Two Langley residents had their cases heard – and subsequently dismissed – regarding the operations of a nearby mink farm by the Farm Industry Review Board. We spent time today thoroughly reviewing the FIRB decision and can offer some analysis into the process. The complaints were made by neighbours of the mink farm. A hearing …
A coyote may be lurking in your backyard, waiting for a chance to steal your babies. At least, that’s how most media outlets portray our wild dog neighbours. Fortunately for us – and the coyotes – there’s Dr. Shelley Alexander. A professor at the University of Calgary and one of the speakers at our Celebration …
The provincial approval of $4,000,000 in loans to a PEI fur farm stinks – literally. With the development of a new farm in Haliburton, there will soon be nearly four pounds of poo per person in the small island province. According to a short article by the CBC, the farm will house 10,000 mink in …
The injuries and deaths of small dogs in Aberdeen, Saskatchewan has some residents up in arms, calling for the destruction of the assailant. The culprit? A great horned owl. According to Global News, the owl has injured two small dogs and killed one. “I know a lot of people around town are saying, ‘Oh, it …
You’ve followed us on Twitter and liked us on Facebook. Now you can get even more Fur-Bearer Defenders! We’ve expanded our social media circle to include Pinterest and Google Plus. “Staying connected with our membership and supporters is a key portion of our ongoing work,” explains Lesley Fox, Executive Director of APFA. “Utilizing popular social …
A hot topic these days is the BC government’s wolf management plan. Or, more particularly, it’s the lack of information about the plan.
Police near Wichita, Kansas, were on the prowl for a black bear, seen eating a deer in the median of a highway. Numerous calls led police on the chase where they were eventually greeted by the massive beast – who gave them kisses and wanted to play fetch. Yes, the big black bear sighted by …
A Kelowna-area Conservation Officer has spent several hours trying to catch a coyote who was reported to have a foot-hold trap on his paw. Sunday morning, the coyote was seen – this time without his paw.
We’re always trying to discover new ways to spread our message – whether it’s to go fur-free, coexist or simply be more compassionate. This week we’re chatting with two people who are working toward similar goals with different approaches. We’ll hear from Kim Elmslie, Communications and Advocacy Manager for The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, …
There are only 455 professional hunters and trappers left in Canada. According to Statistics Canada’s 2011 household survey, trapping has become one of the least common full-time professions for Canadians. And this is not a one-time blip on the radar for trapping. In an article on Bloomberg.com, reporter Greg Quinn notes “the 455 hunters and …
Animal Advocacy Camp is a two-day 'un-conference' that will bring together advocates of all volitions to support, share and learn together on March 22 and 23. In episode 123, Defender Radio interviews Animal Advocacy Camp host Glenn Gaetz, who explains how he developed the conference, who will be speaking and what guests can expect. We …
Walking down the aisle in the grocery store, a man sees a toddler, wandering alone. He looks up and down the aisle for a parent and no one is around. He then takes the toddler home and raises them as his own. Wouldn’t happen right? He’d wait for the parent or find them; or call …
In a surprisingly warm-hearted affair, a mother bear and her three cubs will be snoozing away the season at a B.C. wildlife shelter.
We firmly believe that trapping regulations need to change. In most jurisdictions, trapping regulation reforms are desperately needed. Policymakers in Nevada are considering reducing the trap-check times in some areas, from four days to one. That means trappers would need to inspect their traps daily, instead of roughly once a week. Trappers are viciously opposing …
Is there a difference between a man losing his best friend because of his breed and the mass extermination of a species? We say no. In fact, we say there’s a strong similarity: ignorance. In Winnipeg, a man is leaving his hometown so he can keep his dog, labelled a ‘pit bull’ by city officials. …
In New York, London and California, the cruelty of fur is surfacing. In recent weeks we’ve been alerted to some outstanding moves, taken by those who wish to see an end to the horrors endured by animals. In London, posh night club Mahiki has made the decision to go fur-free. After a one-night event, the …
In a ridiculous crossing of bureaucratic wires, a great tragedy occurred in Alaska. The entire Lost Creek wolf pack – 11 wolves who were being studied by the National Park Service – was killed by the state Department of Fish and Game. “This is basically within our predator control program in an area we’ve seen …
You met Doc, the coyote pup who was found alone and abandoned in a BC town. With the help of Critter Care Wildlife Society, we was given a second chance at life. But in the wild, surrounded by cruel traps and the obstacles of human encroachment, Doc may not have long. Unless we learn to …
From the introduction to the appendix, author Tammi Hartung teaches not only how to plant a beautiful vegetable garden that will survive nature, but one that will benefit nature. The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener (2014, Storey Publishing) is in many ways a run-of-the-mill gardening book. Hartung explains the importance of soil, season and sunlight. But she …
Review: The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener Read More »
This week we’re taking a break from wildlife news to bring you information on a disease spreading from coast to coast to coast in our great nation. SLAPP suits. Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation are plaguing traditional and new media and stand as major threat to freedom of speech and all social movements. This week …
We focus a lot on coyote, wolf and other predator killing contests. They get the most publicity and affect the most people. But they’re not the only animals who are persecuted through these barbaric competitions. To raise funds for a small town fire department in New York, a squirrel killing competition was held. Hunters of …
We regularly hear that furs used in ceremonial garb are important to the tradition of Canada. After all, they’ve been in use for over 100 years and you can’t walk away from that. Or can you? A Zulu church is showing that you can keep tradition without taking fur from wild animals. Due in part …
Bearing it all Scientists were once concerned that a highway overpass would interfere with the breeding habits of wild animals. But it would appear that the overpasses have become the bear equivalent of by-the-hour motels. According to a story on the CBC website, black bears and grizzly bears are both using the overpass to increase …
We’re going to be focusing on conservation this week, taking a look at two areas that are of regular interest and importance to us and our membership. First up in our interviews is Rob Laidlaw of Zoocheck Canada, who will take us through a discourse of the role zoos play in species conservation following a …
