Posted by Bob Newman
Laboratory puppies and kittens may be clubbed to death instead of being ‘put to sleep’ under new EU law
By FIONA MACRAE
Puppies and kittens could be clubbed to death under new European Union regulations on the welfare of laboratory animals. Currently, newborn puppies, kittens, ferrets and fox cubs which are not needed for scientific research are put to sleep. But rules due to become law in the UK by 2013 sanction killing by a ‘percussive blow to the head’.
Animal welfare charities have described the technique as ‘officially sanctioned cruelty’.
And they have accused the Government of bowing to the wishes of drug companies anxious to cut costs.
The directive aims to harmonise standards on labs around the EU. Britain has the option of keeping its own higher welfare standards but shows no sign of doing so.
In a consultation document, the Home Office says that clubbing is likely be to humane – but public perception ‘may be (very) poor’.
Dan Lyons of campaign group Uncaged, which brought to light the plans, said: ‘The Home Office could have said, “We are not going to introduce it, we are going to retain current methods”.
‘Instead, they have opened the door to it.
‘The barbaric methods of the Canadian seal hunt are poised to arrive in British labs and breeding establishments.
‘The only thing the Government appears to care about is “poor public perception”, with no concern for the animals.
‘It reflects a deeply disturbing lack of basic morals, ethics and compassion.’ The proposal covers very young dogs, kittens, ferrets and foxes, many of which are likely to have been bred specifically for use in experiments only to be killed because they are surplus to requirements.
In other cases, the mother animal may have been used for drug or other testing while the young were still in the womb.
Dr Lyons, one of Britain’s leading experts on animal research policy, said that while universities and pharmaceutical companies will still have the option of putting the creatures to sleep, some may see clubbing as quicker and cheaper.
He said: ‘It is one of the most extreme forms of officially sanctioned cruelty I have ever come across.’
The RSPCA says that following the directive would leave some animals in chronic severe pain, suffering or distress, as well as allowing inhumane killing.
Dr Maggy Jennings, who heads the charity’s work on research animals, said: ‘Successive governments have made proud claims that the UK has “the highest standards in the world” for animal research and testing.
‘Now they seem prepared to weaken this legislation and take a step backwards on lab animal welfare.
‘We urge the Government to respect public concern on this issue and, at the very least, maintain the level of regulation that we currently have.’
‘If they don’t, animal welfare, public confidence and ultimately UK science will suffer.’ Understanding Medical Research, a group representing researchers, universities, drug companies and funding bodies, backed the animal welfare groups’ calls for the current methods of killing to be kept.
The legislation could also lead to the number of inspections of labs being cut from 2,000 a year to just 80 and to animals being housed in smaller cages.
Public consultation on the proposals closes on Monday.
Some 3.7million animal experiments were carried out in British labs last year – a one million rise on a decade earlier.
The bulk of the experiments involved mice, followed by fish, rats and birds.
More than 2,500 experiments were on monkeys and other primates, and 8,000 on dogs and cats.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2033229/Pups-kittens-clubbed-death-EU-lab-welfare-plans.html#ixzz1X5JnbO8o
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Posted by Bob Newman
Cats are very interesting members of the animal kingdom. Some of them stay wild in the thick forests while some of them stay tamed in our homes. Wherever they are, cats are very interesting and they possess really exquisite characteristics. How much do you know about cats? Well, we hope to add more information for you:
Did you know that cats can see 6 times better than human beings? Yes, according to studies, it is during night time when cats can really see more than we could.
Almost anywhere in the world you can find cats even as far as steaming hot Africa to icy cold Greenland; you can surely find them in the four corners of the earth. They may have varied looks or characteristics by countering in the different factors.
Just like dogs, cats can swim, it just so happens that they are not into swimming that much.
In really hot countries cats can sleep up to eighteen-hours. These areas include desert-like areas and in some cases, the tropics.
There are many different varieties of cats and most of them have rare characteristics.
One of the species inspired ancient Egyptians. This led to the Sphynx. And strangely, it does not possess any hair or fur at all.
There are cats called Manx which originate from the Isle of Man and they don’t have tails. They just have this so-called stub or stump.
Do you know the fastest animal on four legs? The Cheetah is of course also a member of the cat family. There are also cats that can fish which involves great skill, agility and speed in catching fish.
These tidbits are just some of those cool yet factual things about cats that perhaps you did not know. If it’s your aim is to explore more about these animals, you can always use the power of the internet in order to familiarize yourself with the world around you.
When you wish to have your own cat, you could also consider those factors that may make or break your choice. There are many different choices of cats for pets. In general, cats are very good pets for they are very affectionate.
According to research having a cat as a pet is very beneficial for ill or old patients. It has been discovered that animals such as cats could reduce their depression and other negative feelings brought about by solitude and sickness.
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Posted by Bob Newman
As man’s best friend except for his dogs, cats have been a part of every family, be it poor, middle class or the super rich. Reasons of having pets such as these domesticated animals and other animals are mainly relative depending on the owner. For some, it is because they are inevitably- animal lovers, for others, they feel relaxed. And, for most, these make them happy.
Despite the advancement of technology, people will never find an alternative to the joys given to them by their pet cats. There are numerous benefits when one has pet or pets especially when you choose to have cats.
More than the activities they could share with you; pet cats are great source of comfort. It was found out in a study that pets like cats would be very helpful for the aged people. Most of them are in the dark age of their lives. All the fears and insecurities are there. At an old age, other people younger than you seem not to pay that much attention. Having a pet would enable you to touch, be touched and feel how it is to pamper somebody is. The activities they could share like walking around or having some jogging would be very healthful too.
Animals, especially these cuddly and affectionate cats as pets also keep us feel far from being lonely and bored. We could talk to them and express our deepest emotions, the words we could not tell to our fellow humans. Dogs and cats, also other animals, are now being trained and so they learn to do tricks and to entertain people. They are so playful and they could unravel the child in us. As a form of emotional outlet, they could ease stress and make us feel more relaxed.
Every pet could provide you with different positive feelings. Birds and fish are so attention-catching. Looking at them would get you feel at peace without exerting too much effort. Staring at fish in an aquarium or pond gives one the peace of mind and the relaxation against a stressful time. These pets could also help you build the focus or concentration you need to start a task or the like.
Humor is the best medicine. Animals are great source of it. Having pets at home gives you free shows. Yes, just looking at them would make you feel fun. Their actions are animated; they act and move so funny without the risk of hurting other emotions unlike people-comedians.
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