ANIMAL PROTESTERS' BULLETIN
ANIMAL PROTESTERS' BULLETIN
Tel: 0171 223 3829 20th FEBRUARY 1996
Fax: 0171 350 1942 ISSUE No. 42
for compassionate people committed to banning live exports and
eliminating animal cruelty
INFORMATION
ANIMAL AID The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1AW
Tel 01732 364546 Fax 01732 366533
BRIGHTLINGSEA (BALE) Tel 01206 304726
COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING (CIWF)
5A Charles St, Petersfield, Hants GU32 3EH Tel 01730 264208 / 268863
Fax 01730 260791 COVENTRY Tel 01564 776984
Gilder Demonstrations Tel 01926 313152
CRUELTY-FREE FOOD Tel 01892 852733 Fax 01892 853583
DOVER Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) PO Box 177, Deal, Kent
CT14 8GB Tel 01304 374064 /0589 449970
Shipments Tel 01304 363071
DOVER SEA SABS PO Box 5, Dover, Kent CT15 4GD Tel 01304 830873
EAST KENT ANIMAL WELFARE (EKAW)
Tel 01304 363071 / Fax 01304 362698
MARKETWATCH National Tel 01732 364546
Bury St Edmunds Tel 01473 210429
PLYMOUTH Tel 01752 812884
The PROTESTERS LTD The Lodge, Broadhurst Manor, Horsted Keynes, West
Sussex RH17 7BG Tel 01342 811377
RESPECT FOR ANIMALS
PO Box 500 Nottingham NG1 3AS Fax 0115 979 9159
SCOTLAND Animal Concern Tel 0115 952 5440
Tel 0141 334 6014
SHOREHAM (SALE) Tel 01403 782027
VIVA! PO Box 212, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 4SD Tel 01270 522500
WALES (FAUNA) PO Box 156, Cardiff CF5 5YD Tel 01222 569914
YORK (Albert Hall Farm Demonstrations)
Tel 01423 563148 / 01472 851637 / 01652 628215
PROTESTERS UNDETERRED BY SHIPMENT CANCELLATION
Dover, 17 Feb. Three hundred protesters started arriving in Dover in
the early hours of the morning from as far afield as Plymouth, stopping
briefly at lairages before assembling at the docks. At 9.45am they moved
to Jonathan Stirling's veterinary surgery where a noisy protest took place
for a couple of hours. Approximately 150 police were drafted in. Among
several arrests for obstruction was a 73-year-old lady, mistaken for a
protester, who was simply shopping. Timothy Skinner, owner of
Shepherdswell, was spotted inside the practice and was unable to resist
smirking at protesters through a window. His appearance coincided with the
arrival of the Shoreham coach which boosted the crowd to over 350. For
three hours there was chaos, with traffic diverted.
Protesters then moved on to Shepherdswell lairage where initially
only a few policemen were about. Suddenly 10 van loads of police turned up
to clear the lane, by which time most protesters had left for Lydden
lairage about two miles away. The sight that greeted them at Lydden, owned
by Mr T. Head, was truly appalling. The place could only be described as a
hell-hole. There was a makeshift pen of six sheep and lambs with open
ulcers, eye infections and damaged ears. When the police arrived, the
senior officers reported the matter to the RSPCA who undertook an
investigation. Protesters visiting Lydden lairage in future should watch
their vehicles as Mr Head's loyal neighbours threw rocks and engaged in
threatening behaviour. They were questioned by the police.
Meanwhile in Dover, some visiting protesters entered Eastern docks
and drove around sending out vocal messages until they were stopped by a
police vehicle. Everyone agreed that the day was a great success and we
look forward to seeing those of you who can't make it to Paris next
Saturday! (F.P-I & T.L.)
YOU CARE? BE THERE!
BSE - The French Connection
Paris, 24 February. Now is your chance to join RESPECT to warn French
farmers, public and the international media about BSE the day before the
Paris Agriculture Show begins. Paris Sheep Massacre
Montreuil, 2 March. The French authorities continue to sanction and
protect the brutal Moslem sheep massacre as there is little action by the
French organisations. British sheep go clandestinely to the knife of an
untrained public in many sites across France. The bleating of two tiny
lambs, born at the Montreuil site just hours before the butchery began
last May, still ring in my ears. Hidden, they and their distressed mothers
were barricaded behind a filthy shed, and foraging in an old plastic sack,
there being no food or water. Courageous trained RSPCA undercover agents,
who joined me in photographing evidence, confirmed that ear-tags
identified these sheep as British. Earlier we had witnessed old sheep
arriving dead in Dieppe, en route to a false destination for this joyful
family celebration of Aïd el Kébir, which this year will take place around
28 April.
Have you the determination to stand against this cruelty? Travel
information from National Express Euroline, £44 return, tel 0990 808080
and Eurostar, £69 return, tel. 0181 784 1333. (D. France)
MAFF EMERGENCY NUMBER
0171 270 8080 (24hrs). If you spot a sick or injured farm animal ring
this number. A local vet in your district will be sent out. Although the
ground at this time of year is muddy, most of the animals are being well
fed. However, sheep with foot rot and lambs should not be standing in mud.
Please check the animal before you ring - don't waste the vet's time.
STIRLING REINSTATED
From Carla Lane: From Tuesday to Friday last week, Dover vets refused
to carry out livestock checks. Ministry vets stepped in and thoroughly
checked all the animals which caused severe delays to all sailings.
On Monday 19 Feb, Jonathan Stirling was reinstated by the Ministry
who stated that he could not be suspended on the premise of allegations in
a TV programme.
The Ministry says it is undertaking enquiries into the allegations
made but the Government will not come to a final decision on what action
to take until the full facts are available and have been thoroughly
assessed. They have given an assurance that firm action will be taken
against anyone who fails to observe animal health and welfare export
regulations and procedures.
GORY OTLEY
Former Brightlingsea exporter Richard Otley is now living in Gore,
South Island, New Zealand and is trading as Transglobal Livestock. He is
also operating a company from the UK called Transdock European Ltd which
transports sheep to the Continent. It is believed that he is planning to
airlift bobby calves to Europe from New Zealand. (U.B.)
APB ON WEB
APB is now available on the World Wide Web. The WWW version is
updated by Steve Wilson and the service is provided free of charge by the
Fellowship Of Isis. To access the site the full address is
HTTP://WWW.Cerbernet.co/uk/isis/live.htm, although most navigation
software only needs the address from 'Cerbernet' to 'live'. For more
information on the host organisation, simply ignore the '/live' onwards.
(S.W.)
DIARY
TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS: BRIGHTLINGSEA
Layer de la Haye lairage protests.
WEDNESDAYS: DOVER lairage protests.
THURSDAYS: SHOREHAM SALE meeting at Premier Social Club, Shoreham
airport, 7pm.
FEBRUARY
19- DOVER. SEA SABS CHAIN GANG
23 HEARING. Magistrates' Court.
23 DOVER. GREEN PARTY DEMO. Mass Demo at Docks, 12.30pm.
A-R panel discussion (panellists include Tony Banks, MP, and Peter
Stevenson, CIWF) 2.30-3.30pm.
A-R Workshop 4.30-5.30pm.
Tel. 01843 863943 for info.
24 PARIS. MARCH. Tel. 01564 776984 for general info.
24 DOVER. DEMO. From 8am for those who can't go to Paris.
26 HORSHAM MAGISTRATES' COURT. Sentencing of WILLIAM GREENWELL 9am.
28 DOVER. KAALE meeting, 6.30pm Community Centre
MARCH
2 PARIS. PROTEST AGAINST MOSLEM SHEEP MASSACRE, 2pm.
7 BRIGHTON. LECTURE 'The Challenge of Animal Rights - theology as if
animals mattered', Revd Professor Andrew Linzey. Sallis Benney Theatre,
University of Brighton, Grand Parade Site, opp. Royal Pavilion.
12- BIRMINGHAM. MEAT & LIVESTOCK
13 COMMISSION MEETING PROTEST. Tel. 0121 643 2445 for info.
18 STRENSALL, York (Albert Hall Farms) PROTEST. 12 noon onwards. Tel.
01255 860962 & 01206 826615
26 CAMBRIDGE A-R MEETING, 8pm at Friends Mtg House, Jesus Lane.
Speaker: Rev. James Thompson. Tel. 01223 311828.
APRIL
2 IPSWICH COUNTY COURT DEMO. Georgina Kennedy v. Graham Baalham.
Arcade Street, from 10am.
4 DOVER. EASTER DEMO.
19 DOVER. MASS DEMO TO MARK A YEAR OF SHIPMENTS.
20 BRIGHTON. WORLD DAY FOR LABORATORY ANIMALS MARCH/RALLY. Tel. 01273
691628
MAY
1 LONDON. CIWF MASS LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT. Status of Animals in Treaty
of Rome / Ban Live Exports. Contact CIWF for details.
4 DOVER. 12 MONTHS AGAINST LIVE EXPORTS. Silent march and rally.
18-19LONDON TO DOVER. THE GREAT MARCH AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY.
JULY
1 STONELEIGH, Warks. ROYAL SHOW
ATTENTION LONDONERS: DOVER, 23 FEBRUARY. Coach will pick up at
Victoria. Tel. 01923 449610.
PARIS, 24 FEBRUARY.
FROM DOVER: meet at Dover 2.30am prompt outside ARRIVALS. Ferry 3am
to Paris (British time). Arrive Paris 10am French time. Leave Paris 19.30
French time. Tickets £11.00. Tel. 01304 373888 / 363071.
FROM BIRMINGHAM: £20, depart approximately 11pm. Tel. 01564 776984.
* CARLA's COLUMN *
Praise for Police. We are, one by one, pushing down the barriers that
stand between us and the trade. We spoke to the police just four weeks ago
and in their fair and honourable reply dated 15 Feb they say:
'Thank you for your letter of 31st January and the additional
information that you provided concerning the well-being of animals in
transit. I found our recent meeting of value. It was useful to me to
receive some feedback and an indication of the perceptions of members of
the public protesting against live exportation.
'Following our discussions, officers policing the ports and the
lairages in Kent have been reminded of the legislation and of their powers
and their responsibilities concerning the well-being of animals. Clearly
they are unable to take on the role of experts when it comes to the health
and fitness of individual animals; however, they are competent to
intervene when acts of cruelty or mistreatment of animals are witnessed.
Officers have now been briefed so that should they see such activity or
have it pointed out to them, appropriate action to stop and prevent
mistreatment of animals must be taken.
'I hope that this serves to reassure you. The police are endeavouring
to remain impartial in the situation confronting us in Kent. However, it
must be accepted that our resources are limited and that we have to
prioritise the action we take, just as we do in relation to Public Order
Acts and other associated offences. Discretion on how to deal with
individual incidents has to be exercised: that means in order to deal with
any situation, the range of options for the police officers stretches from
a verbal warning through to arrest and to prosecution, depending on the
circumstances and the seriousness of each individual breach.
'Finally, I trust that the efforts of the police to act impartially,
but to respond sensitively to the concerns of the protesters, will go some
way to alleviate any ill feelings that the protesters may have towards the
officers.'
BONN BEEF
From David France: An angry British Government is urging the European
Commission to take action against Germany for being in breach of EU law,
as three states refuse suspect British beef. Bonn warns that these states
may be followed by more, scared of the BSE risk from the UK. British
officials claim that there is no justification for the Germans to take any
action against British products. But Germany and others are right, when
the British Government blatantly fails to enforce animal welfare and anti
BSE regulations and allows a bad system of veterinary inspection to
continue unabated.
ASSAULT & BATTERY HEARING
Georgina Kennedy's case against Graham Baalham will be heard in
Ipswich County Court on 2 April. Graham Baalham, a well-built 41 year old,
of A.G. Baalham & Co (Haulage) is being sued for loss and damage arising
from assault and battery.
He punched Georgina in the face at Bury Market on 5 July 1995 as she
filmed his handling of the pigs. The assault was captured on video and he
received a police caution for assault. Injuries included a half-inch
laceration to Georgina's mouth, extensive bruising to her face and tissue
damage. A facial scar remains some seven months later and medical
attention is still required.
DOVER from Trevor Love
13 Feb. MAFF vets were called in after the LVI's failed to turn up.
Checking the animals took all day, so the sailing was delayed until 6pm
when a small number of protesters witnessed 11 transporters enter the
docks. The Sea Road sailed in a Force 8 gale. 14 Feb. Once again the vets
didn't show, so MAFF vets were called in. 12 transporters went through.
At the KAALE meeting, it was decided that protests will be held the
week leading up to 20 April to mark 12 months since the resumption of live
exports from Dover. A mass demo will be held in Dover on 19 April as the
actual day, 20 April, clashes with World Laboratory Animals Day in
Brighton. Other protests are planned for the week, including a day trip to
Boulogne to await the arrival of the Sea Road, a demo at a market and at
lairages. The march and rally organised by EKAW will be on 4 May at
Pencester Gardens. After the meeting, protesters went to Capel, Petham and
Shepherdswell lairages.
15 Feb. Another late sailing with 22 transporters.
16 Feb. MAFF vets again took a long time checking every animal and
all ear tags. 7 transporters went through. A night-long watch took place
at the docks but nothing untoward seen. Harbour Board Police brought a
tray of coffee out to protesters.
SHOREHAM from Philip Ruewell
Guildford market, 13 Feb. On arrival at 8am there was a solitary
Andrews & Co triple-decker transporter with sheep from Cumbria which had
probably arrived during the previous night. There was no absorbent litter
on the floor of this vehicle, contrary to the 1994 Transport Regulations.
A confronta- tion followed with the two lorry drivers. By 10.30am there
were several hundred cull ewes, probably for halal slaughter, plus just
under a hundred adult cattle and only 20-30 calves. Two LVIs diligently
carried out inspections throughout the day. Only one heifer was found
unfit for market contrary to the 1990 Market Regulations. It was in poor
condition and had injuries to its rear flank. Guildford market is an
old-fashioned market with no fixed ramps with side protection and I
suspect that the heifer fell off the lorry ramp when it was unloaded. It
was going to be put down that afternoon.
Calais, 14 Feb. Four protesters visited Calais and distributed 1000
leaflets to every shop, bar and residential building in the town centre.
We were well received.
COVENTRY from Ursula Bates
Barrett-Jolley is really 'down on his uppers' - he has been granted
legal aid for his trial at Warwick Crown Court where he will stand accused
of assault on one of our protesters. We'll let you know the date when we
hear.
WANTED. The video showing the driver of Gilder wagon, G519 BAJ, at
Petham lairage on 14 Feb kicking a young calf and using a stick on others.
Please telephone 01564 776984 if you can help with this or other evidence
of cruelty by Gilder drivers.
PRAY IT'S TRUE
Brandsby, 18 Feb. As people flocked to church Richard Machin was busy
loading sheep onto lorries which left while the service was in progress. A
regular church goer himself, Machin has recently been ensuring his
transporters are up to welfare standards. He told a local lady that 'the
trade is slowing down and is nearly finished.'(A.H.)
ASININE FIESTA
From David France: LAF-DAM have for several years been campaigning
with other European delegations to reduce animal cruelty in Spain,
especially bull fighting. This week I will be heading for the small
village of Villanueva de la Vera, in the region of Cacéres, Estramadura.
Each year the villagers celebrate the lynching of a man who raped a
village maid in the XIV century and tried to escape on an ass. Since that
time, following three days of drunken celebration by the good Catholic
population, a terrified ass is dragged by a rope through the streets.
Every time the ass falls he is brutally beaten with a club and
fire-crackers burst between his legs to force him to continue, an agony
lasting more than 2 hours (1991). In previous years this poor creature has
been drowned in the village fountain. Last year, 1995, thanks to protests
from a growing foreign presence, the ass was not beaten, but was petrified
by the taunting crowd.
BRUISING LOSSES
Farmers Guardian, 16 Feb. Rough treatment of cattle between farms and
abattoirs is causing the industry substantial losses. At least £4.5
million worth of beef a year is being lost. Out of 15,518 carcases checked
in two surveys at a large commercial abattoir, over 1,000 were affected by
bruising and 273 damaged by stick marks. Animals from live auctions had
more bruising than those from dealers and farms. Bruising increased with
the distance animals were transported and the time they spent in lairage.
Farming Snippets
* Last week the Irish Agriculture Minister hinted that the EU
subsidies now form 50% of the total farming income for Irish farmers, so
they've got to stop knocking at the EU door for subsidies.
* Farmers in the remoter areas of Scotland have failed to win an
extra allowance for journey times for stock under the new EU Transport
Regulations. (J.L.)
DISCLAIMER. The views expressed in the Animal Protesters' Bulletin do
not necessarily reflect the views of the editors or publisher.
Responsibility cannot be taken for the accuracy of the statements made by
contributors or the verification of the material sent to the Animal
Protesters' Bulletin for publication.
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ANIMAL PROTESTERS' BULLETIN
Tel: 0171 223 3829 20th FEBRUARY 1996
Fax: 0171 350 1942 ISSUE No. 42
for compassionate people committed to banning live exports and
eliminating animal cruelty
INFORMATION
ANIMAL AID The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1AW
Tel 01732 364546 Fax 01732 366533
BRIGHTLINGSEA (BALE) Tel 01206 304726
COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING (CIWF)
5A Charles St, Petersfield, Hants GU32 3EH Tel 01730 264208 / 268863
Fax 01730 260791 COVENTRY Tel 01564 776984
Gilder Demonstrations Tel 01926 313152
CRUELTY-FREE FOOD Tel 01892 852733 Fax 01892 853583
DOVER Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) PO Box 177, Deal, Kent
CT14 8GB Tel 01304 374064 /0589 449970
Shipments Tel 01304 363071
DOVER SEA SABS PO Box 5, Dover, Kent CT15 4GD Tel 01304 830873
EAST KENT ANIMAL WELFARE (EKAW)
Tel 01304 363071 / Fax 01304 362698
MARKETWATCH National Tel 01732 364546
Bury St Edmunds Tel 01473 210429
PLYMOUTH Tel 01752 812884
The PROTESTERS LTD The Lodge, Broadhurst Manor, Horsted Keynes, West
Sussex RH17 7BG Tel 01342 811377
RESPECT FOR ANIMALS
PO Box 500 Nottingham NG1 3AS Fax 0115 979 9159
SCOTLAND Animal Concern Tel 0115 952 5440
Tel 0141 334 6014
SHOREHAM (SALE) Tel 01403 782027
VIVA! PO Box 212, Crewe, Cheshire CW1 4SD Tel 01270 522500
WALES (FAUNA) PO Box 156, Cardiff CF5 5YD Tel 01222 569914
YORK (Albert Hall Farm Demonstrations)
Tel 01423 563148 / 01472 851637 / 01652 628215
PROTESTERS UNDETERRED BY SHIPMENT CANCELLATION
Dover, 17 Feb. Three hundred protesters started arriving in Dover in
the early hours of the morning from as far afield as Plymouth, stopping
briefly at lairages before assembling at the docks. At 9.45am they moved
to Jonathan Stirling's veterinary surgery where a noisy protest took place
for a couple of hours. Approximately 150 police were drafted in. Among
several arrests for obstruction was a 73-year-old lady, mistaken for a
protester, who was simply shopping. Timothy Skinner, owner of
Shepherdswell, was spotted inside the practice and was unable to resist
smirking at protesters through a window. His appearance coincided with the
arrival of the Shoreham coach which boosted the crowd to over 350. For
three hours there was chaos, with traffic diverted.
Protesters then moved on to Shepherdswell lairage where initially
only a few policemen were about. Suddenly 10 van loads of police turned up
to clear the lane, by which time most protesters had left for Lydden
lairage about two miles away. The sight that greeted them at Lydden, owned
by Mr T. Head, was truly appalling. The place could only be described as a
hell-hole. There was a makeshift pen of six sheep and lambs with open
ulcers, eye infections and damaged ears. When the police arrived, the
senior officers reported the matter to the RSPCA who undertook an
investigation. Protesters visiting Lydden lairage in future should watch
their vehicles as Mr Head's loyal neighbours threw rocks and engaged in
threatening behaviour. They were questioned by the police.
Meanwhile in Dover, some visiting protesters entered Eastern docks
and drove around sending out vocal messages until they were stopped by a
police vehicle. Everyone agreed that the day was a great success and we
look forward to seeing those of you who can't make it to Paris next
Saturday! (F.P-I & T.L.)
YOU CARE? BE THERE!
BSE - The French Connection
Paris, 24 February. Now is your chance to join RESPECT to warn French
farmers, public and the international media about BSE the day before the
Paris Agriculture Show begins. Paris Sheep Massacre
Montreuil, 2 March. The French authorities continue to sanction and
protect the brutal Moslem sheep massacre as there is little action by the
French organisations. British sheep go clandestinely to the knife of an
untrained public in many sites across France. The bleating of two tiny
lambs, born at the Montreuil site just hours before the butchery began
last May, still ring in my ears. Hidden, they and their distressed mothers
were barricaded behind a filthy shed, and foraging in an old plastic sack,
there being no food or water. Courageous trained RSPCA undercover agents,
who joined me in photographing evidence, confirmed that ear-tags
identified these sheep as British. Earlier we had witnessed old sheep
arriving dead in Dieppe, en route to a false destination for this joyful
family celebration of Aïd el Kébir, which this year will take place around
28 April.
Have you the determination to stand against this cruelty? Travel
information from National Express Euroline, £44 return, tel 0990 808080
and Eurostar, £69 return, tel. 0181 784 1333. (D. France)
MAFF EMERGENCY NUMBER
0171 270 8080 (24hrs). If you spot a sick or injured farm animal ring
this number. A local vet in your district will be sent out. Although the
ground at this time of year is muddy, most of the animals are being well
fed. However, sheep with foot rot and lambs should not be standing in mud.
Please check the animal before you ring - don't waste the vet's time.
STIRLING REINSTATED
From Carla Lane: From Tuesday to Friday last week, Dover vets refused
to carry out livestock checks. Ministry vets stepped in and thoroughly
checked all the animals which caused severe delays to all sailings.
On Monday 19 Feb, Jonathan Stirling was reinstated by the Ministry
who stated that he could not be suspended on the premise of allegations in
a TV programme.
The Ministry says it is undertaking enquiries into the allegations
made but the Government will not come to a final decision on what action
to take until the full facts are available and have been thoroughly
assessed. They have given an assurance that firm action will be taken
against anyone who fails to observe animal health and welfare export
regulations and procedures.
GORY OTLEY
Former Brightlingsea exporter Richard Otley is now living in Gore,
South Island, New Zealand and is trading as Transglobal Livestock. He is
also operating a company from the UK called Transdock European Ltd which
transports sheep to the Continent. It is believed that he is planning to
airlift bobby calves to Europe from New Zealand. (U.B.)
APB ON WEB
APB is now available on the World Wide Web. The WWW version is
updated by Steve Wilson and the service is provided free of charge by the
Fellowship Of Isis. To access the site the full address is
HTTP://WWW.Cerbernet.co/uk/isis/live.htm, although most navigation
software only needs the address from 'Cerbernet' to 'live'. For more
information on the host organisation, simply ignore the '/live' onwards.
(S.W.)
DIARY
TUESDAYS & SATURDAYS: BRIGHTLINGSEA
Layer de la Haye lairage protests.
WEDNESDAYS: DOVER lairage protests.
THURSDAYS: SHOREHAM SALE meeting at Premier Social Club, Shoreham
airport, 7pm.
FEBRUARY
19- DOVER. SEA SABS CHAIN GANG
23 HEARING. Magistrates' Court.
23 DOVER. GREEN PARTY DEMO. Mass Demo at Docks, 12.30pm.
A-R panel discussion (panellists include Tony Banks, MP, and Peter
Stevenson, CIWF) 2.30-3.30pm.
A-R Workshop 4.30-5.30pm.
Tel. 01843 863943 for info.
24 PARIS. MARCH. Tel. 01564 776984 for general info.
24 DOVER. DEMO. From 8am for those who can't go to Paris.
26 HORSHAM MAGISTRATES' COURT. Sentencing of WILLIAM GREENWELL 9am.
28 DOVER. KAALE meeting, 6.30pm Community Centre
MARCH
2 PARIS. PROTEST AGAINST MOSLEM SHEEP MASSACRE, 2pm.
7 BRIGHTON. LECTURE 'The Challenge of Animal Rights - theology as if
animals mattered', Revd Professor Andrew Linzey. Sallis Benney Theatre,
University of Brighton, Grand Parade Site, opp. Royal Pavilion.
12- BIRMINGHAM. MEAT & LIVESTOCK
13 COMMISSION MEETING PROTEST. Tel. 0121 643 2445 for info.
18 STRENSALL, York (Albert Hall Farms) PROTEST. 12 noon onwards. Tel.
01255 860962 & 01206 826615
26 CAMBRIDGE A-R MEETING, 8pm at Friends Mtg House, Jesus Lane.
Speaker: Rev. James Thompson. Tel. 01223 311828.
APRIL
2 IPSWICH COUNTY COURT DEMO. Georgina Kennedy v. Graham Baalham.
Arcade Street, from 10am.
4 DOVER. EASTER DEMO.
19 DOVER. MASS DEMO TO MARK A YEAR OF SHIPMENTS.
20 BRIGHTON. WORLD DAY FOR LABORATORY ANIMALS MARCH/RALLY. Tel. 01273
691628
MAY
1 LONDON. CIWF MASS LOBBY OF PARLIAMENT. Status of Animals in Treaty
of Rome / Ban Live Exports. Contact CIWF for details.
4 DOVER. 12 MONTHS AGAINST LIVE EXPORTS. Silent march and rally.
18-19LONDON TO DOVER. THE GREAT MARCH AGAINST ANIMAL CRUELTY.
JULY
1 STONELEIGH, Warks. ROYAL SHOW
ATTENTION LONDONERS: DOVER, 23 FEBRUARY. Coach will pick up at
Victoria. Tel. 01923 449610.
PARIS, 24 FEBRUARY.
FROM DOVER: meet at Dover 2.30am prompt outside ARRIVALS. Ferry 3am
to Paris (British time). Arrive Paris 10am French time. Leave Paris 19.30
French time. Tickets £11.00. Tel. 01304 373888 / 363071.
FROM BIRMINGHAM: £20, depart approximately 11pm. Tel. 01564 776984.
* CARLA's COLUMN *
Praise for Police. We are, one by one, pushing down the barriers that
stand between us and the trade. We spoke to the police just four weeks ago
and in their fair and honourable reply dated 15 Feb they say:
'Thank you for your letter of 31st January and the additional
information that you provided concerning the well-being of animals in
transit. I found our recent meeting of value. It was useful to me to
receive some feedback and an indication of the perceptions of members of
the public protesting against live exportation.
'Following our discussions, officers policing the ports and the
lairages in Kent have been reminded of the legislation and of their powers
and their responsibilities concerning the well-being of animals. Clearly
they are unable to take on the role of experts when it comes to the health
and fitness of individual animals; however, they are competent to
intervene when acts of cruelty or mistreatment of animals are witnessed.
Officers have now been briefed so that should they see such activity or
have it pointed out to them, appropriate action to stop and prevent
mistreatment of animals must be taken.
'I hope that this serves to reassure you. The police are endeavouring
to remain impartial in the situation confronting us in Kent. However, it
must be accepted that our resources are limited and that we have to
prioritise the action we take, just as we do in relation to Public Order
Acts and other associated offences. Discretion on how to deal with
individual incidents has to be exercised: that means in order to deal with
any situation, the range of options for the police officers stretches from
a verbal warning through to arrest and to prosecution, depending on the
circumstances and the seriousness of each individual breach.
'Finally, I trust that the efforts of the police to act impartially,
but to respond sensitively to the concerns of the protesters, will go some
way to alleviate any ill feelings that the protesters may have towards the
officers.'
BONN BEEF
From David France: An angry British Government is urging the European
Commission to take action against Germany for being in breach of EU law,
as three states refuse suspect British beef. Bonn warns that these states
may be followed by more, scared of the BSE risk from the UK. British
officials claim that there is no justification for the Germans to take any
action against British products. But Germany and others are right, when
the British Government blatantly fails to enforce animal welfare and anti
BSE regulations and allows a bad system of veterinary inspection to
continue unabated.
ASSAULT & BATTERY HEARING
Georgina Kennedy's case against Graham Baalham will be heard in
Ipswich County Court on 2 April. Graham Baalham, a well-built 41 year old,
of A.G. Baalham & Co (Haulage) is being sued for loss and damage arising
from assault and battery.
He punched Georgina in the face at Bury Market on 5 July 1995 as she
filmed his handling of the pigs. The assault was captured on video and he
received a police caution for assault. Injuries included a half-inch
laceration to Georgina's mouth, extensive bruising to her face and tissue
damage. A facial scar remains some seven months later and medical
attention is still required.
DOVER from Trevor Love
13 Feb. MAFF vets were called in after the LVI's failed to turn up.
Checking the animals took all day, so the sailing was delayed until 6pm
when a small number of protesters witnessed 11 transporters enter the
docks. The Sea Road sailed in a Force 8 gale. 14 Feb. Once again the vets
didn't show, so MAFF vets were called in. 12 transporters went through.
At the KAALE meeting, it was decided that protests will be held the
week leading up to 20 April to mark 12 months since the resumption of live
exports from Dover. A mass demo will be held in Dover on 19 April as the
actual day, 20 April, clashes with World Laboratory Animals Day in
Brighton. Other protests are planned for the week, including a day trip to
Boulogne to await the arrival of the Sea Road, a demo at a market and at
lairages. The march and rally organised by EKAW will be on 4 May at
Pencester Gardens. After the meeting, protesters went to Capel, Petham and
Shepherdswell lairages.
15 Feb. Another late sailing with 22 transporters.
16 Feb. MAFF vets again took a long time checking every animal and
all ear tags. 7 transporters went through. A night-long watch took place
at the docks but nothing untoward seen. Harbour Board Police brought a
tray of coffee out to protesters.
SHOREHAM from Philip Ruewell
Guildford market, 13 Feb. On arrival at 8am there was a solitary
Andrews & Co triple-decker transporter with sheep from Cumbria which had
probably arrived during the previous night. There was no absorbent litter
on the floor of this vehicle, contrary to the 1994 Transport Regulations.
A confronta- tion followed with the two lorry drivers. By 10.30am there
were several hundred cull ewes, probably for halal slaughter, plus just
under a hundred adult cattle and only 20-30 calves. Two LVIs diligently
carried out inspections throughout the day. Only one heifer was found
unfit for market contrary to the 1990 Market Regulations. It was in poor
condition and had injuries to its rear flank. Guildford market is an
old-fashioned market with no fixed ramps with side protection and I
suspect that the heifer fell off the lorry ramp when it was unloaded. It
was going to be put down that afternoon.
Calais, 14 Feb. Four protesters visited Calais and distributed 1000
leaflets to every shop, bar and residential building in the town centre.
We were well received.
COVENTRY from Ursula Bates
Barrett-Jolley is really 'down on his uppers' - he has been granted
legal aid for his trial at Warwick Crown Court where he will stand accused
of assault on one of our protesters. We'll let you know the date when we
hear.
WANTED. The video showing the driver of Gilder wagon, G519 BAJ, at
Petham lairage on 14 Feb kicking a young calf and using a stick on others.
Please telephone 01564 776984 if you can help with this or other evidence
of cruelty by Gilder drivers.
PRAY IT'S TRUE
Brandsby, 18 Feb. As people flocked to church Richard Machin was busy
loading sheep onto lorries which left while the service was in progress. A
regular church goer himself, Machin has recently been ensuring his
transporters are up to welfare standards. He told a local lady that 'the
trade is slowing down and is nearly finished.'(A.H.)
ASININE FIESTA
From David France: LAF-DAM have for several years been campaigning
with other European delegations to reduce animal cruelty in Spain,
especially bull fighting. This week I will be heading for the small
village of Villanueva de la Vera, in the region of Cacéres, Estramadura.
Each year the villagers celebrate the lynching of a man who raped a
village maid in the XIV century and tried to escape on an ass. Since that
time, following three days of drunken celebration by the good Catholic
population, a terrified ass is dragged by a rope through the streets.
Every time the ass falls he is brutally beaten with a club and
fire-crackers burst between his legs to force him to continue, an agony
lasting more than 2 hours (1991). In previous years this poor creature has
been drowned in the village fountain. Last year, 1995, thanks to protests
from a growing foreign presence, the ass was not beaten, but was petrified
by the taunting crowd.
BRUISING LOSSES
Farmers Guardian, 16 Feb. Rough treatment of cattle between farms and
abattoirs is causing the industry substantial losses. At least £4.5
million worth of beef a year is being lost. Out of 15,518 carcases checked
in two surveys at a large commercial abattoir, over 1,000 were affected by
bruising and 273 damaged by stick marks. Animals from live auctions had
more bruising than those from dealers and farms. Bruising increased with
the distance animals were transported and the time they spent in lairage.
Farming Snippets
* Last week the Irish Agriculture Minister hinted that the EU
subsidies now form 50% of the total farming income for Irish farmers, so
they've got to stop knocking at the EU door for subsidies.
* Farmers in the remoter areas of Scotland have failed to win an
extra allowance for journey times for stock under the new EU Transport
Regulations. (J.L.)
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