ANIMAL

Showing posts with label AWNN. Show all posts

Competition winners feted

On World Animal Day (WAD) the winners of the article writing competition 'Stop Animal Cruelty' were feted with cash prizes. The winner's article was published in Kantipur Daily.

The competition was announced on WAD 2009. A jury consisting of Anustha Shrestha (radio RJ), Mahesh Sharma (Roots & Shoots representative) and Prerana Marasini (journalist) announced the winners.

The first prize went to Bishwa Poudel. The jury describes his article as 'highly inspiring, broad-minded and providing an introduction to some of the world's varied forms of animal cruelty'. Jury member Anustha: 'Bishwa talks about the cruelty faced by animals in multiple sectors. He explains how animals are being sacrificed in the name of culture, using the examples of Dasain and Gadhima festivals, He shows how animals are being ill treated in the name of sports and entertainment all over the world. Definitely deserves the first prize.'

The second prize went to Sambinda Rajbhandari Shrestha. The jury says her story about the rehabilitation of an injured pigeon is 'heartfelt, original and well written'. Jury member Anustha: 'The bonding between the bird and the author is beautifully portrayed. The writer has also raised the issue of the killing of thousands of birds due to bird flu. The story can easily be turned into a children's story.'

The third prize was handed over to Govinda Subedi. The jury appreciated the story on animal sacrifice as it encourages the readers to think of the animals who will be killed in the name of god.

The consolation prize went to Roshan Shestha. Roshan wrote a poem instead of an article. However the jury felt the young participant deserves encouragement for writing a heartfelt poem about animal suffering.

The deadline for the Poster and Photo competition have been extended, as there were insufficient contributions.

Kathmandu, October 7, 2010 – Today the goddess Kali demonstrated a group of fifty devotees how to sacrifice in a Symbolic Puja at Dakchhinkali Temple. “I do not need animal blood. I am happy with fruits and vegetables so please offer me vegetarian sacrifices,” the blue-tongued goddess said before slashing a pumpkin into half.

The devotees, a gathering of social and animal rights campaigners, followed the fierce looking goddess Kali (played by actor Durga from Shilpee Theater) in sacrificing pumpkins and coconuts, in a ritual that according to the campaigners has a firm basis in the country’s ancient traditions.

The puja was organized by AWNN as part of a novel campaign against animal sacrifices that take place during Dasain festival.

Earlier this year AWNN launched a 5-year campaign against animal sacrifice and cruel sports. The homegrown movement was born during Gadhimai festival which saw the killing of some 200,000 animals in the span of 24 hours in November 2009. The campaign is supported by a growing number of spiritual and society leaders, including the well known comedian duo MAHA.

The network is requesting the President, Prime Minister, army and police to cancel state funded animal sacrifices during Dasain. “Nepal is the world’s key implementers of animal sacrifice, a practice that promotes superstition and violence, drains the poor and prevents Nepal from becoming a truly advanced country. Decapitating a bleating buffalo or goat should not be the symbol of the Nepali civilization,” AWNN urges.

AWNN also argues that a vegetarian diet improves people’s health and helps to save the planet. It is believed that 90% of random meat samples in Kathmandu are contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella. As a result, the majority of typhoid cases in city dwellers are caused by infected meat.

Kathmandu, August 25, 2010 – The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) has requested the organizing committee and VDC of Khokana to develop an alternative for the cruel ritual involving the tearing apart of a baby goat in a pond. Khokana festival will be celebrated tomorrow on August 26.

During the festival a 4-6 months old she-goat is thrown into a pond where nine young men, one from each ward, attack it and bite it to death. The one who ultimately kills the goat is named the ‘hero’ and leads a dance procession. Khokana VDC sponsors the festival by contributing around NRs 100,000.

Seven animal welfare organizations coordinated by AWNN have send letters to the organizing committee and Village Development Committee requesting them to introduce alternatives. “The festival will have so much more appeal when no animal cruelty takes place. Khokana can actually taking a leading role in introducing non-violent rituals which will appeal to everyone, including children and tourists,” says Mahesh Sharma, Campaign Coordinator at AWNN.

According to AWNN the ritual started when people accidentally drowned in the pond. At first fruits and vegetables were offered and when this was not effective, a baby goat was drown. “Only since a few years the ritual has turned into a ‘blood sport’, in which youth are encouraged to bite a live animal to death,” says Sharma.

AWNN argues that the present Khokana festival is not part of Nepal’s heritage, religion or culture. Sharma: “Rituals that involve extreme cruelty generally have been introduced to attract more visitors and business. These are controversial developments as many community members are in fact against them. Community events and pujas should be a harmonizing, enjoyable experience for all members, including children. Introducing alternative, non-violent forms of sacrifice rituals will re-establish festivals as meaningful, fun and positive experiences.”

AWNN earlier this year launched a 5-year campaign against blood sacrifices and cruel sports. According to the campaigners animal sacrifices harm society as a whole as it signals and normalizes insensitivity in children who can become numb to the suffering of living beings, and it is also known to influence certain people to commit violence on other humans. “Now that the armed conflict has ended Nepal needs peaceful practices that educate the next generation for a harmonious society,” AWNN says.

For more information about the campaign go to www.stopanimalsacrifice.org

Kathmandu – August 22, 2010 – A group of 25 lawyers and animal welfare campaigner today held a demonstration against the random release of monkeys once destined for US labs. The demonstrators handed over a survey report of the release sites and a list of questions to a representative of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

Demonstrators carrying monkey masks and play cards chanted slogans like ‘Stop wildlife dumping’, ‘Monitor and manage released monkeys’ and ‘Respect international laws and regulations’. The rally was organized by Roots and Shoots Nepal, Student Law Society and Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN).

According to lawyer Sudeep Pokharel, Nepal, by randomly releasing captive monkeys at Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park has violated various internations regulations. Pokharel says he is disturbed by the fact that the government's actions result in the death and ill health of monkeys that were saved from a life of misery in US labs. “We want the government to develop a framework for the scientific and humane rehabilitation of wildlife, including monkeys,” Pokharel argues. The Student Law Society has filed a writ against the ad hoc release of the lab simians.

The demonstrators handed over the survey report ‘Death in the Forest’ and a list of questions to a spokesman of the Department. The report, published by AWNN, concludes that the random release of over 200 captive monkeys in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park has not only led to the death of at least 40 simians but has also greatly increased human-monkey conflict. The network urges the government to take immediate action.

According to Santosh Khatiwada from Roots and Shoots Nepal, the public has the right to know how many monkeys have been released when. “We demand answers to our questions, like why the government did not inform anyone about the releases, if any monitoring is taking place, the cause of death of around 40 monkeys, the health status of the surviving monkeys and how the problems faced by locals will be mitigated,” says Khatiwada.

The demonstration was held at a time when members of the Pashupatinath Area Development Trust claim that 100-150 monkeys have been released in Bhandarkhal forest near Gaushala. The monkeys are in bad health and create havoc in the community.

“The authorities are entirely to blame for the situation and the fate of the surviving monkeys lies in the hands of the authorities,” says Mahesh Sharma, campaign coordinator at AWNN.

The demonstrators worry that if no action is taken, crop raiding monkeys will be killed by locals. “The government opted against scientific release despite countless warnings from animal experts. The government must get its act together to prevent more monkey deaths and increased human-monkey conflict,” argues Sharma.

Kathmandu, August 2, 2010 - AWNN presently conducts a survey of the Central Zoo in Nepal. The outcomes have shocked the researchers. "We knew the zoo had problems but we did not expect the outcomes to be this bad," says Mahesh Sharma.

The inner city Central Zoo was build as a private zoo by late Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher in 1932. Some of the enclosures date back to this time. "The bear enclosures have been out of date since at least a century. They are completely stressed out by their living conditions and overwhelming number of visitors. The authorities must take immediate action to save the bears," says Sharma.

According to the researchers other species such as rhesus monkeys, small mammals such as wild cat, jackal and clouded leopard and different bird species are extremely stressed and show abnormal behaviour due to inhumane conditions.

AWNN uses check sheets developed by WSPA and ACRES. Many enclosures fail automatically because the enclosures are totally barren, prevent normal movement and/or consist of cement flooring only.

The zoo houses some 780 species including the critically endangers white-rumped vulture and Chinese alligator and six endangered species: Asian elephant, royal bengal tiger, one horned rhino, wild buffalo, gharial and yellow headed turtle.

In the absence of a wildlife rehabilitation center or orphanage, the zoo, despite severe space constraints, has been forced to accept rescued wildlife from across the country, including large mammals.

In 2009 the zoo witnessed an alarming death rate. 191 animals died, including Himalayan Black Bear and Sloth Bears. The zoo each year greets over 1 million visitors, the majority of them school children.

According to AWNN the only solution to the zoo's many problems is to create a new zoo outside the city. The present zoo can be transformed into an educational park with farm animals. The government announced the establishment of an 'international standard zoo' in 2008 but little progress has been made.

The Zoo Check is coordinated by researcher Mahesh Sharma and AWNN General Secretary Lucia de Vries. The final report will be presented this Fall. For more information email us at awnnepal@gmail.com

Kathmandu – June 30, 2010 – The random release of over 200 captive monkeys in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park has not only led to the death of at least 40 monkeys but has also greatly increased human-monkey conflict. That is the conclusion of a survey carried out by the Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN). The network in a report called ‘Death in the Forest’ urges the government to take immediate action.

AWNN in a recent survey has found that the random release of at least 210 captive rhesus

monkeys at Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park has led to great problems for both humans and monkeys.

People living in and around the park are deeply dissatisfied with the releases and claim that hardly any monitoring is taking place. According to reports the numbers of monkeys inside the park has increased with at least 300 percent. People face a high increase in crop raiding and aggression from monkeys. In some VDCs people are forced to guard their crops day and night.

The monkeys have little fear of humans and seem to suffer from hunger, thirst and distress. Some have unnatural food collection habits and do not have basic survival skills.

“The authorities are entirely to blame for the situation and the fate of the surviving lies in the hands of the Minister,” says Mahesh Sharma, campaign coordinator at AWNN.

The government opted against scientific release despite countless warnings from animal experts. Local communities were not informed or consulted. At least two monkeys have already been killed by angry people. Complaints and requests for compensation of the local communities are not taken serious. AWNN expects that more monkeys will be killed by humans if the government does not act.

AWNN urges the government to take immediate action to prevent more monkey deaths and increased human-monkey conflict. “These monkeys have suffered enough when they were in captivity. They need to be taught survival skills and generally prepared for a life in the wild.” says Sharma.

AWNN also urges the Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR) in Texas, USA (the original destination of the monkeys) to take up its responsibility. Sharma: “Until now SFBR has shown a total disregard for the lives of Nepalese primates. SFBR must offer help to ensure that the monkeys once destined for biomedical research are treated humanely and are rehabilitation according to international guidelines.”

The network urges government to publicise the cause of the monkey deaths, to recapture the surviving monkeys and provide treatment to sick individuals. AWNN also urges the government to implement a scientific rehabilitation programme in cooperation with animal welfare organisations and other stakeholders. The campaigners support claims for compensation made by local communities inside the park.

Kathmandu, May 27, 2010 - AWNN is deeply saddened by the fact that despite its protests, countless animals were sacrificed today on Buddha Jyanti

Today the Rana clan alone during its annual Kul Puja sacrificed some 1000 goats at its Thapathali temple.

The Rana clan was one of the groups that received a letter from AWNN, requesting its members not to kill animals on Buddha's birthday. In a press release the network requested temples and clans to avoid blood sacrifices, claiming that "alternative sacrifice rituals will be welcomed by Buddhists and Hindus who oppose animal sacrifice." Buddha's birthday is widely celebrated in Nepal, by Hindus and Buddhists alike.

A day before the festival, members of AWNN put up a banner at the main gate of the Rana temple, saying "Let's End Animal Sacrifice and Let's Promote Vegetarian Offering Instead".

Recalls campaign coordinator Mahesh Sharma: "Today when we entered the temple we were shocked to witness the killings of some 800-1000 goats. It is unbelievable to see so many innocent creatures being killed in the name of culture and worship. We returned home with a heavy heart."

Sharma was encouraged by the fact that every participant noticed the banner: "Those who sacrificed animals today at least know that there are many people within their own community who are against this tradition. I hope they will realize in time how inappropriate blood sacrifices are and that next time they will choose non violence offerings."

Kathmandu, May 25, 2010 – The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) requests temples and clans which sacrifice animals during on Buddha’s birthday to make vegetarian offerings instead. Buddha Jyanti this year will be celebrated on May 27.

According to AWNN animal sacrifices are common during Buddha Jyanti. Different clans on this day celebrate their annual ‘kul puja’ or community worship while in different temples the practice of animal sacrifice continues as usual. “Killing innocent beings on the day when Buddha’s birthday is being celebrated in Nepal makes the sacrifices even more controversial,” argues AWNN.

The seven animal welfare organizations coordinated by AWNN argue that on Buddha’s birthday alternative sacrifice rituals will be welcomed by Buddhists and Hindus who oppose animal sacrifice. “We trust priests and clan committees do not want to hurt the sentiments of their countrymen and fellow clan members,” AWNN says.

AWNN earlier this year launched a 5-year campaign against blood sacrifices and cruel sports. The network already requested the army and police to abolish state-funded animal sacrifices.

AWNN targets various clan sacrifices, which according to campaign coordinator Mahesh Sharma ‘have become controversial at this modern time and age as many clan members are in fact against blood sacrifices’. Sharma argues that clan pujas should be a harmonizing, enjoyable experience for all members, including children. “Abolishing animal sacrifices and introducing alternative sacrifice rituals using fruits and vegetables will re-establish kul pujas as important, fun and positive experiences.”

Executive members of Thought for Superb Living organised programmes in Arghakhanchi district to convince people not to sacrifice animals on Buddha's birthday. The management of Kota temple, where generally countless animals are beheaded, agreed to sacrifice vegetables and fruits instead of animals.

For more information go to www.stopanimalsacrifice.org

Kathmandu – May 12, 2010 - The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) is shocked by news reports about the deaths of recently released monkeys in Shivapuri National Park. According to the campaigners the deaths are the outcome of random releases by the government. The authorities opted against scientific release despite countless warnings from animal experts. “The government is entirely to blame and the fate of the surviving primates lies in the hands of the Minister,” says AWNN.

Seven animal welfare organizations coordinated by AWNN argue that the government ignored expert advice to release the monkeys according to international guidelines. “After the widely applauded ban on monkey export, Nepal had a wonderful opportunity to promote itself as a responsible conservationist. Instead it compromised the lives of these sacred creatures by releasing them in a random and careless manner,” says Pramada Shah, President of AWNN.

According to AWNN, experts and campaigners till today are denied access to the captive monkeys and information about them.

The campaigners argue that the government is entirely responsible for the deaths of the released monkeys. “Rehabilitation is a sensitive process in which the monkeys are tested, trained, monitored and carefully prepared for a life in the wild. An ecological impact assessment has to be made of the release sites and local communities have to be included in the process,” explains Manoj Gautam, executive member of AWNN.

AWNN lobbied for the scientific rehabilitation of the captive monkeys ever since the export of simians to US labs was halted in 2009. “We also agreed with the Ministry to be involved in the management of a rehabilitation programme and to bring in the needed technical assistance and funds,” says Gautam.

In October 2009 a letter of intent to rehabilitate the monkeys was submitted to the Ministry of Forestry and Soil Conservation and Department of Wildlife. Since in Nepal expertise in captive monkey rehabilitation is limited, AWNN requested AAP Foundation Holland to provide the much needed technical assistance.

The AAP team however was denied access to the breeding center. “Until today, despite many attempts, animal welfare experts and campaigners have not been able to visit the Lele monkeys nor get the required information,” concludes Gautam.

By releasing the seed monkeys in a random, unscientific manner, the success of a rehabilitation programme is being compromised. In order to prepare captive monkeys for a life in the jungle, the wild caught monkeys are essential to teach survival skills to the offspring. “Forming family groups is a requirement for successful rehabilitation. By releasing the ‘parent monkeys’ the government took an unacceptable risk with disastrous outcomes,” says Gautam.

According to AWNN Nepal might still have a chance to save the remaining captive monkeys. Gautam: “The Minister must immediately facilitate access for experts to visit the breeding center. If enough parent monkeys are left, then scientific rehabilitation is still possible. The sick monkeys in Shivapuri must be treated, local communities must be included and a proper release plan must be developed. The lives of the remaining captive monkeys are in the hands of the Minister.”

Kathmandu - April 19, 2010 - AWNN in an open letter to Inspector General of Police, Mr Ramesh Chand Thakuri, has appealed to drop charges against cops who refuse to participate in animal sacrifice rituals. The Nepal Police has summoned 80 cops who did not show up for the force's annual sacrifices during Chaite Dasain festival.

The Animal Welfare Network Nepal (AWNN) appeals to the Nepal Police to honor the sentiments of its officers and a growing number of citizens by replacing blood sacrifices with rituals that are fitting to an inclusive, peaceful society.

In its open letter the network of seven animal welfare organisations requests the IGP "to drop the charges against the 80 cops who rightfully state that taking part in sacrifice rituals is not part of their job description and in fact violates their basic human rights."

The campaigners note that even though Nepal has become a secular, inclusive country, outdated rituals continue to be conducted and subsidized by the State. "Such rituals leave no place for officers who who are against blood sacrifices," argues AWNN.

According to the campaigners, 'decapitating a bleating buffalo or goat should not be the symbol of Nepali civilisation'. "Drawing the blood of innocent animals in fact contradict the mandate of the police which includes promoting peace and protecting the lives and wellbeing of the country’s citizens," the campaigners argue.

Kathmandu - February 10, 2010 - The Animal Welfare Network Nepal calls for better protection of animals under the new constitution and laws of Nepal. The network of animal welfare organizations today organized a workshop with Constituent Assembly members called “Animals and the Law”. All 601 members received an information kit about the subject.

According to the network different due to the weak legal status of animals, various forms of animal cruelty are practiced inside Nepal. “The existing laws lack enforcement due to different loopholes and a lack of commitment. In fact, Nepal remains one of the few countries in the world without an animal welfare act,” said Pramada Shah, President of the network.

Animal rights campaigners in Nepal aim to make animal protection a part of constitution. According to the network governments across the world increasingly ensure the rights of animals in their laws, with the European Union leading the Western countries. “Once animals are given protection in the constitution then the rights of animals will be ensured in different laws,” said campaigners Dr Govinda Tandon, Malika Nepal and Manoj Gautam.

The Gadhimai campaign against the cruel and inhumane killing of hundreds and thousands of animals in the name of religion is gaining momentum.

Local and international media continue to give attention to the 'world's largest animal sacrifice'. Animal welfare groups from all over the world have joined the protest.

With the handing over of a petition and 3200 signatures to different Nepalese leaders and the organising of peaceful demonstrations in Bara and Kathmandu the Nepal leadership and public is become aware of the cruelty and health risks involved in the festival.

The Animal Welfare Network Nepal and Anti-Sacrifice Alliance have launched a Gadimai campaign website which will be updated regularly. Go to http://www.gadimai.blogspot.com/

Competition winners feted

Goddess leads devotees in vegetarian sacrifice

Campaigners oppose animal cruelty at Khokana festival

Demonstrators demand truth about released monkeys

AWNN conducts Zoo Check in Central Zoo, Kathmandu

Report: “Random monkey release causes conflict and death”

AWNN saddened by mass sacrifice on Buddha's birthday

No animal sacrifice on Buddha's birthday please!

AWNN: Fate monkeys lies in Minister's hands

AWNN appeals to Nepal police: drop charges against cops

'Include animals in constitution,' says AWNN

Gadimai campaign gains momentum