Latest news with #ElisaAllen
NDTV
30-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
PETA Demands Renaming World Milk Day To 'Bovine Mammary Secretion Day'
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has written a letter to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), demanding that the United Nations (UN) agency rename World Milk Day, celebrated on June 1, to 'World Bovine Mammary Secretion Day'. The animal rights group said it wanted the agency in charge of the "awareness day" to stop hiding what cow's milk really is and rebrand with a more 'transparent' title. "As World Milk Day aims, in part, to "spread the word about dairy," we'd like to propose a re-brand which would help you do just this by making clear what the white stuff from a cow really is: change the name of the awareness day to World Bovine Mammary Secretion Day," read the letter by PETA's Vice President of Programmed, Elisa Allen. "This rebrand reflects the fact that cows don't make milk because they're cows, but because they are mothers. What you call a "global food" is really a food intended for baby cows and bulls only." PETA argued that the production of milk led to cruelty against the calves, who were separated from their mothers "Cows' secretions aren't meant for humans any more than those of dogs or cockroaches are, but, thanks to human demand for their mothers' mammary secretions, calves are denied nutrients and the maternal bond forged when a mother feeds her infant." The non-profit group said the cows are "repeatedly milked" with as many as 60 per cent of them developing painful udder infection mastitis. "This infection, coupled with the fact that cows on factory farms often live coated with faeces, explains why a litre of milk can have up to 400,000,000 somatic (pus) cells." The group added that the dairy industry released massive amounts of greenhouse gases, which led to environmental degradation. This is not the first instance when PETA has come up with rather odd name ideas. Earlier this year, PETA argued that the definition of 'rat' should be changed in the Cambridge Dictionary. It claimed that the present entry perpetuated harmful stereotypes about the small, furry mammal. 'The derogatory association fuels false perceptions about rats and promotes speciesism – the human held belief that other animals are inferior.'
Daily Mail
29-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Now woke scientists want to rename World Milk Day 'Bovine Mammary Secretion Day'
This Sunday marks World Milk Day, designed to 'celebrate the power of dairy'. The awareness day, introduced by the United Nations in 2001, aims to highlight milk as a 'vital, accessible food source that nourishes billions'. But one group who won't be celebrating are PETA, who are calling for the name of the day to be changed. A more fitting title, they argue, is 'World Bovine Mammary Secretion Day'. In a letter, written to the Food and Agriculture Organization, they point out that cows secrete milk to feed their offspring in the same way as humans. However, calves in the dairy industry are removed from their mothers, often very shortly after birth, so that 'the milk meant to nourish them can be stolen and sold to humans'. 'This rebrand reflects the fact that cows don't make milk because they're cows, but because they are mothers,' writes PETA Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen. 'What you call a 'global food' is really a food intended for baby cows and bulls only.' PETA – which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals – also argue the dairy industry releases massive amounts of greenhouse gases. Their letter reads: 'As World Milk Day aims, in part, to 'spread the word about dairy', we'd like to propose a re-brand which would help you do just this by making clear what the white stuff from a cow really is: change the name of the awareness day to 'World Bovine Mammary Secretion Day'. 'Cows' secretions aren't meant for humans any more than those of dogs or cockroaches are, but, thanks to human demand for their mothers' mammary secretions, calves are denied nutrients and the maternal bond forged when a mother feeds her infant. 'Cows used by the dairy industry are forcibly inseminated repeatedly – often using what industry insiders have called a 'rape rack' – to ensure a steady supply of milk, which a cow produces only after she gives birth. 'But, often within hours or a day of birth, those babies are taken, causing both mother and child extreme distress. 'Males are usually sold for veal, while daughters follow in their mothers' sad footsteps.' They said that cows are repeatedly – usually mechanically- milked, and many develop painful udder infections as a result. 'Consumers deserve to make informed choices and to know what they're drinking,' Ms Allen added. The letter, from PETA Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen to the Food and Agriculture Organization, in full 'So far, dairy marketing has been as opaque as the product itself, but rebranding June 1 as 'World Bovine Mammary Secretion Day' can end this whitewashing, instead revealing that what most call 'milk' is really secretions extracted from exploited, unwell, and grieving mothers.' Earlier this year, PETA argued the definition of 'rat' should be changed in the Cambridge Dictionary. In a letter to its editor, the organisation said that when the term is used in reference to a human it depicts an 'unfair' representation of the small, furry mammal. It reads: 'We're writing on behalf of rats and those who care about them – as well as anyone who appreciates accuracy in language – to ask that you please update your entry for the informal noun "rat", currently defined as "an unpleasant person who deceives others or is not loyal". They have also previously called on posh decorating range Farrow & Ball to rename animal-themed paints such as 'Dead Salmon' to make them more 'vegan friendly'. Other paint names they want changed include 'Smoked Trout' and 'Potted Shrimp'. THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF FARMING COWS The livestock animals are notorious for creating large amounts of methane, which is a major contributor to global warming. Each of the farm animals produces the equivalent of three tonnes of carbon dioxide per year and the amount of the animals is increasing with the growing need to feed a booming population. Methane is one of the most potent greenhouse gases, trapping 30 times more heat than the same amount of carbon dioxide. Scientists are investigating how feeding them various diets can make cattle more climate-friendly. They believe feeding seaweed to dairy cows may help and are also using a herb-rich foodstuff called the Lindhof sample. Researchers found a cow's methane emissions were reduced by more than 30 per cent when they ate ocean algae. In research conducted by the University of California, in August, small amounts of it were mixed into the animals' feed and sweetened with molasses to disguise the salty taste. As a result, methane emissions dropped by almost a third. 'I was extremely surprised when I saw the results,' said Professor Ermias Kebreab, the animal scientist who led the study. 'I wasn't expecting it to be that dramatic with a small amount of seaweed.' The team now plans to conduct a further six-month study of a seaweed-infused diet in beef cattle, starting this month.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aquariums banned from allowing children to pet crabs and squid
Aquariums are to be banned from allowing children to pet crabs and squid. An overhaul of zoo and aquarium standards was announced on Saturday, with the aim of improving animal welfare. One major change is the prohibiting of vertebrates, cephalopods such as squid and octopus, and crabs from being kept in touch pools where they can be handled by visitors. Touch pools are built to mimic the natural rock pools found at the seaside and are home to a range of animal life. In nature these habitats are often filled with starfish, whelks, limpets and crabs and in aquariums. Those such as the one at the Sea Life London Aquarium are used to teach visitors, often children, about marine life. But rock pools in aquariums and zoos will no longer be able to host crabs or squid as a result of the new Government rules. The changes come after recent research has found that handling can be distressing to the animals, which are more intelligent than previously thought. The move has been applauded by animal-rights activists and there will be a two-year adjustment period before the changes need to be made. Elisa Allen, Peta's vice-president of programmes, told The Telegraph: 'Animals are not curiosities to be prodded, and prohibiting touch pools for decapod crustaceans and cephalopods – now recognised in UK law as sentient beings capable of feeling pain, stress, and distress – is both necessary and long overdue. 'These settings offer no escape from the relentless onslaught of human hands and fall far short of meeting the animals' complex physical and behavioural needs. 'Cephalopods, in particular, require ample space to explore, environmental enrichment, and the ability to hide – none of which are provided in the cramped, barren confines of a typical touch tank. It's past time we move away from treating other animals as mere playthings.' A Sea Life spokesperson said: 'The welfare of all creatures in our care is the number one priority at Sea Life. 'We welcome the updates to the standards for modern zoo practice, which will ensure that the UK continues to lead the way in the safety and welfare of animals in zoo-licensed premises. 'This is at the forefront of what we do at Sea Life. Whilst we await the full details, we have already begun preparing for the changes and will review further following publication.' The new welfare rules will also force zoos to make sure elephants have large outdoor space in which to roam, with the requirement for a herd of five or fewer elephants increasing sixfold from 3,000 square metres to 20,000 square metres. All zoos that contain the most dangerous animals, such as big cats, gorillas or elephants, will also have to have guns available to ensure public safety. Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) which represents over 130 zoos and aquariums said: 'The new standards are a significant step up in legal requirements and cement Britain's position as a global leader for zoos and aquariums.' Baroness Hayman, the animal welfare minister, said: 'We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept. 'Today's long-overdue reforms lay the foundation for an even stronger, even more compassionate future for all zoos and aquariums – and the animals they protect. This is the first step as part of our commitment to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation. 'We're making sure all sectors have the tools they need thrive, which is vital in our mission to deliver economic growth and make lives better for people across the country under our Plan for Change' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
24-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Aquariums banned from allowing children to pet crabs and squid
Aquariums are to be banned from allowing children to pet crabs and squid. An overhaul of zoo and aquarium standards was announced on Saturday, with the aim of improving animal welfare. One major change is the prohibiting of vertebrates, cephalopods such as squid and octopus, and crabs from being kept in touch pools where they can be handled by visitors. Touch pools are built to mimic the natural rock pools found at the seaside and are home to a range of animal life. In nature these habitats are often filled with starfish, whelks, limpets and crabs and in aquariums. Those such as the one at the Sea Life London Aquarium are used to teach visitors, often children, about marine life. But rock pools in aquariums and zoos will no longer be able to host crabs or squid as a result of the new Government rules. The changes come after recent research has found that handling can be distressing to the animals, which are more intelligent than previously thought. The move has been applauded by animal-rights activists and there will be a two-year adjustment period before the changes need to be made. 'Animals are not curiosities' Elisa Allen, Peta's vice-president of programmes, told The Telegraph: 'Animals are not curiosities to be prodded, and prohibiting touch pools for decapod crustaceans and cephalopods – now recognised in UK law as sentient beings capable of feeling pain, stress, and distress – is both necessary and long overdue. 'These settings offer no escape from the relentless onslaught of human hands and fall far short of meeting the animals' complex physical and behavioural needs. 'Cephalopods, in particular, require ample space to explore, environmental enrichment, and the ability to hide – none of which are provided in the cramped, barren confines of a typical touch tank. It's past time we move away from treating other animals as mere playthings.' A Sea Life spokesperson said: 'The welfare of all creatures in our care is the number one priority at Sea Life. 'We welcome the updates to the standards for modern zoo practice, which will ensure that the UK continues to lead the way in the safety and welfare of animals in zoo-licensed premises. 'This is at the forefront of what we do at Sea Life. Whilst we await the full details, we have already begun preparing for the changes and will review further following publication.' The new welfare rules will also force zoos to make sure elephants have large outdoor space in which to roam, with the requirement for a herd of five or fewer elephants increasing sixfold from 3,000 square metres to 20,000 square metres. Guns to ensure public safety All zoos that contain the most dangerous animals, such as big cats, gorillas or elephants, will also have to have guns available to ensure public safety. Dr Jo Judge, CEO of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) which represents over 130 zoos and aquariums said: 'The new standards are a significant step up in legal requirements and cement Britain's position as a global leader for zoos and aquariums.' Baroness Hayman, the animal welfare minister, said: 'We are a nation of animal lovers, and our best zoos and aquariums are truly world leaders in setting the standard for how wild animals should be kept. 'Today's long-overdue reforms lay the foundation for an even stronger, even more compassionate future for all zoos and aquariums – and the animals they protect. This is the first step as part of our commitment to deliver the most ambitious animal welfare reforms in a generation. 'We're making sure all sectors have the tools they need thrive, which is vital in our mission to deliver economic growth and make lives better for people across the country under our Plan for Change'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Binghamton Bearcats Softball prepares for AE Tournament; Sweep Conference Honors
VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – After being co-regular season champs last season and coming up short of the America East Championship, the Binghamton Bearcats Softball team dominated the competition this season, going 16-2 in the AE, and head into the tournament as the 1 seed. The team went 33-12 in the regular season and currently sits on a 7-game win streak. They are 9-1 at home, with their only loss at the Sports Complex being to out-of-conference Cornell. The team's conference losses came to the 2 seed, UMBC, in late March. They kick off their America East Tournament run on Thursday at 11 am, as they have a first-round bye, where they'll either face Bryant or UMass Lowell, which will be found out on Wednesday. 'I think that we knew right from the start of the fall that this was going to be a special team,' said Head Coach Jess Bump. 'They followed through and did everything that we were expecting them to do.' The tournament is hosted at the Bearcats Softball Complex. After the America East released the all-conference teams for 2025 on Tuesday afternoon, it was all headlined by Binghamton. Sophomore catcher and Groton native Elisa Allen was named Player of the Year in the conference. Junior Brianna Roberts got the nod for Pitcher of the Year. Rookie of the year was given to freshman Rachel Carey, and Head Coach Jess Bump repeated as Coach of the Year. The Bearcats are the first softball program in the America East ever to sweep all four major awards outright. In addition, Binghamton posted a conference-record seven first-team selections and nine overall picks. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
