Animal News

Two men have been indicted in California on charges of smuggling ivory from endangered African elephants into the United States. Samart Chokchoyma of Thailand is accused of selling the ivory on eBay to Moun Chau of Montclair, Calif. Prosecutors in Los Angeles said Tuesday that both men are charged with violating an international treaty that protects endangered species....

Born Free USA has extensive material on the wildlife trade, of which ivory smuggling is just a part.

2 men indicted in Calif. for ivory smuggling
Associated Press
The Washington Post

A leading rights group that works to protect the well-being of wild animals in Canada says that the mauling death of an Ontario man by his tiger is a wake-up call to governments at all levels to prevent people from owning exotic animals. Rob Laidlaw, the executive director of Zoo Check Canada, said the death of Norman Buwalda on Sunday was the result of Ontario's weak laws that make it too easy for people to keep wild animals as pets without any oversight. ... Barry Kent MacKay, the Canadian representative of Born Free USA, another animal rights group, said his organization has been warning communities for years to toughen laws. "We warned these communities to pass these bylaws, because people can have a plethora of animals," MacKay said. "Private owners don't see the danger, they think everything is fine."

Animal groups urge tougher laws after Ontario tiger owner killed
Mark Iype, Canwest News Service
National Post

After years of legal wrangling, a decision has been rendered in the Ringling Bros. Circus case. Unfortunately, Judge Emmet Sullivan dismissed the case on the grounds that the plaintiffs lacked legal "standing" to pursue their claims. Because he dismissed the case for a lack of jurisdiction, the Judge did not address any of the extensive evidence in the case which showed that the Asian elephants are kept on chains for hours on end and are hit with bull hooks to make them perform tricks in the circus.

Judge rules in favor of circus in lawsuit over treatment of Asian elephants
Del Quentin Wilber
Washington Post

A national animal rights group is blasting Idaho for its treatment of mink, calling the Gem State the third-worst in the nation for its treatment of animals farmed for their fur. According to a news release by the national wildlife advocacy organization Born Free USA, Idaho earned its place near the top of the list for its high number of unregulated mink farms.

Mink treatment draws group’s wrath
Sean Ellis
Idaho State Journal

All elephants living in Indian zoos and circuses will be moved to wildlife parks and game sanctuaries where the animals can graze more freely. The decision affects around 140 elephants in 26 zoos and 16 circuses in the country. The order followed complaints from animal rights activists about elephants that are kept in captivity and often chained for long hours.

The chaining of elephants is one of our charges against Ringling Bros. in our Federal trial for the circus's abuse of elephants.

India to move all zoo elephants to wildlife parks
Nirmala George
Associated Press

The city’s Animal Care Division seized 111 birds last month from an Aurora home last month, claiming that the animals were treated cruelly and forced to live in inhumane conditions. According to court documents, the officer found dirty cages with no water, bedding soiled with feces and several dead mice. The woman is facing several charges related to infractions to the city code, including cruelty to animals, the endangerment of the health and life of an animal, failure to remove feces and humane care charges related to the lack of potable water. The possible fines for the misdemeanor charges range from $15 to $1,000, plus one year in jail.

City seizes 111 birds from Aurora home
Brandon Johansson
The Aurora Sentinel, Aurora, CO

Leading animal advocacy and wildlife conservation organization Born Free USA and leading environmental publication, E Magazine, celebrate the glorious climax of fffashion, their fur free fashion design competition promoting the ethical and environmental benefits of foregoing fur fashions.

fffur Free and Fabulous!
Ava
Paw Talk

It’s not often that a primate from a research facility, a circus or a backyard zoo gets a second chance, but that’s exactly what happens at the Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary. Home to over 500 non-human primates, including vervets, baboons and macaques, the sanctuary strives to help these primates heal from their pasts.

Born Free USA Primate Sanctuary: A Place of Healing
Advocacy for Animals
Encyclopedia Brittanica