Christmas is cancelled for Badgers.

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I was saddened to hear the Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman's announcement yesterday that badger culls in two trial areas of the UK will be going ahead in late autumn next year in an attempt to control Bovine TB.

Caroline was my MP for a number of years when I lived in her constituency, she has always responded to my numerous letters and e-mails on various animal welfare issues, I wrote to her several times about this issue and I am disappointed that she, and the Government as a whole, have ignored both science and members of the public in order to come to this decision.

Watch Caroline's announcement here.

In response to the announcement Humane Society International is submitting a formal complaint against the policy and stated that ministers had failed to examine alternatives to the cull and claimed it lacked "legitimate purpose" whilst posing a significant threat to badger populations.  Read what the HSI has to say here.

The League Against Cruel Sports has also expressed dismay at the decision and accused the Government of being cowardly, not acting appropriately and ignoring science, public opinion and past mistakes.  Read more from the League here.

Read my previous badger cull posts here and here to gain some background information

Contact Caroline Spelman by e-mailing her at caroline@carolinespelman.com and politely let her know you oppose the decision for a trail cull to go ahead.  

Key points to bring up in the e-mail include: 

- Why did you decide upon this action when there is a distinct lack of evidence that a badger cull would be effective? 

- How are the Government going to prosecute people that use the badger cull as an excuse for the unlicensed shooting of badgers?

- How will this effect the population of badgers?

- Which alternatives were examined and why weren't they feasible?

If you haven't already, sign this petition for 38 Degrees asking the government to re-think.

Check out the Badger Protection League web page.

Follow me on Twitter for all the latest news (I am using this a lot more lately as it is a fantastic way to obtain information and spread the word)

Thank you.

Seal Cull: News Roundup

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I'm sorry I've not been around at such a crucial time, the Canadian Seal Cull is one of the issues closest to my heart so I am disappointed not to have been bombarding you with information and ways to help.

Here is a short summary of what has been happening in Canada so far.

Update from Humane Society International

Despite the bad weather forecast the seal cull went ahead but there is some light at the end of the tunnel, Rebecca Aldworth from HSI states that "In 2008, sealers killed more than 1,000 pups on Hay Island. Two years ago, 200. Today, half of that. Our campaign is working. Markets for seal products are closing around the world, and the prices for seal products remain very low."  She goes on to say how the ProtectSeals boycott of Canadian seafood is hitting fishermen hard and making them reconsider their support of sealing. 

IFAW have a very useful site full of information, take a look here.

How to Help

Sign the pledge to boycott Canadian seafood (Don't forget to share on Facebook and/or Twitter)

Have a look at Harpseals.org website which is full of ways to help.

2013 Ban on Animal Tested Cosmetics Under Threat

The ban on the sale of cosmetics containing ingredients that have been tested on animals is due to come into force in 2013, unfortunately at the European Commission is considering delaying this and is asking all EU member countries to give their opinion before making their decision.

The opinion given by the UK government will be very influential in the European Commission's decision on the ban going ahead in 2013 or being delayed so it is vital that we use OUR influence by asking Members of Parliament to support the "Early Day Motion 1242" to ensure the ban goes ahead sooner rather than later.  If the ban does go ahead companies around the world will be forced to stop animal testing in order to sell their products to consumers in the EU. This is only the beginning and eventually this could pave the way to end cosmetic animal testing all over the world.

How to help:

Click here to be taken to the Humane Society International website where you can complete a short form in order to contact your local MP and ask them to support the Early Day Motion 1242.

Remember to ask your friends to do the same!