to providecouncil with information and evidence tomake its decision and is hopingVancouver’s humane community will alsomake itself heard on the issue.

If the motion is approved, the city staffwill carry out research and come back withrecommendations, which will then be debat-ed by council at a further meeting. Fierceopposition to a bylaw will come from theexotic pet trade, reptile keepers and animalrental agencies. These vested interests couldsway the debate if they are not countered bystrong arguments in favour of a bylaw.

VHS is telling councillors that back yardsand living rooms are no places for wild orexotic animals (particularly reptiles) and thatthere is clear evidence that exotic pets sufferin captivity. VHS has submitted a statementof support to the council from world-renowned reptile expert Clifford Warwick,whose studies show that captivity is physi-cally and psychologically harmful to reptiles.

Many people buy exotic animals from pet

stores or through the Internet only to findthat their care requires more time, money orexpertise than expected. The result is thatmany become sick, die or are abandoned.During the past year at least a dozen largesnakes from Vancouver have been turnedover to the Rainforest Reptile Refuge inSurrey. Animals are dumped there everyday. In 2005 police found a four-foot longcaiman (a crocodile-like reptile) in a one-inch deep pool of water in the bedroom of aVancouver home. The sick and starving ani-mal was turned over to the refuge. Somepeople abandon unwanted reptiles in localparks or habitats, where the animals die ofstarvation or of exposure to a harsh climate.

Other municipalities in B.C., such as NewWestminster, Abbotsford and Kelowna,already have bylaws banning the sale andkeeping of exotic pets. Major Canadiancities, such as Ottawa and Toronto, alsohave exotic animal bylaws. The BC SPCA,Zoocheck Canada and the CanadianVeterinary Medical Association all opposethe ownership of exotic animals, as do vir-tually all animal protection agencies.

Meanwhile, the exotic pet trade is boom-ing, and contrary to common belief, up to 95per cent of traded reptiles are wild-caught.Exotic pet bylaws reduce demand for theseanimals and thus protect global wildlife.

City Councillors can be contacted byemail at [email protected] by mail at:

Mayor and CouncilCity Hall, Third Floor453 West 12th AvenueVancouver, B.C.V5Y 1V4

VHS and its supporters stopped a restau-rant in Whistler from using tigers and lionsas part of the entertainment at a party lastNovember.

Billed as an “adult-rated extravaganza ofdecadence,” the party at the Bearfoot Bistrowas planning to use Siberian Magic, a trav-elling animal performance business, toentertain up to 2000 partygoers withchained tigers and lions.

VHS initiated a telephone and emailprotest and issued a news release condemn-ing the performance, which triggeredintense media interest and coverage. Theprotest grew and the restaurant was del-

uged with complaints. Within three hoursthe tiger show was cancelled.

VHS has complained to telecommunica-tions company Telus about its use of ani-mals in commercials. The ads, which havefeatured Hazina the hippo at the GreaterVancouver Zoo, are popular, but manypeople don’t realize that most of the ani-mals are from ‘animal rental agencies’ orzoos that profit from their exploitation.

Once the cameras are turned off, animalslike Hazina are returned to their cages,pens or tanks where they languish in con-fined and unnatural conditions until thenext assignment. In a letter, VHS told Telusthat its advertising helps perpetuate thecaptive animal industry, which involves thetrading, breeding, transport and incarcera-tion of thousands of exotic species – all forhuman amusement. VHS urged the compa-ny to make use of Computer GeneratedImage (CGI) technology, which an increas-ing number of film companies are employ-ing to avoid the use of real animals.

The Telus commercials also encouragefad or impulse purchases of animals. Forexample, a classified ad recently spotted onthe Internet read: “Looking for a bunny forChristmas. Preferably a caramel coloredone like in the Telus commercials.”

Telus has refused to reconsider usinganimals in its advertising campaigns.Readers’ views can be expressed to: WadeOosterman, Executive Vice President ofSales and Marketing, TELUS Mobility, 200Consilium Place, Suite 1600, Scarborough,Ontario, M1H 3J3.

Animals exploitedfor profit in Telusad campaign

Although Tinathe elephant diedback in July of 2004,she has not beenforgotten. TheElephant Sanctuaryin Tennessee, whereshe spent her finaldays, still receivestributes to her on itswebsite atwww.elephants.com/tina/tina_tributes.php. The heartfelt messages show just what anemotional impact her story has on people.Tina lived in poor conditions for 30 yearsat the Greater Vancouver Zoo until pres-sure from VHS and Zoocheck Canada ledto her transfer to the sanctuary.

Remembering TinaParty no place fortigers, lions: VHS

Tigers were to be chained at a party in Whistler.

Printed with vegetabled-based ink on recycled paper. Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 34 - Spring 2006

VHS is supporting a Zoocheck Canadaeffort to return two orphaned grizzly bearcubs to the wild through a rehabilitationprogram – but the B.C. government isblocking the initiative.

The bears, Koda and Banff, are currentlybeing kept at the Calgary Zoo whileprovincial and federal bureaucrats decidetheir fate. A bear rehabilitation facility nearSmithers, B.C. is willing to take them, withthe aim of ultimately setting them free.

Despite evidence from bear rehabilita-tion experts supporting the idea, theprovincial government will not (to date)allow the bears to be transferred to thefacility. If they are not rehabilitated to livein the wild, the bears will live the rest oftheir lives in captivity.

VHS is endorsing a campaign by the B.C.SPCA to increase legal protection forabused animals in B.C. The campaign, enti-tled “End Animal Cruelty” calls on theprovincial government to strengthen B.C.’sinadequate laws protecting animals fromviolence and abuse.

The SPCA says current provincial lawsdo little to protect animals from abuse or tobring those who inflict pain and sufferingon animals to justice.

For example, current anti-cruelty lawsonly apply to the person responsible for theanimal. If another person abuses, tortures

or even kills and animal, the law won’tapply.

The campaign is also calling for strongerpenalties for those convicted of animal cru-elty. The maximum penalty for someoneconvicted of animal cruelty is $2,000, sixmonths in jail and/or a prohibition onkeeping animals – and judges rarely handdown maximum sentences.

The SPCA is also petitioning the provin-cial government for increased funding forits cruelty investigations. For more informa-tion call 1-800-665-1868 or 604-681-7271, orvisit www.EndAnimalCruelty.com

VHS endorses SPCA anti-cruelty drive

By CARMEN CROSLAND

Youth Against Animal Abuse got thechance to help out with hosting two PETAmembers who were in Kelowna to do aKentucky Fried Chicken protest. AshleyFruno drove from the Lower Mainland andR.J. Bailot flew in from Calgary. The mediawere excited to film Ashley in a yellowbathing suit and fuzzy faux fur boots. Hermessage to the reporters was that standingin the cold for a full hour isn’t nearly as badas what happens to the chickens who areoften scalded alive for KFC.

YAAA also took part in a local anti-furdemonstration in February in Kelowna, B.C.Three of our members joined TRACS (TheResponsible Animal Care Society). About

20 people and seven dogs showed up toprotest. Our canine friends were popularwith the cameras, and there was a lot ofsupport from passing motorists. A weekprior to the demonstration, a couple volun-teers had taken educational pamphletsaround to Kelowna stores selling fur. Fauxfur was popular at most of the stores.

Some employees and one manager instores carrying genuine fur were surprisedand somewhat horrified to see what theywere supporting. Others did not want to hearthe message. TRACS and YAAA are consid-ering doing DNA testing on coats obtainedfrom Kelowna stores in order to determinethe origins of the fur. Unlabelled and misla-belled fur from China and Southeast Asia canactually be from dogs or cats.

YAAA members supported a PETA demo against KFC in Kelowna. VHS volunteer Ashley Fruno(wearing the bikini) braved below-zero temperatures to draw attention to KFC’s cruel practices.

Demonstrating compassion

B.C. ministryblocks grizzlybear rehab

Koda is one of two orphaned grizzly bear cubsthat animal protection groups hope the BC gov-ernment will allow to be rehabilitated back tothe wild.

We have a greatPINK STICKER forour Chicken Out!Project – phonethe office at 604

266 9744 and we’llsend you some!

Photo — PETA


News briefs

Pythons, lizards and boa constrictors maybe exotic, but they’re being marketed by athriving reptile breeding industry right herein B.C. And thanks to the Internet, theseanimals are being bred, packaged andshipped thousands of miles to sit in glasstanks in suburban basements all over NorthAmerica and beyond.

At least five reptile-breeding companiesare based in B.C., all advertising a range ofanimals for sale - from geckos and beardeddragons to ball pythons and kingsnakes.

A troll through their websites gives aglimpse of how these companies’ “prod-ucts” are criss-crossing the globe:

“Our reptiles are professionally packed withheat packs in the correct styrofoam boxes withcardboard outers…”

“I can ship virtually to anywhere yearround.”

And at least one B.C. company is in the

repugnantbusiness ofsupplying“feeder” ani-mals to rep-tile owners.With shock-ing callous-ness, thecompany, Coast to Coast Mice (www.coast-tocoastmice.ca), breeds and sells live (orfrozen) baby mice and rats for the sole pur-pose of being thrown to snakes or lizards asfood. (While it’s true that reptiles eatrodents in the wild, these animals have nolife except as food and no chance of escape.)

The mice are labeled as “pinkies” (new-born) or “fuzzies” (not weaned) or “hop-pers” (weaned and active) and are shippedacross Canada in containers holding up to100 live mice or 500 frozen. A grotesque

instrument, called a “pinkie pump” is usedby reptile owners to feed their animals.Essentially a syringe, it is loaded with deadnewborn mice, which are then compressedand pushed into captive reptiles’ mouths.

These companies are just a small part ofthe worldwide exotic animal industry. Thereare hundreds of them trading on theInternet, quietly making profits through theexploitation of animals.

VHS opposes this industry because their“products” end up abandoned, ill or dead.Even if they are captive-bred they retain thebiological and behavioural needs of wildanimals. No glass tank can replicate the spe-cific environments that these animals haveevolved to thrive in.

People who buy reptiles or other exotic ani-mals are contributing to a cruel global indus-try that causes animal suffering and ultimate-ly endangers wild animal populations.

Reptile breeding a B.C. growth industry

KFC’s U.S. parent company, Yum!Brands, received a failing grade for corpo-rate social responsibility in the Globe &Mail’s Report on Business. The magazinecited animal rights controversy generatedwhen Drs. Temple Grandin and IanDuncan resigned from the animal welfarecommittee due to lack of action, andPamela Anderson’s call for a boycottbecause of cruelty to chickens. (Report onBusiness, The Globe and Mail, March, 2006)

The best toys to give rabbits are objectsthey can hide in or under, then chew anddestroy, according to York University.Cardboard boxes and large, empty paperbags rate high. (AWI Quarterly, Fall 2005,Animal Welfare Institute)

More than half of hogs sent to provincialslaughterhouses showed resistance to twocommon antibiotics used to deal with foodpoisoning, according to the Animal HealthLaboratory at the University of Guelph.(Manitoba Co-operator, January 19, 2006)

Flocks raised outdoors are not high riskfor spreading avian influenza, accordingto the Canadian Co-operative WildlifeHealth Centre and Dr. Brian Evans,Canada’s chief veterinary officer. Thedeadly forms of avian influenza are notcommon among wild birds, and when theyare infected, they are picking it up fromdomestic flocks. (Manitoba Co-operator,January 19, 2006)

VHS is protesting plans by theVancouver International Airport Authorityto include an aquarium as part of an exten-sion to the international terminal at YVR.The extension, due for completion in 2007,will incorporate a 25,000 to 30,000 gallontank containing various fish native to BCand a 300 to 400 gallon tank for indigenousjellyfish.

In a letter to the authority, VHS stated:“It seems perverse that these wild specieswill be collected from their natural habitatsin the waterways of BC, only to be put onshow for tourists. It is the unspoiled wild-ness of BC’s flora and fauna that attracts somany people here from around the world.How sad that the first thing many willnow see on arrival here will be captive fishin a glass tank… Using aquatic wildlife asmere decoration to greet foreign touristsonly devalues such wildlife and perpetu-ates the notion that animals exist only tosatisfy our whims.”

The authority has invited VHS to a meet-ing to discuss the issue. In the meantime,readers can express their opinions to: AnnMurray, Community and EnvironmentalAffairs, Vancouver International AirportAuthority, P.O. Box 23750, Airport PostalOutlet, Richmond, BC, V7B 1Y7.

Jane Goodall, the renowned scientist whochanged our understanding of primates, haswritten a book that shows how modern foodproduction is torturing animals, poisoninghumans and destroying the environment. YetHarvest for Hope also describes the manymovements, organizations, projects and indi-viduals who are fighting back. Most important,Goodall also tells us what each one of us can doto change the world “one purchase, one meal,one bite at a time.”

Baby mice are placed in thissyringe and fed to reptiles.

VHS wants tosink airport’saquarium plan

Goodall offers hope

What do VHS staffers have in common?Dysfunctional animal companions, that’swhat!! We thought we’d feature three of ourlittle friends, who, if we hadn’t taken themin, would probably have been euthanized.

HAIRY (By Debra Probert)

Hairy has a lot of strikes against him.When he was found as a starving kit-ten, he was blind from cataracts. The

decision was made to euthanize him, butwhen the time came, the vet could not do it!

Hairy and his friends Mattie and Scary,were all adopted out to a loving family. Tenyears later (hard to believe, I know) they wereall given back to VHS due to a family tragedy.Since placing older cats is impossible, I tookthem home. Mattie and Scary have sincepassed away, but the seemingly most patheticof the three, Hairy, is still going strong!

Hairy has many (expensive) medical prob-lems. He is hyper-thyroid; has irritable bowelsyndrome; is deaf and is nearly blind due to

scarring from his cataract operation when hewas little. This means that he requires muchspecial care. He has medication twice a day, ison a special diet and must be monitored con-stantly for various bodily functions (which Iwon’t go into in any further detail!!)

Because I have other cats with behaviouralissues, Hairy needs to have a room all to him-self when unsupervised, so that he can eatwhenever he’s hungry and not be bullied. Myformer piano studio has become his apart-ment, and most evenings you can find himstretched out in front of the gas fireplace onhis back, all four feet in the air!

In the six years that Hairy’s lived with myfamily, we had never seen him play, apartfrom rolling around with something soakedin catnip. We attributed this to his sight, sincehe’s very careful not to venture out into thecentre of a room – he always hugs the walls,which is his way of knowing where he is. Butas you can see from the picture, Hairy doeslike to play. I was touched to the point oftears to find him upside down under our lit-

tle Christmas tree, batting at a handmade treeornament. He played like this for over anhour, and I realized that he can see enough tomake his life interesting!

Hairy’s quality of life is very high.Although a year ago we nearly lost him – hisillnesses seemed to worsen and he quit eatingfor long enough to endanger his life – he’shappy again, purring and snuggling with meevery day when I stroke or brush him. I’mgrateful that I’m able to give him the opportu-nity to live out the rest of his life in comfort.

BEN (By Peter Fricker)

When my wife Carolyn and I camehome from the RSPCA shelter withBen, a six-month-old border collie

cross, we had no idea what we were in for.Although we knew that border collies arehigh-maintenance dogs, we thought Ben, amongrel, would have “diluted” collie traits.

But not only did he have border collie inten-sity, he also had aggression and dominanceissues; a fear-biting problem; severe noise sen-


Hard starts,happy endingsThree hard-luck animals beat the oddsthanks to compassionate VHS staffers

Ben: Saved by a behaviourist and several Frisbees.

Thank you to our very specialmonthly donors.

As I helped to print out theyear-end receipts, I was over-whelmed by the outstanding sup-port of our monthly donors. It’sso heartening, when faced dayafter day with animal abuseissues, to know that all of you areright behind us, supporting uswith your monthly commitment.

It doesn’t have to be much tomake a difference. Some of yougive $5 a month, some of you

$100. However large or small,please know that your donationmakes a difference. It all adds up.And we do our best to stretch ourfunding as far as it will go.

What does your monthly sup-port provide? Peace of mind.Stability. The ability to planahead for animals tomorrow andnext week, as well as today.

Thank you, from the bottom ofmy heart.

Debra ProbertExecutive Director

Do you ever wonder why yourtax receipt for your donationtakes so long to get to you?

There’s a good reason! Wedeeply appreciate your supportand we want you to have yourreceipt as soon as possible.However, if you’ve donated bycheque, we’re required by ouraccountant to hold your receiptuntil your cheque clears the bank.That’s usually about three weeks.

If you’ve donated by creditcard, we try to get your receipt to

you right away. Sometimes, how-ever, we’re distracted by an ani-mal issue that can’t wait.Remember, we operate on a shoe-string, so everyone has to pitchin if there’s an emergency! Pleasecall the office if you have anyconcerns about your donations.

Want to make it even easier?Donate to VHS on a monthlybasis. Then we’ll simply issue areceipt once a year. You can giveby postdated cheque, credit cardor direct debit.

Thanks to monthly donorsfor their vital contributions

Tax receipts? Don’t worry— you will get them in time

sitivity and a host of other behavioural prob-lems. (It emerged he had been given away bya family for snapping at children.)

He was head-shy – if you tried to pet himhe would bite. He was destructive – furniturechewed; carpets ripped up; wall paper tornoff the wall. He was crazy – if you turned ona blender or a vacuum cleaner he becamehysterical. And he had endless energy. Nomatter how much we exercised him heremained hyperactive.

We consulted our vet and read lots of dogtraining books. We took him to an obedienceclass, where he got bored, barked non-stopand became aggressive. The trainer workedwith him one-on-one and concluded: “Youhave an extremely wilful dog.” Ben wasexpelled. We didn’t know what to do.

Two things saved us: an animal behav-iourist and a Frisbee. The behaviourist (at theUK’s University of Bristol) showed us that,for dogs like Ben, traditional training meth-ods don’t work (and usually make thingsworse). She taught us to change our behav-

iour and our responses to Ben’s actions. Mainly, we had to ignore him, since much

of his “bad” behaviour was attention seeking.As a working breed, Ben needed a job. Andsince it couldn’t be herding sheep, it becamechasing the Frisbee – for several hours a day.

But Ben let the behaviourist know that hewasn’t going to change easily. When webrought him into her office we were told tolet him off his leash so he could be observedin action. He promptly jumped on her desk,knocking her paperwork flying. Then hebounded across the room, stuck his nose inCarolyn’s coat pocket, pulled out a tampon,and paraded around the room with it, as ifsmoking a prize cigar.

Eventually, most of Ben’s problems disap-peared or became manageable. (He still won’tlet strangers pet him.) This year he’ll be 14and his eyesight, hearing and back legs arestarting to fail. He’s no longer a championFrisbee-catcher.

Now, as always, he’s just the best dog inthe world.

DAISY (By Lesley Fox)

When Daisy was an abandoned straykitten she climbed up into the warmengine of a pick-up truck for shelter.

When the driver returned, he was unawarethat Daisy was in the engine and when hestarted it, the fan belt broke Daisy’s leg.

Animal Control was called and they wereable to pull Daisy from inside the truck. Sheendured emergency surgery to pin her tiny legand then she was put up for adoption.

I adopted her shortly after. However, onlyone year later, her leg became badly infectedand veterinary specialists said that it needed tobe amputated or she would die. It turned outDaisy would have to endure two surgeries tohave her leg amputated. But it wasn’t longbefore she was fully recovered.

Today, she still lives with her adoptive fami-ly (me and Wookie, another adopted cat). Sheenjoys a full and active life of jumping, run-ning, playing, sleeping and snoring. She is thefastest three-legged cat you ever saw and sheis very affectionate, loving and quite vocal.


Hairy: Even though his illnesses seem to worsen, he’s happy again, purring and snuggling with Debra. Daisy: The fastest three-legged cat you ever saw.

Love running? Love chickens?Then join Vancouver HumaneSociety staff and our volunteersat the Vancouver Sun Run onApril 23 as we run for the hens!!

Henny, our five-footbattery hen mascot, will becheering us along from the side-lines. We’ll have shirts with agiant orange chicken, promotingthe Chicken Out! website, so wecan educate others about the cru-elty to battery hens.

You don’t have to run! You

can walk! But please sign up atwww.canada.com/vancouver-sun/sunrun/index.html. Then,get in touch with us at the office(604 266 9744) and we’ll provideyou with your own nifty chickenshirt!!

This is a unique opportunity toexpose THOUSANDS of peopleto our message of compassionfor animals. We hope to have atleast 20 runners with ChickenOut! shirts at various points inthe crowd.

Another outbreak of avian flu inthe Fraser Valley last Novemberresulted in the Canadian FoodInspection Agency (CFIA) onceagain using discredited, inhumanemethods – this time to cull 65,000ducks. The agency used carbondioxide to gas the birds despitethe failure of the gas to kill ducksand geese humanely during thespring 2004 outbreak.

A parliamentary committeeinvestigating the first outbreakcriticized the method, citing scien-

tific sources that stated: “carbondioxide is not acceptable forwaterfowl.”

Despite having a year and halfto learn lessons from the previouscull, the CFIA has yet to amend itsprocedures for humane slaughter.The CFIA’s promised workinggroup, which is meant to investi-gate alternatives to carbon diox-ide, has not even met. VHSprotested the repetition of theinhumane methods and raised theissue in media.

Join us at this year’s Sun Runand lend hens a helping foot

Another avian flu outbreakequals another cruel slaughter


UPC Hosts 6th

Annual Forum April 8-9, 2006 — Columbus, Ohio“Using the Media Effectively to

Promote Farmed Animal andVegetarian Issues”

Learn how to: Write a publishable letter to the edi-torTalk confidently to reportersDo call-in radioStart your own broadcastGet media to tell your story

Register Now! UPC’s 6th AnnualForum, April 8-9, 2006, UniversityPlaza Hotel and Conference Centerin Columbus, Ohio. Forum Registration: $90 includes 2breakfasts and two vegan lunch-eons.Seniors/Students: $65. Registrationdue by April 1, 2006 payable toUnited Poultry Concerns.Registration AFTER April 1: $100.$75 Students/Seniors University Plaza Hotel Rooms: $89each. Call toll-free 877-677-5292Exhibitor Table: $100 plusRegistration Fee

Speakers: Janice Blue, Founder-Producer, GoVegan TexasKaren Davis, Founder-President,United Poultry ConcernsKaren Dawn, Founder-Producer,Dawn WatchBruce Friedrich, Director of VeganCampaigns, PETAFran Henry, Mega-Farm AgriculturalReporter, Cleveland Plain DealerDebra Probert, Executive Director,Vancouver Humane SocietyNathan Runkle, Founder-DirectorMercy for AnimalsPaul Shapiro, Factory FarmingCampaign Manager, HumaneSociety of the United StatesJeff Sharp, Team Leader - OhioSurvey of Food, Agricultural, andEnvironmental Issues, RuralSociology Program, Ohio StateUniversityKim Sturla, Co-Founder-Director,Animal Place

Special Film Presentation: TheEmotional World of Farm AnimalsProduced by Animal Place.

VHS executive director Debra Probert hasbeen invited to speak at the 6th AnnualUnited Poultry Concerns Forum inColumbus, Ohio, about VHS’s success indrawing media attention to the cruel treat-ment of chickens.

In 2005, VHS showed the first everundercover footage of a battery hen farm inCanada and also forced its way intoCanada’s otherwise blinkered coverage ofthe brutal handling of the 2004 avian flu

outbreak in British Columbia. Debra says: “I’ll begin my talk by noting

that every time we call the media with anelephant or hippo issue, we have TV crewsbanging on our door, but we have to useevery trick in the book to get chickens onthe media’s agenda.”

Despite the obstacles, VHS has succeededin getting chicken welfare in the news. Atthe forum, she’ll share our “tricks” withother animal welfare groups.

VHS head to address conferenceon farm animals and the media

Chickens are not products. They will exhibit the same behaviours as other birds given the chance.

Help VHS andanimals every timeyou purchase a‘SMARTERthan JACK’ book

‘Smarter thanJack’ is the name ofa unique series ofbooks containing inspiring animal storiesfrom around the world. VHS has partneredwith the publishers to make it possible foranyone purchasing one of the books to helpVHS’s work at the same time.

VHS receives $5 every time a book is

ordered and $10 if the series is ordered.All you need to do is click on the Smarter

than Jack logo on the VHS website atwww.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca. Thiswill take you to an ordering site where pur-chases can be made on-line.

By purchasing these books not only willyou be rewarded with entertaining true sto-ries of smart animals, but you will also behelping to raise money for animal protec-tion.

For general information on the Smarterthan Jack books, visit www.smarterthan-jack.com.

Get Smarter — buy books and help VHS

Photo — United Poultry Concerns


By JANET KANEHARA

They’re dying for a second chance. Noone knows exactly how many cats live aferal existence. but rescue groups estimatethere are 25,000 homeless cats – abandoned,lost, feral and wild – in the B.C. LowerMainland.

In the U.S., it is estimated that there maybe as many as 73 million cats living a feralexistence. The BC SPCA alone reports caringfor more than 69,000 animals each year inB.C., largely cats and dogs. The CanadianFederation of Humane Societies estimates150,000 cats end up each year with humanesocieties. Owners reclaim fewer than fiveper cent of cats in shelters. Almost 50 percent of these animals are euthanized – main-ly because of the lack of homes. In the U.S.,as many as five million cats and dogs areeuthanized each year.

Feral cats usually live only three to fiveyears. About 50 per cent of kittens born inthe wild die and a further 25 per cent willdie before six months. Their lives are filledwith disease, danger from predators, hunger,temperature extremes.

One response to the problem has beentrap, neuter and release (TNR) programs,the costs borne largely by animal rescueand welfare groups, as well as by con-cerned citizens. However, the number ofcats dealt with under TNR programs is esti-mated to be only five per cent of the feralcat population.

The serious pet overpopulation problemhas produced a dire shortage of homes foradoption. The Petfinder.org adoption web-site lists 700 cats for adoption.

Working with several animal rescuegroups since 1992, I find homeless cats andkittens a permanent home if adoptable. Theanimal is first spayed or neutered and pro-vided with whatever medical care is neededthrough a network of supporting veterinari-ans. I have several cats needing loving,responsible homes. These animals comefrom a multitude of locations. Kaz Kazoo(pictured) and Angel Girl came from a drughouse with 20 kittens, six unspayed femalesand several male adults. Dandy is from alow-income rental neighborhood, where 58cats and kittens have been humanelytrapped over four years. Raven, badlymauled by a dog, is barely surviving inwinter with abscesses on her entirehindquarters.

If you are interested in providing a home,please call Janet at 604-931-3693. The adop-tion fee includes neuter/spay, vaccinationand deworming.

Thanks to VHS for its support and finan-cial aid to local rescue groups to coverspay/neuter costs and veterinary care.

Feral catswant in outof the cold

Kaz needs a home. Can you give him one?

Want to help animals without leaving thehouse? Write a letter to the editor!

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment ofAnimals) has a great brochure called ThePETA Guide to Letter-Writing, or how to flexyour activist muscle from your armchair. Youcan download a copy on-line atwww.peta.org or we have a few copies atthe office – just call 604 266 9744 and we’llsend you one!

Some letter-writing tips:• Read local papers and magazines for

fuel for letters. Watch for articles, ads or let-ters that mention animals.

• Letters don’t have to be rebuttals.Circus in town? See a lot of strays? AtEaster, tell readers not to buy bunnies.

• Write about good news as well as bad.Thank the paper for its coverage of an anti-fur protest.

• Be brief! Often one short, pithy para-graph is enough. Try to stay under 300words and type, if possible.

• Look for opportunities to write op-edpieces for local papers. These are longerarticles of about 500 to 800 words that sum-marize an issue, develop an argument andpropose a solution.

The right way to write a letter

Local secondary school students willsoon discover how social justice issuessuch as animal exploitation, environmentaldegradation and human oppression, are allinterconnected.

“Power of One” is VHS’s new humaneeducation program that will help youthdevelop critical thinking and media litera-cy skills so they can make informed choic-es in and out of the classroom. Throughschool presentations, activities andresource packages, students and teacherswill learn respect and reverence for allbeings and the environment.

Made possible in part by a generousgrant from the Vancouver Foundation anda donation ofprinting fromOrca Printing,this programaims to fill a gapin secondaryschool education.

“Humane edu-cation helpsyoung people advance civilized values andencourages them to develop positive socialbehaviours. This is a benefit to our com-munity because it helps to reduce violentacts against all beings, including animals,”says Lesley Fox, Humane EducationProgram Director.

The program is being modeled after suc-cessful programs and activities developedby the International Institute for HumaneEducation.

VHS helpsbring humaneed to schools

Summer auctionThe VHS Summer Solstice OnlineAuction will take place on June 21st!All proceeds will go toward ourhumane education project, ‘Power ofOne’. Dozens of items will be up forbidding, including stunning piecesof art, gift certificates, dining, travel,fitness and entertainment packages.Save money and jump-start yoursummer vacation while supportingthis great new project! Watch fordetails coming soon on our website www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca


The Canadian Coalition for Farm Animals(CCFA) is a coalition of charities and non-profitorganizations concerned with the treatment offarm animals. VHS is one of the founding mem-bers of the coalition. Visit www.humane-food.ca for more information.

Pamela Anderson supports cage-free eggs

Pammy’s on our side. In a letter toLoblaw, Canada’s biggest grocery retailer,Canadian-born superstar Pamela Andersonstated: “I would like to support the requestof the Vancouver Humane Society andCCFA for Loblaw to label all battery eggs as‘eggs from caged hens’.”

In her second letter, responding to a formletter sent to her by Loblaw vice-presidentGeoff Wilson, Anderson stated: “If Loblawtook animal welfare seriously, you wouldrefuse to sell eggs from this horribly cruelsystem. But atthe very least,there is no reasonwhy Loblaw can-not put up signsor label theshelves, thusenabling con-sumers to decidefor themselveswhether or notthey want to sup-port this cruelty.”

The mediaattentionreceived by Ms.Anderson’sinvolvement was astounding. In an article inthe Ottawa Citizen in December, Loblaw wasurged to “slap some stickers on those eggtrays that Pam is bleating about… As theysay in the egg business, ‘Get crackin’.”

CCFA’s new Loblaw campaign Pamela Anderson’s intervention is help-

ing CCFA’s exciting new campaign aimed atLoblaw. Thanks to the World Society for theProtection of Animals (WSPA) and its gen-erous funding of the project, CCFA has pro-duced 100,000 catchy mail-in cards whichask company president, John Lederer, to useclear, in-store signage to identify eggs fromcaged hens and to provide consumers withat least 50% cage free alternatives. The cardsare simple: people sign them, add a stampand mail them in.

Can you help distribute them?The goal is to have all 100,000 received by

Mr. Lederer by the end of 2006. Please con-tact CCFA at [email protected] or 1-866-303-2232 and let CCFA know how manycards you would be able to distribute.

In a Canadian Press story, Loblaw vicepresident Geoffrey Wilson stated that thecompany would consider labelling eggs “ifthere is significant consumer interest.”

Poll resultsAccording to a new Decima Research poll

conducted on behalf of CCFA and the WorldSociety for the Protection of Animals:

• 75% of Canadians feel that fast foodrestaurants should ensure the pork and eggsthey buy come from farms that don’t keeptheir animals in small cages

• 76% agree that grocery stores shouldoffer customers more eggs and pork fromfarms that don’t keep animals in small

cages• 80% agree that confining farm animals

to small cages that prevent them from turn-ing around is unacceptable

• 94% agree that it is important that farmanimals be treated humanely

“This poll sends a clear message to thefood industry that Canadians care aboutfarm animals and want to see themhumanely treated,” says CCFA spokesper-son John Youngman. The poll results arebased on a sample of 1028 Canadians andare considered accurate to within +/- 3.1%,19 times out of 20. To read more on thisstory, go towww.humanefood.ca/poll05.html.

New CCFA report on gestation stalls andthe welfare of sows in Canada

As part of its Quit Stalling project, CCFAhas produced an in-depth, scientific reviewon gestation stalls and the welfare of sowsin Canada. VHS’s Bruce Passmore wrote thereport and the printing was kindly fundedby WSPA. It’s available at www.humane-food.ca/resources.html.

Thoughts on animal transport?The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is

inviting comments on animal transportationregulations until March 15, 2006. See thelink below for information on currentCanadian transport regulations; recommen-dations for change from CCFA and Animals’Angels; and how to make email-comments.Support our recommendations for transportregulations. Seehttp://humanefood.ca/News/news_84.html

Website goes bilingualWith the generous help of Lucie Savard

and her associates, CCFA has begun makingits website bilingual. Starting with the factsheets, CCFA hopes to have the entire siteavailable in both of Canada’s official lan-guages by the end of 2006.

CCFA update: Write on, Pam Anderson!

Pamela Anderson wrote toLoblaw on behalf of hens.

Send this postcard to Loblaw.

As part of VHS’s Chicken Out! project, aneducation initiative to end the use of batterycages for egg-laying hens (www.chicke-nout.ca), VHS would like to publicly con-gratulate all the retailers in the LowerMainland who have chosen to go 100%cage-free with regards to shelled eggs.

Capers Community Markets (Vancouver)Whole Foods Market (West Vancouver)Drive Organics (Vancouver)Mainly Organics (Vancouver)West Pointe Organic Produce

(Vancouver)Small Potatoes Urban Delivery – SPUD

(Lower Mainland and Victoria)Green Earth Organics (Vancouver and

Toronto)Ladybug Organics (Surrey and Lower

Mainland)Organics @ Home (North Vancouver and

surrounding area)Why is this important?Every year, 26 million hens are kept in

battery cages in Canada. These cruel and

inhumane cages are a direct result of con-sumer demand. When grocery retailers,delivery services, and ultimately con-sumers, start demanding alternatives, farm-ing practices will have to change.

The next step in the process is a two-minute Internet video that will rival theMeatrix www.themeatrix.com.

Fundraising for the video is underwayand has been given a shot in the arm byCETFA, which has provided a generousgrant of $1000!

Congratulations to B.C.’s cage-free egg retailers

Photo — PETA

We’ve been busy!Since the last newsletter, VHS has

attended a number of events to promoteanimal protection, including the B.C. SPCA‘Paws for a Cause’ walk and Simon FraserUniversity’s Welcome Week.

We also had tables at malls around theLower Mainland, including RichmondCentre and Metrotown.

Henny, our battery hen mascot,appeared at Loblaw-owned grocery retail-ers Super Valu and Superstore to encour-age Loblaw to label eggs that are not fromcaged hens. Henny’s appearances aredrawing attention to VHS’s ongoingChicken Out! campaign. For more informa-tion, visit www.chickenout.ca

VHS out andabout

Henny gave a lump of coal to Super Valu atChristmas to highlight parent company Loblaw’sfailure to label its eggs from caged hens.

We are sad to report that we have losttwo committed animal people in the lasttwo months. John and Enid Harris haveboth passed away. They were very active inwildlife rehabilitation, particularly of rac-

coons. Their association with VHS involvedthe rodeo – Mr. Harris was very supportiveof our efforts to expose rodeo, especiallycalf-roping, for the cruelty that it is.

They will both be sorely missed.

VHS would love your help at our events.Here are a few proposed dates:

• Sat March 26 (11 am to 4 pm) –International Meatout Day (Robson Street)

• April 15 (10 am to 5 pm) – NationalFarm Animals Day (Robson Street)

• April 22 (10 am to 5 pm – CapersSustainable Living Fair (Robson Street)

• April 23 (9 am to noon) – VancouverSun Run (downtown)

• May 4 (11 am to 1 pm) – InternationalRespect for Chickens Day (downtown)

• June 10 (11 am to 5 pm) – ChickenDance Party 2006 (Robson Street)

• Around June 10 (7 pm to 10 PM) –Chicken Dance Party concert 2006 (TBA)

Are you free on any other days? Let usknow and maybe we can set up anotherevent.

Upcoming events

VHS would like to say a specialthank you to all the incredible vol-unteers who helped to make 2005one of our most successful yearsever. Your tireless dedication andsupport of VHS allowed us to helpcountless animals. We, and the ani-mals, thank you for your continuedsupport.

Animals lose two devoted supporters

HERE ARE 4 GOOD REASONS

WHY YOU SHOULD REMEMBER ANIMALS IN YOUR WILL

Please contact our office for further information.


RockyVHS helped six-year-old chow-

cross Rocky, who needed surgeryfor a tumour on his paw. Rocky isrecovering well.

JerryFifteen-year-old Jerry is recover-

ing after surgery to repair a brokenfemur. Jerry’s guardian wrote to

VHS after we helped with the costsof the operation: “Words cannotexpress how grateful I am. Thankyou again for answering myprayers.”

PiPi had four teeth successfully

extracted, despite concerns abouther age (15 years) and a previousbad reaction to anaesthetic. Pi’sguardianwrote toVHS tosay: “I livealone andam dis-abled. Pimeans theworld tome. I amgrateful tohave somemore timewith mybeloved companion. Thanksagain.”

LuckySometimes there isn’t a happy

ending, but it’s not for any lack ofeffort or compassion on the part of

people who care about animals.When Diana Hershman found a

very ill five-month-old Maltesepuppy abandoned in a pet carrieron the roadside in Maple Ridge, shedid everything she could to savehim.

After taking little ‘Lucky’ toHaney Animal Hospital, she beganraising funds to treat his infectedpaws and parvovirus. VHS offeredits help and a newspaper story gal-vanized local people, who beganarriving at the hospital with dona-tions.

Lucky rallied at first, wagging histail as Diana held him for hours.But he lost his struggle. Lucky diedthe next day, but without pain, com-fortably and with people who cared— not alone on a roadside.


Our Privacy Commitment to You

You, our supporters, are our most valuable resource.Without you, we would not be able to do the workthat we do. You are our lifeblood. When we exposeand protest animal abuse, we know that you are rightbehind us, ready to speak out for those who cannotdefend themselves. And for that, we thank you.

Sometimes it is very advantageous for groups likeours to share information. This is the fastest andmost economical way for us to inform people likeyou about animal issues. It is also the most efficientway for VHS to grow and become more effective.

It is very frustrating for all of us when we openour mailbox to find that we have received donationrequests from worthy organizations, many of whichwe would like to support. Not only is it a waste ofpaper and postage, it is often heartbreaking to openthe envelope and be told yet another story of sadnessand despair.

That is why when we do share information aboutour supporters; we do it ONLY with like-mindedorganizations - other people who care about animalsuffering and want to put their resources towardsexposing and stopping it. If you allow us to shareinformation with other like-minded groups, simply

put, we can help more animals. And it is our sincerepromise to you that we will only exchange lists withorganizations with similar views and policies. Evenknowing how important it is to us, if you still do notwant VHS to share your name, just phone the officeand we will honor your request.

Do you want to become a VHS member? Just letus know. The membership fee is $2 per year. Theonly other things we require are that you have inter-ests that are compatible with our goals and philoso-phy, and that you donate two hours per week (or theequivalent) of your time.

HAPPY ENDINGS

Thank you to the following businessesand organizations that so generously sup-port VHS’s work:• Samadi Yoga Centre – Port Coquitlam• Fleetwood Lions Club• Kama Natural Soap• AAA Wildlife Control

• Rakes & Ladders Garden & PropertyServices• Buckland Southerst Gallery• Eija Productions B.C. Ltd.• Cambridge Plumbing Systems Ltd.• Bombshell Enterprizes Inc.• Eagle Ridge Mechanical Contracting Ltd.

•A special thank you to Mike Rogozinski

and Marie Noel of BMO’s VancouverDistrict Cash Management team who con-tributed the proceedings from a Christmasauction to VHS.

Awesome!

Thanks to organizations that make it their business to help

volume 34 - spring 2006 end exotic pet trade now! · volume 34 - spring 2006 end exotic pet trade...

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