A blue whale which was foun stranded on a beach in Chile has been rescued.
The Blue Whale was found on the sands of a Chile beach, in South America. Rescuers spotted the Whale, and helped the Whale back to safety, back into the ocean.
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the discovery of a second facial cancer in the Tasmanian Devil is set to put even more strain on their already vunrable numbers; the first facial caner wiped out 95% of Tasmanian Devils. if that was to repeat itself then Tasmanian Devils would become extinct.
there are only four known transmissible cancers found in nature, one is found in dogs, another is found in clams, and the other two are found in Tasmanian Devils.
Dogs are more likely to gain weight, than cats though, from second hand smoke. The other thing that can happen with dogs and cats is not just second hand smoke, but also third hand smoke. Which is thought to be more damaging than second hand smoke. It also means that pets are suffering from two kinds of passive smoking in smoking households. Smoking outside, or smoking less, can reduce your pets exsposure to second hand smoke.
An article in yesterday's Guardian newspaper asked 'Whatever happened to animal rights?', of course, the article raises some very good points, a legitimate issues, however, the number of people supporting animal rights is increasing, not decreasing.
The article offers up a good question, 'where is animal rights?'. It rightly points out that most people would prepare tucking into a Turkey, rather than sparring the birds life.
When it comes to farm animals, especially today, factory farmed animals, most people do not want to know, they look away, and pretend it doesn't exist. The reality of where most meat comes from is grim. Most animals do not have a happy life like you are lead to believe; they are not happily bouncing about fields enjoying life. The vast majority are stuck in tiny cages they they can barely move around in, they never see sunlight, will never have freedom. This kind of reality wouldn't be on happy adverts which promote butter, no one wants to see the life that factory farmed animals have. yet, most are prepared to participate in it. Even if factory farming wasn't an issue, slaughter is. Slaughter is as, or, if not more gruesome than factory farming. There is no such thing as 'humane' slaughter, humane slaughter is an oxymoron. Slaughterhouses and animals being slaughtered are things that people don't want to acknowledge exist, it's much easier to turn the other way, and not see the reality of what happens to animals on a daily basis in slaughterhouses. If slaughterhouses weren't done in the middle of nowhere, and animals were routinley slaughtered in city centers, for all to see, would we still participate in it? Or, still find it morally acceptable?
Another good issue the article raises is the issue of Fox hunting. yes, fox hunting is cruel, and barbaric. And, it is worrying that 250,000 people took part in boxing day hunts. But, they are a tiny minority of Brits. The vast majority of Brits, the other 60 and a half million of us didn't go on fox hunts, and do not support them.
British people do have compssion, we don't think it's acceptable to hunt foxes, or other animals for 'entertainment' or 'enjoyment'. It's not just foxes, but any type of wildlife. Look at the support against the badger cull, the protests, the petition. The actions of the people of Britain, standing up for Foxes, and Badgers, shows how compassionate we're as a country, it also shows that much has changed in this country towards animal rights - such movements wouldn't have existed 20 years ago, they didn't. With time we have moved more towards protecting animals, not the other way. There is more vegetarians, and vegans than ever before to.
There is still a lot to improve on, but, we have came a long way, even in just the last few decades.
We have also seen; cosmetic testing on animals being banned, and a decline in animal 'entertainment' such as circuses, and zoos, in the last decade or too.
Help birds this winter. There are several ways that you can help birds this winter. In the winter, wildlife, such as birds, are in need of help, as it is colder, and food becomes less scarce.
Increasingly, more and more help is becoming available for diffrent wildlife garden visitors, such as you can buy Hedgehog food now, but, the easiest supply of helping wild animals in your gardens, comes in the form of helping wild garden birds. There is everything out there for garden birds. From bird homes, to bird feeders, and from bird food, to water drinkers - everything that can help your feathered friends, is all ready out there, in supply.
Birds need fat in the winter, to keep them warm. Wild birds, in just one single night, can lose around 40 percent of their body mass. As they use more body heat in the Winter months to keep warm from the cold, they need a supply of food fat.
This can be easily done. You can supply the birds in your garden with things such as bird balls; which are rich in fat, and would be great for them! Other ways you can help garden birds is through other food like seeds, or even fruit. And supply them with a source of water. It'd be also great to give them a source of shelter; a bird box home.
It's almost that time of year again; when the Big Garden Bird Watch takes place. This year the Big Garden birdwatch will take place at the end of January, between the 30th and the 31st. The Big Garden Bird watch is done annually by over half-a million people, according to the RSPB. It requires only a short hour of your time to record wildlife you see in your garden. The main focus is on birds, but, the RSPB also includes other animals in their bird package, such as; squirrels, hedgehogs, and so on. You don't have to have a garden to partake in the event. If you don't have one, the RSPB asks you to record wildlife you see in your choosen hour of the weekend, in your nearest park. For more details, and to sign up for your free Big Garden Bird Watch pack (along with a free £5 voucher for the RSPB online shop), go here: https://ww2.rspb.org.uk/discoverandenjoynature/discoverandlearn/birdwatch
It is amazing that in 2015, fighting to ban Fox hunting is still an issue. This is especially true in an age of austerity, and deep cuts to public services. Have we not got better things to focus on, than repealing an act which would see the barbaric nature of Fox hunting a lot easier to get away with.
'Easier to get away with' because we know that it still happens. We know that hunts continously break the law, and hunt Foxes to this day, as there is many documented evidence to show that hunts hunt illegally. With the Hunting Acts loopholes, such as two dogs can ''flush out'' (kill) a Fox, it makes it much easier for hunts to get away with illegal hunting.
We'd be mistaken if we thought that Fox hunting doesn't happen because of the Hunting Act, the Hunting Act does make it more difficult and has seen a decline in hunting, however, since the Hunting Act was passed, Foxes have been hunted delibratley, and illegally. When we see hunters dressed to the nines? (even though they do look ridiculous), they are not getting up, getting dressed, and (depressingly) gathering in their thousands, just a show of solidarity. They show up on Boxing Day, the same as they always have done, to hunt. Illegally. They do not hide it, they do it openly, and you can even see it on any mainstream news channel - hunting still happens, and Boxing Day is still the golden goose day of it.
Those who break this law don't hide it, they boast about breaking the law. For example, this article on Hunfington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/giles-bradshaw/the-law-against-hunting-d_b_1064387.html
is an example of those boasting about breaking the Hunting Act, even poking fun at the fact that, seemingly, the police, and the League Against Cruel Sports can't do/will not do anything about the fact that this law is broken - the League of Cruel Sports can't do anything and the police won't do anything, in other words.
The thing is, there is not an outright ban on hunting Foxes (and other mammals, though it seems Foxes are their fave past time), and that makes it so easy for the Hunting Act 2004 to be broken. Hunts are allowed to use fox scents as a 'trail hunt' (a seeming fake hunt). However, anybody can see that the allowence to use Fox scents make it so easy for hunts to break the law; if hounds are chasing the scent of a Fox, they are going to search out for a real Fox, and kill the real Fox. The legality of using Fox scents is one way that hunts can, and do, break the law. Another way the law is broken, is because of the two dog policy. Hunts are allowed to use two dogs to kill a Fox. Yet, when we see Fox hunts going on on Boxing Day, how many of these hunts have two hounds? None. They have the same number of dogs. And, it can be extremley difficlut to prosecute a hunt which breaks the law with hunting a Fox with several dogs, claiming that they have used two. And, that is one of the many reasons why a complete ban on hunting Foxes, and wild mammals is needed.
For the law to be more effective, it needs to be strengthened. That is unlikely to happen under the current government, given that they want to repeal the ban. But, it is far more likely, than unlikely, that in the near future, the Hunting Act will be strengthened. Like it is likely to be in Scotland; as proposals are being set out in the New Year when the Scottish Parliament seem likely to strengthen the 'Wild Mammals Act 2002', which banned Fox hunting in Scotland.
On both sides of the boarder the law is broken, as one commenter stated about the Scottish hunting act, things are just the same as they were before the act was implamented. Which is due to loopholes in the act. Given the overwhelming support for the ban on hunting Foxes, and other wild animals, it seems unlikely that the Fox hunting will ever be legalised again. Contary, it seems more likely that there will be an outright ban, and hunting will become a thing of the past. Hunts today are boasting that 250,000 people have attended hunts across the country, but, when you think that the UK population is over 63 million people, then it is a tiny minority of people who particapte in this bloodthirst. There is no excuse for hunting, there is no good reason for it. Hunting wild animals, and 'enjoying' watching animals being ripped to shreds by other animals, is barbaric, and psychopathic, and future generations will wonder why it took us so long to outright ban this cruel activity.
A new poll out by Ipos MORI alongside the League of Cruel Sports, found that 83% of those participants opposed Fox hunting.
* Picture from the League of Cruel Sports
This new poll is an all time high in public opposition to Fox hunting. This is on the back of an earlier poll done this year, in July, by the BBC, who found that 74% of people asked, said that they opposed legalising Fox hunting/were against Fox hunting. That means, that in just under half a year, public opinion has shifted dramatically in support for the hunting ban. The mainstream media will often say that Fox hunting is a ''controversial'' issue, that ''divideds'' people. Clearly this is not the case, as there is pretty much a large consensus that Fox hunting should be illegal, and remain so - there is no division - only a tiny minority support hunting with dogs. There is no future for Fox hunting in modern day Britain, and most people agree with that.
There is still time to help your local Cat Protection branch this Christmas!
If you want to help animals this Christmas, then why not help your local Cat protection branch. The Cats Protection are looking for knitted blankets, and toys for the cats this Christmas. Knitting a blanket, or a toy (or a few blankets or toys, if you're an expert knitter ;) ) could really help spread some Christmas cheer for the cats and kittens this Christmas! Unfortunetly, many cats and kittens will be spending their Christmas in a cat shelter, in shelters up and down the country. Waiting to find their furever home. But, you can spread some Christmas cheer for them, and donate some gifts to the cats. And, if you can't knit, then why not donate some; blankets, toys, or even food, to your local Cats Protection - as they often are on the look out for it, at this time of year!
Asda, therefore, becomes the latest nail in the coffin, if it is true that they have cut ties with Seaworld. True, because PETA reports conflicting information on this matter. On one hand they say that Asda has ''cut ties with Seaworld'', on the other hand, it states that Asda still sells Seaworld trips on its Asda Travel website. They then go onto say that Asda has gone on to stop these trips to Seaworld. But, if it is confirmed that Asda has cut ties with Seaworld, it would be great news, as it is another step closer for Seaworld to close.
A new Frog species has been found in the rainforest in South America. The new frog species belongs to a group of 96 frog species called the 'tree frog genus dendropsophus', which can be found from Argentina, all the way up to Mexico. It was found by a team working on behalf of Utah University. The new species has been given the name of 'Teresensis’ bromeliad treefrog' by scientists, the frogs latin and scientific name is 'Dendropsophus bromeliaceus'. This frog is an nocturnal animal. This new frog is already thought to be 'Criticall Endangered', and therefore, they are likely to go on the IUCN's critically endangered list.
A new study By Butterfly conservation, and Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, has found that three-quaters of British butterflies are now in decline.
That is a lot of butterfly species across the UK, as their are only 59 species of UK butterflies in total. The decline has happened over the last 40 years. The study, and findings come right off the bat of yesterdays findings that British biodiversity is in serious decline. Which was written about, here, yesterday: http://actionforearth.weebly.com/blog/british-biodiversity-in-trouble
The study is suprising, for two reasons. One, there is a decline of butterfly species in rural, and farmland areas. And two, the decline is not soley about endangered butterfly species, the most affected butterfly species are those who are common butterfly species. This shows how unhealthy our countryside and habitats are. As we destroy habitats, farmlands, meadows, and so on, due to 'development', what is happening is that we are destroying wildlife, and making sure that wild animals are being driven to extinction. What this also shows, is that farming today is causing the destruction of wildlife. Poor farming methods and management is having a detremental effect on wild animals, and wild plant species. And, this is most likely down to; pesticides being used, a lack of hedges that are habitats for wildlife such as butterflies, and hedgehogs, and poor hedgerow management. The entire decline of butterfly species is unclear to scientists, but, it is most thought to be down to human activity, in one way or another. Essentially the use of fatal, and posinous pesticides, and the destructions of wild places. For many species, including butterfly species, they will only have a certain, and unique habitat. For example, the decline in rare, habitat specialit butterflies, is down to the destruction of chalk grassland, which is their habitats. A solution to this problem, in decline of British species as a whole, including butterfly species, is to protect and preserve remaining wild spaces of Britain. It is much easier, and cheaper for developers to build on land which is green (i.e. meadows, forests, moors, farmland etc), than it is to develop on brown field sites, which are often left derelict for decades. Instead, we should be using land that is derelict, brown field sites, which are laying bare, because the buildings have been abandoned. The key is for governements to do more to protect green spaces, including farm land, from development. If we do not, then we are going to see more species in decline, and inevitably, species becoming extinct, if we do not.
It is no secret that British wildlife is in trouble, a report last year found that a massive 60% of British wildlife was in decline. Both in rurual areas, and in urban areas.
One of those animals who are known to be in decline is the British Hedgehog. They are one of the species which have suffered the worst, with them dropping from 50 million animals in the 1950s, to just uner 1 million Hedgehogs which are left today in the British countryside. This shows how much in decline wildlife in Britian is.
Another damning report backs up last years report, showing that there is a decline in Brtish biodiversity. The find that biodiveristy is being harmed, is down to the fact that wildlife in Britain is declining. The decline in wildlife is causing biodiverity to decline.
Another two things which is causing a loss of biodiverity is climate change. Therefore; climate change, habitat erosion, and a decline in wild animals, are all causing biodiverity to decline. As stated, Hedgehogs are one of the most serious cases of decline in the British countryside, but, sadly, they are not alone. Along with Hedgehogs birds and insects are declining. And, to go along with that, we do not have a sufficent amount of predator species left, in mammals. The only semi-large mamall predators that we have left are Foxes, and the Scottish Wildcat, however, the Scottish wildcat is critically endangered, and their future is uncertain. Therefore, quite possible the only mammal predator that we shall have left (which is quite large) is the Fox. This study was carried out by the University of Reading, and has been carried out since 1970, up until 2009. Therefore, the study has a better understanding of how wildlife has changed over the past few decades, and also how wildlife and biodiveristy have suffered and declined, because of a loss of habitats.
Human waste dumped in our oceans does two damaging things, first, it pollutes our oceans, and makes them an eyesore, secondly, the things that we dump inot the oceans often trap animals in things like nets, or other things (like the seal above).
If we are to be serious about climate change, then it means that we have to be serious about how healthy our oceans are. Being concerned about our oceans health, means that we must find ways of stopping human rubbish being dumped in oceans (to be recycled), and, we must make sure that the oceans are safe habitats for the wild marine animals who live in them.
A rare rehabilitated Amur Tiger gives birth to two cubs since the Tiger has been released back into the wild; this is the first time that this has happened with Amur Tigers.
The Amur Tiger gave birth in Russia, conservationsits reported. This Tiger is the first Tiger to be rehabilitated, while going on to be released into the wild, to have cubs. This has never happened before, and makes the future hopeful for this species. The news is increasingly hopeful because the Amur Tiger (also know as the Siberian Tiger) is critically endangered. It is one of the rarest cats in the world, with only 500 of the remaining in the wild today. You can find the find of the rare Amur Tiger, with her two new born cubs below:
A deal has been reached on climate change for the future, in the climate summit in Paris,
The deal centres around countries trying to reach an agreement on how they can tackle, and deal with the threat of climate change, and tonight, they have reached that deal.
The deal centres around an agreement which countries have sought to agree to limit global temprature rise to 2c. This is a deal reache by all countries, aimed at reducing carbon emissons, which will therefore not stop global warming, but slow global warming down, and reduce it. The countries which have came to this agreement ar mainly countries of the developed world, along with China, and India.
The move is a good move, which aims to tackle global temprature increase, however, the move worringly does not include, it seems, protecting habitats, and wild animals.
To be serious about climate change, and for these measures to be effective, we need to save habitats, and wild animals. If we do not do both of these things, then it is meaningless to cut Co2 emissions. A healthy planet, and a reduction in climate change requires us to stop the destruction of habitats, and wild animals, only then will we be taking climate change sriously.
Christmas is an amazing time to help shelter animals.
Many animals don't have homes at christmas, they spend their time living in animal shelters. Some of these shelters are non-kill animal shelters, some of them are animal kill shelters. You can check the animal charities website to see what their policy is on pets, and whether or not they kill, or not.
There are several ways that you can help homeless animals at christmas time.
You can donate blankets, and toys - or even make blankets and toys for the animals! You can donate money to save the animals, or money to the charity! And, you can even adopt a pet (although, adopting a pet is a life long commitment, so make sure that you can commit!).
Foxes are one of the most loved mammals of the british countryside, and urban areas.
They live, on average 5 years, in the wild They can be found across Europe, Asia, America, and the Arctic - all different subspecies Although Foxes, unlike many mammals, thrive in UK cities, their city numbers are nowhere near as much as their rural numbers. There are around 33,000 urban Foxes. While in total, there are over 250,000 Foxes in the UK.
Rockin Robin!
The Robin is most associated with Christmas, and, they are also usually voted Britain's favorite bird.
The Robin is far from an endangered species. They have a very healthy numbers, as there are over 6 million breeding pairs of Robins in the United Kingdom.
They are not only seen in the Winter months, or at Christmas time, they are seen throughout the year, all throughout the year. They eat: seeds, insects, fruits, and worms They can be found in; gardens, woodland, and hedgerows
Most people enjoy tucking into a Turkey at Christmas time, except those of us who are vegetarian and vegan, instead, we like to avoid eating Turkeys, preferring to spare them of pain a suffering.
Much like this six year old girl. Who, instead of wanting to eat a Turkey, this girl has instead chosen to adopt one, asked what the girl wanted for Christmas, she wanted to 'save a Turkey for Christmas, so no one would eat it'.
The girls mum heeded her daughters request, and sought out to find a Turkey, to adopt it, from a local farmer. This Turkey has had a lucky escape, as the Turkey was due to be slaughtered the next day. If only the world could adopt the kindness, and compassion that this little girl has shown, would we spare so many beings suffering, in overcrowded factory farms, and being slaughtered.
source: http://metro.co.uk/2015/12/04/little-girl-adopts-a-turkey-so-it-doesnt-become-christmas-dinner-5544591/
The Reindeer is the most famous animal which is associated with Christmas time.
They can be found in North America. They are good swimmers They are exactly as you would expect them to be, they look just like Santa's best friend! ;)
These are the latest homeless cats who need your help, by adopting, or donating to save. You can also share on social media, which helps creates awareness, and saves more cats!
Poor Olivia looks very poorly. She has a condition in her eyes, and has a limp in her hind legs.
She is two years old. Was a stray/homeless You can adopt or donate to save by going here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/olivia-a1059276/
Steven Purr he is a male cat.
He is about three years old. he was a stray/homeless cat They are saying that he has wounds on his body, and has a serious condition. If you can help Steven you can donate, or adopt here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/steven-purr-a1058812/
Solange.
Poor Solange, she looks in a terrible position. She was a stray, and is now homeless at only 6 weeks old. She has a condition, which is only classed as an ''illness'' by the shelter. If you can help Solange, by donating, or adopting, go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/solange-a1059263/
Sakura is a female cat.
She is 10 months old. Sh e was a stray/homeless cat. It seems Sakura has quite a serious condition, with blood in her stool and vomiting. If you can help here, please go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/sakura-a1059227/
Kipling is a male cat
He is two years old, and was a stray/homeless cat He is stated as having severe conditions If you can help Kipling by giving him a home, or donating to save him, then please go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/kipling-a1059267/
Two adorable kittens Ogden and Lindon
They are both 8 weeks old And they were strays/homeless The shelter says both of them have illnesses If you can help them, by adopting, or donating, please go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/ogden-a1059167-lindon-a1059168/
Macha
Is a female cat She is six years old She was a stray/homeless cats and has no serious condition If you can help Macha, please go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/macha-a1058152/
Stanley
Is a male cat He is 12 years old He was abandoned at that shelter by his owner If you can help Stanley, please go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/stanley-a1059233/
Frankie
Is a female cat who is 7 years old She was a stray/homeless cat. If you can help her, please go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/frankie-a1059234/
Poor Landry, such a heartbreaking sight. You can tell from just looking at this cat, that she is extremely unwell.
She is two years old The shelter is stating that her condition is severe, that she has a head trauma. This poor cat should be receiving medical attention, rather than going through the stressful experience of being in a kill shelter. If you can give Laundry the much needed help she needs, either through donation, or adopting, or veterinary care, please go here: http://nyccats.urgentpodr.org/landry-a1059242/
Pet overpopulation is a serious problem, whether it is an overpopulation of dogs, or cats. However, the overpopulation of dogs, does not seem to be as bad as the overpopulation of cats. The reason why dogs are probably not as overpopulated as cats, is because dogs don't get to wander free, like cats do. Usually, dogs are taken on walks by their owners, and don't get the freedom to walk the streets independently, like cats do. Therefore, non-neutered cats, have much higher chance of getting pregnant, than their dog counterparts.
There is a simple way to stop the overpopulation of cats - to spay or neuter a cat. Neutering a cat will save cats lives, it stops unwanted cats from being born, and therefore dumped in shelters, or worse, kill shelters.
There are already so many homeless cats and kittens out there, who are desperately seeking a home. And, bringing more kittens into the world, especially if they are unwanted kittens, only leads to shelters filling up with cats, with no home to go to. Or even worse, the kittens end up in kill shelters, and they are killed. Neutering might be costly, but, it can save lots and lots of life's, and, it can also because of that, save a lot of problems.
If you cannot afford to neuter your cat, or kitten, then there can be help out there for you. For example, if you live in the UK, and earn a low wage, they will help you, for example, if you are on any of the following:
- Housing benefit - Council tax scheme/reduction support - Universal credit To see if you apply for free veterinary care, with things such as neutering your pet, please go to the PDSA website, here: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/vet-services/eligibility
If you are on a low income, but do not qualify for the PDSA's free vet care, then do not worry, there is other help out there! The Cats Protection helps people to neuter their cats, they help maintain the costs low.
If you are wanting assistance from the cats protection, for low cost neutering, then please go to their website, here: http://www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/neutering/financial-assistance
For anyone else that many need, or want assistance for veterinary care, neutering, whether you're on low cost, or out of work, then you can look at a charity/cat charity, that may assist with helping you with the costs of neutering your cat!
British birds are in trouble, more than a quarter of all bird species in the UK are now in trouble.
There has been a study, and therefore a report on 244 British Wild bird species, and the report found as much as 27% of these birds were in trouble, of becoming extinct, and therefore urgent action is needed to protect these animals from becoming extinct.
The Puffin is included in the birds which are now threatened with extinction.
Another bird which has suffered, and is suffering is the Curlew, showed in the pictured below. The Curlew has declined by 42% in the last two decades.
The Curlew is one of the many bird species in the UK which have been added to the Red List, which means that they are in danger of becoming extinct.
There are many threats to birds in the UK, which is responsible for their decline. They are declining because of habitat loss. They are declining because of shooting. Sometimes poisoning. Most, if not all of the decline in birds is down to human activity. |
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February 2017
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