Latest news with #Fisheries
IOL News
6 hours ago
- Business
- IOL News
Organisation urges action against commercial lion exploitation ahead of World Lion Day
As South Africa gears up to commemorate World Lion Day on August 10, global animal welfare organisation Four Paws underscores the urgent need to put an end to the commercial exploitation of lions. The organisation has applauded Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment Dion George's commitment to phasing out the captive lion breeding industry, a move that could change the lives of thousands of big cats suffering behind bars. It is reported that currently, an estimated 8 000 lions are held captive in over 300 facilities across the country, making South Africa home to one of the world's largest commercial big cat industries. The use of lions for profit through practices such as cub petting and walking experiences grossly overshadows conservation efforts. Despite a promise made in 2021 to phase out the industry, implementation has been painfully slow, leaving many animals in distressing conditions. 'FOUR PAWS fully supports Minister George's commitment to shutting down the industry, but action cannot wait any longer,' stated Fiona Miles, Director of Four Paws South Africa. 'We are urgently awaiting the implementation plans of the Department and stand ready to support with our global expertise in sanctuaries, animal welfare, and the long-term care of rescued big cats.' The organisation also reveals that the horrors of this industry were recently spotlighted by several animal cruelty convictions revealing the disturbing realities faced by these captive lions. Miles added, 'South Africa has a responsibility to lead with integrity. Allowing commercial exploitation while claiming conservation sends a dangerous, contradictory message to the world.' To catalyse meaningful change, the organisation urges the South African government to take decisive action, which includes: Ban all commercial trade: End commercial breeding, keeping, and trade of big cats and their parts, with a complete phase-out of captive facilities by 2030. Prohibit private keeping: Implement strict rules against the private keeping of big cats and their use in circuses. Strengthen regulations: Establish a centralised database to monitor all captive big cats and their facilities. Close loopholes: Harmonise provincial regulations to eliminate inconsistencies that allow illegal trade to prosper. Global cooperation: Lead international discussions implementing CITES decisions for big cat protection. 'This cannot be a symbolic gesture. South Africa's reputation as a conservation leader is at stake. This World Lion Day must be a turning point. We owe it to every lion suffering in captivity to act now and not in another year or two.' Saturday Star
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
RM5k aid for Tambunan small traders
Published on: Monday, July 28, 2025 Published on: Mon, Jul 28, 2025 By: Gerry Lewis Text Size: Dr Jeffrey presenting aid to recipients. TAMBUNAN: A total of RM275,000 was distributed to 55 licensed small stall traders in Tambunan through a one-off special aid of RM5,000 each. The assistance was presented by Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G. Kitingan at the Tambunan District Community Hall. The initiative is part of the 'Bantuan Untukmu' program aimed at easing the operational costs of traders, improving their business infrastructure, and boosting grassroots entrepreneurship. In his speech, Dr Jeffrey expressed pride in the achievements of the Tambunan community, noting that the district has nearly eradicated hardcore poverty. However, he acknowledged that there remain segments of the population living in poverty who require targeted strategic support tailored to current needs. He stressed the importance of continued support and new initiatives to ensure no citizen is left behind in the development process. Dr Jeffrey also reminded the people of Tambunan to stay alert to the various forms of assistance available, not only from the State Government but also from the Federal Government. He emphasized that such aid is not meant to foster dependency but to serve as a stepping stone toward self-reliance and long-term well-being. The federal government, through the Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food Industries (Maffi), has also intensified efforts in rural development with allocations exceeding RM33.59 million for agri-food projects across Sabah. These projects include the rehabilitation of 534.55 hectares of abandoned paddy fields, the construction of 23 agricultural produce collection centres, and the implementation of integrated cash crop and livestock initiatives. These efforts not only generate economic output but also empower the local agricultural sector. He also highlighted the Agropreneur Muda program, which offers opportunities for youth aged 18 to 45 to become agricultural entrepreneurs. The program provides grants, fertilizer assistance, access to productive land, and technical training. He noted that the initiative is particularly relevant for young people in Tambunan who possess idle land with development potential. He advised the RM5,000 aid recipients to use the funds wisely, whether to improve their stall structures, upgrade business equipment, or increase inventory. The assistance is expected to boost their daily income and stimulate the local economy through higher-quality services and products. Furthermore, he encouraged traders to view the aid as a catalyst toward achieving more stable and sustainable income streams. In closing, he congratulated all recipients and expressed hope that their businesses would continue to grow and benefit their families and communities. He also called on the people of Tambunan to continue supporting his leadership as the Tambunan assemblyman, assuring that all assistance distributed is based on accurate data and genuine community needs. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Miami Herald
23-07-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Bear was suspiciously familiar, Mississippi man says. Turns out they had history
Black bears may look alike to most of us, but Anthony Ballard swore he encountered one in the Mississippi wilderness that seemed familiar. Turns out he was right, only the bear weighed less than 5 pounds at their previous encounter. That was in 2023 when Ballard, a state biologist, found two adorable cubs in a den and implanted them with microchips as part of the Mississippi's bear tracking program. That microchip confirmed Ballard wasn't imagining things. 'When it is scanned, the scanner will display a unique number (like a serial number). I had my suspicions about who she was before, but when the reader picked up the tag I knew for sure,' he told McClatchy News in an email. 'Her litter mate (a male) was killed by a car in winter 2024, so I was glad to confirm she was still alive.' The reunion happened this month in Warren County, just over a mile and a half from where the two originally met, he says. The bear is now known as F60 in record books, and she roams turf near Eagle Lake, about a 65-mile drive northwest from Jackson. A July 21 Facebook post highlighting the bear's reappearance had more than 3,700 reactions and comments as of July 23, including from some who wondered if she was eating enough. 'To many, she may appear skinny but don't worry, this is normal!' the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks said in its Facebook post. 'Young bears often appear this way as their bones grow faster than their muscle and fat. She's still growing — similar to the human pre-puberty stage — so her frame looks lean and leggy for now. As she matures, she'll bulk up and grow into that build.' Mississippi's black bears were nearly wiped out a century ago due to overhunting and habitat destruction, the state says. In 1974, bears were added to the state's 'list of rare and threatened vertebrates of Mississippi.' 'Biologists currently estimate the Mississippi bear population to be about 150 bears in the state, which is a major improvement over the estimated 40 individuals in 2002,' the wildlife department says.
Hans India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Over 37 lakh dog bite cases in 2024: Centre steps up stray dog control measures
New Delhi: The Central government has intensified its efforts to manage the stray dog population and reduce dog bite incidents across the country. According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel, India reported 37,17,336 dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024. Municipalities, under Article 243(W), are mandated to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, focusing on neutering and anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs. To streamline this, the government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, superseding the earlier 2001 rules. These new rules incorporate Supreme Court and Delhi High Court directives, including guidelines for feeding and care of community animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued multiple advisories to ensure effective street dog population control and promote man-dog conflict resolution. Between 2024 and June 2025, 166 letters were sent to RWAs and local bodies to ensure compliance. On the health front, the Ministry of Health is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), which includes setting up Model Anti-Rabies Clinics, ensuring vaccine availability, and launching the "Rabies-Free City" initiative. Additionally, the Centre has allocated Rs 3,535.86 lakh over the past five years for anti-rabies vaccine procurement under the ASCAD scheme, including Rs 1,423.41 lakh in 2024-25 for over 80 lakh doses. The government has also urged States/UTs to adopt the ABC Programme through local bodies to enhance public safety, particularly for children. The Department of Animal Husbandry conducts a five-year livestock census, which includes stray dogs, while municipalities have been advised to conduct annual local censuses under the ABC Rules. The Centre's comprehensive approach aims to address both public health and animal welfare in tackling the growing stray dog issue.
India.com
22-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
Over 37 Lakh Dog Bite Cases In 2024: Centre Steps Up Stray Dog Control Measures
According to data presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, S.P. Singh Baghel, India reported 37,17,336 dog bite cases and 54 suspected human rabies deaths in 2024. Municipalities, under Article 243(W), are mandated to implement the Animal Birth Control (ABC) Programme, focusing on neutering and anti-rabies vaccination of stray dogs. To streamline this, the government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, superseding the earlier 2001 rules. These new rules incorporate Supreme Court and Delhi High Court directives, including guidelines for feeding and care of community animals. The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) has issued multiple advisories to ensure effective street dog population control and promote man-dog conflict resolution. Between 2024 and June 2025, 166 letters were sent to RWAs and local bodies to ensure compliance. On the health front, the Ministry of Health is implementing the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP), which includes setting up Model Anti-Rabies Clinics, ensuring vaccine availability, and launching the "Rabies-Free City" initiative. Additionally, the Centre has allocated Rs 3,535.86 lakh over the past five years for anti-rabies vaccine procurement under the ASCAD scheme, including Rs 1,423.41 lakh in 2024-25 for over 80 lakh doses. The government has also urged States/UTs to adopt the ABC Programme through local bodies to enhance public safety, particularly for children. The Department of Animal Husbandry conducts a five-year livestock census, which includes stray dogs, while municipalities have been advised to conduct annual local censuses under the ABC Rules. The Centre's comprehensive approach aims to address both public health and animal welfare in tackling the growing stray dog issue.
