Hazina sparks zoo outrage - Cruelty charges stir public debate over inhumane captive animal industry, page 3 - Vancouver Humane Society
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www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca
VOLUME 35 - SUMMER 2006
Hazina sparks zoo outrage
Cruelty charges stir public debate over inhumane captive animal industry, page 3
ZoocheckCanada photo
B.C. Crown Counsel laid two charges of cruelty to animals against the Greater Vancouver Zoo on May 31 following investigations by the B.C. SPCA into
the alleged inhumane treatment of Hazina, the zoo’s two-year-old hippo. The investigation was prompted by complaints made by VHS to the SPCA.
Vancouver bans rodeo, but Surrey’s cruel tradition continues. See pages 6-7
EDITORIAL: No place for rodeo in a city with a heart
DONATIONS This article by Debra Probert was printed in
the Vancouver Sun on May 16, 2006.
These deaths and injuries are horrific but
the fear that rodeo animals experience is
perhaps the cruellest aspect of their mis-
treatment. The distinguished animal behav-
L
The VHS wishes to thank all its many ast year Vancouver City Council
generous donors for their help in trying voted in principle to ban rodeo activi- iourist, Dr. Temple Grandin, has argued
to make this world a better place for ties within the city. On May 16, coun- that fear is “so bad” for animals that it is
animals. cil will decide whether to ratify that deci- worse than pain. And she is no bleeding
sion.* The same week, in the City of heart – she designs slaughterhouses for the
MEMORIAL DONATIONS
Surrey, the 60th Cloverdale Rodeo will beef industry.
open with great fanfare. While one city is Last year, the moderate, mainstream BC
Donations in memory of a loved one were
moving to eliminate the use of animals in SPCA called for the public to boycott the
received from the following:
an inhumane spectacle, another will be cel- Cloverdale Rodeo. Think about it. The
Linda Dymond, in memory of Sylvia
ebrating it. agency with statutory responsibility for
Pemberton’s Mother;
Of course, rodeo fans will say that roping protecting animals in this province thinks
Maureen Cockburn, in memory of Ben
calves and wrestling steers to the ground rodeo is wrong and is telling the public not
Clay;
are part of Surrey’s heritage and culture, to attend. Every single animal welfare
Tracy Shaw, in memory of B. Dickson;
while Vancouver has only witnessed an agency in Canada opposes rodeo. Yet
Joyce McLeod, in memory of Mandy;
occasional rodeo at the PNE. every year Surrey plays host to the same
Linda Rosenblatt, in memory of Bosco
But do Surrey residents really want rodeo grim spectacle in the name of heritage. Is
Szembratovics-Eccles;
to be the defining cultural event of their this what a city with a heart wants to be
Maryal & Chris Lay, in memory of
city? Surrey is urbanizing rapidly, with the known for?
Sweetie;
population projected to jump from about In December 2007, Surrey’s contract with
Lorien & Fredeleine King in memory of
400,000 now to 542,000 in 2021. With so the current operators of the Cloverdale
Grover;
many new citizens and with ethnic minori- Fairground expires and a major redevelop-
Lisa Kramer & Mark Kamstra, in mem-
ties already making up over a third of the ment of the fairground is to follow. The
ory of George and Obie;
city’s population, how reflective will rodeo city has asked for public input into the
Etta M. Muir, in memory of Judy;
be of the community’s culture and values in plans. This would be the perfect opportu-
Joni Hill, in memory of Patches;
2021? Even now, it appears the public is nity to phase out the rodeo and introduce
Joni Hill, in memory of J.R.
losing interest. Last year 16,000 people new cultural events. The popular country
attended the rodeo, down from 19,500 the fair could be retained, perhaps with the
SPECIAL OCCASION DONATIONS
year before – an 18 per cent drop. addition of a country music festival similar
Special occasion donations have been
Surrey’s official community plan lists a to the Merritt Mountain Music Festival.
received from the following:
goal to “enhance the image and character” Surrey’s history and heritage could still be
Jason Antony, as a birthday gift for
of the city, as part of its vision to become celebrated, while new ideas reflecting the
James Schouw;
“A great city with a heart.” It’s a vision city’s vision for the future, could be
Cathy Morton, as a birthday gift for
that doesn’t fit with the violence and cruel- explored. All without the abuse of animals.
Brett Stone;
ty involved in rodeo. The use of cinch On May 8, a delegation from the
June Humphreys, in honour of Fearn
straps to make animals buck; the goading Vancouver Humane Society asked Surrey
Edmonds;
of animals to make them run from their City Council to be a great city with a heart
Layne Powell, in honour of Lori
chutes; the neck-jerking roping of calves and use the fairground redevelopment as a
Fitzgerald’s birthday;
running at full speed – all methods catalyst to end the rodeo.
Virginia McManus, in honour of
employing fear and pain to make animals With a little courage and some foresight,
Beverley B. Finlay’s birthday.
perform. In 2004 a cowboy broke a steer’s the council could take a first step toward
neck while wrestling it to the ground. It building a new image for the city – one that
UNITED WAY DONATIONS
had to be destroyed, one of the 20 animals respects the past but values compassion
From employees of:
killed or injured in rodeos across Canada more. That’s what great cities should do.
since 1995. * Vancouver voted to ban rodeos. P 7.
Best Buy – Cambie
Coast Capital Savings Credit Union –
Fort Langley
Coast Mountain Bus Company,
Gateway
Costco Wholesale Port Coquitlam #303-8623 Granville St., Vancouver, B.C. V6P 5A2 Staff:
Warehouse Phone: 604-266-9744 ; Fax: 604-266-1311 Debra Probert, Executive director
Cray Canada Web: www.vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca Peter Fricker, Projects and communications director
Credential Financial Inc. and The Email: info@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca Bruce Passmore, Farm animal welfare project coordinator
Ethical Funds Company Board of directors: Marianne Verigin, Administrative assistant
Fisheries & Oceans Canada Cathy Morton, President Lesley Fox, Humane education program director
ICBC – Lower Mainland Margaret Adams, Director Newsletter
Andrea Farmer, Secretary Peter Fricker, Editor
RCMP “E” Division
Joanne Chang, Treasurer Contributing Writers:
Vancouver Community College
June Humphreys, Director Debra Probert, Liberty Mulkani, Bruce Passmore,
Vancouver Organizing Committee for Liberty Mulkani, Director June Humphreys, Andrea Worrall
the 2010 Olympic & Paralympics
Page 2 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006
Hearts pour out for baby Hazina
P
eople across Canada are debating the
value of zoos, after outrage spread
across the country over the treatment
of Hazina the hippo by the Greater
Vancouver Zoo.
The zoo was charged with cruelty to ani-
mals on May 31, following a BC SPCA inves-
tigation into its treatment of Hazina the baby
hippo. The investigation was triggered after
VHS expressed its concerns to the BC SPCA
over Hazina’s long solitary confinement in a
small concrete barn at the zoo. Hazina has
been in the barn for 19 months, without com-
panionship or access to the outdoors.
The announcement of the charges at a joint
BC SPCA/VHS news conference sparked
massive media coverage of Hazina’s condi-
tions and widespread concern over her wel-
fare. Editorials, columnists, radio call-in pro-
grams and letters to the editor not only con-
demned Hazina’s conditions, but also ques-
tioned the morality of displaying captive ani- Hazina the hippo has endured conditions like this since her arrival at the Greater Vancouver Zoo.
mals for entertainment. Television media
lems it found with Hazina’s conditions in a reduce the stress on her joints,” says Drever.
hounded zoo officials and CTV’s Chopper 9
press release: “We investigated options for removing
even flew over the zoo owner’s house, com-
“One of our primary concerns with Hazina from the zoo but the veterinary
paring its luxury and size with Hazina’s
Hazina is that she has been held in a tempo- experts we consulted agreed that transport-
pathetic pen. The zoo is now under intense
rary pen for so long with only a two-foot- ing her would subject her to even more
pressure to complete its long-promised new
deep wading pool,” says Drever. “Because stress.”
hippo facility and public concern is growing
of their tremendous weight, hippopotamuses Four hippos have died prematurely at the
over the zoo’s dubious record of animal care.
need the buoyancy of water in order to zoo. Two drowned in their pond in 1983 and
VHS and Zoocheck Canada have raised
relieve the pressure on their joints. As their replacements, Gertrude and Harvey,
Hazina’s situation publicly a number of
Hazina has grown she has not been able to died in 2004 and 2005. The zoo lost its
times over the past 19 months, pressing the
float in the shallow pool and her time out- accreditation with the Canadian Association
zoo to improve her situation. Yet the zoo
side the pool was spent standing on con- of Zoos and Aquariums in 2004 because its
failed to construct better accommodation for
crete.” Hazina’s current weight is estimated hippo facilities were sub-standard. Despite
Hazina, despite numerous promises to do so.
to be more than 1,000 pounds. this the zoo acquired Hazina in October 2004
The BC SPCA, when it became involved,
The BC SPCA is also concerned that – with nowhere to put her except a tempo-
gave every chance to the zoo to rectify the
Hazina has not been outdoors in a year and rary holding pen, where she has remained
situation, but to date Hazina remains in her
seven months, has not been able to graze for since. VHS will monitor Hazina’s welfare
barn. VHS’s criticisms of the zoo have been
that period of time and has been living in when she is moved to a new enclosure.
vindicated and public outrage over its treat-
isolation, deprived of social interaction with VHS and Zoocheck Canada were also
ment of Hazina appears to be growing. We
her species. “During our investigation we instrumental in drawing public attention to
have received many calls, emails and letters
issued a number of orders for action to the plight of Tina the elephant in 2003, when
of support for ensuring Hazina’s plight was
improve Hazina’s situation, such as adding the Greater Vancouver Zoo planned to ship
not forgotten.
rubber matting to the floor of her pen to her to another zoo in Ontario.
The BC SPCA outlined some of the prob-
Lovable Nat needs loving home
Many VHS supporters will remember our fleas, and has a full bowl of food always
last mailout, in which we told you about a available!
sweet ginger cat who was humanely It is always thrilling to see how these shy,
trapped in the backyard of our executive frightened waifs turn into such loving,
director. Nat, formerly known as El Gato, is playful, delightful sweethearts when they
doing very well in his foster home. are shown a little love. It really is a com-
Although he has tested FIV positive (Feline plete personality change.
Immunodeficiency Virus) he is very healthy We’re hoping that someone will come for-
and happy, now that he is inside, has been ward soon to give Nat the forever home
treated for his bite wound, worms and that he deserves.
Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Page 3
How to help injured wildlife
By ANDREA WORRALL container in a warm place. Get animal to a
care. Please DO NOT FEED the bird, or, if
oiled, DO NOT WASH it.
T
he Wildlife Rehabilitators Network of
British Columbia’s mission statement For adult birds of prey, use gloves in han-
is to advocate for wildlife through dling and cover the head to minimize
appropriate action, legislation, and educa- movement.
tion. There are approximately 50 members MAMMALS
of this organization who all work towards Juveniles — Young mammals are left
the following goals: alone for often lengthy periods of time.
• To share knowledge and skills with others However, the mother often is nearby. Wild
• To educate the public about wildlife needs rabbits, for example, only return to their
• To foster cooperation with provincial, fed young twice in 24 hours!
eral, and international agencies Young mammals have little scent, to pro-
• To promote high standards of practice, tect them from detection by predators.
ethics, and professional conduct If you find an apparently orphaned mam-
• To present a united voice to government mal that does not appear injured or ill, leave
agencies responsible for legislation it alone. DO NOT HANDLE. Return in sev-
• To ensure that wildlife needing care is eral hours or even overnight. Usually the
dealt with quickly and humanely, by young will have been moved.
knowledgeable personnel, enhancing If not, what is the overall condition? Do
chances of eventual release back to the they appear dehydrated? Soiled with feces?
wild. Crying out? If they appear well fed and
What to do if you find what appears to alert, leave alone. If not, get into safe, cov-
Rescued baby raccoons like this one need special
be an orphaned or injured wild animal: ered container and get to a care centre.
care, so contact your local wildlife rehabilitator.
All wildlife requires specialized care if Young mammals require special milk for
they are to successfully recover and be If you see a dead adult or siblings — the their species. Substitutions cause severe
released back into the wild. As well, stress bird needs care. Contact nearest licensed diarrhea. DO NOT FEED.
and shock from improper handling are wildlife rehabilitator. Adults — Same criteria as above. Adult
major killers, and some injured and stressed Nestlings (no or sparse feathering) — wild animals are likely to be quite aggres-
animals can cause injuries to handlers. return to nest unless signs of injury. If nest sive if handled. Wear gloves and cover with
Wildlife’s survival chances improve with is damaged, make simple substitute and a blanket, then put in a sturdy ventilated
prompt and knowledgeable response. Visit replace as near as possible to original site. container and keep in a warm place until
our website to find a wildlife rehabilitator Watch for adults. they can be taken to a care centre.
in your area http://www.wrn.bc.ca. Fledglings (mostly feathered) — these If bitten, treat the bite promptly and seek
Personal safety is always the first priority birds are out of the nest and learning to fly, first-aid in order to prevent infection or pos-
in attempting to handle any wildlife. First, a process, which takes between several sibly rabies.
ask yourself these basic questions: hours for small birds, up to 10 days for DO NOT FEED.
How long have you watched it? young crows. First watch from a distance
Does the animal appear injured? for up to an hour to see if an adult returns; Reptiles and amphibians can also
Is it in a dangerous location e.g. roadway the parents usually are off finding food and become victims of vehicle impacts, domestic
or driveway? leave for varying periods of time. animal attacks, and other human factors, but
Is there a dead adult or sibling nearby? If no adults are seen or there are obvious their injuries may not be as obvious. It is
BIRDS injuries, the bird will require care. Place in a important that they also receive treatment.
Juveniles covered, ventilated box on paper toweling, NEVER ATTEMPT TO TREAT OR RAISE
If there are no injuries, leave it alone; in a warm place. DO NOT FEED. Call a WILDLIFE! Keeping wildlife in captivity is
watch for up to an hour to see if any adults rehabilitator as soon as possible. illegal unless you have government permits
return to the area. Adults — Birds that are injured or oiled – contact your local wildlife rehabilitator.
If on a roadway or walkway it can be can be picked up by covering with a towel All wild creatures are best raised by their
safely moved 10-20 feet; watch for adults. or light jacket. Place in a covered, ventilated own parents.
Get on VHS’s action alert list! If you donate to the United
Way through your employer,
On our action alert list? Email From writing letters to alerts you can donate to VHS. Just
info@vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca and about new books or events, this list ask your employer to desig-
get your name added to our weekly keeps you updated on what’s hap- nate your donation to VHS
digest of the latest actions that need pening locally with respect to ani- and the United Way will take
your help. mals. care of the rest. Thank you!
Page 4 Printed with vegetabled-based ink on recycled paper. Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006
Please help George
Special rescued golden retriever needs a second hip operation
could surrender him.
G
eorge is an 11-month old Golden
Retriever who was surrendered to a He’s calm, well-behaved and beautiful.
local shelter by his owner. He was He deserves a second chance and we’re so
extremely thin and it is suspected that his glad that Dr. Radnic and his wonderful staff
only source of food was rooting through have decided to provide a temporary home
neighbourhood garbage cans. and raise the funds to save this beautiful,
The staff at the shelter were concerned sweet-tempered dog.
about his hips, and took him to Dr. Radnic Please help us help a compassionate vet-
at the Panorama Village Animal Hospital in erinarian to help George. Your donation
Surrey for an assessment. George was diag- will truly make a difference in George’s
nosed with severe hip dysplasia and is in life.Thanks to all of you who have donated
need of corrective surgery involving a dou- towards George’s surgery!
ble hip replacement. We now have enough money to pay for
The shelter did not have the funds, and his first hip operation, which took place on
so Dr. Radnic decided to save George’s life May 30. He will remain in the hospital for
by fostering him and raising money for the one week for observation, then his first
surgery. The surgery must be done at the exercise will be swimming, to slowly and
Canada West Veterinary Specialists and safely get his muscles back into shape. He
Critical Care Hospital in Burnaby. will stay at Panorama until he is ready for
George has been being fostered by Stacy, his second operation, with the next three
an employee at the clinic. Having met him months.
and seen what a sweet personality he has, We are still in need of funding for his second
George says hello and thanks for helping to
we at VHS cannot believe that anyone surgery. Thank you for all your support!!
raise the money for his first hip operation.
Power of One reaches out to kids
By LIBERTY MULKANI
Power of One, the Vancouver Humane
Society’s humane education program, hit
the ground running this month with several
exciting presentations.
First, Power of One presenters, Lesley Fox
and Liberty Mulkani, were invited to
Victoria for the “Breaking Down the Walls”
youth festival. The festival was hosted by
the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots and
Shoots program.
After Dr. Goodall’s inspirational talk,
Lesley and Liberty led two one-hour work-
shops for grade 6-8 students exploring the
impact of our choices and discussing solu-
tions to issues effecting the environment,
animals, and people.
Next, Power of One headed to the Students at the “Breaking Down the Walls” festival took part in VHS’s Power of One program with
Vancouver Formosa Academy to offer a VHS’s Liberty Mulkani (bottom row centre) and Lesley Fox (bottom row second from right).
series of presentations to adult English as a The reaction of students and teachers to This is just the beginning of what promis-
Second Language (ESL) students. During a the presentations was positive: es to be a dynamic program. Power of One
two-week period, Lesley and Liberty “It was very stimulating. The presenters will also be venturing into high schools and
worked with over 180 ESL students from really got students thinking about making presenting at conferences and festivals in the
twelve different classes, teaching the con- more humane choices. Showing students a coming months. For more information on
cept of how to make humane choices in our real (leg-hold) trap was, in my opinion, the VHS’ Power of One humane education pro-
daily lives. The ESL classes provided an most effective part of the presentation.” gram or to book a presentation, please visit:
opportunity to reach out to new immigrants Svetlana, Vancouver ESL Teacher www.powerofonehumaneeducation.org.
and help to foster environmental steward- I learned how many animals are being Don’t forget the Power of One on-line
ship and compassion towards animals. affected by us.” Alicia, grade 6 student auction! See our ad on the back page!
Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Page 5
Putting spurs
to Cloverdale’s
brutal rodeo
VHS steps up its efforts to end the cruel spectacle
that takes place each May long weekend in Surrey
By DEBRA PROBERT the next few years, in favour of something
more representative of a growing, urban city.
he 60th Cloverdale Rodeo took place in Surrey’s new plan calls for the city to improve
T Surrey in May and never before has
public and media attention been so
keenly focused on the controversy around the
its image, becoming known as a “great city
with a heart”, so VHS called upon Council to
immediately impose the following restrictions
on the rodeo:
suffering of rodeo animals.
The VHS continued to fan the flames, meet- End the Wild Cow Milking event – it’s
ing with Surrey Mayor Dianne Watts in late unnecessary and is not a professionally sanc-
April and then appearing as a delegation in tioned event, making its removal painless to
rodeo authorities.
front of Surrey Council on May 8th. VHS sup- Modify calf-roping, or tie-down roping, to be
porters will recall that last year Council a break-away event. This means that when the
refused to permit VHS to appear; however the calf hits the end of the rope, the rope would
2005 civic election resulted in a more open- Scenes like this from the Cloverdale Rodeo in Surrey
break, thus eliminating the most painful por-
minded council. This year, Surrey Council tion of the event. Tail-twisting, kicking and
was ready to face the photos that VHS so inherent in rodeo activities and quoting the
banging of the animals’ heads against the bars
painstakingly obtained from the 2004 and BC SPCA, who wrote to Surrey Council echo-
of the chute should be prohibited.
2005 Cloverdale Rodeo. ing everything VHS had requested, including
Prohibit the use of animals during the half-
an end to the rodeo. Ballance’s piece, which
On May 8th, the pictures said it all. As VHS time show. Typically, small birds like chickens
appeared below, did not address the issues;
spoke about the abusive events that take place or animals like rabbits are used in a clown act,
rather talked about “tradition” and decried
in rodeo arenas every year, photo after photo which involves an explosion and exploitation
animal activists claims that rodeo attendance
appeared before the councillors on their moni- of the extreme stress and fear this induces in
is decreasing. This was particularly interest-
tors. The room was still as VHS described the the animal.
ing, considering that VHS obtained Ballances’
cruel calf-roping event, (now euphemistically Make the prohibition of animal abuse in
own figures provided to the City of Surrey,
referred to by the rodeo as ‘tie-down roping’) rodeo a prime area of discussion in the
showing a clear decline in attendance - down
which exposes baby animals to terrible fear upcoming redevelopment planning for the
from 19,500 in 2004 to16,000 in 2005.
and pain as they are harassed out of the chute exhibition site, with ongoing consultation with
and roped around the neck while running at the BC SPCA and the Vancouver Humane
top speed. Faces froze as the steer killed in
2004 during the steer-wrestling event appeared
Society. The City’s contract with the Lower
Fraser Valley Exhibition Association expires at
T hat afternoon, the City of Vancouver
unanimously voted to ban all cruel rodeo
events in the city. This was a clear message to
on the screen as he was chased down and fatal- the end of 2007. This is a prime opportunity
the public that blatant animal abuse, especial-
ly injured. Terrified horses, steers being nearly to end the animal abuse and replace it with
ly despicable in the name of entertainment, is
pulled in two in the team-roping event, and more contemporary, humane entertainment.
unacceptable in modern society.
photo after grisly photo of half-strangled On May 17th, the Tuesday before the rodeo VHS kept up the pressure by issuing press
calves with their tongues hanging out, saliva began, VHS faced off with Curve releases, resulting in interviews with several
pouring from their mouths, some of them even Communications representative Laura media outlets, including the Globe and Mail.
urinating in mid-air from terror, kept the room Ballance, the media spokesperson for the Coverage culminated in another face-off with
in an uncomfortable silence. Cloverdale Rodeo, in the editorial pages of Ballance, this time live on CKNW Radio dur-
The Vancouver Humane Society asked the Vancouver Sun. VHS’s op-ed piece was ing the Saturday afternoon rodeo perform-
Surrey Council to phase out the rodeo over concise, again describing the animal abuse ance. Ballance was clearly uncomfortable and
Page 6 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006
Rodeo
ban a
victory!
Vancouver city
council sees the light
Yee-ha! Rodeo has been run out of
town. On May 16, Vancouver City
Council voted unanimously to ban
rodeo events – the first major city in
Canada to do so.
Councillor Kim Capri, who spoke
in support of the decision, congratu-
lated VHS “for raising this impor-
tant issue with the City of
Vancouver.” VHS has been working
for years to stop the cruel spectacle
from taking place in the city. Ingrid
Pollak, VHS’s founder, began the
process in the 1980s and we have
persisted ever since. A break came in
2005 when then councillor Tim Louis
y will now never be seen in Vancouver, thanks to a city decision to prohibit inhumane rodeo events. helped push through an “approval in
principle” for a ban. Following the
inarticulate – when asked point-blank ques- roping chute. Global TV news coverage civic election, VHS ensured rodeo
tions by callers, she refused to answer. VHS showed it all, ending the spot with a shot of a stayed on the new council’s agenda,
repeatedly told listeners to make up their own calf being slammed to the ground and resulting in the final ratification of
minds by going to www.vancouverhumaneso- dragged across the arena by the neck. the ban.
ciety.bc.ca to see the undercover photos taken The latter two days of the rodeo were City staff will now amend the
by VHS in 2004-2005 and disputed Balance’s marked by protests by another local activist, Prohibited Business bylaw to ban
claims at every turn. Lauchlin Ashdown, who has been speaking inhumane rodeo activities, including
Rodeo officials are clearly becoming desper- for rodeo animals at the site for more than ten the key events that make up a pro-
ate – misrepresenting attendance, and even years. fessional rodeo. This effectively
attempting to make the public believe that cruel We at VHS are confident that the Cloverdale ensures that no rodeo can take place
devices such as cinch straps, used to make Rodeo will soon be relegated to the dustbin of in the city.
horses buck, are there to protect the animals. history, where it belongs. The combined efforts VHS hopes the ban will send a
VHS was not the only organization out- of the Vancouver Humane Society, the BC message to other communities that
raged by the rodeo. The BC SPCA again SPCA, Liberation BC and other committed rodeo is no longer acceptable in
issued a media release calling for a boycott of activists have resulted in public humiliation modern society.
the rodeo. Liberation BC, led by activist rather than adulation. After all my years of The last rodeo in Vancouver took
Ashley Fruno, managed significant television attending the rodeo; feeling so desperately sad place in 1997, but VHS is concerned
and print coverage to with several brilliant for the animals inside who are kicked, prodded, that the rodeo industry might
strategies, including carrying banners stating harassed and terrified into acting like wild ani- attempt to use the 2010 Winter
that rodeo is cruel in the Cloverdale Rodeo mals and who are unable to speak for them- Olympics as an opportunity to show-
Parade; a demonstration covered in the Globe selves, I’m beginning to feel hopeful. The public case itself. Rodeo was featured in the
and Mail at the opening, complete with ban- is finally seeing rodeo for what it is – glorified 2002 games in Utah as one of the cul-
ners saying “Nobody likes an 8-second ride!” animal abuse. tural events, despite protests from
and a disruption which saw Fruno and anoth- It’s time for Surrey to grow up and act its age. the public and animal protection
er young woman scaling the arena fences and A great city with a heart should not tolerate ani- groups.
attempting to chain themselves to the calf- mal abuse thinly disguised as entertainment.
Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Page 7
No dead cows on your lips!
Make certain the personal-care products you buy are really cruelty-free
By DEBRA PROBERT
A
lright, I admit it. I’m vain. Never
mind that I’m…well, past 40. Well
past. I still like to look my best.
After all, I’m often out there dealing with
the media on animal issues. But at the same
time, I want to avoid animal cruelty.
It’s always bothered me that the term cru-
elty-free is so ill-defined. “No animal test-
ing” is the mantra of most cosmetic and
personal care product companies these
days. Great, no animals were tortured to
make my lips red. But often, products con-
tain slaughterhouse by-products like colla-
gen and gelatine. I’m a vegetarian. Most of
these products don’t even meet vegetarian United States. Founder and President Lee been tested on animals at some time.
criteria! Graff told VHS: “None of our products con- Advanced Research Laboratories
So I’m always on the lookout for that per- tain animal ingredients. Only our powder www.thickerfuller.com
fect shampoo that’s going to leave my hair brush and new kabuki brush are by-prod- Instantly Thick thickening serum
shiny, yet manageable; that conditioner that ucts. We have certificates stating animals are Bath & Body Works
will volumize my pathetically limp tresses not injured for the purpose of producing “Our products do not contain any animal-
and that face powder that will smooth away our tools.” Most larger Shoppers Drug Mart derived ingredients.”
my wrinkles and make me look…30ish stores carry Cover FX. A.R.L. does not engage in animal testing.
again. But please, no animal guts!! Life Brand products Pureology
Happily, I’ve found lots of vegan prod- www.shoppersdrugmart.com www.pureology.com
ucts, conveniently available at local stores Many Shoppers Drug Mart Life Brand Pure Volume Shampoo, Conditioner
and, increasingly, actually doing what they Products are labelled as containing no ani- Pure Volume Thickening Masque
say they will! I’d like to share my list with mal products and no animal testing. A Pure Volume BlowDry Amplifier
you, in the hopes that you’ll go a bit further query from VHS about testing elicited the My hairdresser, Karen, (CRUSH Hair
than “not tested on animals” to “contains following: Company) told me about this line a couple
no animal ingredients” and stop smearing “Life Brand Dish Detergent does not con- of years ago. She was really excited because
cow brains on your lips. tain animal products or byproducts. The gen- it’s vegan — now she’s excited because it’s
Of course, you can always go to PETA’s erally recognized meaning of the term, “not good and she’s using it on all her clients!
website and download their list of non-test- tested on animals” is that the finished product Unfortunately, the website is not active yet,
ed, vegetarian and vegan products was not tested on animals. At present, and but I found an article online confirming that
(www.caringconsumer.com) or for more based on our current information, Shoppers all products are 100% vegan and not tested
information on animal testing try Drug Mart does not actively support or com- on animals. Pureology products are avail-
www.navs.org. You can also find out about mission the testing of any Life Brand product able at better salons and at London Drugs.
the Leaping Bunny Logo (www.leapingbun- in order to establish clinical support for safety, While I was writing this article, I talked
ny.org) which appears on products efficacy, or allergic reactions. to my colleagues at VHS. Lesley Fox, VHS
approved by the Coalition for Consumer “This phrase does not guarantee that the Humane Education Program Director, sug-
Information on Cosmetics (CCIC). individual ingredients were not tested on gested I include a vegan deodorant that real-
Now for my personal list: animals. For new ingredients, testing is ly works (nothing worse than a stinky vegan
Avalon Organics sometimes essential to determine that the except a stinky meat eater). She found
www.avalonorganics.com ingredient is safe. The scientific community Mitchum for Women Cool Dry, Invisible
Shampoo – Lavender (and lots of other and industry is moving toward using fewer Solid, which is vegan and available at
yummy scents) animals and is gradually producing valid Shoppers Drug Mart.
Alba - Sunscreen tests that do not use live animals but use I’ve been around for a while (remember,
100% vegetarian ingredients. No animal cell cultures instead (called ‘in vitro testing’) I’m over 40). There are TONS more prod-
testing. as well as predictive computer models. ucts available now than there were even
Cover FX Skin Care Products However, these new test methods cannot five years ago. For reasons known only to
www.coverfx.com completely replace animal testing at this them, some companies do not list “no ani-
This line was originally designed for use time for the risk assessment of most sub- mal ingredients” on their products, so it
by people with rosacea, acne, scars and stances.” pays to do a little sleuthing on your own.
other skin conditions. It is a Canadian com- Shoppers Drug Mart is being honest. If you have a vegan product you really
pany that has now expanded into the Many companies will not admit that some like, let us know and we’ll include it in
ingredients in their products have actually future issues!
Page 8 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006
Making progress for chickens
More companies are going cage-free, while our Chicken Out! project grows
Google goes cage-free
On May 11th, Google, the world’s largest
Internet search engine went cage-free. It
joined the ever-growing number of corpora-
tions who are choosing compassion over
cruelty.
“There’s tremendous pressure on the cor-
porate community to do the right thing and
we anticipate companies will be scrambling
to join Google,” says Bruce Passmore, Farm
Animal Welfare Coordinator of the VHS.
Google’s decision is significant because
the company uses 300,000 shell eggs and
7,000 pounds of liquid eggs a year. Other
corporations making this ethical choice are
AOL, Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats
Natural Marketplace and Palo Alto-based
food service provider Bon Appetit. Over 80
schools and colleges in the U.S. have also
followed suit in their cafeterias.
“We’re very excited about Google,” says
Bruce. “But we need to get cracking here in
Canada to reduce the suffering of these
intelligent, social birds. Labelling eggs from
caged hens at Loblaw stores would be a
huge step forward and would demonstrate
their corporate commitment to animal wel- Why did the chicken cross the road on May 4th? To celebrate International Respect for Chickens
fare. We’re not even asking them to stop Day with Pia Shandel on CFUN radio. VHS’s Bruce Passmore shared touching stories about chick-
selling them – just to label them. It’s a small ens and some of the interesting and lesser-known facts about these intelligent birds. One caller even
thing for Lobaw that would make a huge read out a poem she wrote after being moved to tears by a truck carrying hens to slaughter.
difference to the hens.” video on battery hens has begun, thanks to of battery-caged hens. He accused animal
Loblaw is Canada’s largest grocery retail- generous help from the Humane Society rights groups of grossly misinforming the
er and the parent company of local stores International (HSI), Canadians for the public about the size of a battery cage by
like the Real Canadian Superstore, Extra Ethical Treatment of Food Animals (CETFA) comparing it to an 8.5X11-inch sheet of paper.
Foods and Super Valu. and VHS supporter Jean MacKenzie. But our knowledgeable volunteers quick-
• This video is part of our upcoming viral ly defused the situation by correctly indicat-
Planet Organic Market Drops Eggs campaign that we hope will blanket the ing the size of a battery cage (approximately
from Caged Hens! Internet with an entertaining but informa- 16X18 inches, holding five to seven birds)
After receiving an information package tive look at egg-laying hens in Canada. Stay and informing the farmer that the living
from VHS, Planet Organic Market, with tuned for more details! space of each battery hen, rather than the
stores in Toronto and Vancouver, decided to The Chicken Out! project still needs more size of the actual cage is equivalent to the
drop Omega-3 eggs from their shelves. funding in order to complete the video. Can size of an 8.5X11-inch sheet of paper.
Despite their labelling and misleading you help? Donations can be made online at Even the factory farmer had to agree that
logo, Omega-3 eggs are from caged hens. www.chickenout.ca or by calling 604-266- our volunteers were well informed and that
(For more information on eggs and labelling 9744. he had misread the article. Most consumers
visit www.chickenout.ca.) • we spoke to that day, were not interested in
Please send a polite letter to the manager National Farm Animals Day the size of the cages, because they simply
congratulating them for taking this impor- National Farm Animals Day, on April 15, do not want birds in cages, period.
tant step. was a great success. At least two dozen people walked away
Stewart Vander-Hoek As usual, our human-sized battery cage determined to change their shopping habits
Store Manager drew a lot of attention from unsuspecting and start buying certified organic eggs.
Planet Organic Market pedestrians. Most people admitted that they
10-2755 Lougheed Hwy
•
did not know the horrendous conditions
Port Coquitlam, BC Runners egged on in Sun Run
that battery caged hens are forced to live in.
V3B 5Y9 The highlight of the day came when an VHS was also present at this year’s Sun
• angry, self-proclaimed “factory farmer” Run on April 23, with a display on the route
Chicken Out! Internet video approached our table. The farmer had just and several runners wearing Chicken Out!
The production of our innovative Internet read an article in the paper about the welfare T-shirts.
Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Page 9
Ban on exotics deferred Thanks to
Vancouver City Council has deferred con-
sideration of a motion to ban exotic animals companies for
until the fall. City staff will produce a
report for council on the issue, which will
be then be discussed by the Planning and
having a heart
Thank you to the very special busi-
Environment Committee. Public input will nesses that support our work with finan-
be invited when the meeting is held. cial donations:
VHS is encouraging the humane commu- AAA Wildlife Control
nity in the city to make itself heard on the The Green Room Modern Café Inc.
issue. The exotic pet industry and reptile Small Potatoes Urban Delivery
clubs are expected to hotly contest any Nutrition House (Willowbrook Mall)
move toward a prohibition on the sale or •
Thanks also to companies that have
ownership of exotic animals in the city.
provided items for door prizes and items
They have been deluging city council with for our Summer Solstice On-line Summer
correspondence in an attempt to convince VHS is working to protect caimans like this. Auction to raise funds for our Humane
councillors that they should have the right Education Program:
to own the animals they choose. pets. Paradise Found Yoga
VHS has provided scientific research to Please watch the VHS website for Rocky Mountaineer Vacations
the council showing that exotic species suf- updates on the issue: www.vancouverhu- Whistler Hilton Resort and Spa
fer in captivity and are inappropriate as Interior Whitewater Expeditions
manesociety.bc.ca
Pole Dance Studio, Inc
Feng Shui & Energy Balancing Services
Vivianne, My Private Chef
It’s summer and we need volunteers VegNews Magazine
NuCelle
Matt and Nat
It’s summer, and VHS will be hosting Saturday, July 15 Whitecaps Soccer
many educational displays around the city Richmond Animal Welfare Expo – Playland at the PNE
and at local events. Saturday, July 22 Jamie’s Whaling Station
Can you help out? Any help you can give Vancouver Pride Day – Sunday, August 6 Vancouver Theatresports League
The Weakerthans
would be appreciated, but particularly Animal Rights Day – Saturday, August 12
Arts Club Theatre
transportation. Email events@vancouverhu- Henny appearances around town – any Pacific Skydiving
manesociety.bc.ca if you are free for any of day you are free to help! Bob Poore/Creekhouse Gallery
these events: Is there another event happening that Bosley’s Pet Food Plus
Farmer’s Market – various Saturdays you can help organize a VHS table for? Let Tombo Communications
during the summer us know and we will see if we can get Vancouver Courier
Vancouver Folk Music Festival – enough volunteers to help you out. Organized Kaos
Pangea
Womyns’ Ware
Seniors’ homes welcome VHS talks
Sweet Cheribum
Yogapod
Vegan Essentials
This spring, VHS was warmly welcomed years ago, but better late than never!” Bruce Alternative Outfitters
at two Vancouver seniors centres, West End Passmore, VHS’s presenter said, “I learn so Banshee Clothing
Seniors Network and the Peretz Seniors much from the participants, too. Our elders Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Centre
Centre. have so much knowledge to share. It’s really Petcetera
The NAAM Restaurant
Many issues were discussed including a great experience for all of us!”
Veggie Games
egg-laying hens, zoos and aquaria, and the Do you know of a seniors’ centre or home Healing Scents Aromatherapy
link between the treatment of animals and that might like to have VHS as a speaker? The Cellar
the treatment of humans. One participant Let us know! Contact info@vancouverhu- Bosley’s Pet Food Plus, Eagleridge Plaza
remarked, “If I had only known this 30 manesociety.bc.ca or call 604-266-9744.
Our Privacy Commitment to You It is very frustrating for all of us when we open put, we can help more animals. And it is our sincere
our mailbox to find that we have received donation promise to you that we will only exchange lists with
You, our supporters, are our most valuable resource. requests from worthy organizations, many of which organizations with similar views and policies. Even
Without you, we would not be able to do the work we would like to support. Not only is it a waste of knowing how important it is to us, if you still do not
that we do. You are our lifeblood. When we expose paper and postage, it is often heartbreaking to open want VHS to share your name, just phone the office
and protest animal abuse, we know that you are right the envelope and be told yet another story of sadness and we will honor your request.
behind us, ready to speak out for those who cannot and despair.
defend themselves. And for that, we thank you. That is why when we do share information about Do you want to become a VHS member? Just let
Sometimes it is very advantageous for groups like our supporters; we do it ONLY with like-minded us know. The membership fee is $2 per year. The
ours to share information. This is the fastest and organizations - other people who care about animal only other things we require are that you have inter-
most economical way for us to inform people like suffering and want to put their resources towards ests that are compatible with our goals and philoso-
you about animal issues. It is also the most efficient exposing and stopping it. If you allow us to share phy, and that you donate two hours per week (or the
way for VHS to grow and become more effective. information with other like-minded groups, simply equivalent) of your time.
Page 10 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006HAPPY ENDINGS
leash. He is the third cat in the Newton to help with the costs. The surgery went
area of Surrey to have been stabbed or shot well and MJ is now home and doing well.
in recent weeks.
Buddy
Smokey and Josie Buddy (pictured below), a male cat, cele-
Smokey and Josie, two young cats, had brated his eighth birthday on May 1st,
broken legs, probably from being hit by thank to VHS. He had a crystal bladder
cars. Their guardians had no money for vet blockage requiring urgent medical treat-
bills and saw no option but euthanasia. ment and VHS helped with the cost. His
Fortunately, the vet agreed that they could guardians wrote to us: “Without your help
surrender the cats and the staff would try to Buddy might not be with us today. He now
get some funding to cover the costs. VHS has a chance to live a long and precious life
offered some money from our McVitie Fund with us.”
so their legs would not have to be amputat-
ed. Both cats are recovering well and are
available for adoption.
MJ
At first it seemed as if there were not
going to be a happy ending for MJ, a two-
year-old rottweiler. She had been hit by a car
Mini-Kitty and had a broken leg. MJ was difficult to
Mini-Kitty (pictured above) is a one-year- treat because she became aggressive due to
old neutered cat who had been shot with a her fear, but eventually settled down and the
pellet gun. His wound required two and a vet was able to carry out an expensive opera-
half hours of surgery and a couple of weeks tion to save her leg. VHS’s funding for ani-
in hospital. Mini-Kitty is now home and is mal medical care had run out, so we
only going outside with a harness and appealed to a very special donor who agreed
HERE ARE 4 GOOD REASONS
WHY YOU SHOULD REMEMBER ANIMALS IN YOUR WILL
Against
Please contact our office for further information. all animal
cruelty!
Vancouver Humane Society ~ Volume 35 - Summer 2006 Printed with vegetable-based ink on recycled paper. Page 110/7%2 /.% 0'
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