Cape Nature's Corne Claasen shot and killed this leopard on Saturday that was caught in a gin trap and broke from its anchors. The Police was present and so was a veterinarian that attempted, unsuccessfully, to dart the leopard, says the Landmark Leopard and Predator Project of SA. The incident occurred on the Jakkalsvlei Farms of Mr Marais Rossouw in the Koo Valley near … [Read more...]
Dog fighting must fall
I saw her on the pavement outside Surfside Restaurant in Strand. She was big and black; her coat was drenched in an oily wetness; she crouched as if to resist going further and cringed in a way so horrible that I heard myself asking: “What’s wrong with your dog? Why is she so scared?” Young and tall and lean, tattooed and pierced with earrings across his face, he laughed … [Read more...]
Fate of wild cats at predator park unclear
Confusion surrounds the future of a number of wild cats which were reportedly darted during an attempt to remove them from the Jugomaro Predator Park, in Limpopo, on Wednesday afternoon. One of the owners of the park, Justin Fernandes, made an impassioned plea for help on Facebook when he heard one of the tigers had been shot by the men darting the animals. Fernandes and … [Read more...]
Time to put the chicken before the egg
Rescue battery hens Cape Town is winding down their warmer weather hen rescues with mid-to-end April being their last rescue until later this year (spring 2013). They've recently launched their "discreetly report a business" campaign where members of the public can use their website to inform them of companies in their area who do not sell free range products. This … [Read more...]
Negative impacts of factory farming
Factory farming is cruel, wreaks havoc on our bodies and accounts for more greenhouse gas emissions than all transport combined. Yet, in our profit-driven society, these methods still remain. Intensive farming, also referred to as industrial animal agriculture or factory farming, is a system of raising animals using intensive ‘production line' methods that maximize the … [Read more...]
Leopard made of gin traps on display
The Landmark Foundation is currently hosting an art exhibition at the Grahamstown Arts Festival. A life-sized leopard is on display, which was crafted by some talented young students out of gin traps and scrap metal. Other artists have also donated works for raising awareness and funds for leopard conservation. Apex of Evolution A young man was brought into the biology class … [Read more...]
Help stop the Namibian seal slaughter
On July 1st 2012, a total allowable catch (TAC) of 85 000 Cape Fur seal pups are set to be beaten to death in Namibia. These pups are still dependent on their mothers, they are not yet weaned and consequently are not yet eating fish. According to Avaaz the pups are separated from their mothers. They are herded away from the safety of the sea, where they are then beaten to death … [Read more...]
Tuning into a new, more connected world
I am overwhelmed by a sense of helplessness when I consider the task humanity faces of adapting the complexities of our current ‘civilization’ to a more sustainable & equitable path. It is starting to look as if the politicians cannot save us, as evidenced by the disappointing results of COP17. Both developed & emerging nations (including our own country) remain … [Read more...]
Protest against Namibian seal clubbings
'The quota this year has been set for 85 000 baby seals that are still nursing from their mothers' teats. These are beaten to death with pick handles so that their fur pelts may be sold for US $7.00 A further 6 000 adult bull seals will be shot at point blank range so that their penises can be used to make an ineffective aphrodisiac,' said Pat Dickens, co-ordinator of Sea … [Read more...]
Worldwide boycott of Namibia for culling
Several international groups have joined forces and are calling for a consumer boycott of all Namibian produce, sport and tourism, which includes de Beers diamonds, The Rugby World Cup, Heineken and Guinness. The boycott has the backing of a number of South African celebrities, including Miss South Africa. As of 2010, the Namibian seal cull became the largest slaughter of … [Read more...]
Sow Stalls to be phased out in SA
Mr Simon Streicher, CEO of the South African Pork Producers Organisation (SAPPO) refused to confirm to Compassion in World Farming today that sow stalls are to be phased out in South Africa. However, in an email to Beeld newspaper last week, Mr Streicher stated that South Africa was embarking upon 'the gradual phasing out of sow crates (stalls)' and that 'SAPPO supports the … [Read more...]
