Chris Packham Wins Libel Action Against Fieldsports Channel Ltd & Andrew (Ben) O’Rourke

Chris Packham outside the Royal Courts of Justice complex in London

Press release from Leigh Day (6 November 2023)

Chris Packham settles defamation claim with Fieldsports Channel after it admits death threat claims were untrue.

Environmental campaigner and naturalist Chris Packham CBE has settled a defamation claim against the website Fieldsports Channel after it falsely accused him of writing a fake death threat letter to himself.

The online shooting and hunting channel has agreed to pay Mr Packham substantial damages and contribute to his legal costs as well as provide an undertaking never to repeat the allegation.

In June 2022, Fieldsports Channel and one of its journalists, Ben O’Rourke, published an online video and article alleging the TV presenter had written a fake death threat letter to himself and lied about it being sent by an anonymous third party. The serious allegation was not put to Mr Packham directly to offer him right of reply.

Chris Packham with his legal team. Credit: Ruth Tingay.

In bringing the claim against Fieldsports Channel Ltd and Mr O’Rourke, Mr Packham’s lawyers argued the allegations were plainly baseless and had caused him enormous reputational damage and distress. They pointed out that the only possible basis for the allegation was handwriting analysis of the letter which has since been comprehensively discredited.

Of particular concern to Mr Packham was the implication he had lied to his family about the death threat, knowing it would cause them considerable anxiety. Also, that he had lied to, and knowingly wasted the time of, Hampshire Police, who investigated the letter and on whom he relies for his and his family’s safety.

Mr Packham’s distress was later compounded by Fieldsports Channel’s derisive response to his claim, in particular mounting caricatures of his head on a “trophy wall” at the British Shooting Show in February 2023. Mr Packham has been the victim of arson attacks and has received numerous death threats, and he considers its actions to have been utterly reckless and irresponsible in that context.

As well as paying Mr Packham substantial damages and contributing to his legal costs, Fieldsports Channel and Mr O’Rourke have agreed never to repeat the allegation and will publish a legal statement, which is also to be read in the High Court on 6 November 2023, explaining the matter on its platforms.

Mr Packham was represented by Mr Jonathan Price and Ms Claire Overman of Doughty Street Chambers, who are instructed by partner Tessa Gregory and solicitor Carol Day of law firm Leigh Day.

Chris Packham, **naturalist, television presenter, writer, photographer, conservationist, campaigner and filmmaker.**

Chris Packham said:

“Fieldsports TV displayed a complete contempt of even the basic codes of real journalism. They allowed a vicious vendetta to drive a targeted catalogue of lies in an attempt to destroy my credibility, integrity and reputation. Further, even when involved in this litigation they recklessly posted images of myself contrived to fuel hatred amongst fire-arms owners when they knew I was already the victim of targeted attacks from members of this community. They also failed to show any respect for the legal process. As a consequence, Fieldsports TV have now issued a full apology and agreed to pay substantial costs and damages. My message is clear – if anyone publishes or perpetuates lies about me or my conduct I will challenge them and I will win.”

Carol Day, solicitor at law firm Leigh Day said:

“Our client Mr Packham was the subject of an egregious slur against his reputation based on the flimsiest of evidence that failed to stand up to even the most basic form of scrutiny. To be accused of writing a fake death threat to himself, with all the consequences that brings for his family and the authorities, was a highly damaging attack on Mr Packham’s integrity. The fact he was then mocked publicly for objecting to these defamatory remarks shows how little regard the defendants had for the reputation of others. Our client can only hope that lessons have been learned from this sorry episode and it brings an end to these gratuitous attacks on Mr Packham’s character by people who simply disagree with his views.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

PLEASE HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.

It is vital that we protect animals against acts of cruelty, abuse, and neglect by enforcing established animal welfare laws and, when necessary, take action to ensure that those who abuse animals are brought to justice.

Protect All Wildlife are involved in many projects to protect animals’ rights, welfare, and habitats. Money contributed to Protect All Wildlife supports ALL of our worthy programmes and gives us the flexibility to respond to emerging needs. Your donations make our work possible.

A Dog Of War Finds A Loving Furever Home After Cheating Death Twice In Ukraine

Henry, a dog that twice cheated death in Ukraine after being rescued from floods and surviving a Russian bombing has found a new furever home.

**Henry The Dog Of War Credit: Save The Dogs**

Heartbreaking footage captured the crossbreed, named Henry, clinging for life in the rubble of a building after the Kakhovka dam in Kherson was destroyed.

The sound of missiles dropping can be heard in the background as rescuers made their way through flood water to rescue the stricken pooch in June.

To avoid drowning, brave Henry managed to doggy-paddle to the remains of a bombed-out building poking out of the flood waters.

To avoid drowning, brave Henry managed to doggy-paddle to the remains of a bombed-out building poking out of the flood waters. Credit: Save The Dogs

He was taken to a clinic in Odesa for round the clock treatment after being found alone, scared and covered in toxic sludge which burned his skin.

But his ordeal didn’t end as shortly after his rescue, the animal clinic caring for him was bombed by the Russians.

Despite the bombardment, Henry and the other animals escaped unharmed and he was moved to another clinic where he continued to receive treatment.

Just four months on and he is in a loving new home thanks to Save the Dogs (STD).

Gregg Tully, Country Director for Save The Dogs, revealed how Henry was originally found “collapsed, exhausted and barely conscious”.

He said: “After the dam in Kherson exploded, [Henry] was one of the dogs that was pulled out of the flood waters.

“He was covered in oil and sludge. There was a lot of toxic material at the bottom of the reservoir that washed out with the flood.”

**Henry was covered in oil and sludge Credit: Save The Dogs**

The thick coat of toxic oil coating his fur also caused painful chemical burns to his skin.

Gregg added: “We thought he was a black dog – we thought this dog was all black.

“And then he was cleaned up and taken to a vet clinic, and actually, he’s more white than black.

“He’s still very underweight and he still has some skin problems, but he obviously loves people and is a really happy dog.

“It’s been really inspiring after seeing the videos of him getting pulled out of the flood waters, and now he’s a happy, loving dog in a loving new home.

Henry looking VERY happy in his furever home.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP RESCUE ANIMALS

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE https://donorbox.org/miracles-mission

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping rescue animals in need.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

‘Animals that use wheels and prosthetics can live as good a quality of life as fully able-bodied animals and this is what we want to show people’ ~ Victoria Bryceson, founder of Miracle’s Mission.

We do not receive financial support from the government or other institutions. We rely solely on donations from generous animal lovers.

Animal rescues cost a lot of money to run. While we get donations and funding through events like charity runs etc, the costs are EXTREMELY high. We need to pay for food, heating and other bills, as well as any staff costs and expenses like petrol for home visits.

The average cost to feed a dog for one month typically costs somewhere from £16 to £50, depending on the breed. Microchipping costs about £10 to £15. The average cost of essential vaccinations is £64. A routine vet appointment costs between £40-£60, surgery can cost anywhere over £1000. Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy – the average cost is £50 for a 30-minute session. Prosthetics and dog wheels etc can cost up to £500.

Please help Miracle’s Mission continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome

MANY MORE sick, injured and disabled animals by kindly donating ANY amount, large or small, today. Thank you.

Donate at: https://donorbox.org/miracles-mission

‘World’s Loneliest Orca’ Kshamenk Seen Swimming Alone And Barely Moving In Tiny Pool TWENTY Years After Partner’s Death

A LONELY orca has been filmed swimming by itself in captivity – barely able to move in a tiny pool.

**Kshamenk has lived in captivity at Mundo Marino since 1992 Credit: UrgentSeas, Phil Demers**

The 35-year-old whale, known as Kshamenk, has lived in captivity at Mundo Marino since 1992 when he was caught in the wild. He had a mate, known as Belen, but she died in 2000, leaving the lonely orca alone. Now a new video shared online shows the orca in a tiny pool at the marine site.

The devastating video shared to social media has gone viral 20 years after the heartbroken orca’s partner died.

Kshamenk has lived in captivity at Mundo Marino since 1992 Credit: UrgentSeas, Phil Demers

He appears very still, floating in the middle of the pool, as a Dolphin swims around him. In the wild, Kshamenk would swim anywhere up to 140 miles in a single day as they swim huge distances over the course of a year.

Animal activist and co-founder of UrgentSeas, Phil Demers, visited the park where he filmed the footage to share knowledge of the lonely Orca’s troubling existence. Phil from Canada, said: “Kshamenk was captured from the wild and brought to the park to accompany another Orca, Belen Sadly, Belen died in 2000 after pregnancy complications, leaving Kshamenk to live with only two Dolphins.

“His sperm has been sold several times to SeaWorld to impregnate orcas. The Argentina government refuses to release Kshamenk or export him out of the country. He appears to be losing weight and is more lethargic in recent videos causing growing concerns for his well-being. Unless Kshamenk is rescued soon, he too will die tragically and senselessly. We must fight for Kshamenk!”

Phil put the video up on his Instagram page. The post has had more than 13,135 likes, as well as 1,290 comments from shocked users.

One said: “This is horrifying. No animal should live like this.”

As another commented: “Imagine being locked in a white padded room for 50 years since you were a baby.

“No education. This is a jail. Solitary confinement.”

Other posts called the treatment “so awful”, as he can’t even move around while some called it “so sad and heartbreaking”.

A final man went on a passionate cry for help on behalf of nit only Kshamenk but all orcas trapped in captivity.

The man known as Mickey said: “Immoral to the highest degree. #FreeKshamenk and GLOBAL BAN these damn parks, already.

“There are literally thousands on thousands of other things to do than spend ticket money on these hell holes.”

Many agreed with Mickey and labelled it as “complete torture”.

A woman said: “These animals are meant to live in the ocean, not in that damn tank.”

Phil added: “A campaign to outlaw his current captivity is gaining momentum in Argentina by local activists, so bringing awareness and sharing his story surely supports their efforts. It breaks my heart to see Kshamenk’s conditions. He needs to be rescued.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE PLEASE HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.

Help Save Baloo: A Bear Trapped In A Cage For The Last 23-YEARS!

**BALOO THE BEAR HAS BEEN LOCKED UP IN A CAGE FOR 23 YEARS CREDIT: JASPER DOEST**

Baloo the Bear has been locked up in a cage at a ski resort in Romania under horrific conditions for 23 years. But together with our supporters around the world, we are working to rescue Baloo from this nightmare.

Baloo was found injured as a cub in the Romanian wilderness and was taken in by park rangers for medical care. However, instead of being released back into the wild, Baloo ended up as private property of a ski resort. Despite a 2005 ban by the Romanian government on private individuals keeping Bears, enforcement of the law has been lax, resulting in the bear’s ongoing confinement.

Baloo has been living on display in a tiny cage next to a ski lift and is poorly cared for. He is fed cornflakes and lemonade, sometimes even alcohol to drink, and children frequently poke him through the bars of the cage with sticks. This is no life for a bear.

23 years ago, Baloo was found wounded in the mountains and he was taken to a hospital by the mountain rescuers from Straja. When he recovered, he came into the care of the businessman Emil Părău, who turned him into the resort’s mascot and has refused to give him up under any circumstances. Although it is obvious that it would be better for him to live among the old oaks of the Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești.

Two other Bears, Puppy and Pamy, would have tasted the same cake of frustration if they hadn’t been confiscated and released in the sanctuary at Zarnesti. They grew big and handsome, while poor Baloo remains to serve his punishment.

Animal protection organisations have been trying for years to free Baloo with no success. But fortunately, a petition started by Dutch television host, Floortje Dessing, is drawing much needed global attention to his cause. Floortje’s show “Floortje gaat mee” (“Floortje Goes Along” in English), explores the complex relationships between humans and animals. In the episode, she shows first-hand the distressing conditions Baloo faces.

BALOO THE BEAR: AN UNWILLING MASCOT!

Join us in our efforts to liberate Baloo from a lifetime of misery by signing the petition now!

23 years in an undeserved prison!

23 years of stress, inappropriate food, even alcohol given to him through steel bars!

23 years of objects thrown at him, noise, and lack of hibernation!

A mascot in a European resort, for selfish “love”… This is how Baloo lives his life in Straja, Hunedoara county.

**HELP FREE BALOO FROM HIS LIVING HELL! CREDIT: JASPER DOEST**

Please The Petition Here: FREE BALOO FROM A LIFE OF SUFFERING!

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE PLEASE HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.

The Emotional Moment Giraffes Hold ‘Funeral’ To Mourn For Member Of Their Herd Who Died During Childbirth That Drove Tourist To Tears

Photographer Callum Perry said: ‘It brought tears to my eyes – seeing the Giraffes’ journey to their fallen friend was one of the most emotional scenes I have ever seen.

**Incredible footage shows the moment a group of Giraffes come to pay their respects to one of their own who died during childbirth. Credit: Callum Perry.**

This incredible footage shows the moment a group of Giraffes come to pay their respects to one of their own who died during childbirth.

The group of Giraffes were captured on camera walking towards the corpse in a gathering filled with human emotions as they mourned and said goodbye to a member of their audience.

Photographer Callum Perry, 28, from Britain, who is currently traveling in South Africa, captured the rare moment in the Marataba Contractual National Park.

“The giraffe’s funeral made me take a step back and look at the beauty I’ve seen in my life, and that even in life’s most difficult moments, there can be silver linings.

**One by one the Giraffes pay their respects. Credit: Callum Perry.**

‘I was really fascinated by the emotion of this whole scene; words can hardly do it justice. I feel honored to have been there as they all paid their respects.

“Most of the people I know in the safari industry had never seen this happen before, so they were amazed and a little jealous.”

Photos show a group of more than five Giraffes examining the dead body as it lay on the ground.

In the video, a Giraffe is seen walking towards the dead member of their pack before being followed by others.

Giraffes Mourn The Death Of One Of Their Own Credit: Callum Perry.

One by one, each Giraffe bowed to send its beloved friend away.

Giraffes are thought to mourn their dead, as Zoe Muller, a wildlife biologist from the University of Bristol who founded the Rothschild’s Giraffe Project in Kenya, recalled a moment she witnessed more than a decade ago.

Muller said she saw 17 female Giraffes looking sad and that the pack traveled to a part of the savannah they don’t normally visit.

It turned out that a calf had died and Muller witnessed the group of Giraffes gathering at its mother and staying with her for two days after death.

She interpreted the Giraffes’ behavior as sadness, but she was afraid to say this because some scientists believe the opposite.

She said, as quoted in The National Wildlife Federation: “My personal position has changed. I would now be much more open about acknowledging non-human grief. Giraffes, humans, we are all mammals.

‘Our emotion system is largely driven by hormones, and hormones have probably evolved in the same way in all mammals.’

A similar incident happened to photographer Edward Selfe while tracking Thornicroft’s Giraffes in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia.

He watched over a few days as a herd appeared to ‘mourn’ the loss of one of their number. A female died over complications with pregnancy and was quickly exploited by scavengers. But each day, the rest of the herd would stop and watch as the vultures squabbled and the hyaenas chewed on the remains. It’s anthropomorphism to suggest that it was mourning, but their curiosity certainly extended beyond simply observing something that caught their eye.

**A herd of Thornicroft’s Giraffes mourn the loss of one of their number. Credit: Edward Selfe.**

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE PLEASE HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is aa-2.webp

China Cracks Downs On Stray And Pet Dogs Following Attack On A Toddler

A small, stray dog on a university campus in Chongqing was filmed being grabbed in a net by a dog catcher, prior to being killed. The “smiling” appearance of the dog has prompted a social media hashtag using the name it was given #XiaoHuang.

Officials in China have launched a crackdown on stray, unregistered, and “oversized” dogs.

But the move has been widely criticised after reports that dogs without owners are being rounded up and sometimes euthanised.

It comes after a vicious attack on a two-year-old girl by a Rottweiler last week that shocked the country.

The Rottweiler that attacked the child in Chongzhou, Sichuan Province, WAS NOT A STRAY. It was unleashed and approached the mother who was walking her child to preschool inside their housing compound.

The toddler suffered a ruptured kidney, fractured ribs and lacerations across her body. She is reportedly stable.

The crackdown prompted by the mauling has however, been questioned on social media and by pet owners after several shocking stories came to light.

Community workers in Leshan broke into a house to hunt and kill pet dogs

In one case, security guards and a landlord entered an office without the permission of the tenant and killed both of their dogs.

In another case – which has drawn considerable attention online – a small, stray dog on a university campus in Chongqing was filmed being grabbed in a net by a dog catcher, prior to being killed. The “smiling” appearance of the dog has prompted a social media hashtag using the name it was given #XiaoHuang. University officials said the dog had chased a student.

Some users of Chinese microblogging site Weibo posted pictures claiming security personnel in their residential compounds had started killing strays and dumping their bodies in the trash. Their posts sparked an online outcry, with many calling for more humane measures, including adoption and neutering.

Chinese celebrities have also joined the social media discussion, saying the crackdown across the country was not warranted by the initial attack, terrible though it was.

Chinese actress Cya Liu Ya-se posted on Weibo on Friday, stating that “not all stray dogs are bad dogs” and called for “an end to the killing of animals.”

Celebrity Yang Di also posted a video on short video platform Douyin the same day, saying that people don’t have to all love dogs, but “please do not harm them.” Both accounts were banned shortly after the posts.

**Xiao Feng calls for the killing of stray cats and dogs to stop.**

However, the Rottweiler that attacked the child in Chongzhou, Sichuan Province, was not a stray. It was unleashed and approached the mother who was walking her child to preschool inside their housing compound.

Statements issued from officials in Shandong, Jiangxi and Hubei Provinces have said that captured stray dogs would be put down if an owner cannot be found for them.

**In another instance, a security guard at a university in Liaoning Province was suspended after beating a beloved on-campus stray to death.**

Chen Minjie, a staffer from the Cat and Dog Welfare Program with the Animals Asia Foundation, told the Global Times on Monday that the heated debate surrounding uncivilized incidents reflects the expanded pet ownership in the country and the varying quality of pet owners. Attention should be focused on addressing the behavior of uncivilized dog owners, rather than a widespread antagonism between dog owners and non-dog owners.

Internet users also called on the public to go to the State Council website and leave a message asking the government to stop abusing and killing stray animals, to reasonably disclose the way stray cats and dogs are handled, and to call on the state to legislate for the protection of animals.

Editor’s Note: Whilst it is agreed that attacks by dogs should be dealt with severely, in this case the dog(s) involved were not strays. They were pets that were not on leads. No stray dogs were anywhere in the vicinity of the awful attack. Why persecute strays for something they had nothing to do with?

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP RESCUE ANIMALS

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE https://donorbox.org/miracles-mission

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping rescue animals in need.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

We do not receive financial support from the government or other institutions. We rely solely on donations from generous animal lovers.

Please help Miracle’s Mission continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome MANY MORE sick, injured and disabled animals by kindly donating ANY amount, large or small, today. Thank you.

Donate at: https://donorbox.org/miracles-mission

Was Namibia’s Collared Black Maned Desert Lion Mwezi Illegally Killed By Trophy Hunters Aided By The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism?

**Black Maned Desert Lion Mwezi (XPL 107) Image Credit: Ingrid Mandt**

According to the Desert Lion conservation organization DELHRA (Desert Lions Human Relations Aid), it can be assumed that one of the last black-maned male desert lions, “Mwezi” or “XPL 107”, was ‘harvested’ as a trophy on Wednesday, October 11.

In a letter to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT), DELHRA writes: “Having learned from reliable sources and informants that the male Lion, known as ‘Mwezi’, was allegedly shot, we would like to contact the ministry to know the circumstances and justification for such an alleged killing.”

According to the report, the tracking system of the satellite collar (which is supposed to protect her) was abused to locate the Lion in a protected area. “That is, in the Palmwag concession or, more likely, in the adjacent Skeleton Coast Park, by trophy hunters who were allegedly accompanied by MEFT officials.”

The Desert Lion Conservation Organization further states: “On October 12, we received a report from our informant in Khowarib that the Lion Rangers had received a warning SMS (this happens when a collared lion breaks through a geo-fence) indicating a Lion near the Wild Veld Safaris hunting camp in Khowarib village.” The investigation revealed that it was a dead Lion that had allegedly been kept in the hunting camp since the early evening of October 11.

**Black Maned Desert Lion Mwezi (XPL 107) Image Credit:** Desert Lion Conservation

According to Desert Lion Conservation, “Mwezi” was still observed and photographed on Sept. 27 when he mated with a lone Lioness, XPL 108, the last survivor of the Obab pride, and followed her into the Skeleton Coast Park, the tracks suggested.

According to DELAHRA, the investigation revealed that two vehicles – one from the MEFT and the other allegedly a hunting vehicle – had entered the Palmwag concession area, with the crew citing “police action” as the reason for the entry. “This coincided with the report coming out of Khowarib later that day, and we learned from a source that the dead lion in the Khowarib hunting camp was the beautiful black-maned desert Lion Mwezi, which had been sought as a trophy for some time.”

DELHRA is of the opinion that a criminal investigation that compels the release of the information will clear up this case and that the parties involved, if warranted, should be prosecuted, as a permit to hunt in the Palmwag concession or in the Skeleton Coast Park cannot have been lawfully granted, and that if it is granted for a hunt in a concession area, but is hunted in the Palmwag or Skeleton Coast Protected Areas, such a permit would be considered null and void.

The letter to MEFT further states: “Based on our information, we would welcome answers to our questions or even a joint and transparent investigation. We ask you to inform us of the following: Has the MEFT issued a trophy permit for hunting XPL 107? If so, could the MEFT please justify this? We ask for a copy of the hunting permit and a copy of the report of the MEFT officer who accompanied the hunting party. We also ask for a copy of the protocol of the website concerning the downloads of the positions of this Lion between September 1 and now by all users. Finally, we are asking for copies of reports of incidents in which XPL 107 may have been involved.”

It goes on to say: “We intend to file a complaint and contact the Information Access Officer and the Ombudsman, as the destruction of natural resources falls within the remit of these bodies in the event that the MEFT does not respond. In such a case, those who have access to the relevant information may be summoned as witnesses.”

The Ministry of the Environment had not responded to questions at the time of going to press.

**The Desert Lions Of Namibia Image Credit: Wilderness Travel**

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.

Animal Welfare Groups Urge The Sint Maarten Government To Stop The Vervet Monkey Cull Immediately.

**SINT MAARTEN PLAN TO CULL ALL THE ISLAND’S VERVET MONKEYS**

Seventy-five animal welfare organisations and experts have called on the government of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean to immediately stop its attempt to cull the territory’s entire population of Vervet monkeys.

The international protest comes after the Guardian revealed in January that the Dutch territory is funding a non-profit organisation to eradicate the “nuisance” species over the next three years.

The animal advocacy non-profit Born Free USA, which coordinated the protest, says experts are ready and willing to support the government with a more humane sterilisation programme. But they say they have not received a reply to their offer.

However, the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, which is carrying out the cull, has said that while the project is “painful and controversial”, it remains a necessity.

“Given the current significant but manageable size of the vervet monkey population, there is a window of opportunity to ensure that the issue does not worsen in coming decades,” it said in a statement.

Vervet monkeys were introduced to the region from Africa sometime around the 17th century and the first sightings on Sint Maarten date back to the early 1970s.

Research carried out by the Nature Foundation St Maarten found in 2020 that about 450 were living on the Dutch side of the island. By 2022, that number had increased to about 2,000.

“Given the current significant but manageable size of the vervet monkey population, there is a window of opportunity to ensure that the issue does not worsen in coming decades,” it said.

The monkeys have been blamed for eating crops, destroying gardens, entering schools and acting aggressively.

Last December, the territory’s ministry of tourism, economic affairs, transportation and telecommunication approved 100,000 Netherlands Antillean guilders (US$55,000) funding to control the species.

The foundation said this was enough to pay for a single full-time ranger to carry out the cull along with equipment, but not for a sterilisation programme.

Born Free USA says the information on which the cull is based is “fundamentally flawed”.

The group offered its “expertise, including voluntary veterinary services” for alternative humane species management, and said it will also provide training to neighbouring territories.

“In this way, Sint Maarten could lead the way on humane primate population management in the Caribbean region,” the group wrote in a letter to the Sint Maarten government.

“We would be grateful if you would consider postponing plans to cull the animals and working with us to explore truly humane alternatives.”

In its statement, Nature Foundation Sint Maarten said local law prevents anyone from releasing non-native species – so setting monkeys free after sterilisation would be a violation of the law.

It added: “In the face of substantial monkey overpopulation, neighbouring islands have turned to more desperate means of population control.”

The foundation said that among those are consumption, poisoning, hunting and shipping monkeys away for biomedical research.

“These are all invasive species management strategies that St Maarten would like to avoid by preventing the situation here from reaching that point at all,” it concluded.

The cull is projected to end in 2026, at which point the foundation says it plans to thoroughly assess its impact and review alternative, long-term management options within local law.

Born Free USA has also launched a public petition asking for non-lethal measures to control the invasive primate population which you can sign here: STOP THE MONKEY CULL!

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.

‘Historic Moment’ As New Fox Hunting Ban Comes Into Force In Scotland

The Scottish Greens say it is a “historic moment” in Scotland’s progress as a nation, as a new fox hunting ban comes into force.

A new law banning the hunting with packs of dogs and “flushing out” wild mammals came into force across Scotland on Tuesday after MSPs passed a Bill back in January.

This will replace the Protection of Wild Mammals Act, which was passed in 2002. The Scottish Government says that legislation had a loophole that allowed illegal hunts to continue.

The original Act allowed hunters to use dogs to flush out foxes from under cover as long as the foxes were then shot, and providing the hunt was to protect livestock or ground-nesting birds, or to prevent the spread of disease.

**A fox being fed to the hounds at the Fife Hunt, Lindores**

Now no more than two dogs can be used to stalk or flush out animals from cover unless a licence is granted. The rules also prohibit trail hunting, where dogs follow an animal-based scent.

The Scottish Greens say this is a historic moment in Scotland’s progress as a nation that respects and values wildlife.

Ariane Burgess MSP, the party’s rural affairs spokeswoman, said: “This is a historic day. We finally have a real hunting ban after decades of campaigning.

“Hunting with dogs is brutal, cruel and outdated. It has no place in a modern or progressive Scotland, and we should all take pride in this new law.

**Barbaric: Hounds Ripping A Live Fox Apart**

“Loopholes in the original hunting ban were ruthlessly exploited by those who were determined to continue hunting. This law is much more robust, but we will be watching carefully to ensure it is effective and abided by.”

Environment minister Gillian Martin agreed it was a “truly historic milestone” in Scotland.

She said: “This law finally closes the loophole that has allowed the archaic practice of hunting wild animals with packs of dogs to persist in our country for over 20 years. It has taken us almost a decade to get to this point.

“In that time the sheer volume of responses to our consultations have shown us just how concerned people still are about fox hunting in Scotland.

“We have listened and we have delivered. We have succeeded in crafting a law that strikes a balance – one which rightly bans barbaric hunting methods, but which still allows farmers and land managers to undertake legitimate wildlife management.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.

Free The Karachi Zoo Elephants From Years Of Neglect And Suffering

The three remaining African Elephants in Karachi, Pakistan continue to be subjected to poor care and living conditions despite these factors playing a significant role in the premature death of the fourth Karachi Elephant ‘Noor Jehan’ in April 2023.

Madhubala at Karachi Zoo is now alone despite Elephants being herd animals, her solitary status has been documented to be causing her severe angst. In addition, she resides in a small barren environment that fails to meet her species-specific needs. Questions also remain around her diet & general care.

**Four Paws Vets perform dental treatment on Madhubala at Karachi Zoo.**

Sonia & Malika at Karachi Safari Park fare slightly better having a green pasture to reside in during the day (in recent months the Elephants have been afforded greater access to the pasture & this must continue) although the cages in which they are incarcerated at night remain abhorrent and entirely unsuitable for Elephants (a third cage of the same type has been constructed in anticipation of Madhubala’s arrival)

**Noor Jehan Shortly Before Her Death** In April2023

Following the death of Noor Jehan and recognising that the three remaining Karachi Elephants are suffering, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation struck a verbal agreement with animal welfare organisation Four Paws International to upgrade the Elephant enclosure at the Safari Park to create a more species-specific environment as well as training caretakers to afford the Elephants’ better ongoing care. In line with these improvements Four Paws also agreed to complete the move of Madhubala to the Safari Park to be with other Elephants in what would become a more appropriate setting.

In June 2023 Barrister Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui was elected Mayor of Karachi and since then the agreement has stalled with no further progress and no signed MOU (Memorandum of Understanding)

Mayor Murtaza Wahab in dragging his feet to sign the MOU is prolonging the suffering of all three Elephants and particularly Madhubala.

So as not to cause further suffering to the elephants Mayor Murtaza Wahab must sign the MOU without further delay or relinquish all three Elephants to a recognised Elephant sanctuary outside Pakistan

Please Sign The Petition: STOP THE SUFFERING OF THE KARACHI ELEPEHANTS

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP ANIMALS IN NEED

You can support our work by donating as little as £5 – It only takes a minute but it can last a lifetime for an animal in need.

PLEASE DONATE HERE

Everyone who donates will receive a Certificate of Appreciation as a thank you for helping animals in need.

The Mission of Protect All Wildlife is to prevent cruelty and promote the welfare of ALL animals.

We believe EVERY animal should be treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. We raise awareness to protect and conserve wild, captive, companion and farm animals.