Chinese consumers support better welfare for pigs

Our new survey reveals Chinese people are willing to pay more for higher welfare pork

The treatment of farm animals is the world’s biggest __animal welfare issue – and it’s getting bigger.  More than 70 billion animals are farmed for food each year, two-thirds of them in conditions that mean they can’t move freely or live naturally.

China is home to over half of the world’s pig population, and demand for pork has meant many food suppliers are overlooking __animal welfare in favour of low cost meat – resulting in the suffering of millions of pigs every single day, with sows confined in crates or cages for most of their lives.

A new survey carried out by World animal Protection*, reveals an appetite for change in China. Almost 90% of Chinese consumers surveyed said they would be willing to change their purchasing habits, to move to pork products from pigs that have lived better lives.

The survey, 'Chinese Consumers Ready for High-Welfare Pork', also reveals:

• Almost 72% of respondents consider the welfare of farm animals important
• Over 83% want to see production systems that give pigs the freedom to move, not confining pigs to stalls (pictured)
• Over 75% would be willing to pay more for higher welfare pork
• Almost 77% of consumers would choose retailers who provide higher welfare pork.

Chu Xueqin, Campaign Manager, World Animal Protection China, said: “There is a growing awareness among Chinese people about the importance of animal welfare, and a growing demand for the food we eat to come from farm animals with a better quality of life.

“In industrial farming pigs are being kept in cruel, cramped and barren conditions, for the majority of their lives. These highly intelligent and social animals will resort to biting each other, and crowded conditions can lead to the spread of infection, increasing the need for antibiotics.”

Chang Zhigang, Director of China Veterinary Medicine Association’s Animal Health and Welfare Branch, added: "High animal welfare is the best immunity for farm animals. Therefore, high welfare farming systems help to reduce animal disease and improve pork safety. We are drafting a national standard for farm animal welfare, which will help to improve farm animal welfare and produce safer and healthier meat products. "

World Animal Protection is working to to create better lives for pigs – because all animals deserve a life worth living. We are moving the pig industry, farmers, retailers and the government to adopt higher welfare alternatives to intensive pig farming; encouraging farmers to adopt better welfare standards for pigs, and supermarkets to listen to consumers and offer better welfare pork products.

“The message is loud and clear for farmers, food suppliers, and supermarkets: consumers want to see higher welfare pork on the shelves,” Chu Xueqin added.

“Good animal welfare is good for pigs, good for people, good for business and good for China's sustainable development.”

The full report is available here (Chinese). World Animal Protection China, has produced an educational video with English subtitles, inviting more consumers to make their demand for higher-welfare pork heard by the industry. Watch the video here.

*World Animal Protection commissioned independent market survey company TOP Think Tank on the survey and interviewed 2,070 consumers of different ages and income levels from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

“The message is loud and clear for farmers, food suppliers, and supermarkets: consumers want to see higher welfare pork on the shelves,” Chu Xueqin, Campaign Manager, World Animal Protection China.

Categories: 

Animals in farming

IUCN votes to halt Japan’s 'scientific' whaling

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) made the decision at last week's World Conservation Congress, Hawaii. It voted by a large majority to halt Japan’s 'scientific' whaling in the Antarctic and the North Pacific.

The IUCN's motion against Japan’s research whaling program was formally adopted, with 89 member countries firmly calling on the Japanese government to stop issuing the ‘Special Permits’ for supposed scientific purposes, enabling it to bypass the global ban on commercial whaling. The IUCN is a global union of governments and conservation organisations.

So far in 2016, the Japanese whaling fleet has used Special Permits to hunt more than 300 Minke whales, including 200 pregnant females, 25 Bryde’s whales and 90 Sei whales.

Ingrid Giskes, Global Head of Sea Change for World __animal Protection said:

“In a win for whales, the IUCN has sent a clear message to Japan that whaling is unacceptable. Japan is using bogus science as a cover up to hunt and kill hundreds of whales needlessly and inhumanely.

“Any scientific research needed to manage and conserve whales, can be done without bloodshed. It is time for Japan to abandon its whaling.”

In March 2014, the International Court of Justice ruled that Japan’s whale hunts in Antarctica were unlawful, following a court case brought by Australia. In addition, the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC) and independent experts reporting to the IWC have shown that Japan’s rationale is questionable.

However, Japan has ignored international law and global opposition by resumed its illegal killing of whales in the Southern Ocean.

Representatives from World Animal Protection will be attending the 66th Meeting of the IWC in October this year, where Japan’s whaling programme will come up for discussion again.

Find out about our Sea Change campaign and the work we do to protect sea life.

"In a win for whales, the IUCN has sent a clear message to Japan that whaling is unacceptable."

Categories: 

Animals in the wild

Sea change campaign

Rio 2016: Rescuing over 100 cats from Maracanã Stadium

Over 100 stray cats have been living at Maracanã Stadium, where the Olympic Games opening ceremony was held on Friday. We’re helping to rescue the cats and keep them safe during, and after, the Games.

All the cats, along with other animals, are being taken to vet clinics to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and dewormed. They’re then taken to a shelter built specially for Rio 2016 by the Olympic Games Organising Committee, and with World __animal Protection’s support.

So far, over 40 cats have been rescued.

Natalia Kingsbury, an __animal protector who has dedicated 20 years of her life to helping these cats, was relieved to see some of the weakest and most hurt animals finally rescued: “I am so happy, I thank the NGO [World Animal Protection] for taking care of the Maracanã’s cats. They were the first ones that ever helped us,” said Kingsbury.

Natalia Kingsbury cuddles one of the stray cats fromt Maracanã

“We are working restlessly to keep the animals safe during the Games, but our main hope is that they can each find a caring and responsible family,” said Rosangela Ribeiro, Veterinary Programmes Manager at World Animal Protection.

We are organising a series of adoption campaigns for cats and dogs rescued near the Olympic sites, in partnership with Special Secretariat for the Defense of Animals (SEPDA).

A tough but worthwhile rescue

One of the most emotional moments of the operation was the rescue of a ginger male cat (still unnamed) with a severe injury on one of his front paws.  

Last Thursday, Kingsbury accompanied one of the rescue teams to Maracanã and helped to rescue the ginger cat.

Injured and scared, the cat would repeatedly come closer and then hesitate. Kingsbury intervened and had to ask all volunteers to step back. A humane trap was set with cat food in it. “He came walking from far, far back, with some difficulty. But he was very hungry. And eventually entered the trap,” remembered Kingsbury.

The cat was then taken to a vet clinic to have his wound treated. “We believe that we won’t need to amputate his leg and that he will be able to walk again”, said Rosangela Ribeiro.

Mãezinha and Tiópia

Another special rescue was of a female cat known as Mãezinha, ‘little mum’ in Portuguese.

According to Kingsbury, Mãezinha had at least four pregnancies while living in Maracanã. “Each one of those resulted in four to five kittens,” she recalls. The uncontrolled reproduction threatens the health and welfare of female cats and newborns, but also adds to the ever-increasing number of animals living on the streets.

Female cats, such as Mãezinha, were prioritised on the rescue operations. This week Mãezinha was rescued and is now waiting to be neutered so she can be ready for adoption.

Some of the cats at Maracanã have already been neutered or spayed, and one of those is next in line for rescue. Named after the country Ethiopia, the fragile female is a true survivor. “Tiópia” has lived in Maracanã for at least 6 years. During that time, both of her sisters were brutally killed by animal abusers.

“It was pure cruelty,” laments Kingsbury, “they died by being punched in the head.”

Tiópia survived. Though undernourished, like many cats at Maracanã, this small female is still wandering around the colossal Stadium and is very dear to Kingsbury.

“There are still many cats to rescue,” she said, “but Rosangela and World Animal Protection, along with the Committee, are doing a wonderful job. My hope is the animals of Maracanã will now have a better future.”

A long-term solution

“People should never abandon an animal. Especially at Maracanã, where big events are held and there is a high concentration of people. The animals end up getting hurt. They are completely vulnerable and depend on the help of humans. Abandoning them is cruel and make them subject to starvation, diseases, abuse and being run over by cars,” Rosangela explains.

To ensure longer-term needs of stray animals of Rio, we are raising awareness about responsible pet ownership with the Rio 2016 Organising Committee. A campaign was developed specifically for people living around the Maracanã Stadium and in other communities of Rio de Janeiro.

Find out more about our work at Rio 2016.

"We are working restlessly to keep the animals safe during the Games, but our main hope is that they can each find a caring and responsible family." – Rosangela Ribeiro, Veterinary Programmes Manager at World Animal Protection.

Categories: 

Animals in communities

Working with strays a humane alternative

Responsible pet ownership

Urge fast food giants to keep caged chicken meat off the menu

60 billion chickens are bred for their meat each year, and many are farmed in row upon row of overcrowded steel cages, causing them significant pain and stress. Today we launch Change for chickens - our campaign to help end the secret suffering of factory-grown chickens

We’re raising awareness about the suffering of factory-grown meat chickens. Our supporters are being asked to use their powerful voices to urge KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Starbucks, Nando’s and Subway to commit to keeping caged chickens out of their supply chains. A petition is available to sign now.

Born to suffer

Cages severely restrict chickens’ freedom. They are barely able to move during their short, miserable lives. At their most crowded, two chickens could be forced to share the space equivalent to an A4 sheet of paper.

Overcrowding in these barren stainless steel structures, makes it impossible for these intelligent animals to perform instinctive behaviours such as exploring, dust bathing and perching.

This, along with a lack of natural light and fast growth rates, causes stress, lameness, and disease. Some chickens become too sick to even stand, and can die of heart failure.

“It’s the biggest __animal protection problem we face today. The number of chickens involved is just breathtaking; the challenges and suffering they face are enormous.’ – Jonty Whittleton – Head of Campaigns (chickens), World __animal Protection

Global corporates must create #ChangeForChickens

We’re championing chickens, exposing their suffering and fighting for farming systems that provide better welfare.

Consumers worldwide have already moved the egg industry to improve conditions for laying hens. We know the same can be done for meat chickens too.

We’re challenging KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Starbucks, Nando’s and Subway to commit to keeping chickens from caged farming systems out of their supply chains.

Act now

These fast-food companies can make a real difference to the lives of billions of chickens. And by signing our petition and sharing the message, you can help unlock that potential.

Sign our petition to KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino’s, Starbucks, Nando’s and Subway now. 

“It’s the biggest animal protection problem we face today. The number of chickens involved is just breathtaking.’ – Jonty Whittleton – Head of Campaigns (chickens), World Animal Protection

Test submit content from hatforrent

Test submit content from hatforrent

Determining if Your Dog Has a Food Allergy

Sustenance unfavorable susceptibilities are baffling for puppies and  canine proprietors, and can take a while to analyze and determination. They can bring about irritated skin and rashes, digestive issues (counting gas and the runs), and ear diseases.

Nourishment hypersensitivities can be brought about by a protein (hamburger and chicken being the main offenders), grains, soy and dairy items. On the off chance that your canine is showing manifestations that may indicate an unfavorable susceptibility, its imperative for the wellbeing and solace of your pooch to attempt and figure out what that may be.

Recognizing Food Allergies in Dogs

On the off chance that your pooch is on a kibble diet, it can be more hard to recognize the offender that is bringing on the unfavorably susceptible response.

"Most canine sustenances are detailed to incorporate a few protein sources," says Dr. John Tegzes, VMD of the Western University of Health Sciences. "The protein sources can incorporate meat from chicken, hamburger, sheep, fish, and non-meat sources like eggs and soy."

Streamlining your pooch's nourishment will likewise disentangle the quest for potential allergens. Pick a pooch nourishment mark that incorporates less proteins or expels soy and grain from its fixing rundown.

Distinguishing the culpable protein in a home arranged crude eating routine is less demanding, on the grounds that there are restricted fixings added to every supper and are known by the canine proprietor, which is a purpose behind the developing ubiquity of crude sustenance diets.

Ventures to Take to Resolve Food Allergies

To associate the fixing with your pooch's indications, utilize a schedule or keep a journal to note what your puppy is eating, what side effects your canine is encountering, and how not long after subsequent to expending the fixing the manifestations emerge. Give careful consideration to regular allergens in canine nourishment (meat, chicken, soy, grains, and dairy).

On the off chance that the greater part of your puppy's anaphylaxis indications clear up in the wake of expelling chicken or grains from your pooch's eating regimen, its sensible to expect that you have contracted down your canine's nourishment bigotry.

Notwithstanding separating the potential allergens at home, plan a visit with your veterinarian to affirm your discoveries. Bring your notes, the nourishment you think is bringing on the issues, and get some information about adding proteins to your puppy's eating routine. A quality supplement will help allay absorption issues while boosting the insusceptible framework to enhance your puppy's reaction to allergens later on.

Animal Corner – The Black Buck Antelope

If you happened to be on the Arabian peninsula you might mistake a Black Buck Antelope for a Gazelle. That’s because these two species look similar in appearance and share the same natural habitat. Unfortunately, Black Buck Antelopes have been listed as a Near Threatened species since 2003.

One very distinctive feature of the Black Buck Antelope is their long, spiraled horns. Only males have these horns, which range from 18 to 27 inches long. Males also are larger, weighing up to 99 pounds and being up to 33 inches at the shoulder. The females range up to 86 pounds and are more slender than their male counterparts.

Black Buck Antelopes are grazers that prefer the plains and open woodlands. They eat grasses and sometimes forage for other things like low hanging flora on trees and bushes. They are very fast and can outrun any threats. Currently the loss of land is one of the largest problems facing this species. If you’d like to see theses striking animals you can always drop in for a visit.

Source : animalsafari[dot]com

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