Progressive op-ed on animal rights and animal welfare issues. Animal news opinion and current affairs.
(ANIMAL TESTING) After decades of lobbying from animal rights groups, the European Union permanently banned the import and sale of any animal-tested cosmetic products, including ingredients, this March. In the following op-ed article, Delphine Dippmann, a guest contributor from France, discusses the pros and cons of the new EU law. Read on to learn more about the recent ban and share your thoughts in the comments section below. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL CRUELTY) Writer/Director Todd Phillips’ third installment of The Hangover Trilogy certainly has its moments, but falls far short of capturing the magic that made the first film so charming. And in its portrayal of animals, it plummets down a dark and nasty path, never to recover. There are many scenes in Hangover III that are supposed to be funny, but are merely ghastly or cruel, depicting the deaths of numerous animals. Read on for more on the film’s tasteless decision to swap good humor for cruelty. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL CRUELTY) AUSTRALIA — Many Australian activists may be starting to question how well their government handles disturbingly gruesome acts of animal cruelty. Although the country’s jail sentences for aggravated cruelty towards animals range from 2 to 5 years, the full penalties are rarely invoked, with some abusers getting off without serving any jail time at all. Perhaps the most disturbing knowledge surrounding these issues is the fact that extreme violence towards animals often later manifests in extreme violence toward humans. If the Australian Government sticks to tougher penalties for animal abusers, it could very well diminish the number of severe abuse cases the country faces. Continue reading to find out how Australia has handled specific cases of ruthless cruelty, and to see where the legal problems may be residing. — Global Animal
(MOVIE REVIEW) Originally released in France under the title Pollen in 2011, Disneynature’s Wings of Life has finally made it to worldwide audiences. Much like the 2012 film Chimpanzee, Wings of Life is short, but particularly sweet. Coming in at only 77 minutes, the documentary uses its time proficiently in order to deliver its increasingly important message. The opening title card of the film reads: “Life depends on little things we take for granted,” a theme that rests at the core of Wings of Life. Focusing on the vital relationship between flowers, and the animals that interact with them, the documentary explores a complex world often taken for granted. Read on for more on Wings of Life and see the trailer for yourself. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL WELFARE) The phrase, “you are what you eat,” may be more frightening than ever before. The agriculture industry hasn’t exactly been known for their conscientious treatment of livestock, but recent missteps might mean a great deal for your health as well. The majority of animals raised for food are forced to take a number of antibiotics with the sole purpose of making the animals larger, but not necessarily healthier. This incessant use of antibiotics allows bacteria to evolve, leading to a number of superbugs like salmonella and E. coli. These superbugs are extremely resilient to antibiotics used on livestock, and often times make their way onto our dinner tables. The ethical treatment of livestock remains an important issue for the animals’ health as well as our own. Read the article below to find out more on how the treatment of livestock directly affects you. — Global Animal
(POLAR BEARS) According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) the polar bear population has decreased by over 30 percent over 45 years. Not only do these bears suffer from a dwindling environment, but they face other pressures as well. The good news is that polar bears seem to be finding a way to adapt to their conditions. However, whether or not that adaptation leads to the disappearance of what we know as the polar bear today, remains in question. Continue reading to find out what the future holds for the polar bear. — Global Animal
(ANIMAL WELFARE) While many turn a blind eye, there is no denying that the exotic snake skin trade continues to be big business in the fashion industry. Not only is this cruel fashion trend disastrous for several snake species, but it also allows for the inhumane killing of animals who are skinned alive and left to die in agony. In the article below, contributor Niqui Stubbs sheds light on the shocking reality behind this illegal trade. Read on to learn about the dangers of supporting the exotic animal skin fashion industry and how companies are urging the public to “keep wildlife out of your wardrobe.” — Global Animal
(WILDLIFE) On Tuesday, the Elmer Fudds of the world finally came out of their icy hovels, in order to partake in Canada’s now infamous seal hunt. Although the commercial hunt is widely panned by the majority of Canadian citizens, and increasingly obsolete, it has refused to fade away completely. The Canadian Government is no doubt the biggest enabler of this barbaric practice, over funding at great lengths to sustain a needless industry, with the use of taxpayers’ money. Read on to find out more about Canada’s commercial seal hunt and the concerns revolving around this obsolete and inhumane practice. — Global Animal
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