Fluffy Friday #10

This fluffy friday not only is a glorious fluffy animal to celebrate the weekend, it is also a way to help animals for you craft lovers out there.

These anti-firework balaclavas do just what they say on the tin, keep your doggie warm as well as muffling the sounds of fireworks with the ear muff facility, don't they look adorable?  (Yes, I know we're past Bonfire Night but there is always New Year!'s Eve) Bath Cats and Dogs Home are asking for people to knit these, as well as some other items to help them out.  More knitting patterns here.

[Image source]

Sad Animal News

A disturbing article in todays Daily Mail, are some of our dog breeds on the verge of extinction?

Do you have a few spare seconds?

 

I've received an alert from the WDCS informing me that in a few weeks the Australian Government will be making a big decision to create the largest network of marine protected areas in the world, this is critical habitat for over 50% of the worlds whales and dolphins.  

Australia has one of the largest marine territories in the world accommodating a large variety of fish, sharks, whales and seals who live in the continent’s submerged mountain ranges, deep sea canyons and reefs. These waters provide refuge for the blue, humpback, and southern right whales, as well as bottlenose, spotted and striped dolphins.  At the moment they are unprotected and the oil and fishing industries are attempting to undermine moves to increase protection.

The Government's decision will set the standard of protection that will then be applied to the rest of Australia’s waters for the next 10 to 20 years.

Australia is asking for International help to ensure the decision goes the right way.  Please take a few seconds to click here and send a readily prepared e-mail to The Hon Tony Burke, MP and Minister for the Environment.

Thank you!

Goldfish Update!

CAPS got back to me in response to my e-mail the other day regarding the sale of goldfish at fairs, they advised me to contact both my local council and the local newspaper, I've just e-mailed the council and intend on writing to the newspaper too, hopefully they will publish the letter and get people thinking.

I'll keep you posted...

Response from Costa Coffee & More About the Primate Pet Trade

Further to my post on 29th October regarding the latest advert from Costa Coffee, I have received a response from the Marketing Director Jim Slater...

"Thank you for your email.

 

I want to assure you that we are concerned about animal welfare and insist that no compromise is made regarding animal welfare standards. 

 

By way of background, the idea for our advert focuses on the comparatively well known "infinite monkey theorem", which contends that because monkeys are highly intelligent, if you give a roomful of monkeys a typewriter each, they will eventually produce the entire works of Shakespeare. This is why monkeys are central to the film.

 

Although our advert looks like there were many monkeys in a room at the same time, in fact only a small number of monkeys were filmed - and never at the same time. The monkeys were filmed sensitively and individually and a veterinary surgeon was present on the set at all times. To be very clear, no monkeys were harmed during the filming of our advert. Special effects were used in the post-production process to create the impression of lots of monkeys together in one place. 

 

The monkeys were provided by a specialist organisation called Amazing Animals and have appeared in movies and on TV many times before, so are used to being around people. They were accompanied at all times by their own highly experienced and loving handlers, and left to do what came naturally to them. 

 

For your further assurance, I attach a copy of the letter from J Stephen Ware, BVM&S MRCVS the on-set supervisory veterinary surgeon.  Stephen Ware states he is happy with the way the animals were treated during the creation of the advert. 

 

I hope that this information goes some way to assure you of our high standards.

Yours sincerely
Jim Slater
Marketing Director"

Mr Slater enclosed a letter from Stephen Ware as mentioned but I am unable to insert a copy to this post at the moment, it basically agreed with what was written above.  This response has reassured me that the animals used were well looked after but the fact still remains that it using animals in this manner is simply encouraging people to see them as figures of fun and even as pets, instead of wild animals.  I am going to write back and tell Mr Slater this as it seems they have no intention of withdrawing the advert and this means no more Costa Coffee for me...

I have found out about a campaign currently run by Wild Futures asking for support in banning the UK Primate Pet Trade, read about it here and please take a minute to sign their petition here and consider writing to your MP with the template letter provided.

Trouble at the Fair

On Bonfire Night there was a firework display and fair just a stones throw away from where we live so we decided to combine Suki's evening walk with a mooch around.  It was crowded and noisy in the park so we didn't stay long and after watching most of the fireworks we headed over to the fair for a toffee apple (Suki was having a lovely time and seemed completely oblivious to the fireworks and more interested in what delights people had dropped on the floor!)  Unfortunately we didn't stay long at the fair either after seeing at least two of the stalls giving away goldfish.  

One of the stalls was selling goldfish along with "Starter Kits" which consisted of small square plastic aquariums, the other stall was giving away bags containing 2 or 3 goldfish as a prize.  We spoke to the people manning the stalls and they seemed perfectly happy to continue with what they were doing.  Giving away goldfish at the fair is not only a very old fashioned practice, it is also cruel and completely unnecessary - what is wrong with cuddly toys?  It was very loud at the fair with bright flashing lights and lots of people, many under the influence of alcohol and who would not be responsible should they have won/purchased the goldfish.  Although it may seem easy to look after a goldfish, they are living creatures with feelings and need proper care and attention.

Under the Animal Welfare Act it is illegal to give a prize fish to an unaccompanied child under 16, but some councils have banned it altogether on their land.  I have written to the Captive Animals Protection Society for some advice of what action to take next so will update you when they respond.

What do you think?

Fluffy Friday #9

It has been about three months since the last Fluffy Friday, I'm so sorry for depriving you of pictures of adorable animals and will try my hardest not to do it again :-)

This week I have a real treat for you, lots of lovely baby sloths!  They are all orphans who live at Aviarios Sloth Sanctuary in Costa Rica and cared for by volunteers.  Read the entire article here and then sit back, relax  and feast your eyes on these gorgeous pictures...

Bunny Business!

The RSPCA are undertaking a Great Big Rabbit Survey and want rabbit owners to help by telling them why you love your bunny and what makes them happy.  This is all part of their campaign to improve rabbit welfare.

Rabbits are beautiful, social and intelligent creatures and unfortunately people aren't aware of how much care and stimulation a rabbit needs when they adopt them as a pet, this has lead to over 33,000 rabbits being handed to the RSPCA since early 2007 - a huge number.

As another incentive to helping the RSPCA with their survey (as if helping rabbits isn't enough!) you will be able to download an exclusive RSPCA screensaver and entered into a draw to win rabbit goodies!

Find out more here.

Frightening Festivities ~ Part II

I hope you and your pets had a frightenly fabulous and safe Halloween. Although Bonfire Night doesn't fall until 5th November you will no doubt have been hearing fireworks for some time now.  Around where I live they have been going off in the day as well as in the night (which seems pointless as surely you can't see the actual firework in the daylight?)  Luckily Suki doesn't seem at all bothered, her ears just twitch a little, your pets may not feel the same way so check out the following tips for how to keep your pets (and local wildlife) happy and safe on Bonfire Night...

1. This is a pretty obvious one but, keep all animals indoors on Bonfire Night and a few days prior and afterwards.  This includes rabbits, chickens and any other outdoor pets.  If you can't bring your pets indoors (an aviary for example) then soundproof their home as much as possible using blankets (making sure they have enough air) and add extra bedding.

2. Although fireworks do go off in the day it is better to make sure your dog has plenty of exercise during the day, this will wear him/her out so when night falls your dog may just want to cuddle up and sleep.  I suggest keeping cats indoors as much as possible as it isn't safe for them to wander round when bonfires are being built and fireworks are being set off.

3. It is nice to visit firework displays but really think about whether your pet is going to be okay at home alone with all the lights and loud noises.  If not then I suggest someone volunteering to stay home.  If you do leave your pet home alone, keep the curtains closed and the radio on to muffle the sound of the fireworks. 

4. If your pet is distressed try not to add to the agitation by comforting him/her in a way that could cause further agitation (talking in a high pitched voice, becoming agitated yourself) keep calm and show your pet that there is nothing to be afraid of.  Don't punish your pet for barking or growling as this will lead them to associate fireworks with punishment making things worse, not better. 

5. Creating a cosy den for your pet where they can be quiet and comfortable, distract them with toys and treats.  Cats may prefer to stay in a wardrobe, somewhere dark where they feel safe.  If you have cats, don't try to cuddle them as this will cause further stress

6. If things get really hair-raising then I suggest having a chat with your vet and looking into investing in products such as a pheromone diffuser which can help to relax your pet.

7. If you are having a Bonfire Night celebration at your home including a bonfire in the garden please thoroughly check before you set it alight that their are no wild animals hiding in the pile of tinder.  Make sure the fire is out of the way of hedges and trees where animals could be living.  Keep your own pets indoors and well out of the way.

I wish you and your pets an enjoyable Bonfire Night, keep safe!

Lush Links!

Rabbits!  Happy November! 

(Talking of Rabbits, I have a Rabbit related article coming up later in the week)

I've just had chance to check out the latest Lush Newsletter and I'm so glad I did, as well as gorgeous, cruelty free, hand made products there is a wealth of information which I have been inspired to share with you...

Beautiful Bats (Quite fitting for Halloween) Bats are absolutely fascinating creatures and I will be looking at them a bit more in depth at some point, my boyfriend is studying Biology at University and one of his lecturers is an expert on Bats so I should be able to come up with an interesting article.

Today is World Vegan Day, to celebrate I am going to be vegan for the day.  Well, technically I only realised just before 10am so I will be vegan until 10am tomorrow morning just to make it fair.  I am aiming to become permenantly vegan in the future, once things are more settled and life is a bit less hectic so it's easier to plan meals in advance.  I am vegetarian and carefully consider where my dairy products come from but I do hope to make the switch eventually.   

Why not consider becoming vegan for 24 hours too?  Challenge yourself!