Latest news with #Peta
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'
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Clueless dog owners slammed by irate animal rights activists over ‘cruel' new trend: ‘An appalling betrayal'
These influencers should be put in the doghouse. A disturbing new TikTok trend — where clueless owners dump buckets of ice water on their unsuspecting pups — is drawing widespread outrage from animal lovers, who are barking mad over what they call a 'cruel' and 'appalling' stunt. The so-called '#barkyourmindchallenge' is a twisted take on the recently-revived ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that first soaked the internet a decade ago, raising awareness for a neurodegenerative disease. Advertisement But instead of chilling themselves for a good cause, some brain-frozen pet owners are drenching their dogs — all for the sake of a few likes. 'Dousing an unsuspecting dog with water is an appalling betrayal of their trust that undoubtedly leaves them confused and terrified, and it's every bit as egregiously cruel as it would be if it were a child being harassed and antagonised,' Jason Baker of animal rights group Peta told 'Peta encourages animal guardians to use common sense, think about these senseless social media stunts from the animal's perspective, and always put their companion animal's well-being first.' Advertisement 4 Instead of taking the icy hit themselves, some pet owners are soaking their dogs — all to score a few cheap likes. TIkTok/@chrisheern But common sense seems to be on ice. 'This is an upsetting trend where you can see the animals are visibly confused by the human's behaviour in these videos,' Ryan Neile, head of behavior at UK pet charity Blue Cross said in a statement, as per The Independent. 'Pets are not toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment.' Advertisement 4 The so-called '#barkyourmindchallenge' is a mangy twist on the once-heroic ALS Ice Bucket Challenge — now drenching dogs instead of raising awareness. TikTok/@maggiemaewaddle The frosty fad comes hot on the heels of another stomach-churning trend previously reported on by The Post, in which pet owners filmed themselves spinning their cats, dogs — even rabbits — by the front legs like rag dolls. 'This puts unnecessary strain on your pet's joints/muscles and can make them feel dizzy and nauseous, all for the sake of a few views,' warned Jade, a registered veterinary nurse and popular TikTokker known as Jade The Vet Nurse last month. 'Let's be responsible pet owners and get rid of this trend.' Jade, who has three dogs and three tortoises of her own, didn't mince words when she saw people hoisting their pets like circus props. Advertisement 4 The frosty fad (above) follows another gut-churning craze The Post covered — where pet owners spun their cats, dogs, even rabbits by the front legs like limp rag dolls. TikTok/@maggiemaewaddle 'You can cause [them] to feel really dizzy and nauseous,' she said. 'I've literally seen people try and do this trend with large dogs, and I have seen people drop their dogs, which can cause injury.' The UK's People's Dispensary for Sick Animals echoed Jade's concerns, warning that the spinning — and likely the ice baths too — could result in lasting damage. 'Limping and stiffness can be caused by several different conditions, the most common being minor injuries and arthritis,' the group said. 4 Animal rights watchdogs like Peta (above) have ripped both trends — whether it's dousing dogs with ice water or spinning them like furry fidget spinners for TikTok clout. PETA 'It is important to take your dog to the vets even if their problem appears minor – some dogs are very good at hiding pain from their owner.' In other words, stop using your pet as clickbait. Because no amount of clout is worth chilling — or spinning — your best friend into a vet visit.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
TikTok ice bucket challenge warning issued to pet owners
A warning has been issued over a disturbing online trend in which people perform ice bucket challenges involving their dogs. The clips, which have been viewed millions of times on TikTok, is a cruel twist on the viral online challenge created in 2014 to raise awareness of the motor neurone disease ALS. That trend saw millions of people worldwide douse themselves in icy water and challenge others to follow suit in a bid to raise awareness and funding for ALS, which degrades nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, leading to difficulty walking, talking, eating and breathing. A decade on, instead of dousing themselves in icy water, some people have instead decided to subject their unsuspecting pet dogs to the same treatment. Animal welfare charities have condemned the 'egregiously cruel' trend, and urged people to report accounts posting such clips for animal abuse. 'Dousing an unsuspecting dog with water is an appalling betrayal of their trust that undoubtedly leaves them confused and terrified, and it's every bit as egregiously cruel as it would be if it were a child being harassed and antagonised,' Jason Baker of the charity Peta told Australian outlet 'Peta encourages animal guardians to use common sense, think about these senseless social media stunts from the animal's perspective, and always put their companion animal's well-being first.' The alarming trend appears to have developed in recent weeks after the University of South Carolina decided to resurrect the ice bucket challenge in order to support the mental health organisation Active Minds, using the hashtag #speakyourmindchallenge. However, some social media users decided instead to subject their dogs to the challenge, using the hashtag #barkyourmindchallenge. The latter iteration of the trend, however, has seen widespread condemnation on TikTok, with many users criticising those posting videos for mistreating their pets. Ryan Neile, head of behaviour at the UK pet charity Blue Cross added: 'This is an upsetting trend where you can see the animals are visibly confused by the human's behaviour in these videos. 'Dogs don't understand what is happening and we abuse their trust in us when we treat animals in this way. 'We're concerned that some people continue to use their pets as props to get more likes on their social media without thought for the shock and fear they are causing to the animal. We're also worried that others will follow this trend, putting animals across the country at risk. 'Pets are not toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment, and videos like this can lead to others following suit with dogs and cause serious behavioural issues.'
Sky News AU
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's dog Augie passes away months after fleeing US in wake of Trump election
Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have announced the death of one of their dogs just months after relocating to the United Kingdom following Donald Trump's re-election. The former American talk show host and her Aussie-born wife swapped Southern California for the Cotswolds, England, in November 2024. President Trump's win at the polls reportedly triggered their change of scenery, while fellow comedian Rosie O'Donnell opted to move to Ireland. DeGeneres and de Rossi confirmed on Friday their beloved Jack Russell Terrier Augie had died. 'We had to say goodbye to Augie yesterday,' DeGeneres announced via Instagram. 'We rescued him 12 years ago and he was so grateful. 'He gave us so much love. He will be missed. There will never be another like him.' The comedian's fans flooded the comment section to express their condolences. 'I'm so very sorry. What a gift you were to each other,' one fan wrote. 'I'm so sorry. He was a great dog and you guys gave a him an amazing life,' another fan added. Animal rights organisation Peta publicly expressed their condolences to DeGeneres and de Rossi, who also share a Poodle-Maltese mix named Kid and a poodle named Mrs. Wallis Browning. 'We are so deeply sorry for your loss of your precious Augie,' the organisation wrote. 'The 12 beautiful years of love, gratitude, and cherished memories you shared will live on in your hearts forever. 'Adopting sweet Augie changed his life, and his story continues to inspire others to open their hearts to homeless animals. Sending so much love.' On Monday, DeGeneres and de Rossi returned to Instagram and thanked fans for their condolences. The couple also shared a sweet video for their Kind Science skincare line recorded last month prior to the cherished pet's death. 'Thank you for all of your kind messages about Augie,' DeGeneres said. 'We filmed this last month and planned to post it today. 'I don't care what Portia says, please don't call me the Deal Queen. We love you, Augie.'
