Latest news with #RSPCA
Times
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Times
Record entire killing process of farmed Salmon on CCTV, guidance says
Britain's biggest animal welfare charity has called for a ban on suffocating farmed salmon to be enshrined in law. The RSPCA has welcomed new Scottish government guidance designed to make the slaughter of 55 million fish a year more humane. But the charity wants legislators in Holyrood and Westminster to make the new rules — which also recommend pre-stunning salmon and recording the entire killing process on CCTV — legally binding. Sean Black, the senior scientific officer of aquaculture at the RSPCA, said: 'Ultimately protecting all salmon can only be achieved by mandatory rather than voluntary standards put in place further to protect salmon welfare.' He added: 'We believe that issuing guidance does not go far enough and urge the Scottish government to do something more meaningful and introduce legislation to protect salmon at the time of slaughter. 'Nevertheless, we're pleased that our pioneering standards have been influential in developing the Scottish government's own guidance on this issue. Whilst our standards cover over 70 per cent of farmed Scottish salmon, we wish to see all farmed salmon have this protection, so this guidance is a big step forward. 'Sadly there is no detailed or specific legislation to protect farmed fish including at the time of killing and, for too long, there has been a reliance on voluntary schemes such as the RSPCA Assured scheme, which has detailed requirements to better safeguard fish welfare at all stages of their lives.' Some animal rights campaigners have said that the RSPCA's seal of approval has been used as a cover for what they regard as cruel practices in fish farming. The new guidance comes after scientists discovered that fish — including salmon — are sentient and can feel pain and distress. For much of human history the main way of killing fish was to take them out of the water, asphyxiating them. This is now regarded as inhumane. RSPCA wants it legally banned. The charity also wants a requirement that equipment used in slaughter facilities is fit for purpose, that all staff are trained and competent, and all phases are covered by CCTV. Other animal welfare organisations have also urged the Scottish government to legalise the guidance, warning that without enforcement, the measures may not be respected. Dr Iain Berrill, the technical head of Salmon Scotland, said: 'Scottish salmon farmers already meet the highest animal health and welfare standards anywhere on the globe. 'All farm-raised Scottish salmon are stunned and slaughtered in seconds, in harvest stations that are independently certified and covered by CCTV to ensure that the highest humane slaughter standards are met or exceeded. 'We've worked closely with the Scottish government to develop this guidance and would be happy to work with Scottish ministers to ensure any future legislation in this area is appropriate to our sector.'
BBC News
a day ago
- BBC News
Mother swan and two cygnets killed in canal lock crush
Three swans have been killed in a canal after they were crushed between a lock wall and a eyewitness told BBC Hereford and Worcester that the two cygnets became trapped inside the lock and were unable to escape, while their mother attempted to "protect them". They said the boat continued to enter the lock despite onlookers alerting those on board to the swans' Canal and River Trust said the incident, which happened in Stourport on York Street on 11 July, was "tragic and entirely avoidable". West Mercia Police said it was aware of the deaths and would liaise with the RSPCA. Known as Mrs BJS, the swan was a well-loved character in the area and had lived on the canal for six years, a local resident added the surviving two cygnets "constantly go up and down" the canal looking for their the Canal and River Trust said it was "deeply saddening" to learn of the incident and urged anyone with information to contact the police or the RSPCA."[We are] devoted to protecting and supporting wildlife along our waterways - we are horrified by this cruel and senseless act," it said. Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Perth Now
Horror pig farm pics spark investigation
WARNING: Distressing content Shocking footage depicting the alleged internal workings of an Australian pig farm has surfaced on the internet after activists claimed to have discovered a shed full of dead, dying and severely wounded pigs. Taken by activists affiliated with Farm Transparency Project (FTP) in June, the collection of hundreds of photos and a handful of videos show hundreds of pigs packed into large, warehouse-sized sheds. The FTP alleges these photos and videos were all taken at Andgar Piggery near Dublin, South Australia. Images taken by activists affiliated with the Farm Transparency Project depict the disturbing conditions endured by animals at a farm near Dublin in South Australia. Photos show animals with gaping sores living in pens alongside their deceased littermates. Supplied Credit: Supplied Some pigs are recorded struggling to wade through thick, brown muck, which activists allege others had drowned in, as dozens of rats scale the walls and wires that crisscross the walkways between the pens. One animal appears on camera with a gaping, necrotic wound in its body, about 10cm wide and partially filled with what appears to be mud and straw. Massive weeping sores are seen on several animals, and starving creatures are recorded cannibalising their deceased littermates. Some images, which cannot be shown in this article, show dozens of rotting pig corpses piled up on top of one another. This heavily censored image features a pig with a gaping wound visible just above its rear. The wound appears to be old and is stuffed with mud, straw and faeces. Supplied Credit: Supplied FTP project director Chris Delforce said he became involved after getting tipped off by a member of the public who had already attempted to notify the RSPCA. 'We sent some people that we work with in South Australia to go check it out, and we were very concerned with what they captured,' Mr Delforce said. 'A few of us from Melbourne went down and checked it out ourselves just to verify it (and) make sure we comprehensively captured what was going on there … then reported that as soon as we could to the RSPCA and the state government.' In this image, a pig stands over its dead littermate, which lies motionless in the mud. Supplied Credit: Supplied The South Australian RPSCA confirmed it had begun an investigation into the property, and the company is not accused of any wrongdoing. 'A report has been received in relation to concerns regarding the welfare of animals at a property north of Adelaide,' a spokeswoman said. 'As our inspectorate are currently investigating the complaint and being an active investigation, we cannot provide any further information at this time.' South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close said 'no one can stand cruelty' in animal industries. Speaking to 7News, she said it was 'wonderful that the RSPCA is investigating'. 'If cruelty is found, I hope the full force of the law comes down,' she said. An Andgar Piggery spokesperson blamed the conditions on a lack of workers but also conceded he had not seen any of the photos or watched any of the videos taken by activists inside the farm. The Andgar Piggery, where it's been claimed pigs are living in horrendous condoitions. Supplied Credit: Supplied 'We went from four workers to one because one bloke got injured and he's been off for the last three or four months. There we are, with one bloke running the whole farm. We've been advertising, looking for workers … We've got a business to run. We pay taxes,' he said. 'Of course the piggery's never been like that. For all the years we've run pigs, they've never been like that, it's just all of a sudden you've got no workers. Normally, it runs like a clock, it's bloody beautiful.' According to ABN Lookup, the Andgar Piggery owners also own another operation near Mannum, east of Adelaide. An FTP protest is scheduled for Saturday, and a corresponding Facebook event page has been interacted with by hundreds of respondents.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
RSPCA confirms death of swan after horror dog attack at New Islington Marina
The RSPCA has issued a statement and confirmed a swan has died following a horror dog attack at New Islington Marina on Wednesday afternoon (July 16). Emergency crews and the RSPCA were reportedly called out to the incident on the Rochdale Canal involving a dog that was said to have been off its lead, before it savaged a white swan. Video footage shared online showed the swan squealing out in pain as it was being rescued. Witnesses claimed the dog attacked two swans at the marina before the owner left the scene. READ MORE: Rid your home of houseflies with this simple 10-second trick once a day READ MORE: 'I'm turning my back on Stockport County after what they said to me at the ticket office' Never miss a story with the MEN's daily Catch Up newsletter - get it in your inbox by signing up here The charity has now confirmed officials were called to the scene and entered the water to retrieve the bird, near to Miles Platting, which was found with heavy bleeding and was taken for emergency veterinary treatment. Due to the nature of its 'serious' injuries, which included a fractured femur, the swan had to be put to sleep. The RSPCA has issued urgent warnings about dog owners keeping their pets on leads. An RSPCA spokesperson said: 'We attended the location yesterday (16 July) afternoon after we'd been contacted about a swan that had sadly been very badly injured by a dog. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE 'Two of our officers entered the water in dry suits to reach the bird and he was taken immediately to a local veterinary practice. 'The swan was bleeding heavily and was found to have sustained a fractured femur and other serious injuries. The vet who examined him sadly made the decision to put him to sleep to prevent further suffering. 'We know how much people love seeing these birds in their local community, and the loss of this much-loved swan will be very upsetting for people who come to this area. 'It's another stark reminder of the importance of keeping dogs on leads near wildlife, especially at this time of year when many water birds, including swans, will be looking after their offspring. 'Every year RSPCA officers deal with terrible incidents involving dog attacks on swans which could have been so easily avoided had owners been responsible and kept their pets on leads in areas where they know they are likely to encounter wildlife.' --- Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it. That's why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do - bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don't miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News. And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street. If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it. And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@ or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Daily Mail
Golden retrievers found in poor, cramped, and dirty conditions at popular attraction
Golden retrievers at a popular tourist attraction have been revealed to have been living in dire conditions which even saw some kill one another. Visitors to the The Golden Retriever Experience would have had no idea that the dogs they were paying to play with were living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The attraction had received international news coverage for its popularity, but its business owner has now been banned from keeping dogs for ten years and was handed an 18-week sentence, suspended for 12 months. Visitors to the attraction had the opportunity to spend time surrounded by the dogs in the fields but behind the scenes the animals were living in poor conditions, with two dying after getting into fights and another having his genitals severed during a fight. Nicolas Eugene Grant St James, 62 from Minehead, pleaded guilty to failing to provide accommodation of a sufficient size for the number of dogs, failing to keep the accommodation clean, failing to provide a comfortable place for the dogs to rest, and failing to provide continuously available fresh, clean drinking water for the animals. The RSPCA first investigated the business after it received reports of dogs being injured and dying due to fights breaking out in overcrowded conditions as part of the commercial operation. After failing to meet the RSPCA's requested improvements, the police removed all the dogs from the property. The vet who examined the dogs said they were 'not protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease'. They added that 'none of the dogs' needs under Section 9 of the Animal Welfare Act were met. The vet added: 'The environment was inadequate in size and comfort; there was a lack of constant access to clean drinking water; dogs were not protected from pain, injury, suffering, and disease; and they were unable to exhibit normal behavior or be separated when needed.' The dog center opened ten years ago by St-James, who wanted to invite people to 'join our incredible pack of goldies for some much-needed doggy cuddles.' The website adds that the dogs are 'impeccably trained and endlessly affectionate,' perfect for dog lovers who don't own their own pets. A basic two-hour long session set adults back $80, seniors $67, and children $40, but is free for children under two. The business became especially popular after a TikTok user recommended people visit the center after going there with her partner to mark their anniversary. Her video, showing dozens of retrievers frolicking in the grass, went viral, reaching more than 4 million views on the platform. A behaviorist, whose report was used as evidence, said that the dogs' access to water was restricted, they said: 'The dogs were kept in crowded conditions within a dirty home when not at the "experience". 'Bedding was not provided and drinking water was restricted to prevent indoor urination. The group included unspayed females and unneutered males living in close contact. 'The dogs in this case were not provided with adequate resting or sleeping places, ideally all dogs should be provided with options for resting places that provide appropriate comfort.' In such a large group of dogs a number and variety of types of bed is preferable. Bedding can be considered a valuable resource by dogs. The behaviorist continued: 'Dogs with higher levels of impulsivity and fear are more likely to display resource guarding aggression. 'Resource guarding aggression represents behaviors such as growling, freezing, snapping and biting. 'This behavior can be shown by some domestic dogs that are possessive of valued resources, for example, food, toys, or sleeping sites.' The behaviorist continued: 'DEFRA's code of practice for the welfare of dogs states fresh clean drinking water should be available at all times. The restriction may increase the value of water to this group of dogs which may cause conflict over the resource when it is available to them.' The business owner has been suspended for 12 months. He is also banned from keeping dogs for ten years, must carry out 200 hours of community service, ten Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days and pay $6,700 costs and a $200 victim surcharge. During sentencing District Judge Brereton told St James he repeatedly ignored advice and warnings, that the provision for his dogs was 'woefully inadequate', and that this led to deaths and serious injuries. She also said he showed 'no remorse' and focused on his personal 'financial loss' rather than the impact on the dogs welfare. RSPCA Inspector Jo Daniel said after the hearing: 'These dogs were failed when it came to receiving the care they needed. 'Water, comfort and a safe living environment are basic needs that every owner has a duty to fulfil to ensure the needs of their animals are being met.'
