In Dunshaughlin, many dog owners share the same sentiment. Thus we request a dedicated, fenced dog run in Dunshaughlin Park. This safe enclosure will allow dogs to frolic and mingle without restrictions. It will also ensure harmony within the park’s ecosystem, as other visitors will feel secure knowing dogs are safely contained in their designated area.

Importantly, Dunshaughlin Park already has adequate waste bins for responsible dog poo disposal. Moreover, the proposed site is centrally located for easy, convenient access by residents of our village.

Informal surveys amongst local dog owners suggest considerable support for this initiative. The benefits are clear; a study by Bristol University found that dogs with less access to exercise and socialising opportunities tend to display more behavioural problems, (Source: Bristol University’s Anthrozoology Institute). Therefore, the establishment of a dedicated dog run in our park would significantly boost these valued opportunities.

Drawing from these sincere insights, we appeal to Meath County Council to consider our request. For our dogs, for our community, for Dunshaughlin – let’s ensure that our park serves every member of our community, including our beloved dogs! Please sign this petition to support our cause.

The Florida panther, a critically endangered species, is one of the most iconic animals in the southeastern United States. Once found throughout Florida, the Florida panther’s population has dramatically declined due to habitat loss, human activity, and road mortality. Today, fewer than 120 panthers remain in the wild, and they are confined to the southern portion of Florida, primarily in the Everglades and surrounding areas.

One of the most significant threats to the survival of the Florida panther is road mortality. As the human population in Florida continues to grow and urban sprawl expands, the construction of highways and roadways increasingly divides the panther’s natural habitat. In particular, roads such as Interstate 75 (Alligator Alley) have become deadly barriers for panthers attempting to cross from one habitat area to another. Since 1972, over 20 panthers have been killed in vehicle collisions. These collisions not only result in the loss of individual panthers but also disrupt genetic diversity, making it harder for the species to recover.

To address this issue, wildlife conservationists have proposed the construction of wildlife land bridges—elevated structures or underpasses designed to safely allow wildlife, including panthers, to cross over or under highways and roads without encountering traffic. These land bridges are crucial in reducing vehicle-wildlife collisions and providing safe corridors for panthers to move between habitats, increasing their chances of finding mates and expanding their range.

While these land bridges will be especially beneficial to Florida panthers, they will also protect many other species that share their habitat. Wildlife such as deer, bears, raccoons, and smaller mammals are also at risk from vehicle collisions. The land bridges will provide safe passage not only for panthers but for all wildlife attempting to cross busy roads, creating a safer environment for multiple species.

Wildlife land bridges have proven effective in protecting other species across the world. For example, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has already seen success with the installation of wildlife underpasses on I-75, which have allowed animals such as bears, deer, and panthers to safely cross the road. In Europe, similar wildlife crossings have successfully reduced mortality rates among large mammals like deer and elk.

Studies have shown that panther populations are critically dependent on maintaining genetic diversity. By providing safe routes for panthers to travel between isolated populations, wildlife land bridges offer an opportunity for genetic exchange, which is essential for the long-term survival of the species. Furthermore, these bridges help preserve other wildlife that shares the panther’s habitat, supporting a healthier, more robust ecosystem.

Wildlife land bridges are not only beneficial for panthers but for broader wildlife conservation efforts. They help create wildlife corridors that facilitate the movement of species across fragmented habitats, allowing for more resilient ecosystems and reducing human-wildlife conflicts.

By constructing wildlife land bridges, we can ensure the survival of the Florida panther, protect biodiversity, and promote the health of Florida’s natural ecosystems. This infrastructure investment will safeguard not only the panther but also the many other species that share its habitat, contributing to Florida's environmental legacy for future generations.

Meet Kshamenk, the “World’s Most Forgotten Orca,” and the last killer whale in captivity in South America. He resides at Mundo Marino, and for the last 24 years, has remained isolated from his own species; his pregnant tankmate, Belèn, having passed away in 2000. Since then, he has only dolphins as companionship. He currently faces starvation, most likely due to the ongoing economic crisis in Argentina. Without immediate action to relocate him to a better facility, he WILL die without seeing his own kind ever again, as well as remain emaciated.

Marine Mammal Experts concluded in 2013 that a sea sanctuary is not viable for Kshamenk; not only due to the fact that sanctuaries require years to build, but that Argentina’s rough, uneven terrains and extreme climate conditions do not allow for stable infrastructure. Moreover, lack of funding poses as an additional problem — financial resources are crucial to projects akin to these.

Due to these factors, Kshamenk only has two options: remain at Mundo Marino and eventually die there, or be transferred out of Argentina and to another facility containing killer whales.

We’ve already lost both, Kiska and Tokitae last year, left to suffer in their horrific circumstances all alone, abandoned entirely. We CANNOT let Kshamenk meet the same fate.

You are Kshamenk's LAST hope to ensure that his plight does not end like Tokitae and Kiska's did. We can help fight for his welfare and give him a better outcome. Will you add your signature to urge aquariums like SeaWorld San Antonio and Port of Nagoya Public aquarium to take action to move Kshamenk into their facilities?

The current state of the birds and their aviary falls egregiously below acceptable standards, as acknowledged by the SPCA in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Despite their acknowledgment of the complaints, no meaningful action has been taken to rectify the appalling conditions in which the parrots are kept. This petition seeks to address the systemic neglect and advocate for the immediate removal of the macaw parrots from Little Foot Nursery or, at the very least, prompt voluntary surrender by the facility. It is imperative to bring attention to this urgent matter and secure justice for these suffering creatures.

A coalition of accredited big cat sanctuaries, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and concerned citizens are urgently calling upon La Secretaría del Medio Ambiente (Sedema) de la Ciudad de México, Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) and Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA) to allow the ~200 big cats to be transferred to established, reputable and accredited sanctuaries that can provide them with the care they require and eliminate any need for future rescue.

As there are no accredited big cat sanctuaries accredited in Mexico, the coalition is asking for the animals to be sent to accredited sanctuaries in the U.S. - where more than 16 sanctuaries have already stepped up to offer transport, logistics and lifetime homes to at least 50 cats. The coalition is also working on identifying additional opportunities for placement of the remaining cats at other established, true sanctuaries.

We are requesting public support to stand with us to encourage officials to allow the transfer of these animals to the proposed accredited sanctuaries.

Leading the call for support is San Diego’s Lions Tigers & Bears big cat and exotic animal sanctuary https://www.lionstigersandbears.org/

“We need to keep these animals from going from one bad situation to another,” said Bobbi Brink, founder and director of Lions Tigers & Bears. “These cats are underweight, malnourished and have open wounds … they need to be transferred to accredited sanctuaries so they can live their lives safely and with dignity."

The worst case scenario is that these animals end up going from one bad situation to another – and we CANNOT let this happen! And it won't if they transferred to TRUE sanctuaries.

The facility the animals are currently being kept in is not suitable for long-term sustainable care of these animals. And with so many animals in question, this case requires significant resources, expertise, and specialized care to ensure the well-being of these apex predators. Captive big cats can live upwards of 15-20 years in captivity and can eat more than 10 lbs (4.5 kgs) of food a day. Many of these animals are in poor condition and will require ongoing veterinary care. 

It must be noted that unlike Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation, who regarded themselves as a “sanctuary”, these facilities are actually sanctuaries.  By definition a true sanctuary does not allow public contact, breeding nor the trade or sale of the animals in their care. A true sanctuary provides the highest level of care to each animal for the entirety of their life.

Lions Tigers & Bears launched a GoFundMe page to send the on-the-ground veterinary team medical supplies, including medicine, wound care, antiseptic, de-wormer, pain treatment, microchip supplies, and more as they care for the cats. https://www.gofundme.com/f/200-big-cats-in-mexico-need-help

For years, the Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation's facility has been a travel destination for actors, reality TV stars, athletes and artists, who have taken part in public contact with the animals. Unfortunately, the facility deceived its visitors by operating under the guise of "conservation."

A true sanctuary doesn't allow contact or breeding, when you see a facility conducting such practices, it is a huge red flag," said Brink. "Facilities that allow full contact with big cats need to breed constantly in order to have a supply of cubs for photo opportunities.  Facilities like these only have the interest of the owner in mind... while the animals are the ones that suffer, as we've seen with Black Jaguar-White Tiger."

This petition is officially endorsed by:
• American Sanctuary Association
• Alison Eastwood, Film & Television Director, Founder & President of Eastwood Ranch Foundation
• Animal Defenders International
• Big Cat Rescue
• Christy Lee, Vice President of Protect Animals Worldwide
• CompassionWorks International
• Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries
• In Defense of Animals
• Keepers of the Wild
• Lions Tigers & Bears Big Cat & Exotic Animal Sanctuary
• MVZ Ricardo Montaño, Managing Director Finca "La Isla" Papantla, Veracruz
• PETA
• Shazir Haque, Founder & Executive Director Shizzy's Wildcat Rescue
• Sofia Shinas, Animal Welfare Activist, Actress, Director, Writer
• Sue Blodgett, Animal Activist
• Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
• William McNamara, Actor, Board Member of Eastwood Ranch Foundation

WORDS OF SUPPORT FROM COALITION MEMBERS:
“The American Sanctuary Association encourages these animals be sent to true accredited sanctuaries where they can receive the lifetime care they deserve.”

"CompassionWorks International and its constituents ask the Mexican government to please send the Black Jaguar White Tiger confiscated animals to accredited sanctuaries where they can receive the care and attention so needed at this juncture. Mexico faces a tremendous burden with the vast numbers of exotic animals rescued due to the great work Mexico has accomplished to eliminate cruelties like animal circuses. We ask now that transfers to accredited sanctuaries in the United States be initiated in order to ensure that the animals involved with BJWT have the highest and best chance for a future free from additional suffering." — Carrie LeBlanc, M.A. Executive Director

“Animals removed from Black Jaguar–White Tiger Foundation deserve to have a fresh start, after enduring abuse, neglect, and malnutrition so severe that some big cats had apparently started cannibalizing themselves to survive—and facilities accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries would give these rescued animals gold standard care. After sounding the alarm over Black Jaguar–White Tiger for years, PETA joins with Lions Tigers & Bears in calling for these refugees from abuse and neglect to be retired to lush U.S. sanctuaries, where they would finally be able to play, engage in natural behavior, and lead active lives free from deprivation and despair.” — Brittany Peet, PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement

"I applaud the Mexican government and PROFEPA for shutting down what I've long believed to be one of the 3 worst big cat facilities in the world when you took control of Black Jaguar White Tiger. I've used your swift action to ask my own government to shut down the last two which are in the U.S. I would implore you to work with true sanctuaries, defined by NOT breeding, buying, selling, allowing public contact nor taking the cats off site for exhibition as you further refine your laws. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries is the gold standard for animal sanctuaries and I hope you will utilize the collective expertise of accredited members in your current situation." — Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue

“Animal Defenders International applauds the efforts of Mexican officials to rescue the animals at Black Jaguar, White Tiger. It is disgraceful that these animals, which had already been rescued from horrible situations, would be neglected and mistreated at a place which called itself a sanctuary. ADI urges SEDEMA, SEMARNAT y PROFEPA, to allow the animals to go to accredited sanctuaries in the US, who would ensure the animals will not be exploited for entertainment, and will receive the veterinarian treatment and lifelong care and enrichment they deserve.” — Jan Creamer, Animal Defenders International President.

"The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) supports and encourages the placement of the animals removed from the Black Jaguar–White Tiger Foundation to GFAS accredited sanctuaries. These animals have endured so much and deserve to live and thrive in true, accredited sanctuaries - an environment where the wellbeing and care of each individual animal is always the highest priority."

"In Defense of Animals, an international animal protection organization with a 39-year history, is calling on Mexican authorities to release all of the seized big cats to accredited U.S sanctuaries, where they will be well cared for and provided with a natural, spacious, and peaceful home. These greatly suffering animals deserve to have a fresh start in an environment where they can heal and thrive." — Brittany Michelson, Captive Animals Campaigner, IDA

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EN ESPAÑOL
El 6 de julio, las autoridades mexicanas allanaron una instalación en las afueras de la Ciudad de México operada por el pseudo-santuario Black Jaguar-White Tiger Foundation (crédito de la foto, el Gobierno de México). Se incautaron aproximadamente 200 grandes felinos, incluyendo leones africanos, leones blancos, tigres, jaguares y pumas. Ocho gatos en estado crítico fueron trasladados a zoológicos locales para recibir tratamiento y el resto de los gatos todavía están en el lugar, siendo monitoreados por funcionarios gubernamentales y veterinarios. Muchos están en malas condiciones: bajo peso, desnutridos y con heridas abiertas. No hay agua ni electricidad donde se mantienen estos animales. El futuro de estos animales es incierto.

Una coalición de santuarios acreditados de grandes felinos, organizaciones de bienestar animal, veterinarios y ciudadanos preocupados hacen un llamado urgente a la Secretaría del Medio Ambiente (Sedema) de la Ciudad de México, la Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) y la Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA) para permitir que los más de 200 grandes felinos sean trasladados a santuarios establecidos, de buena reputación y acreditados que puedan brindarles la atención que requieren y eliminar cualquier necesidad de rescate en el futuro.

Como no hay santuarios de grandes felinos acreditados en México, la coalición solicita que los animales sean enviados a santuarios acreditados en los EE.UU. La coalición también está trabajando para identificar oportunidades adicionales para colocar a los gatos restantes en otros santuarios establecidos.
Estamos solicitando el apoyo público para que nos acompañe y anime a los funcionarios a permitir el traslado de estos animales a los santuarios acreditados propuestos.

Liderando la llamada de apoyo está la organización de Lions Tigers & Bears de San Diego, un santuario de grandes felinos y animales exóticos https://www.lionstigersandbears.org/.
“Necesitamos evitar que estos animales pasen de una mala situación a otra”, dijo Bobbi Brink, fundadora y directora de Lions Tigers & Bears. “Estos gatos están bajo peso, desnutridos y tienen heridas abiertas… necesitan ser trasladados a santuarios acreditados para que puedan vivir sus vidas con seguridad y dignidad”.

El peor de los casos es que estos animales puedan terminar pasando de una mala situación a otra, ¡y NO PODEMOS permitir que esto suceda! Y esto no sucederá si se transfieren a un santuario REAL.

Las instalaciones en las que se mantienen actualmente los animales no son adecuadas para el cuidado sostenible a largo plazo de estos animales. Y con tantos animales en cuestión, este caso requiere importantes recursos, experiencia y atención especializada para garantizar el bienestar de estos depredadores ápice. Los grandes felinos en cautiverio pueden vivir más de 15 a 20 años en cautiverio y pueden comer más de 4,5 kg (10 lb) de comida al día. Muchos de estos animales están en malas condiciones y requerirán atención veterinaria continua.

Cabe señalar que, a diferencia de Black Jaguar White Tiger Foundation, quienes se consideraban a sí mismos como un "santuario", estas instalaciones son en realidad santuarios. Por definición, un verdadero santuario no permite el contacto público, la cría ni el comercio o venta de los animales a su cargo. Un verdadero santuario brinda el más alto nivel de atención a cada animal durante toda su vida.

Lions Tigers & Bears lanzó una página de GoFundMe para enviar suministros médicos al equipo veterinario de México, incluyendo medicamentos, cuidado de heridas, antisépticos, desparasitantes, tratamiento del dolor, suministros de microchips y más mientras cuidan a los gatos.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/200-grandes-felinos-en-mexico-necesitan-ayuda

Durante años, las instalaciones de la Fundación Black Jaguar-White Tiger han sido un destino de viaje para actores, estrellas de reality shows, atletas y artistas, que han tenido contacto público con los animales. Desafortunadamente, la instalación engañó a sus visitantes operando bajo la apariencia de "conservación".

“Un verdadero santuario no permite el contacto o la reproducción de animales. Cuando ves una instalación que realiza tales prácticas, es una mala señal”, dijo Brink. “Las instalaciones que permiten el contacto con los grandes felinos deben reproducirse constantemente para tener un suministro de cachorros para tomar fotografías. Instalaciones como estas solo tienen en mente el interés del propietario… mientras que los animales son los que sufren, como hemos visto con Black Jaguar-White Tiger”.

A group of scientists have published a letter in the latest issue of the respected research journal Science (here) criticising the proposed cull. They say that the current population size of 400 wolves may not be enough to prevent them becoming extinct in Sweden, as they are already seriously inbred. They conclude "To make this population viable, population size and immigration (from neighbouring countries - author) must increase".

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia

Thus, we are seeking your support to help save this dog run so that we have more safe spaces for our dogs to mingle, socialize and have fun with other dogs around Singapore.

By helping out, we are hoping that this dog run can be saved or even be relocated to somewhere nearby for our friends who are staying around there.

A friend and equine expert visited a few days ago as part of a tour of Morocco. This is an extract from what she told me and it has been verified by other witnesses.

“We were taken to see the horses which we were told had been rescued but were separate from the hotel and were being nursed back to health. Before the tour I was told they were in a poor condition and that they didn’t always allow guests to see them because they would be shocked but not to be worried as “they were in a recovery programme”.

On arrival before the doors were opened the horses heard us and called out.

The stables revealed a much different and truly horrifying scene of some 9 or 10 horses starving. Their poor bodies were just skin stretched over their bones. Bones and lumps were protruding everywhere. It was horrific. It appeared they hadn’t been groomed for ages. Their eyes were crusty and weeping. They looked frightened and had hardly any bedding down just a few tiny pieces of dry straw and what looked like patches of dirty sawdust. In summary they were soiled, matted and filthy. Their bedding was so thin it didn’t cover the stable floor. They clearly hadn’t been groomed or looked after for what seemed like years. I’m a horse owner myself and I was deeply shocked by what I saw.

They had name plaques and dates of birth at each stable and it seemed that they were the horses of Claudio Bravo, once fine Arabs.

The tack room in contrast showed tack in pristine condition, silver cups polished, winners rosettes and certificates, photos and other items all of which had clearly been very well looked after. There were pictures of them in full health showing their prizes. It was clear that these once wonderful horses were in a state of abject neglect. I guessed they were Arabian horses from their heads.

There was no feed sacks or Haynets visible anywhere and none in the stables. No turnout areas or Paddocks/ grazing in the vicinity (we looked from above up the tower) and so it was clear they hadn’t been out of their stables for a long long time. They were kept in a building with big screen doors so not visible from outside, with a opaque roof so It was bright but all enclosed.

Some displayed weaving characteristic of acute stress. Some appeared to have growths but this may have been their skeleton showing through. Some had worn marks on the outside of their stable doors as they rubbed at it. All had their skeletons showing through their skin.

The stable yard had a large horse trough empty in it and a few weeds growing round it so no horse had even grazed outside its stable. It was clear that this was a horse equivalent of a concentration camp, the poor things imprisoned and starved.

All around the estate there were people working on the land, there were staff in the hotel too but none of these were looking after the poor horses who were so thin that only expert help would assist them. There appeared to be no such support and this is as far as I am concerned neglect of the worst kind.

We were sick. We were in tears. We hated ourselves for staying in such a place and this cast a huge shadow over us. The house and gardens environment was very luxurious and yet the horses were neglected, it made no sense especially when we read that the artist himself loved his animals.

A man appeared who spoke neither French nor English. He appeared to be a labourer who was in charge. He shouted loudly and aggressively at a horse when it kicked at the door.

It was a horrific experience and we couldn’t wait to leave the place and do whatever we could to alert others to the situation.”

We must act. and ensure veterinary help. Importantly we need trucks and I’m afraid that some of the horses cannot even stand. I can’t tell you how upset I am that this is happened in a country that I love where horses are respected and the Arab horse in particular.