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2013-05-21 14:31:36 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

We have an open vacancy for the position of senior partnership fundraiser. Please share with anyone you think may be interested: http://bit.ly/10io66X

2013-05-16 12:02:40 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 1 +1s)

Eurogroup members +Compassion in World Farming, +RSPCA and +WSPA International in partnership with the Soil Association are working across the EU to demand honest food labelling that would tell consumers at a glance whether their food has come from a humane system or a factory farm.

So far, already 18,216 people have told the European Commission to stop keeping consumers in the dark. If you’ve not yet done so, please join the Labelling Matters campaign today: http://bit.ly/13yQ4zH

2013-05-15 12:41:04 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 0 +1s)

Feel-good AAP-blog van deze week: De blinde mangabey Minou en de oude meerkat Moussa genieten van elkaars gezelschap na een succesvolle samenvoeging.
http://www.aap.nl/actueel/aap-blog/blog-verzorgingshuizen-voor-apen.html

2013-05-08 11:26:57 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 0 +1s)

Great news from our Danish member Dyrenes Beskyttelse who just obtained the commitment from the biggest candy and chocolate manufacturer in Denmark, Toms, that they will stop using eggs from battery hens in their products!

Dyrenes Beskyttelse has also launched a new campaign to get supermarkets in Denmark to stop selling eggs from battery production systems. Join thousands of other “Eggtivists” now in sending a powerful message to retailers that products from battery-caged hens should be stamped out. Visit their dedicated website for more information www.aegtivist.dk (Danish version only)

2013-05-07 14:41:10 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 0 +1s)

Summer has finally arrived here at the Eurogroup office!  In warm weather it's important to remember that dogs can die in hot cars.  Please share this reminder from the +RSPCA and maybe save a dog's life!

2013-05-02 14:05:01 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 0 +1s)

As the Spanish Parliament debates a proposed new law to declare bullfighting a cultural heritage, a new poll commissioned by member Humane Society International reveals that the majority of Spaniards do not approve of public funds being used for the bloodsport and that three quarters of the population haven’t attended a bullfight in the last five years. Only 29 percent of Spanish people support bullfighting, according to poll results.

2013-05-02 12:24:12 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Animals in Europe our monthly newsletter is out! http://bit.ly/ZXAtYZ

To subscribe to our newsletter go to: http://on.fb.me/YXm7TY

2013-04-30 14:41:35 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Historical debate on fur farming ban in Finnish Parliament. Discussions were dominated by critics of fur farming and the farmers on the ethics of their profession

Thanks to our members Eläinsuojeluliitto Animalia and Sey Suomen Eläinsuojeluyhdistysten Liitto for bringing the issue on the table!

2013-04-29 08:41:04 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Eurogroup for Animals welcomes the second public hearing on the EU seal product ban at World Trade Organisation in Geneva. We hope the European Commission will convince the panel, as well as Canada and Norway, of the legitimacy of banning the trade in seal products as a result of inhumane killing methods!

Get more details about this issue here: http://bit.ly/ZeP92E

2013-04-26 10:44:32 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Eurogroup welcomes the announcement that all dogs in Wales will need to be microchipped by March 2015!  

We believe that microchipping, when linked to an approved registration database, can help tackle issues such as illegal trade and the spread of disease. It also allows lost animals to be returned to their owners. 

For more details on identification and registration of dogs in the EU, see our briefing at http://bit.ly/ZoUeca

2013-04-25 15:07:20 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Good news from the European Commission which has today decided to take Greece and Italy to the Court of Justice of the European Union over the failure to correctly implement Directive 1999/74/EC banning unenriched battery cages: http://bit.ly/Y6J1y5

The battery cage ban is a real improvement for millions of animals and a flagship victory for our journey to a more humane farming sector. It illustrates how we, as consumers and citizens can drive change, and proves that production systems which cause animal suffering are not acceptable to us as a society and have no place in today’s EU food production.

To get more details on our position published a few months before the ban: http://bit.ly/Y6J9xy (Photo copyright: shrutterstock.com)

2013-04-24 07:44:05 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Today is world lab animals day, a good reminder that here in Europe an estimated 12.1 million animals – including dogs, rabbits and even our closest genetic relatives, primates – are used in laboratory research every year. Eurogroup and its members work together to actively promote the replacement, reduction and refinement of animal tests and do all we can to improve the lives of those animals currently used for research.

For more news stories, check out our likes to see how our members are highlighting the plight of lab animals today!

And to get more details on our activities in this area, go to: http://bit.ly/10yGzSs

(Photo copyright: shutterstock.com)

2013-04-23 13:21:20 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Beter Leven, a high-welfare food label set up by our member society +Dierenbescherming in the Netherlands, has a brand new website: http://beterleven.dierenbescherming.nl/

Supermarkets have the opportunity to improve the welfare of millions of animals produced for food by asking their suppliers to respect high welfare standards and by selling products from welfare friendly systems. 

How about you, do you use high-welfare food labels when shopping? Which one(s) and where?

2013-04-18 09:16:35 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Its confirmed, by the end of the month all pork served in UK branches of McDonald's will come from farms that meet the +RSPCA Freedom Food standard.

For more information about Freedom Food, go to: http://www.rspca.org.uk/freedomfood

2013-04-17 14:16:41 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

While we wait for the European Commission to release its legislative proposal on Invasive Alien Species, stories from across the ocean depict the dramatic impact introduction of non-native species can have on native wildlife and environments. 

Eurogroup is calling for a strong legislative proposal focused on prevention, recognized as the most cost-effective strategy. Many invasive animal species in Europe have been deliberately introduced for the pet trade, fishing and hunting or farming. In cases where control of invasive animal species is warranted, Eurogroup believes priority should be on humane management methods which avoid or minimise pain, suffering and distress to target and non-target animals.

It is anticipated the European Commission will publish the Invasive Alien Species legislative proposal in June. It will then go to European Parliament and the Council for input.

2013-04-17 09:00:08 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Danish member Dyrenes Beskyttelse reminds us today that fattened duck liver or foie gras is a product of animal cruelty. Please share!

2013-04-16 13:15:11 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 1 +1s)

For this year’s World Day For Animals In Laboratories, the “Bündnis für Tierschutzpolitik Berlin”, organizes a demonstration with support from Deutscher Tierschutzbund. 

The motto of the demonstration is “Forschung ja – Tierversuche nein” (Research yes – animal experiments no). It will take place in Berlin on Saturday 20th April and will start at 12 o’clock at the Brandenburger Tor and will end with a rally on the Alexanderplatz. 

Thomas Schröder, Wolfgang Apel and others will speak during the rally. If you are in Berlin feel free to join them!

2013-04-15 16:51:47 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Leatherback turtles win over resort development as Puerto Rico protects coastal area vital for turtle nesting

2013-04-15 08:37:40 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 0 +1s)

Pet poll reveals many pet owners prefer to hug their animals than a close relative when feeling low

2013-04-11 17:01:58 (0 comments, 3 reshares, 2 +1s)

Making an informed decision on the suitability of an animal as a pet (even cats and dogs) is something many people skip!

In an era of growing environmental and animal welfare awareness, one would think celebrities would rethink keeping exotic pets. Unfortunately, the use of wild animals, often babies, in advertising and film, gives the false impression that animals stay small and manageable. Instead an infant monkey grows into an adult with the strength to cause serious harm, a nocturnal kinkajou becomes a nuisance, and parrots with a life span of 60+years outlive their “owner”.

Was it wild-caught? How long will it live? How big will it grow? Is it dangerous? Can it carry diseases?

People fail to think about the animal’s welfare, long-term cost and commitment, and impacts on biodiversity. It’s estimated that for every chimpanzee taken from the wild for a pet at least10 othe... more »

2013-04-11 13:48:09 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Anti-whistleblower bills also known as "ag-gag" bills are currently being adopted at the state level in the US to block anyone from exposing animal cruelty, food-safety issues, poor working conditions, and more.

Get more information about this major concern on the website of the +The Humane Society of the United States the parent organisation of our member Humane Society International

2013-04-09 14:52:39 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 0 +1s)

Shocking news of ferrets on steroids being sold as pedigree poodles in an Argentinian market. With scams like this, it has never been more important for anyone getting a puppy to do their research, ask the right questions and only get a puppy from a rescue shelter or directly from the place where it was born, where it can be seen with its mother. 

For more guidance, check out this ‘visiting a puppy checklist’ from our Member Organisation +RSPCA and share with your friends!

http://www.getpuppysmart.com/pdf/GPS_thingsToChecklist.pdf

2013-04-08 12:04:22 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

This weekend, hundreds of cats were entered into the International Feline Beauty Competition in Romania. We are concerned that to win cat shows, pedigree cats have been bred to emphasise certain physical features. Some features have become so extreme that they can cause suffering, make cats prone to particular disorders or prevent them from behaving normally. From these photos, what do you think?

To get more information on selective breeding, what are the animal welfare issues associated with and what we are calling for, visit our website at: http://eurogroupforanimals.org/what-we-do/category/companion-animals/selective-breeding

2013-04-05 11:46:52 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Zombie saves disaster the cat after being missing for 2 years because he has a microchip, or another good example why we call for a compulsory permanent identification and registration of dogs and cats in the EU!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/04/jeremy-zelkowitz-zombie-saves-disaster-cat_n_3016373.html

2013-04-02 11:34:05 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Pop star serves as reminder – monkeys are not pets! Celebrities should stop encouraging exotic pet keeping. Animals deserve better

2013-03-22 10:35:43 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Discover the link between endocrine disrupters and animal testing and why Eurogroup calls for the use of non-animal test methods to be incorporated in the new strategy currently being prepared by the European Commission

http://eurogroupforanimals.org/news/new-efsa-opinion-on-endocrine-disrupters

2013-03-20 08:55:42 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

You know your cat better than anyone, but are you missing the subtle signs of chronic pain?

If you are interested and want to learn more about chronic pain in cats, join the Pledge Against Cat Pain for a free live online presentation today at 7:30PM (UK time).

Visit their website for more information http://pledgeagainstcatpain.co.uk/

2013-03-14 14:51:50 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 2 +1s)

Eurogroup's member +VIER PFOTEN - Stiftung für Tierschutz has released recent footage of two Italian farms that have over 100,000 laying hens in illegal conventional battery cages. They are kept squeezed tight in atrocious conditions with no natural light, wire mesh floor, and that are subject to cannibalism.

It's finally time for the appropriate authorities to close the book on bird farming in these style of cages as they have been banned in the EU since 1 January 2012 following a generous 13-year phase-out period given to producers!

2013-03-14 14:03:37 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Eurogroup for Animals is pleased that MEPs showed their support for animal welfare during the vote on endocrine disruptors at the European Parliament’s plenary session

2013-03-14 11:02:58 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Wrapping up the CITES convention: http://bit.ly/X9xUii 

2013-03-13 15:54:16 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Update from our friends in Finland Eläinsuojeluliitto Animalia & Sey Suomen Eläinsuojeluyhdistysten Liitto, who managed to collect enough support signatures to allow serious consideration by the National Parliament of the Fur Farm Free Finland citizens’ initiative calling for a ban of fur farming by 2025 in the country!

The national citizen's initiative, first ever of its kind in Finland, has now been handed over to the Finnish Parliament which is expected to debate it next month!

Finland is one of the biggest producers of fur in the EU.

For more details about Fur Farm Free Finland visit: http://www.animalia.fi/furfarmfreefinland

2013-03-13 13:20:33 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Eurogroup for Animals is extremely disappointed that the European Parliament has failed to support outlawing EU subsidies for the export of live cattle to third countries.

Together with our members and Europe’s citizens, we will continue to fight to ensure that no public money is used to promote the export in live animals! http://bit.ly/ZmbMD3 

2013-03-13 09:38:38 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Hurrah for Europe-Wide Ban on Sale of Animal-Tested Cosmetics!

Scottish member organisation OneKind reports: Member of the European Parliament David Martin gives his own personal welcome to this week's ban on the sale of animal tested cosmetics.

2013-03-12 11:59:03 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

More great news from CITES Convention, where 177 countries are currently voting on proposals to strengthen or weaken trade restrictions on certain species.

All the sharks species were given increased protection status as did manta rays!

The European Commission welcomed this progress in a statement available here: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-199_en.htm

2013-03-11 16:29:59 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

For all our UK supporters: a documentary on Channel 4 this evening will investigate the import of puppies from Eastern Europe for sale in the UK.  It raises a number of important issues surrounding the illegal imports of pets from countries posing a high rabies risk, and highlights how important it is to know where your puppy was bred!  

More information here: http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/episode-guide/series-118/episode-6 

2013-03-11 13:16:56 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Great infographics by the European Commission covering the history of the EU ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

Many of our member societies across the EU are also celebrating the ban. Check out our members circle or their websites for more details: http://eurogroupforanimals.org/about-us/our-network

2013-03-11 11:44:44 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

It's now official! European Commission announces a ban on the suffering of animals for new cosmetics!! http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-13-210_en.htm

For more details, read the Q&A prepared by the Commission: http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-188_en.htm

2013-03-11 08:30:00 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Ban on sale of cosmetics tested on animals a major step forward – the first day of a new future http://bit.ly/ZyGiLQ #animalwelfare  #EUcosmeticslaw

2013-03-10 17:34:46 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Guess who will receive a little present tomorrow? :-) #EUcosmeticslaw   #animalwelfare  

2013-03-10 10:10:21 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

The European Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing set up in 1991 has been instrumental in validating test methods which replace, reduce and refine animal testing for safety assessment and promotes their development and use in industry.

To end our weekly overview of member societies, what better way to conclude with international members?

World Society for the Protection of Animals, Vier Pfoten (Kiss Animal Tested Cosmetics Goodbye Campaign) and Humane Society International (Be Cruelty-Free Campaign) also have a huge role in this victory!

Beyond the EU, HSI’s global Be Cruelty-Free campaign aims to create the political will and consumer pressure needed to ban cosmetics animal testing wherever it takes place in the world: http://www.hsi.org/issues/becrueltyfree/

2013-03-09 10:31:09 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Since November 2005 the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches has brought together 5 European Commission directorates-general, 3 European agencies and 35 companies through 7 industry trade associations to develop non-animal testing.
 
In Germany, member organisation Deutscher Tierschutzbund has long fought for an end to testing cosmetics on animals. A retrospective on their website looks back over 30 years of achievements http://www.tierschutzbund.de/kosmetiktierversuche_chronologie.html

Our Estonian Member organisation will also celebrate the full implementation of the ban on Monday. Check out their website and social media channels for more details: http://www.loomakaitse.ee

2013-03-08 15:52:41 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 1 +1s)

Discover the week’s main highlights at CITES http://bit.ly/13JI0xa

2013-03-08 14:46:45 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

The ban on ingredients tested on animals in Cosmetics and their sale in the EU  shows that alternative test methods can be used in different sectors including chemicals, plant protection products, biocidal products  as well food and feed to stop the need for testing them on animals.

Our member organisations in UK have campaigned long and hard to end the use of animals in cosmetics testing. The UK government announced in 1997 a ban on the use of animals to test cosmetic products, and on cosmetics ingredients in 1998. 

+RSPCA & USPCA will publish a press release that will coincide with the ban on Monday. Stay tuned!

2013-03-08 10:41:51 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Awesome news from CITES Convention! Today, Parties have adopted by consensus ALL the reptile proposals to increase protection on pet trade species (geckos, pit viper and turtles)!

2013-03-07 15:47:51 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Thursday’s main highlights at CITES:

Most importantly, polar bears will stay on thin ice as CITES Parties have rejected a proposal to end commercial trade. Lengthy debate and passionate argument from Inuit about threats to their livelihoods left polar bears out in the cold, despite concerns raised over unsustainable hunting quotas for some Canadian populations.

More details about the discussion are available on our International member organisation website HSI at http://www.hsi.org.au/?catID=1273 

However all is not totally bleak. Our team member reports the great news that West African Manatees, also known as the sea cow, was listed among species which have the highest level of protection possible.

CITES Parties also passed 'Introduction from the Sea' rules so that countries have a common understanding of what is required when CITES-listed species areta... more »

2013-03-07 11:15:39 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Did you know that under EU law if there is an approved alternative to animal testing it must be used, sparing the suffering of many animals every year!

One of our Dutch member organisations, +Proefdiervrij NL, is Netherlands’ largest and oldest organisation that is entirely dedicated to the issue of animal testing and the promotion of alternatives. 

The upcoming ban was one of their top commitments over the past years. Proefdiervrij also supports scientists, entrepreneurs and the Dutch government in the development of new techniques by providing education, engage in collaborations and initiate discussions about animal-free solutions. “Because it’s possible!”

2013-03-07 09:52:48 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Over the next 4 days, over 25,000 dogs from over 40 countries will compete at Crufts, the world’s biggest dog show. To enter and win dog shows like Crufts, dogs must conform to written ‘Breed Standards’ and we believe this can seriously compromise their welfare.  

Find out why in this blog from our member organization the +RSPCA 

2013-03-06 18:25:34 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

Today’s main highlights at CITES Convention:

- Animals & accountability have lost again as attempts to increase transparency in voting were rejected by CITES Parties.

- A new report warns of uncertain future for African elephants: http://www.cites.org/eng/news/pr/2013/20130306_ivory.php

- Elephant and polar bears set to be discussed tomorrow. To watch the debate live: http://www.cites.org/eng/cop/16/webcast.php

2013-03-06 14:01:40 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 0 +1s)

The ban on animal testing for cosmetics has been a driver in the development of alternative test methods and since 2008 52 test methods have been submitted to the EU reference laboratory for the alternatives to animal testing (EURL ECVAM)

Our Belgian member GAIA has been encouraging their Facebook friends to celebrate the ban on testing cosmetics on animals by encouraging them to send in their photos which capture the victory, with the best photo being published each day.

In Spain our member ANDA (Asociación Nacional para la Defensa de los Animales) has today called for a full implementation of the ban without cheating “sin trampas”!

2013-03-05 15:59:18 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 0 +1s)

Very disappointing day at CITES Convention! 

While USA and Russia are calling for a ban on international trade in polar bears, the EU delegation is actively derailing the polar bear’s best chance of survival by putting forward an alternate proposal that would validate Canada’s current unsustainable hunting levels.