Author: Kristin Stone

Humane Society International welcomes the introduction of a bill revising Korea’s Act on the Registration and Evaluation, etc. of Chemical Substances (K-REACH) by National Assembly member Ms.Jeong-ae Han, with support from nine other assembly members.

Since coming into effect in 2015, the K-REACH has led to a disturbing increase in animal testing, including the needless repetition of more than 100 tests, contrary to the law’s intent that companies negotiate to share existing test data to minimize costs and animal use. Some companies are even investing in expanding animal testing capacity in anticipation of potential contracts for data production.

Key among the proposed changes include:

1. Elevation of ‘promotion of development and use of alternatives to vertebrate animal testing’ to a core objective of the K-REACH law (Article 1)
2. Stronger provisions for use and sharing of existing test data and avoidance of duplication (Article 17)
3. The requirement that animal testing be undertaken only as a last resort, after all alternative options are exhausted (Article 37-2)

The bill’s sponsor, Ms. Han, said, “Unreasonable use of animals just for human benefit, cannot be justified especially while alternatives are available. As included in the revised bill, providing alternative methods replacing animal use will advance 21st century science technology for the better future for the public and environment.”

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In Korea, the number of animals used in testing increased by more than 55 percent since 2012 to an unprecedented 2.87 million animals in 2016. And some stakeholders seem to view K-REACH as an opportunity to create animal testing business for Korean GLP testing facilities, contrary to the law’s clear data sharing mandate.

HSI Policy Advisor Borami Seo said, “K-REACH was established to protect humans. This should not lead to unimaginable suffering of animals. The revised bill clearly states the principle of considering animal testing only as a last resort. With this bill, countless thousands of animals could be saved.”

The K-REACH amendments under consideration in the assembly were developed in consultation with HSI toxicology experts, who have been at the forefront of advocating for animal testing alternatives and data sharing under chemical laws in the European Union, United States, Australia and elsewhere. HSI has been working for the past two years to promote #ScienceWithoutSuffering in Korea, hosting numerous assembly forums including ‘21st Century Science’, ‘Importance of alternatives to animal testing in chemical sector’ and experts’ roundtable to discuss K-REACH revision. HSI has gathered more than 8,900 signatures in support of this goal from Korean politicians, celebrities and members of the public via its online petition at hsi.org/koreascience (Korean).

Link to K-REACH reform bill (Korean).

Media contact: Borami Seo +(0)2. 6376. 1405, bseo@hsi.org

The three ships taking part in Japan’s North Pacific whale hunt returned Tuesday with the remains of 43 minke whales and 134 sei whales on board. Hunting whales for commercial purposes is banned by the International Whaling Commission’s ongoing moratorium in effect 1986, yet Japan continues to defy this ban by claiming its hunt is done for scientific research.

Humane Society International, an outspoken critic of the Japanese whale hunt, issued the following statement through its president, Kitty Block:

“My heart sinks each time the Japanese fleet returns to port with these magnificent animals rendered into blocks of meat pre-packed for the super-markets. Japan continues to wrap its whaling activities in the disguise of science and uses extraordinary sophistry to try to confuse the global public. But make no mistake, this is about killing whales for commercial purposes, something clearly prohibited by international law.

“The International Whaling Commission has not asked for this research, and its Scientific Committee has criticised the North Pacific research program. Astonishingly, Japan now says it is researching sustainable catch, meaning that the entire point is to kill more  of these magnificent, protected creatures.” 

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Facts:

•  In 2014, the International Court of Justice rejected Japan’s claim that its whaling programme in Antarctica (Southern Ocean) was for scientific purposes and ordered an immediate halt to the program. Japan initially indicated that it would obey the ruling, but then announced it would resume whaling in the Southern Ocean with a new whaling programme that – in its view – would take into account the detail of the ICJ’s ruling. It also briefing halted its North Pacific programme and then resumed with a new programme there, too, which included an increased take of sei whales.
• The latest catch confirms that Japan is focusing increasingly on the larger sei whales in the North Pacific, which render more meat to be sold.
• The International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling adopted in 1946 in theory allows the IWC member nations to take whales for scientific research – but the treaty members never intended to support long-term commercial catches. 

Media contact: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1 301-721-6440

Update Oct. 1, 2017: HSI/Mexico has assisted more than 3,500 animals impacted by the series of deadly earthquakes in September. Over the weekend, HSI/Mexico veterinarians and volunteers set up clinics in the municipalities of Álvaro Obregón and Xochimilco in Mexico City, and Izúcar de Matamoros in Puebla, treating more than 660 animals. Previously, the team set up clinics in the cities of Jojutla and Tlalquiltenango in Morelos State where they helped more than 800 animals. Over 1,300 animals were also helped in Juchitán, Oaxaca.

MEXICO CITY—A team of Mexican veterinarians from Humane Society International has spent the last four days in Jojutla, Morelos State, providing emergency animal rescue and treatment following the devastation left by the September 19 earthquake that shook Mexico, killing more than 300 people in Mexico City and the neighboring states of Morelos and Puebla. The team set up emergency clinics in Jojutla and nearby communities and provided assistance to 805 animals, mainly cats and dogs, but also doves, horses, chickens, ducks and a parrot.

Veterinarians treated most of the animals brought in to the emergency clinics for fractures, lacerations, infections and other injuries. The team provided 279 animals with food and, in most cases, deworming medication Defensoría Animal, IFAW Mexico, Presencia Animal, Proyecto Nenuki and Dr. Casaubon’s clinic coordinated with HSI/Mexico to set up the clinics. HSI/Mexico received support from Ayudemos a México (Let’s Help Mexico), through which various organizations collected food and supplies.

Dr. Claudia Edwards, program director of HSI/Mexico, who led the veterinary team on the ground, said: “Amid the terrible devastation produced by the earthquake, and despite so many people losing their homes and loved ones, we were really touched to see the love and care the community had for its pets. Their willingness to help us treat and care for injured animals inspired our work. I am glad we could assist hundreds of pets, which are an immense source of comfort for the community in this painful situation, and also farm animals.”

Please help animals affected by disaster in Mexico and worldwide.

The shortage of veterinarians and veterinary supplies available in Jojutla prompted HSI to set up the clinics and bring in supplies. The team brought six dogs from homes that were destroyed and whose owners can no longer keep them back to Mexico City. The dogs, including five Chihuahuas and one boxer, will be placed for adoption with the help of Koncientizando, a local organization.

HSI also deployed a team of veterinarians to Oaxaca following the powerful September 7 earthquake that shook that region. The team set up an emergency clinic and provided treatment for 1,350 animals, mainly cats and dogs in Juchitán, Oaxaca. HSI/Mexico conducted the operation in coordination with Defensoría Annimal and Topos K9.

HSI Mexico’s response to both earthquakes has reached 2,155 animals so far. More help will be channeled to affected areas throughout this week.

Media Contact: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, 240-620-3263

Juchitán, Oaxaca, Mexico—Humane Society International/Mexico stands ready and is assessing animal needs to respond to the devastation caused by yesterday’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 200 people in Mexico City, Morelos and Puebla. The organization’s veterinarians are now returning to Mexico City, having spent the last five days in Juchitán in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, providing emergency animal rescue and treatment following the devastation left by the 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the country less than two weeks ago.

Dr. Claudia Edwards, DVM, program director of HSI/Mexico, said: “Many parts of Mexico City, Morelos and Puebla are devastated and we know the humanitarian and animal needs here will be immense. We ask people to please stay with their pets. If you evacuate, please take them with you. If you see an animal in danger, please contact the local authorities. We are working with local animal groups and government to assess the animal needs and will respond as soon as we’re able to – keeping in mind that the focus of the government right now is on the response to human safety.”

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Edwards just returned from Juchitan, where she led HSI/Mexico’s veterinary team in response to the deadly earthquake that severely affected the States of Oaxaca and Chiapas, in the southern part of the country. That earthquake killed more than 90 people and destroyed thousands of homes, in a region heavily affected by natural disasters and complex economic problems, and where animals are, in many cases, all that people who have lost their homes and family members have left. HSI’s team set up an emergency clinic and provided treatment for 1,350 animals, mainly cats and dogs. The operation was conducted in coordination with local organizations Defensoría Annimal and Topos K9.

Said Edwards: “I was very touched to see how people really care about their animals. Hundreds showed up from afar to be able to cure their animals’ wounds or provide treatment to them. They even extended their compassion to stray dogs in the area, who were brought along with pets. Many people offered to help by cleaning the clinic and helping spread the word about us being there.”

One of these stray dogs was Juchito, who was severely wounded and had bone exposure. He was spotted by a local youth and brought to the clinic, after having spent days in a nearby street without any help. After an initial assessment and emergency treatment, HSI’s veterinarian sent Juchito to Oaxaca City, the capital of the state, for additional treatment. His health has stabilized.

The shortage of veterinarians and supplies available in Juchitán prompted HSI to set up the clinic and bring in supplies. HSI/Mexico also helped distribute more than seven tons of animal food collected under the platform Ayudemos a México, which helped reach more than 2,000 animals. Please help animals affected by disaster in Mexico and worldwide.

Images of Juchito and the emergency veterinary clinic in Juchitan are available here. Read a blog entry on this rescue effort by HSUS President & CEO Wayne Pacelle here.

ENDS

Media Contact: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1 301-721-6440

Humane Society International/Europe is pleased to announce that Ruud Tombrock has joined as its new executive director. HSI/Europe is a leading lobby and advocacy force for animal protection in Europe, with active campaigns to protect wildlife, reduce and replace animal use in scientific research and product testing, to protect marine life, and to address the treatment of animals farmed for food, skins and fur. Tombrock will be based in Brussels.

Tombrock is a passionate animal lover and, in a previous job, worked on a number of successful and prize-winning animal welfare campaigns involving wildlife, farm animals and street dogs. He has also undertaken related advocacy and lobby work. Further, he is a member of the Dutch Council for Animal Matters that advises the Minister of Agriculture. 

Tombrock is excited to be joining HSI/Europe and stated that “I believe the timing is absolutely right for Humane Society International to have an even bigger impact in Europe for animals.”

Media contact: Wendy Higgins, whiggins@hsi.org, +44 (0)7989 972 423

NALSAR University of Law, ranked amongst the top three national law universities in India, has established India’s first Centre for Animal Law. Smt. Maneka Sanjay Gandhi, Hon’ble Union Minister for Women and Child Development, inaugurated the centre. Humane Society International/India will work with NALSAR University to steer and coordinate the activities of the centre.

N.G. Jayasimha, managing director of HSI/India, has been appointed as the Honorary Director of the Centre. “Today is a historic day for India and its animals,” he said. “We thank the Board of NALSAR and of course, the Vice Chancellor Professor Faizan Mustafa, who has made this centre happen. We hope that the Centre for Animal Law will be the first of many institutions dedicated to the study of animal issues and animal law in India and elsewhere.”

The Centre will create curriculum on animal welfare laws, including developing topics for research. It will also conduct workshops on animal laws and animal welfare issues with judicial magistrates, animal welfare advocates, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders in the government.

Media Contact: Vidhi Malla, +919560103078; vidhimalla@gmail.com

Update Sept. 20, 2017: HSI/Mexico stands ready and is assessing animal needs to respond to the devastation caused by the 7.1 magnitude earthquake that has killed more than 200 people in Mexico City, Morelos and Puebla. The organization’s veterinarians are now returning Oaxaca, Mexico, where they responded to the 8.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the country less than two weeks ago.

Update, Sept. 19, 2017: HSI’s Animal Rescue Team will remain in Tortola on the British Virgin Islands during Hurricane Maria. The team secured all 21 animals from the destroyed animal shelter on the island over the weekend. All the animals at the shelter survived the storm, but the team found them roaming around or hiding within the structure. They are now caring for them at a lightly damaged veterinary facility that is serving as HSI’s base.

HSI transported nine of the shelter dogs to a temporary boarding facility in the United States along with four owned but displaced animals—three dogs and one cat. HSI will reunite the displaced animals with their owners in the coming days.

Global animal charities Humane Society International and H/3 Foundation Inc. have launched an animal rescue and relief initiative in the British Virgin Islands, following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma. The initial members of an emergency veterinary team have already arrived on the island of Tortola. Additional HSI veterinarians and technicians, as well as H/3 Foundation volunteers, are scheduled to arrive over the next several days, bringing crucial supplies including food, carriers, hay for farm animals and equipment to support the rescue efforts. HSI is also coordinating with Royal Caribbean cruise line in collecting animal supplies for their ship to take to the severely impacted island of St. Martin.

Support HSI’s Disaster Relief Fund.

The organisations will also evacuate lost and displaced dogs and cats, and work to reunite families separated from their pets. HSI and H/3 Foundation are working to secure airlift and logistics to bring lost and stray animals from the BVI to shelters in the United States, while setting up local BVI veterinary clinics to provide emergency care and treatment for animal victims. Because many people in BVI, like caring individuals everywhere, find it extremely difficult to evacuate without their beloved pets, HSI and H/3 Foundation will work to immediately facilitate the travel certifications required for such animals.

Spencer B. Haber, H/3 Foundation’s founder and chairman, commented, “The BVI has always been a special community of generous and resourceful people, with a deep connection to the magical place they call home – and with the animals who share that home. Since I first visited many decades ago, the BVI and its people have favoured us with their friendship, hospitality and grace. So it is now our honour to be able to give something back – both in addressing an urgent, immediate need, but also as the first step in working together as a community to rebuild an even better BVI in the coming years. Having come to know the BVI spirit over the last 30+ years, I am confident that this community will emerge from this tragic period even stronger than it was before.”

“The devastation seen in these islands is heart-breaking,” said Adam Parascandola, director of animal protection and crisis response at HSI. “With almost all buildings badly damaged or gone, we know Hurricane Irma has affected many animals, including pets and farm animals, as well as the human population of the BVI. Following disasters, we typically find lost and bewildered animals, suffering from injuries, hunger, and dehydration/shock, and in need of immediate care. Our emergency responders and veterinary specialists have already started to evaluate the animal-related needs and challenges on the ground and will help to evacuate pets as needed.” 

Your donation enables our Animal Rescue Team to respond at a moment’s notice, and to provide urgent and necessary care to animals in this and other disasters. Thank you for your generous support of Humane Society International. Give now.

Media contacts:
HSI: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1 301-721-6440
H/3: Julia Schneider, jschneider@h3foundation.org, +1 203-569-4700

The City of Montreal is granting an extension to families with dogs affected by its discriminatory dog bylaw. The decision follows a recent court challenge against the municipality over a notice sent to 520 city residents, ordering them to relinquish their dogs due to incomplete permit applications. These people will now be able to apply in the coming months for a special license that will allow them to keep their dogs.

Ewa Demianowicz, campaign manager for Humane Society International/Canada, issued the following statement:

“We are very happy there is hope for the families of these harmless dogs the City has threatened to seize, but we nevertheless cannot forget how problematic, unfair and dangerous this bylaw is. Countless dogs will be condemned as long as this breed ban is in effect. It is unacceptable that the City of Montreal is using innocent dogs as scapegoats for its own failures to protect the public. Not only is the City needlessly tearing families apart by targeting dogs with no history of bad behaviour – it is wasting taxpayers’ money to defend a by-law that was doomed from the start.”

Breed-specific legislation is a dying trend because it is proven to be ineffective, unenforceable, and cost-prohibitive, and results in needless euthanasia. In the United States, 21 states have legislated against breed specific laws and hundreds of municipalities across North America have revoked such restrictions. The city of Châteauguay recently overturned a pit bull ban that had been in place for 30 years.”

To improve public safety, the City of Montreal should apply the Calgary model, where they reduced the rate of incidents with dogs by 78 percent without any breed ban. Instead, our elected officials are shamelessly using fear-mongering and hysteria to target harmless animals.”

Support the efforts of HSI/Canada to prevent cruelty and save lives.

Facts:

• There is no evidence that breed-specific laws reduce dog bites or attacks on people and no jurisdiction has been able to prove that this kind of legislation has improved public safety. After more than 10 years of a breed ban in Ontario, rates of dog bites are higher than ever. These laws are costly, cannot be effectively enforced, and unnecessarily harm families, dogs and communities.
• The Montreal by-law makes it impossible to definitively identify a pit bull type dog, meaning all large dogs have been at risk of being seized and euthanized at the discretion of by-law officers. The by-law bans any new Staffordshire bull terriers, American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, any dog mixed with these breeds, or any dog with characteristics of one of those breeds. However, the city has still not been able to tell citizens how to identify if their dog presents “physical characteristics” of pit bull type dogs, nor how to contest their dog’s classification as a pit bull if they disagree with it.
• The dog involved in the death of a woman in Montreal last year was registered with the city as a boxer. The dog had been aggressive in at least two other situations and the city failed to take action under its existing by-laws.
• The best way to prevent dog bites is through proactive outreach across all sectors in the community. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec have clear position statements that do not support breed specific legislation.
• Experts have consistently found that no one breed is more likely to bite than another. Factors that are scientifically linked to aggression in dogs include neglect, abuse and leaving animals unsterilized; effective public safety legislation focuses on these areas instead of ineffective and harmful breed bans.
• In the past 30 years, six individuals have been killed by dogs in Quebec. Of the eight dogs involved in these deaths, seven were husky type dogs and the breed of the dog involved in the death of a Montreal woman in 2016 has not been conclusively determined. Notably, breed specific legislation rarely targets breeds other than pit bull type dogs.
• The Montreal SPCA has estimated that, at their shelter alone, the ban would have targeted 300 to 700 healthy and behaviourally sound dogs had the by-law been in effect in 2016.
• In April 2017, the Quebec government introduced Bill 128 that would give the government new powers to impose restrictions on certain dogs and their owners, including bans on specific breeds. The proposed legislation specifically targets pit bull type dogs and Rottweilers, as well as crosses of those breeds. The bill has not been yet adopted.

Media Contact: Christopher Paré, 514 395-2914 x 206, cpare@hsi.org