November 2003

(*)- added since last update

Sunday Times 30.11.03 Huntsmen go gunning for US urban bear - SARAH BAXTER, NEW YORK - AN ARMY of New Jersey hunters is preparing to shoot to kill. Their target is a black bear population that is surging out of control and encroaching on suburban homes. Pitted against them are animal rights activists determined to stop the state’s first official bear hunt for more than 30 years… “There has never been a death in New Jersey from a bear,” said Stuart Chaifetz, a freelance artist and vegan… A member of the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance, Chaifetz learnt the art of protest as a hunt saboteur while a student in Brighton, East Sussex, in the late 1980s.,,, (story)

The Courier Journal, Kentucky 30.11.03 They call it fox hunting – even if quarry's a coyote By TOM WHITUS - It's an enigma in Central Kentucky: a sport that involves horses but isn't focused on them. The participants must have hunting licenses, but the hunt is more about the chase, the etiquette and the social interaction. It relies on the support of local farmers and also provides a service to them. The sport is fox hunting. And if the image of somebody in a scarlet coat and black helmet shouting "Tally-ho!" while riding through a grassy field seems a bit more fitting outside London, England, than Lexington, Ky., then the Iroquois Hunt Club can provide a glimpse at a different time and place…. (story)

Hull Daily Mail 29.11.03 VITAL TO GET BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT In reply to a letter about protesters being "offensive" and "ignorant"… We do not "thrust" our opinions on anyone… As for the size of our posters, we find it offensive when we walk past butcher's shops and see animal carcasses hung up with blood dripping all over…. Margaret Bardsley, Weghill Road, Preston (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 20.11.03 PROTESTERS OFFENSIVE AND IGNORANT Further to the article "Feud over banners" (Mail, November 11), as a regular user of the Hornsea Road, I often have to pass the protesters, who claim they "must inform the public of what is happening to animals". I find the posters not only distracting as a driver but offensive and ignorant… Name and address supplied. (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 15.11.03 DEMONSTRATORS MADE TO FOLLOW HIGHWAY CODE - As someone who regularly has to negotiate demonstrators in the village of Garton-on-the-Wolds at a particularly dangerous road junction, I am delighted to read that at long last the police are bringing some control over them... Name and address supplied (letter)

Northern Echo 29.11.03 ANIMAL RIGHTS - I'D like to express my outrage at the article (Echo, Nov 15) relating to the distribution of leaflets to people going to see Finding Nemo. As co-ordinator of the Vegetarian & Vegan Foundations educational exercise, I feel angry that the article misrepresents what was both written in the press release and what actually took place…. Diane Sanderson, NARC, Newcastle. (letter in archive)

Darlington & Stockton Times 28.11.03 A horsewoman's tale of grief, hope and a cross-country ride by Sheila Todd - WHEN Ann Bowes gets the bit between her teeth, there is no stopping her. She has written, produced and marketed her first book and dedicated it to the memory of her 25-year-old son, who drowned nine years ago… "He was such a well-known, popular lad. He stayed at home and built dry-stone walls. He just lived for cricket and football and was captain of the local cricket club. He loved hunting and was about to be taken on to look after the hounds for the Glaisdale Hunt. Everyone in the valley knew him," said Mrs Bowes… "Someone has put money into this for me and another local person gave me a very generous donation. It has been very much a local production and a share of the profits will go to medical research," added Mrs Bowes. (story in archive)

BBC News Online 28.11.03 Monkey brain research: The case for - A neuroscientist explains why labs such as the proposed Cambridge primate research centre are still needed to study monkey brains… (story)
BBC News Online 28.11.03 Monkey brain research: The case against - Dr Ray Greek, medical director of Europeans For Medical Advancement, puts the case against using monkeys in neuroscience research… (story)

Burton Mail 28.11.03 CRUEL HOAX by DAVID POWLES - THE WIFE of a worker at a farm near Burton told of her horror today after animal rights extremists launched a counterfeit letter smear campaign against her. Shops in Burton have received letters claiming to be from Staffordshire Police warning them to look out for Hilary Wright. The letters, which include a photograph of Mrs Wright and are written on what appears to be Staffordshire Police headed paper, wrongly claim that she is wanted for 'flooding the Staffordshire area with counterfeit bank notes and cloned credit cards'… Mrs Wright, of Greenway, Winshill, whose husband works at the Darley Oaks guinea pig farm in Newchurch, told the Mail today of her fears that the letter signalled the start of the campaign…. Animal rights activists have been linked to previous smear campaigns against staff at the farm, one of which saw posters falsely alleging that another worker was a convicted paedophile put up in the Horninglow area… (story)

Western Daily Press 28.11.03 ANGERED BY APPROVAL FOR MORE ANIMAL TESTING LABS - Louise Piddington Plymouth (letter)
Exeter Express & Echo 27.11.03 LABOUR HAS LET US DOWN ON ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS - Since it was announced by John Prescott, on November 21, that the go ahead to build three more labs to house primates for research, we have yet more cause to be disillusioned by Labour promises. They were supposed to cut the number of animals used per annum not increase then. I am furious and many will be as gutted as I am to have been taken in… Louise Piddington, Stoke, Plymouth (letter)

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 28.11.03 MP seeks end to trade in pet skins - A NORTH-WEST Euro MP has added her support to a European Parliament bid to ban trading in cat and dog fur. And Labour MEP Arlene McCarthy also wants to see an end to seal culling. She has added her name to two European Parliament Written Declarations being spearheaded by Euro MPs… (story in archive)

CIWF HIGH COURT CHALLENGE
Independent 28.11.03 Court rejects call to end suffering of broiler chickens By Michael McCarthy, Environment Correspondent - A legal attempt to end the factory farming of millions of broiler chickens has failed in the High Court. The move, by the group Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), was thrown out by Mr Justice Newman, who ruled that there had to be a balance between the needs of animals and intensive farming's commercial interests…. (story)
Western Daily Press 28.11.03 JUDGE RULES FACTORY FARMING IS A REALITY - A Legal move that would have wiped out the factory farming of chickens in the UK failed at the High Court yesterday. Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) challenged Government policies which, it claims, breach EU law by allowing the birds to suffer during their production…. The organisation was refused permission to take the case to the House of Lords but can petition the Law Lords directly. CIWF was also ordered to pay two thirds of Defra's costs and faces a bill for legal fees estimated at more than £50,000. (story)
Independent 30.10.03 Chicken breeding is greatest scandal in farming, court is told By Cahal Milmo - Chicken breeding methods in Britain inflict a life of misery on millions of birds which is tolerated by the Government but breaks international law, the High Court was told yesterday… International farm animal welfare group, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), claimed modern broilers were bred to reach their slaughter weight in 41 days, twice as fast as 30 years ago. Lawyers for the group said the methods were permitted by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), despite the fact that they breach European Union directives on animal welfare…. (story)
Yorkshire Post 30.10.03 Chicken breeders deny health claims - CHICKEN breeders in Yorkshire have hit back at claims made in court by an animal welfare pressure group… Compassion in World Farming is challenging Government policies which, it says, breach European Union law by permitting the production of birds which are subjected to suffering… But later yesterday broiler producer Paul Stephens, of West Heslerton, near Malton, hit back, saying that most of the pressure group's statements were 10 to15 years out of date… (story)
Western Daily Press 29.10.03 LAW ALERT ON PLIGHT OF BROILER CHICKENS Animal welfare campaigners are taking the Government to court, claiming Ministers are allowing millions of chickens to suffer high levels of cruelty on British farms. Compassion in World Farming is launching a judicial review in the High Court tomorrow of the rules covering broiler chicken farming… (story)
Ananova 29.10.03 Chickens 'starved before slaughter' - Methods used to rear 800 million chickens in the UK every year are illegal, the High Court has heard. Compassion in World Farming is challenging Government policies which, it says, breach EU law by permitting the production of birds which are subjected to suffering…. (story)

Bristol Evening Post 28.11.03 ROW OVER CDS FOR TURKEYS - A BRISTOL-based animal welfare organisation has condemned as "sick and beyond belief" a farmers' scheme to play relaxing music to turkeys. The Vegetarian International Voice for Animals (Viva!) attacked the initiative by the National Farmers' Union as completely absurd and said factory poultry farming should stop immediately…. (story)

North Devon Journal 27.11.03 WIDOW DIES AS HAY BALES FALL - Warm tributes have been paid to a "kind, thoughtful and joyful" farmer who died after she was crushed by straw bales at her Monkleigh farm. Widower Elizabeth Brooks, fondly known as Liz, died from massive internal injuries after becoming trapped under straw bales weighing 500lbs each… Farmer Rory Knight-Bruce got to know Liz through his involvement with Torrington Farmers' Hunt. He said he had known her for about three years and she walked hound puppies for Torrington Farmers' and Stevenstone Hunts…. (story)

Ulster Herald 27.11.03 Farmers taking a stand against fox hunting - With the hunting season well underway, it is significant that the number of 'hunt ban' notices appearing in provincial newspapers nationwide has almost doubled since last year. At long last, farmers are taking a stand against the arrogant, strutting clowns who have literally ridden roughshod over their lands and livelihoods for centuries… John Fitzgerald, Campaign for the Abolition of Cruel Sports (letter may be in archive)

Lancashire Evening Telegraph 27.11.03 Nothing decent about killing SO Donald Mitchell thinks hunting people are decent people does he (Letters, November 19)? Are these the same people who are signing a declaration that says they will break the law if hunting is banned?.. NEIL JAMES, Winton, Eccles. (letter in archive)
Lancashire Evening Telegraph 19.11.03 Fears of hunt are unfounded - I QUESTION your decision to publish the letter (November 14) suggesting that no one approached the Holcombe Hunt when they made a detour into Loveclough recently to gather up their hounds because "people fear they will be verbally or physically abused if they dare to tackle any hunt over their behaviour." This is offensive nonsense that is a slur on the decency of hunting people…. It is animal rights activism in its many guises that is to be feared and not hunting people. DONALD MITCHELL, (address supplied). (letter in archive)
Lancashire Evening Telegraph 14.11.03 Hunt protester had to put safety first - SO George Dickinson, joint Master of the Holcombe Hunt, says "no-one approached us to complain at the time." That's because people hear they will be verbally or physically abused if they dare to tackle any hunt over their behaviour.... NEIL JAMES, Parrin Lane, Eccles. (letter in archive)
Lancashire Evening Telegraph 7.11.03 Shocked dad's fox hunt fury - A CONCERNED father of three has said his children were left terrified after witnessing a hunt which passed near their home unexpectedly. Peter Hughes, 40, of Stoneholme Terrace, Crawshawbooth, said his three children, Jade, 13, Josh, 12, and Jake, nine, had been upset by witnessing the Holcombe Hunt which passed through the village without warning… (story in archive)

Wolverhampton Express & Star 27.11.03 … The human animal is a hypocrite, if something or someone destroys his habitat the howls of protest are deafening, but he sees nothing wrong in destroying other species' habitat. Although I am persecuted I unselfishly plead the case for other animal species. By the time they are gone I will also be hunted to extinction. A Fox, c/o V Starling, Wavenham Close, Sutton Coldfield (letter)

Cambridge Evening News 27.11.03 Why an inquiry? From Christopher Cornell, Russell Court, Cambridge - LIKE Joan Court ( News,November 22), I too am incandescent with rage that the government inspector's report into 307 Huntingdon Road should be overturned by Prescott and his cronies.... (letter)

Guardian 27.11.03 'A price worth paying' - Mark Matfield on why he supports plans for a new primate research laboratory at Cambridge… My reasons for supporting the lab are straightforward. The lab will specialise in the type of fundamental neuroscience research that can only be done on primates, and without which we will not be able to gain the basic understanding necessaryto begin developing treatments for a number of human diseases…. (story)

Wharfedale Observer 27.11.03 Uncharitable - I agree with Mrs Denkinson that it is very unfair for charity shops to encroach on the livelihood of local shopkeepers… Many of the high profile charities that occupy our prime sites, notoriously the ones that do medical research (but there are others) do something far worse in the name of charity. They fund unnecessary vivisection tests on live animals, often without anaesthetics, which as a result suffer immense pain and terror. If you would like to do something to stop this vile practice, write to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)… Evelyn Friend, 24 Mount Pisgah, Otley. (letter in archive)

Gloucester Citizen 27.11.03 CRUELTY MUST BE STOPPED Cruelty towards animals still goes on. The suffering of those used in laboratories is terrible. They walk a course pre-destined by man and no-one else… We were given animals that we might have dominion - not domination - over them, and that involves responsible stewardship. JEAN CLARKE Westgate Street (letter)

Leicester Mercury 27.11.03 CRUEL JOURNEYS - The European Commission suggests a nine-hour journey for cows, pigs and sheep transported by truck into the EU… Compassion In World Farming urges a mandatory eight-hour limit for all journeys in Europe, which they assess as the best possible figure that is practical in countries with little animal-protection legislation. C Seal, Leicester (letter)

North Devon Gazette 26.11.03 Hunt followers ‘should stick to the roads’ - They still wear the uniform of their trade, red coats and white breeches, also the ladies look most attractive in their tailored jackets and jodhpurs… All this is very traditional and undoubtedly an integral piece of the history of our much-loved countryside that is under threat now. But what is not part of that tradition is the hordes of people who follow the hunt since motor transport became available to the masse… If only they would stick to the roads and keep their massive treaded tyres off the moor. C G Watts, Dart Park, South Molton. (letter in archive)

Argus 26.11.03 Joy as fireworks dog returns by Lilly Peel - Chip the Jack Russell has found his way back home 18 days after bolting from the sound of a rogue firework. The Argus reported how the four-year-old terrier fled just days after travelling to London with his 12-year-old owner Jamie Bickers to help present a Downing Street petition calling for tougher controls of fireworks. Jamie's mum, Liz Cook, feared he had died…. (story)
Argus 12.11.03 Fireworks crusade dog goes missing by Lilly Peel - Moves to toughen up the control of fireworks may be too late for Chip the Jack Russell terrier. For just days after helping to present a Downing Street petition on the subject, the dog has gone missing after bolting at the sound of a rogue firework. Chip travelled to London last Tuesday with his 12-year-old owner Jamie Cook and his mother Liz.... Chip had been going to schools with Mrs Cook, where she gives presentations to children on behalf of Animal Aid and the RSPCA.... (story)

Western Daily Press 26.11.03 ZOO ANIMALS AID - With reference to Naples Zoo, the Captive Animals Protection Society attempts to assist animals incarcerated in zoos…. A Heritage Bridgwater Somerset (letter)

Western Daily Press 26.11.03 LIVE ANIMAL CARGOES MUST GET INSPECTION - The European Parliament this week starts considering proposals for new rules governing the transport of live animals throughout the European Union. We MEPs are already receiving letters from people who believe they should be made more stringent… We will be looking to amend the proposals to make observance verifiable, and we hope our Continental colleagues will follow our lead. Caroline Jackson MEP Swindon (letter)

Guardian 26.11.03 Monkey business and the research lab - It came as no surprise to animal campaigners when the deputy prime minister John Prescott announced planning approval for Cambridge University's monkey brain research centre (Monkey lab gets go ahead, November 22). He continues in the government's misguided tradition of supporting animal experiments at all costs… Wendy Higgins, British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection
A collective amnesia has taken over this government. I remember well the Labour manifesto "A new life for animals" which promised to consider a royal commission into the efficacy of vivisection. Cambridge University's primate centre has been purported to be a centre of excellence in research. To brain damage higher primates and then study the results tells us how the brain damage affects the primates only… A Moynihan, London (letters)

Gloucester Citizen 26.11.03 CHARITY SECRETARY QUITS IN CASH ROW - The Forest organiser of animal charity the RSPCA has resigned because of a lack of support from the Gloucester branch. Karen Davies-Buckingham quit as the auxiliary secretary of the Forest branch after seven years' working for the charity…. "They have a paid administrator, paid fundraiser, paid cleaner and a lovely warm, modern, secure building. We have a very cold, very damp, very insecure clinic and nothing else…." Mrs Davies-Buckingham has said that she will now continue in her role of member and trustee of the Gloucestershire Wildlife Rescue Centre in Hartpury and will now cover call-outs in the Forest (story)

ANIMAL AID CHRISTMAS LETTER
Swindon Evening Advertiser 26.11.03 Spare a thought for what's on the table - CLAUDIA TARRY Campaigns Officer Animal Aid Tonbridge, Kent (letter in archive)
Keighley News 21.11.03 SIR - Tis the season to be jolly, to shop till we drop and stuff ourselves silly… Claudia Tarry, Campaigns Officer, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent (letter in archive)
Surrey Mirror 20.11.03 Give animals a festive break - 'TIS the season to be jolly, to shop till we drop and stuff ourselves silly. But spare a thought for the animals who will suffer. Here are some tips for indulging in cruelty-free style - Claudia Tarry, campaigns officer, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent (letter)

Ealing Times 26.11.03 Veggie food uses battery hen eggs – claim - VEGETARIAN products sold in supermarkets frequently contain eggs from hens kept in battery cages claims a report. The news has angered animal rights activists who have bought vegetarian produce under the belief that ingredients and methods used would not involve cruelty to animals. RSPCA experts who compiled the report said nine of the 11 retailers questioned by the charity, including Tesco and Asda admitted using battery eggs in products labelled as suitable for vegetarians… (story)

Argus 25.11.03 Concern as children are licensed to use guns - Children as young as 11 are obtaining gun certificates from Sussex Police…. Lewes MP Norman Baker highlighted the worrying facts to lobby for more gun control… "Whilst I believe older children should not be completely denied access to firearms, for instance in a safe and responsible environment such as a rifle range, I can think of no convincing reason why young children should be licensed to use lethal weapons. I find it all the more disturbing where such children are then encouraged to participate in bloodsports and are, consequently, being desensitised to the suffering of animals rather than being taught to respect wildlife."…. (story)

BBC News Online 25.11.03 Gamekeeper hit by coursers - A Norfolk gamekeeper was attacked after he confronted a group of men who were illegally coursing hares. Stephen Moore was hit on the back of the head with a "blunt instrument" after he challenged four men he saw coursing hares at about 1330 GMT on Monday… (story)

Guardian 25.11.03 It's harmful to deny vital role of animals - The letter by Kathy Archibald (Letters, November 18) about animal experimentation is seriously flawed, and presents a harmful point of view…. I would put it to Archibald that she ask the thousands of patients who have benefited from this surgery whether they would rather suffer from their disease or be restored to the dignity of normality. Tipu Z Aziz Department of neurosurgery, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford
Just as creationists deny evolution, so anti-vivisectionists deny the value of animals in medical research. We know of no credible, independent medical organisation anywhere in the world that supports Kathy Archibald's claims… Simon Festing, Association of Medical Research Charities (letters)
Guardian 18.11.03 Animal testing no help to humans - The impression created by Philip Connolly [director of the Coalition for Medical Progress] that the research community is united behind the need to use primates in biomedical research is utterly false... Kathy Archibald, Europeans for Medical Advancement, London (letter)

Scotsman 25.11.03 Research torture - With reference to your report, "Go-ahead for research centre" (21 November), to say medical science will be jeopardised if there is a ban on research using primates is absurd. Just because animals are used extensively in research does not mean they are vital to advancements… SHEILA EDWARDS Dubai United Arab Emirates (letter)

Guernsey Press & Star 24.11.03 Mud but no blood on historic hunt by Max Hall - MORE than 100 people showed up to watch horses, hounds and riders compete in the Bigard Cup drag hunt on Saturday… ‘It’s fantastic and loads of people have turned up to watch,’ said Jan Coomer, 51, president of the Guernsey Riding and Hunt Club…. Twelve horses and riders came from Jersey to join the 26 from Guernsey… The scent was followed by 15 hounds - one fewer than was expected… (story in archive)
BBC News Online 22.11.03 First drag hunt for three years - The first drag hunt in three years is taking place in Guernsey on Saturday. Sixteen hounds and about 30 horses will take part in the event which is being organised with the help of the Jersey Drag Hunt and Chase Club…. (story)

Western Daily Press 24.11.03 MAJESTIC TURKEYS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED, NOT SLAUGHTERED - The festive season is almost upon us and once again millions of turkeys will be reared and slaughtered for the traditional Christmas lunch. I urge readers to try a tasty vegetarian alternative and sponsor a real one at Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norwich…. Name and address supplied (letter)

Exeter Express & Echo 24.11.03 IT'S WRONG TO KILL ANIMALS TO PUT MEAT ON PLATES - I do not see us all as vegetarians but here, in the Western World, many of us chase after meat as if our lives depended on it… I am certain the killing of animals and the Crucifixion go together. Killing animals and killing humans is much the same…. Tony Parsons, Haymans Close, Cullompton (letter)

ANIMAL AID HOSPITAL FOOD LETTER
Exeter Express & Echo 24.11.03 DID HOSPITAL PROVIDE YOU WITH VEGETARIAN CHOICE? Ajaye Curry, Campaigns officer, Animal Aid, Tonbridge (letter)
Somerset Guardian 20.11.03 VEGGIE SURVEY LAUNCHED - AJAYE CURRY, Animal Aid, Tonbridge, Kent (letter)
Bath Chronicle 17.11.03 VEGGIE SURVEY - AJAYE CURRY, Animal Aid, Tonbridge, Kent (letter)
Wells Journal 13.11.03 HOSPITAL SURVEY NEEDS REPSONSES - Ajaye Curry Campaigns Officer Animal Aid The Old Chapel Bradford Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1AW(letter)
Belfast Telegraph 13.11.03 Veggie meals in hospitals - Continuing Animal Aid's campaign to ensure that vegetarians and vegans are catered for properly in all public sector areas, we are launching a new survey to test the provision made for veggies who are in hospital... AJAYE CURRY, Animal Aid, The Old Chapel, Bradford Street, Tonbridge, Kent, TN1 1LL (letter)

Scotland on Sunday 23.11.03 Low prices mean estates have no incentive to extend deer culling - YOUR article on deer culling (News, November 16) gave the impression that extending the current open season either could or would lead to an increased level of culling… What would be a real incentive for an increased cull would be a realistic financial return for venison. While your article spoke of the current shop price being £9 per pound, the current price paid by venison dealers to individual deer stalkers or to estates is a ridiculous 20p per pound… Colin Shedden, director Scotland, British Association for Shooting and Conservation
I WAS appalled to read that the culling season may be extended, as the prospect of even more unregulated trigger-happy gunslingers is not a pleasant one…. Far from permitting an extension, the Scottish parliament should be looking at it in the same way that it did that other murderous ‘sport’, fox hunting. Alan Clayton, Strathlachlan
THE Deer Commission is on dangerous ground in calling for abolition of the closed season for stalking stags and extending the open season for shooting hinds… Animal Concern recognises that culling is a necessary evil. However, all animals deserve an undisturbed and safe breeding season. If The Deer Commission remove that period of sanctuary they can expect a backlash from animal rights… John Robins, campaign consultant (letters)

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH CENTRE GO-AHEAD
Observer 23.11.03 A greater good - The government has shown courage in giving Cambridge University permission to go ahead with a monkey laboratory…. The decision may well anger those animal-rights activists who have already tried to terrorise staff at Huntingdon Life Sciences' laboratory. None the less, while animal trials remain the only reliable method of assessing the safety of new treatments, the Government is right to give strong backing to such research (story)
Scotsman 22.11.03 Prescott backs research centre - JOHN INNES - SCIENTISTS and animal rights campaigners were at odds last night after the government gave Cambridge University permission to build a controversial research centre where tests will be carried out on monkeys…. (story)
ITV.com 22.11.03 Research centre goes ahead - Scientists and animal rights campaigners are at odds after the Government gave Cambridge University permission to build a research centre where tests will be carried out on monkeys… (story)
Times 22.11.03 Prescott gives go-ahead for monkey laboratory - A LABORATORY that will use monkeys to study brain diseases was approved by the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday… (story)
Telegraph 22.11.03 Activists declare war over new monkey lab By Roger Highfield, Science Editor - The Government gave Cambridge University permission yesterday to build a monkey laboratory where scientists will study brain disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's disease.... Dr Mark Matfield, director of the Research Defence Society, said the decision was good news for British research.... Andrew Tyler, Animal Aid director, said that the decision was "grotesque and astounding".... Joan Court of X-CAPE (Cambridge Against Primate Experiments) said: "This is a total abomination and a disgrace that the planning inspector has been overruled. There will be massive civil disobedience." (story)
Guardian 22.11.03 Monkey lab gets go-ahead - Animal rights protesters furious at 'shameful but predictable' approval for primate research centre - Alok Jha, science correspondent - Cambridge University was yesterday given the go-ahead to build a multi-million pound primate research centre… (story)
Independent 22.11.03 Activists to fight monkey lab at Cambridge By Charles Arthur, Technology Editor - Animal rights campaigners have vowed to block a new laboratory at Cambridge University that will experiment on apes and monkeys, after it was given planning permission by John Prescott yesterday. The pressure groups Animal Aid and the British Union Against Vivisection said there would be opposition and demonstrations "day after day" if the university tried to build the laboratory. Animal Aid said the centre would turn Cambridge into "the monkey torture capital of Europe"… (story)
BBC News Online 21.11.03 Primate experiment lab approved - Cambridge University has received UK Government approval for a controversial laboratory in which it intends to carry out brain experiments on monkeys…. (story)
Ananova 21.11.03 Cambridge University gets new monkey tests lab - Cambridge University has been given permission to build a controversial research centre where scientists will carry out tests on monkeys. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has ruled in favour of the plan…. (story)
BBC News Online 21.11.03 Doubt remains over primate lab By Jonathan Amos - Cambridge University has conceded its controversial primate laboratory may never be built because of high costs. The UK Government approved plans for the £30m neuroscience centre on Friday, to the dismay of animal rights groups who say the lab's work will be cruel. But Cambridge Pro-Vice-Chancellor Tony Minson said a £7m shortfall in funding would mean construction work next year would be delayed - and may never begin…. Wendy Higgins, from the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (Buav), said the decision was no surprise, coming "just at the time that Cambridge University itself is throwing doubt over the project due to rising costs… (story)

Bedfordshire on Sunday 23.11.03 It's a dog's life - each year over two million cats and dogs are slaughtered in China to satisfy demand in Europe for cat and dog fur…. I urge consumers and animal lovers to put pressure on their local Westminster MPs to raise this matter with the Government and to write to Commissioner Byrne, European Commission, Rue de la Loi 200, B-1049 Brussels, Belgium, demanding that he take immediate action to ban the import, export and sale of these products…. Bashir Khanbhai MEP, Conservative (Eastern Region) (story)

BBC News Online 23.11.03 Concerns over horse passports - Equine charities in the South West have raised concerns that new horse passports, which could soon become law, could lead to animals being dumped or shipped abroad… Maureen Rolls from South West Equine Protection is concerned by the move. "If an animal has had any treatment at all then obviously they are unfit to go for slaughter," she said…. (story)

Western Morning News 22.11.03 STRATEGY ON BADGERS DELAYED TB VACCINE - At last it has been demonstrated that the reactive killing of badgers in hotspot areas has increased the prevalence of bovine TB breakdowns in cattle, these being the very same areas where badgers have been culled over many years under a variety of Ministry of Agriculture strategies, yet remaining hotspots… John R Starnes, Par Cornwall (letter)

Western Morning News 22.11.03 BREEDERS DISCOVERED EXPORTS LOOPHOLE - Followers of the Western Morning News' campaign to stop the resumption of the live export of horses and ponies to the continent will recognise Charlotte Faulkner as the breeder who last May successfully exploited a current loophole in the laws surrounding horse exports…. (story)

Newsletter/Belfast News/Derry Journal 21.11.03 Hare Coursing Club Defends Republic Meet - DUNGANNON hare coursing club has been slammed over its decision to hold its annual meet in the Republic. The League Against Cruel Sports has branded the move a cynical attempt to avoid the protection for the Irish hare…. The Dungannon club recently won a conservation award for the work it was doing with Queen's University. (story)

BARCLAY FAMILY GRAVES VANDALISED
Hertfordshire Mercury 21.11.03 Hunt family grave attack - Horrified members of the Puckeridge Hunt believe animal rights protestors may be responsible for a vicious sledgehammer attack on their ancestors' graves. Headstones at poppy-strewn graves belonging to members of the Barclay family, from Brent Pelham, were smashed to pieces at St Mary the Virgin churchyard in the village…. Diana Pyper, daughter of Charles Barclay, whose grave was attacked, said: "The whole family is devastated and extremely upset. The people who did this horrible thing obviously have no respect for the dead…." (story may only be on website for a week)
Herts & Essex Observer 20.11.03 Hunting family's graves smashed - Animal rights activists are among suspects believed to have demolished three gravestones commemorating the lives of five members of the Barclay family, which has been involved with the Puckeridge Hunt for more than 100 years…. A spokeswoman for Herts police said there was no message left at the crime scene and the motive was unclear. However, she acknowledged that one line of investigation being pursued was that the perpetrators were blood sports opponents… Liz Mort, the Countryside Alliance's eastern region director, branded the vandalism "despicable" and said: "You get used to banners being daubed with blood, but to do this is appalling, especially so close to Remembrance Day." A spokesman for the Hunt Saboteurs Association (HSA) refused to condemn the criminals, but said it was not something that the HSA "would sanction or encourage"… (story may only be on website for a week)
Guardian 19.11.03 Hunting clan's graves smashed (story)
Scotsman 18.11.03 Hunt Family's Gravestones Attacked by Vandals By Lisa Davies, PA News - Three gravestones belonging to a well-known British hunting family have been smashed to bits in an overnight vandalism attack. Di Pyper, of the Barclay family, said she learned of the attack early this morning in which gravestones belonging to her parents, her grandparents and her great aunt were “completely smashed to bits.”…. The church yard where the vandalism took place is directly across the road from the kennels for a pack of hounds belonging to the Puckeridge Hunt in Brent Pelham, a village of about 180 people near Buntingford in Hertfordshire… Mrs Pyper, the current master of the hunt, said: “The police believe, and I myself believe, it must be the work of hunt saboteurs,”…. Captain Barclay died last year aged 83 after more than 50 years at the top of the hunting fraternity. Three of his children, Major Ted, Robert and Mrs Pyper were all both former joint masters with their father. His other son James is currently a joint Master of the Cottesmore Hunt… (story)

RED DEER
Western Daily Press 21.11.03 IDIOT FRINGE OF HUNTING SET TO SLAUGHTER DEER - Maverick hunt supporters will try to wipe out Exmoor's red deer population if the Government forces through a hunting ban, a deer management expert claimed yesterday. Peter Donnelly believes the "idiot fringe" of the hunting fraternity will indiscriminately slay as many deer as possible in a spiteful bid to give Tony Blair a bloody political nose…. Although not involved in hunting himself, the 69-year-old believes hunting has created a natural balance between the residents of Exmoor and its 4,000 red deer… Diana Scott, joint master of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds, said a ban would inevitably see an increase in shooting by landowners and farmers, but for reasons of pest control…. (story)
Western Morning News 19.11.03 EXPERT FEARS FOR FUTURE OF EXMOOR'S DEER HERD - England's last large herd of wild red deer needs all the help it can get - and it needs it sooner rather than later… Peter Donnelly, a deer management expert with a lifetime's experience, says… "The situation to me is like a narrow based isosceles triangle," he says. "At the apex you've got the hunt and fields sports fraternity; at one of the other points there are the antis like the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS); and at the third point you've politicians like Alun Michael. In the middle you've got the deer."… having made such a statement, Mr Donnelly - who does not hunt - is prepared to point a warning finger at the staghound fraternity. "At the minute they're saying: 'We hunt - we don't want to know about anything else. We're going to hunt - full stop, shut the door'…. (story)
Western Morning News 19.11.03 35 SANCTUARIES WHERE HERD CAN THRIVE IN SAFETY - Paul Tillsley, League Against Cruel Sports sanctuaries manager at St Nicholas Priory, near Dulverton, seemed unimpressed by Mr Donnelly's arguments…. (story)
Western Morning News 19.11.03 DEER WILL BE SHOT, BUT NOT OUT OF SPITE Diana Scott, joint master of the Devon and Somerset Staghounds, shrugs when she hears suggestions that hunting farmers and landowners will shoot deer out of spite. "Unfortunately deer will be shot, but I don't think people will do it out of spite," Mrs Scott told the WMN…. (story)

Leicester Mercury 21.11.03 FOUL PLAY OVER FOXES - Once again I read in the Mercury (November 4) that the citizens of Oadby and Wigston will be prosecuted if they fail to clean up after their dogs if they foul in parks…. Yet my complaints are more about the wild animals that the authorities do not want to try to contain or get rid of…. This is the second year our garden has been spoiled and I must say that these foxes are not breeding in my garden… I cannot see how this can be fair, to prosecute dog owners, yet allow authorities to leave foxes alone… B W Cross, Leicester. (letter)

Burton Mail 21.11.03 Chilling animal rights message by DAVID POWLES - A CHILLING message has appeared on an animal rights website from a group claiming to be behind a terrifying firework attack at a Burton home. The message claims responsibility for the attack in which 12 'explosive devices' were set off at a house in Portland Avenue, Branston, and calls upon others to carry out similar crimes…. The message appears on the Save The Newchurch Guinea Pig campaign website, a group opposed to the farm, but denies any involvement in illegal action to get its message across. Police today said they were aware of the message, but that the group had not been forthcoming in letting them know where it came from…. (story)
Burton Mail 5.11.03 Police vow they will catch terrorists by DAVID POWLES - POLICE today vowed to catch the animal rights terrorists behind a letter sent to staff working at a controversial farm…. Police today admitted that members of the group behind the threat were known terrorists and said they were taking the incident 'very seriously'…. (story)
Burton Mail 4.11.03 Terror group letter link by DAVID POWLES - THE GROUP behind a threatening letter to staff at a controversial farm are linked to terrorist attacks – including a bomb blast at 10 Downing Street, the Mail can reveal today… The Mail can today reveal that the group behind the letter, the Animal Rights Militia (ARM), is known to be one of the most dangerous animal rights groups in the country…. (story)
Burton Mail 3.11.03 TERROR THREATS TO FARM WORKERS by DAVID POWLES - TERRIFYING letters threatening a campaign of serious attacks on staff and their families have been sent to every worker at a controversial farm near Burton, the Mail can reveal. Staff at Darley Oaks Farm, in Newchurch, have received a sinister letter demanding that they resign from their job otherwise they and their families will come under attack…. (story)

Times 21.11.03 The law and animal rights protesters - “Animal extremists ‘will drive research abroad’ ” (headline, November 18). Apparently the Bioscience Innovation and Growth team says that new laws are needed to deal with animal extremists. Yet no mention is made of the recent injunctive orders obtained by Huntingdon Life Sciences and by a number of Japanese companies (for whom I acted in the High Court) against the animal rights extremists in general and the group Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty in particular (see Law Report, October 22)…. TIM LAWSON-CRUTTENDEN, Lawson-Cruttenden & Co, 10-11 Gray’s Inn Square, WC1R 5JD. (letter)
Times 18.11.03 Animal extremists 'will drive research abroad' BY NIGEL HAWKES, HEALTH EDITOR - NEW laws are needed to deal with animal extremists if Britain is to keep its pole position in bioscience in Europe, a report said yesterday. Existing legislation is not working and immediate steps are needed to protect research workers and companies from harassment and attack, says the Bioscience Innovation and Growth Team, an industry group that is funded by the Government to provide advice.... (story)
Telegraph 18.11.03 Animal rights extremists 'halting lifesaving drugs' - New laws are needed to stop animal rights extremists blocking the development of lifesaving medicines, says a report into the future of Britain's biotechnology industry... (story)

Western Daily Press 21.11.03 BADGERS SHOULD STAY PROTECTED - I'm sure Johnny Kingdom loves his badgers but it would be wrong to remove the protection they now have…. Pamela Dean Stroud Gloucestershire (letter)
Western Daily Press 20.11.03 JOHNNY IS SO HYPOCRITICAL - Johnny Kingdom is a first-class hypocrite. He professes to love the countryside, but writes on his feature page about controlling wildlife numbers - killing!... Last week it was hares, this week the Government's badger slaughter…. Malcolm Clark Chairman Wiltshire Badger Group (letter)

ASHFORD VALLEY ATTACK
Kentish Express 20.11.03 Hunt disrupted by men with whips MEMBERS of Ashford Valley hunt have described their fear when a gang of 20 men dressed in black surrounded them brandishing whips. A hunt saboteur is due to appear back at Maidstone pol-ice station in January following the confrontation at the hunt's meet in Hunton, south of Maidstone, on Saturday… Followers of the Ashford Valley hunt say that one of the gang of protestors, a 33-year-old man, attacked a hunt supporter, knocking him to the ground and spitting at him. It is claimed that the victim, 53, from the Cranbrook area, was left bleeding and bruised and with ripped clothing… (story)
BBC News Online 16.11.03 Hunt protester accused of horse attack - An anti-hunting protester was arrested on suspicion of assaulting a horse during a clash with huntsmen in Kent, on Saturday... (story)
Sunday Telegraph 16.11.03 Hunt attack charges - A hunt saboteur, accused of attacking a horse with a homemade whip, is due to appear before Maidstone magistrates in Kent. Another man has been accused of assaulting a supporter of the Ashford Valley Hunt.... (story)
Ananova 16.11.03 Hunt saboteur accused of assaulting horse - An anti-hunting protester has been arrested for allegedly assaulting a horse during a clash with huntsmen in Kent. Kent Police said a group of around 20 protesters had been following the Ashford Valley Hunt... A spokeswoman for the Countryside Alliance said one protester struck a horse with a home-made whip, while the other was involved in an altercation with a member of the hunt... (story)
Scotsman 15.11.03 Hunt Saboteur Accused of Assaulting Horse By James Tapsfield, PA News - An anti-hunting protester was today arrested for allegedly assaulting a horse during a clash with huntsmen in Kent… (story)

Cornishman 20.11.03 BADGERS AND TB: WHY SO LONG FOR A VACCINE - Anne Shaw, Tregarth, Nancledra - In case anyone is wondering about the sudden influx of dark green landrovers and blue truckman vans in the area, don't worry, it's only DEFRA here once again killing as many badgers as they can, under the doubtful heading of a 'scientific study'…. Don't forget, the badger is a protected species, and you are not allowed to shoot them, unless you're from DEFRA, then it's perfectly okay to blow their brains out! (letter)

Western Gazette 20.11.03 CRUELTY PAYS - I Am in complete agreement with the sentiments expressed in the letter of 6 November concerning a suitable punishment for the despicable duck killer… in contrast to that meted out to a friend of mine who was protesting outside Huntingdon Life Sciences… he threw a small lump of mud towards the police line, hitting nobody. For this heinous 'crime' he received 250 hours community service. It obviously pays to be cruel instead of caring… Yeovil resident, name and address supplied. (letter)

The Sentinel 20.11.03 NOSTALGIA BRUTALISES FARM ANIMALS - I just had to write after reading Saturday's Sentinel magazine Your Week. I was totally appalled. On page 10, Jim Morgan's Picture Remembered. This week it was the picture of sheep grazing in a field. It seemed that people were very happy to reminisce about the sheep and their fate… These poor helpless creatures were slaughtered and so petrified that they tried to run away… Society has to change its views on animal cruelty. Reminiscing about seeing helpless animals, ready to have their throats cut and then bleed to death, is not a way that will change it. D BARNETT Meir (letter)

IFAW ANIMAL ACTION WEEK
Ulster Herald 20.11.03 Shauna's searching for animal heroes from Omagh - TV presenter Shauna Lowry has joined the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to reward people who have done something significant to help animals. The awards are part of IFAW's Animal Action Week and will be presented next year in the House of Lords…. (story in archive)
The Forester 20.11.03 SHAUNA IN QUEST FOR ANIMAL HEROES - Animal Planet TV presenter Shauna Lowry is searching for animal heroes in the Forest of Dean. The awards are part of IFAW's Animal Action Week and will be presented next year in the House of Lords…. (story)
Kent/Sussex Courier 14.11.03 SEARCH IS ON FOR ANIMAL HEROES - The International Fund for Animal Welfare is searching for animal heroes from Tunbridge Wells. The charity wants to reward people who have done something significant to help animals as part of its Animal Action Week... Nick Jenkins, Animal Action Week Office, 186 High Street, Rochester Kent ME1 1EY (letter)
Edinburgh Evening News 7.11.03 Nominations wanted for dogged work - NOMINATIONS are being invited from Edinburgh for an awards evening to recognise people who help animals. The International Fund for Animal Welfare has established the awards, which will be presented next year in the House of Lords.... (story)

Argus 19.11.03 Airport ban for arson offender by Aidan Radnedge - Gatwick bosses have banned a baggage-handler from crucial parts of the airport after discovering he was jailed for arson 24 years ago. Michael Tomsett had his airside pass confiscated after BAA Gatwick checked his record and found he was jailed for three years in 1979… He was a 21-year-old part-time firefighter at the time and was on one of the crews called to tackle the blazes…. His trial at Lewes Crown Court in February 1979 heard he set fire to straw at the Southdown Hunt kennels at Ringmer on October 1, 1978…. (story)

Shropshire Star 19.11.03 Woman left helpess as hounds hit garden - A Shropshire woman is up in arms after she watched helplessly as her garden was invaded by a pack of foxhounds, which scattered her cats and damaged her plants. Julie Stealey, from Edgerley, near Kinnerley, Oswestry, was sweeping up leaves in her garden yesterday afternoon when a fox flashed past her, quickly followed by a pack of baying hounds…. untsman Nick Ashcroft, who was out with the Tanatside Hunt yesterday, said he was immediately behind the hounds and got them away from Mrs Stealey's garden as soon as he saw she was upset…. (story)

Fife Free Press 19.11.03 DISMAY EXPRESSED OVER BIRD DEATHS - AN EAST Neuk farmer has been left "shocked" and "upset" by the discovery of five birds of prey found dead on his land…. Bert Burnett, SGA committee member and a professional gamekeeper, said: "I am not aware of this particular case and we do not condone the poisoning of birds of prey…." (story)

Bristol Evening Post 19.11.03 OPPOSITION TO GREYHOUND TRACK - Sports fans will be welcoming the news that Bristol City and Bristol Rovers football clubs are considering building a new 30,000-seater football, rugby and athletics stadium near Easton Compton. However, I urge all readers to oppose the plans to include a greyhound track. Already thousands of greyhounds are bred every year in Britain and Ireland and a similar number are "disposed" of by the greyhound racing industry… Mrs M Harrison via e-mail. (letter)

Cambridge Evening News 19.11.03 Taken out of our hands - From Amanda James, Wheatley Crescent, Bluntisham - IT SEEMS very odd that the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister last week issued a press release suggesting that "The Government is committed to making the planning system faster, fairer and more responsive to the needs of the community and business"…. In February 2001, South Cambridgeshire District Council heard a planning application from Cambridge University to build a huge new research complex to carry out experiments on monkeys… However, rather than allowing the people of Cambridgeshire to play a part in a planning decision which will shape their communities, the Government announced instead that it would make the decision…. (letter)

Cambridge Evening News 19.11.03 Lab of no benefit - Paul Hayhoe, Colville Road, Cherry Hinton - THE proposed monkey lab will not benefit mankind and they will kill thousands of primates because tests will not give any relevant results. Is it going to benefit animals as well?... (letter)

Ananova 19.11.03 Activists call for Wilkinson to ditch kangaroo boots - Animal welfare campaigners are calling on Jonny Wilkinson to ditch the boots which have helped kick England through to the Rugby Union World Cup final. Activists are angry the 24-year-old fly-half is wearing boots made using leather from kangaroos killed in Australia…. "Three million kangaroo skins a year are exported from Australia and the vast majority are used to make football boots," said Viva! spokesman Graeme Wotherspoon… (story)

Western Morning News 18.11.03 Not on a Sunday I AM a pro-hunter but I totally agree with M Cooper, Postbridge (WMN, November 4) that there was no need whatsoever to go hunting on a Sunday. Margaret Hawker Ermington South Devon (letter)
Western Morning News 4.11.03 HUNT HAS NO RIGHT TO STARTLE WALKERS - I was walking through the forest at Postbridge on Sunday, (November 2) at 2pm with my dogs running free when a fox crossed my path (not unusual) then suddenly I heard what I thought were foxhounds. No, I thought, it's Sunday. Then the riders in the distance confirmed that a hunt was in progress… I assume the reason for the hunt was because the riders attended the march at Honition the day before. Well, that was their choice. So what gave them the right to invade everyone else's space on Sunday… M Cooper (letter)

Bath Chronicle 18.11.03 HYPOCRISY OVER KILLING OF ANIMALS - I Note that Judith Burgess, in her letter to The Chronicle (November 10) concerning foxhunting, conveniently excludes animals that are bred and slaughtered exclusively for human consumption from her list of animals whose fate is supposedly treated with disdain. If a vegan, I forgive her oversight. If not, I smell hypocrisy at work…. The claim, by A Williams, that woods used for rearing pheasants are devoid of wildlife as a result of culling weasels and stoats, is both contemptible and bewildering. These delightful little creatures are indiscriminate predators, classified as vermin by the government and have to be controlled by law… I repeat, shooting is a force for good in our manmade, man managed and wonderfully diverse English countryside. ADRIAN C WELSH, Walcot Street, Bath (letter)

Western Morning News 18.11.03 HORSES BATTLE HITS NO 10 - Carla Lane joined thousands of readers in saying no to the live export of horses yesterday when she took their signatures supporting the Western Morning News campaign to Downing Street…. (story)
Western Morning News 18.11.03 OUR 65,982 REASONS TO LISTEN, MR BLAIR Yesterday a delegation presented the WMN's petition opposing the possible resumption of live exports to No 10 Downing Street. Sarah Pitt reports… Carla was joined by animal rights campaigners from Compassion in World Farming, representing the 65,982 readers who have signed our petition appealing to Tony Blair and his Government to close a loophole in EU law which undermines the British ban on exporting horses…. Michael Sutcliffe, a CIWF supporter for 25 years, said: "We are standing here near Westminster and the Houses of Parliament and we seem to have lost our sovereignty…" Fellow CIWF member Ailsa Pain said presenting the petition was "part of the democratic process" which would ultimately get Government ministers to act. And another supporter, Killy Cavendish, said she was unhappy to think that any horses could be subjected to horrific journeys across Europe in crowded trucks…. (story)

WESTERN MORNING NEWS LIVE EXPORT LETTERS (November 2003)
Western Morning News 18.11.03 Gratifying … The Government must ensure that this inhuman form of live exports never happens again. F G Bowles, Sticker Cornwall (letter)
Western Morning News 18.11.03 'DON'T CARE' ATTITUDE TO LIVE TRANSPORTATION The picture of the poor donkey being dragged out of the trailer in a European market (WMN, October 3l) had me in floods of tears… Lyn Sawkins, Holsworthy (letter)
Western Morning News 17.11.03 EVIL HORSE TRADE MUST NOT RESUME - Thank you for exposing the fact that this evil trade regarding the transporting of horses and other animals to European countries could re-start… Eileen M Jeffery, Newton Abbot
Keep fighting … Please, Margaret Beckett, fight to keep this ban in place. Mrs L Julyan, Sticker
Sad practice … As a nation we do not agree with eating our pets, therefore why should we allow this to happen? Iris Newman Stratton Cornwall
Very upset - I would just like to say how disgusted and upset I was to read your article in the WMN regarding the transportation of horses… Mrs L Worth Launceston
They should not end lives in pain … I am appalled that any live animal, born and bred in this country, should be subject to the barbaric conditions of transportation, so graphically described…. A B R Harvey Camborne
No justification - I would like to express my wholehearted support to the WMN for your Live Exports Campaign… Claire Wright, Feniton Honiton
Unbelievably cruel … We have great respect for your newspaper for championing this most worthy cause. J and E Cleveland Exeter
We must opt out - It is completely unacceptable in a civilised society for animals to be subjected to the cruelty involved in being transported across European countries… Cyril L Dent Newquay
Exports are wrong … I have always contended that this kind of long-distance transportation and export of live animals is wrong and I have not changed my position…. Tess Nash Helston
Extend the campaign - I hope all our efforts will succeed in protecting our horses and ponies… S Gilmore Devon
People power - It's no good relying on these lily-livered politicians. We must use people power which comes from the heart and attack the very idea of bringing back this horrific trade…. Joan O'Neill St Ives
Cost of privilege … Shame on us, and shame on our Government if we close our eyes to the needless suffering of horses, ponies, and donkeys through live exportation… Pamela Pike Ilminster Somerset
Unveil anger .. We must ensure Margaret Beckett is fully aware of the anger of people in this country… Clare Sampson Braunton North Devon
Shame on this nation For a nation which prides itself as one of animal lovers, we can only be thoroughly ashamed of ourselves… Marian Brook Exmouth
Compassion desert The thought of the resumption of live horse exports for slaughter is sickening…. Mr P Lethbridge St Neot
We must stand united … It is not too late to let it happen again. Sonia & Peter Dodsworth Plymstock (letters)
Western Morning News 17.11.03 LIVE EXPORT CAMPAIGN LETTERS It is with horror that we hear of the prospect of the return of live transport of horses, ponies and donkeys to the Continent… N and J Sheppard, Antony Torpoint
Surely the only way to combat this trade is to point out to those involved the economic nonsense of this trade… Jenny Tavy Hayle
I am absolutely appalled to learn that the live export of horses, donkeys and ponies could be reintroduced… Mrs C J Bone Par
… How can a nation, calling themselves animal lovers, condone such a horrific trade? W Marshall, Ilsington Newton Abbot
I am appalled and horrified that in the year 2003 any live animal exports are deemed necessary… Tamsin Purtell, Braunton
It would be a shameful day for this country if this vile trade were to be resumed… Jenny Hewison Lustleigh
… Animals should only be exported after they have been slaughtered as humanely as possible in this country…. Penelope, John and Amelia Hooper, Bridgwater (letters)
Western Morning News 17.11.03 CRIES THAT SHOULD MAKE WORLD LISTEN … Britain is an EU member - how can we allow this? The cry from these animals should be heard and acted on - now. Sylvaine Shapland, Wellington, Somerset
Barbaric treatment - I am totally opposed to the live export of ponies, donkeys and horses - it's barbaric… Jane Dunsford, Higher Barton, Devon
It is past all understanding - I would like to express my disgust of this evil and cruel practice, which in this day and age, is past all understanding. Mrs G Doidge Launceston
Stand up for these creatures - Thank you very much for all the work you are doing about the live horse exports… Mrs E Stephens Bittaford, South Devon
Extend protection - It would be outrageous if our UK legislation regarding the ban on live horse meat exports was to be swept away…. Valerie Uren Tavistock
Brutal disregard There should be a total and irrevocable ban on the export of all livestock, including horses, wild ponies and donkeys… Dennis Woodcock Taunton
Is there a hidden reason? … Surely animals should be slaughtered in this country and then transported in carcass form. Is there a hidden reason why this doesn't happen? Joanne Goodman Totnes
We have learned this lesson… It is not workable and mustn't be allowed to start again. D J Ogle South Brent
Only on the hook Well done WMN for bringing this issue to everyone's notice. Shirley Renowden, Cornwall
Speak on their behalf .. It is about time someone stood up for these poor unfortunate animals and spoke out on their behalf. Mrs H Howell Perranwell Station, Cornwall
Call for civil disobedience - It is now obvious that the introduction of equine passports is timed to allow the resumption of live exports from this country…. Quentin Blacke Penhallow
Pictures left me in tears The pictures I saw in the WMN of the horses being exported brought tears to my eyes…. Mrs M Taylor Harrowbarrow Cornwall
How can anyone condone this? .. If people have to eat animals, the very least the animal should have is a happy life, being well cared for, then a quick and humane slaughter. Ruth Bethel Blackborough, Devon
Stop this murderous slaughter - I look into the eyes of the beautiful creatures, and all I can see is a line of cruelty…. Lynette Dunn St Ives
You can see fear in their eyes - It is unbelievable that in 2003 we are even considering bringing back live export for horses and ponies… Sue Smith, Wadebridge
Helpless victims …. Live animal exports are barbaric and must not be resumed. Christina Chapman West Buckland, Kingsbridge
Do they have no conscience? Surely no live animals, let alone horses which are not bred for eventual slaughter for food anyway, should be exported live… Elizabeth Cooper Dartmouth (letters)
Western Morning News 11.11.03 CAMPAIGN COULD EXTEND TO PROTECT ALL LIVESTOCK I hope that all our efforts will succeed in protecting our beloved horses and ponies.... S Gilmore, Devon
People power - IT'S no good relying on these lily-livered politicians. We must use people power which comes from the heart and attack the very idea of bringing back this horrific trade... Joan O'Neill, St Ives
Cost of privilege ... I have seen the eyes of animals being transported in trucks, pressed together and driven through busy traffic - the stark terror I see there makes me ashamed... Pamela Pike, Ilminster Somerset
Unveil anger A CHANGE in EU law leading to the live export of horses is unthinkable... Clare Sampson, Braunton North Devon (letters)
Western Morning News 11.11.03 BIRTH CONTROL COULD BE HUMANE SOLUTION ... There are so many horsey people in Devon, why can't they help too - or do they only care about their own horse or pony, to be able to ride and pursue their sport with, be it eventing, Pony Club, gymkhanas, hunting, dressage, polo etc? Jan Martin Fox Ledger, Totnes Devon
No animal must suffer I WOULD like to register my protest against the live export of horses, ponies and donkeys - in fact any animals... Angie Thompson, Dartington
Young and passionate I AM 11 years old and live in Newquay. I have read the reports in the paper and think it is very cruel to all the horses, ponies and donkeys... Charlotte Walters (and Lady the horse), Newquay (letters)
Western Morning News 11.11.03 NO ROOM FOR CRUELTY IN ENLIGHTENED TIMES Thank you, WMN, for your campaign to put an end to the dreadful live export trade.... I & R Johnson, Moretonhampstead
Seek royal figureheads I SUPPORT your campaign to stop the possibility of exporting live horses, ponies and donkeys abroad, to be slaughtered for meat.... Mrs B Rosevear, Nanpean St Austell
Legislate against trade - PLEASE add our names to your campaign against the live export of horses to the Continent and elsewhere.... Mr & Mrs Stanbrook, Exeter (letters)
Western Morning News 4.11.03 A NIGHTMARE FACES OUR FAITHFUL FRIENDS - I wrote this poem several years ago and sent it as a Christmas card all over Europe to help stop the transport of horses…. Mary Lascelles, Porthleven… (letter)

Exeter Express & Echo 17.11.03 NEW VIDEO TO SPOTLIGHT CRUELTY - Bird poisoning, badger baiting and egg collecting are featured in a new hard-hitting video which highlights the problem of wildlife cruelty. Police and local authorities will be using the Government-backed video to help raise awareness of the issue in schools…. (story)
Western Morning News 15.11.03 A SHOCKING video including sickening scenes of badger-baiting and illegal egg collecting has been released to help fight wildlife crime in the Westcountry. The five-minute film - narrated by actor Richard E Grant - has been produced for the Partnership for Action Against Wildlife Crime (PAW) to raise awareness of the extent and variety of wildlife crime.... UK wildlife crimes featured range from violent scenes of badger baiting to the illegal collection of rare birds' eggs and the large-scale collection of flowers like bluebells and snowdrops from the wild.... (story)

JANE ASHER SUPPORT FOR ANIMAL RESEARCH
Central Somerset Gazette 17.11.03 ANIMAL TESTING IS UNETHICAL, UNRELIABLE, AND USELESS' - In response to Thomas Bromley from Seriously Ill against Medical Research (Central Somerset Gazette, October 2003)… Nicole Vosper Cheddar (letter)
Cheddar Valley Gazette 13.11.03 'ANIMAL TESTING IS UNETHICAL, UNRELIABLE, AND USELESS' In response to Thomas Bromley from Seriously Ill against Medical Research (Cheddar Valley Gazette, October 2003).... Human patients would be better off if drug companies did no tests on animals because the results are unreliable... Vivisection is unethical, unnecessary and useless, a system designed to pump out drugs as quickly and cheaply as possible to make profits for pharmaceutical companies... Nicole Vosper Cheddar (letter)
Cheddar Valley Gazette 6.11.03 MEDICINE NEEDS ANIMAL TESTING - In response to Wendy Higgins of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (Chedar Valley Gazette, October 30). The views expressed by our patron Jane Asher merely reflect that of mainstream medical and scientific opinion which recognises the valuable contribution made to medical progress through the use of animals and the very real need to continue to use them where no alternative exists…. Thomas Bromley, SIMR executive secretary (letter)
Cheddar Valley Gazette 30.10.03 'CELEBRITY BACKING FOR VIVISECTION IS MISLEADING' - Wendy Higgins, Campaigns Director, British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV) Crane Grove, London (letter)
Western Morning News 21.10.03 ACCEPTABLE FACE OF ANIMAL EXPERIMENTS - What a comfort it must be to the animal testing industry that cake-maker and one time Crossroads actress Jane Asher has entered the debate on animal experiments…. In choosing a so-called celebrity backer like Jane Asher, the CMP are trying to make support for lab animal suffering more appealing by conjuring up an imaginary world where labs animals suffer no more than a pin prick, dying peacefully in the noble cause of saving humanity… Wendy Higgins, British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection (BUAV), London (letter)
Dundee Courier 14.10.03 Nothing wrong with this kind of idealism - Regarding Jane Asher’s comments (Actress defends drug testing on animals, Courier, October 9); since she is described as a patron of Seriously Ill for Medical Research, it is worth pointing out that there is also an organisation called Seriously Ill Against Vivisection… To set limits to what we are willing to do to animals for our own (in this case, highly dubious) benefit is not a betrayal of humanity but a fulfilment of the best human qualities—compassion and moral choice. Katherine Perlo. Dundee Animal Welfare Network, 5 Pitfour Street, Dundee. (letters)
Telegraph 13.10.03 Animal data is crucial - All drugs have to be tested on human subjects before being approved for clinical use... There is no doubt that the sum total of suffering would be reduced if we could find useful alternatives to animal experiments. Until truly superior alternatives are available, it might be worth bearing in mind that those benefiting from the drugs in question are people like you, me and (at the risk of sounding emotive) our children. From: Chris Norbury, Oxford (letter)
Telegraph 11.10.03 Animals just provide cover - Jane Asher has been sadly misled by representatives of the pharmaceutical industry who have a keen vested interest in animal testing... Europeans For Medical Advancement contends that drugs would be much safer for patients if they were tested not on animals, but on human tissues, human DNA chips, computer models of human organs and finally in risk-free micro-dose studies in human volunteers.... Ray Greek, London W13 (letter)
Telegraph 11.10.03 Asher's ethical naivety - Jane Asher's support for animal vivisection (report, Oct 9) betrays an ethical naivety bordering on the irrational.... Margaret Ellis, High Bentham, Lancs (letter)
Telegraph 11.10.03 Between us and them? - Jane Asher seems to think that animal experimentation is a choice between using animals or helping people. However, there are now methods that do not involve animal testing.... A. Wills, Ruislip, Middx (letter)
Telegraph 9.10.03 Asher makes the case for animal experiments - Jane Asher - actress, cake supremo, charity worker, novelist and soap opera superbitch - has added another string to her bow, as a fervent advocate of animal experimentation…. "Looked at from the practical point of view, it's very hard to see how any rational person can object to carefully controlled, humanely conducted experiments used to develop drugs and medical techniques to benefit mankind," she told a London meeting of the Coalition for Medical Progress, an umbrella group of academics, universities, patient groups, medical charities and pharmaceutical companies … (story)
Ananova 8.10.03 Actress backs drug testing on animals - Jane Asher says medical researchers should stop apologising about the need for drug testing on animals. The actress believes that unless people are willing to renounce virtually all medical intervention for themselves, their families and even their pets, arguments against using animals in research are unsustainable… Ms Asher, patron of the charity Seriously Ill for Medical Research (SIMR), was speaking at a meeting in London organised by the Coalition for Medical Progress… (story)

Bath Chronicle 17.11.03 HOG ROAST'S A SELL-OUT BY JESSICA DACEY - Queues of customers formed as a controversial hog roast was launched in Bath city centre…. Next to the hog roast was Ed Caldecott, a vegetarian who has had a photo stall at the same spot for 15 years…. Activist Rob Hill was also there to photograph the stall for a publication produced by the Bristol Animal Rights Group. "I live a vegetarian lifestyle and would never hurt an animal. It is a free world but seeing something like this, I feel nauseous. It is disgusting. I do not think it is right for people to have to see that."… (story)
Bath Chronicle 3.11.03 HOG ROAST UNDER FIRE- AGAIN - A SUNDAY hog roast in Bath is to be placed between a stall run by a life-long vegetarian and another run by a Jewish woman. A licence has been given for a whole pig to be cooked on a spit in Union Street every Sunday. But Ed Collacott, who sells fine art photographs, and Edna Summerell, who sells pots, are both against the decision as a matter of principle… (story)
Western Daily Press 27.10.03 HOW TO MAKE A KILLING IN BATH - It seems only right that the traditional Hog Roast in Bath city centre should be allowed to take place. This year, perhaps an added attraction to draw the crowds could be the public slaughter of the chosen pig prior to roasting…. I suspect the number of vegetarians in the City of Bath would rise sharply… (letter)
Western Daily Press 23.10.03 FORCE GET A ROASTING OVER HOG FEAST BAN - Police last night backed down in their controversial attempt to ban a traditional hog roast from taking place in Bath city centre…. (story)
Bath Chronicle 22.10.03 HOG ROAST OBJECTIONS DROPPED BY POLICE BY SARAH HILLS - Police have withdrawn controversial objections to plans for a weekly hog roast in the city centre. A police officer had originally opposed the Sunday stall, saying it might offend religious groups and provoke protests by animal rights activists… It is understood Sgt Bebbington's stance had annoyed some of her colleagues…. Sarah Broadwith, of the Bath Hunt Sabs and Animal Rights group, also said it was a step too far and ruled out any protests… (story)
Bath Chronicle 17.10.03 POLICE OBJECT TO PIG ROAST IN CITY CENTRE BY SARAH HILLS - Police have objected to plans for an open-air hog roast stall in Bath city centre because it might offend animal rights activists and religious groups. Trader Marie Gibson wants to bring the traditional method of cooking a whole pig on a spit set up in Union Street every Sunday…. In a letter to the council Sgt Jan Bebbington, of the police's city centre team, says that the majority of her colleagues felt that such a stall would be inappropriate. She lists eight reasons for objecting, including: "We have an active animal rights group in Bath which would more than likely protest, should the stall be allowed to operate at this location."… Sarah Broadwith, of the Bath Hunt Saboteurs and Animal Rights group, said it was a step too far… "… to my knowledge there has never been a protest against a hog roast. It is minor compared to other things such as fox hunting and vivisection…" But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, a national animal welfare organisation, welcomed the police objections… (story)

Telegraph 15.11.03 Obnoxious, arrogant, uninformed - I find Steven Berkoff's views on the "working class" and foxhunting as obnoxious as they are arrogant and uninformed.... Mr Berkoff has obviously never been to the north or ever heard of the Banwen Miners Hunt in South Wales. Still, being a good socialist (if I don't like something, I'll ban it), he has made up his mind, and he must be right. From: Joy Lunn, Aberystwyth, Wales (letter)
Telegraph 12.11.03 Mr Berkoff gets even - working-class hero is now a gentle, if rather garrulous, soul. He talks to Catherine Shoard.... Working-class people don't like fox-hunting. We find it repellent. But the middle classes think there's something weird about that. They claim not to like fox-hunting, but not because of animal welfare. They're too afraid to admit that they're sensitive to something as small as a little fox."... (interview)

Birmingham Post 15.11.03 Animal rights group 'behind arson' By John Revill, Birmingham Post - Animal rights protesters were last night blamed for an attempted arson attack on a home linked to a guinea pig breeding centre. Staffordshire Police said army bomb disposal experts were called in after a dozen fireworks were hurled at an address in Burton-on-Trent... (story)
Wolverhampton Express & Star 15.11.03 Police blame activists for street blasts - Police are hunting for animal rights extremists after powerful fireworks went off in a Staffordshire street in the early hours of yesterday morning. A dozen devices were lit outside homes in Portland Avenue, Branston, near Burton upon Trent.... The Save the Newchurch Guinea Pigs group, which was set up to try to close Darley Oaks Farm, said it condemns violence.... (story)
BBC News Online 14.11.03 Activists blamed for firework attack - Army bomb disposal experts were called after a suspected animal rights protest in which dozens of fireworks were thrown at a house linked to a guinea pig breeding centre. The explosions in Burton-on-Trent were reported to police at 0245 GMT on Friday.... (story)

Newark Advertiser 14.11.03 More red tape - My wagon mare and driving pony are also extremely well looked after. I'm also furious that I have to pay over £50 for passports for them. These passports are just silly bits of paper which are of no use to me, the horses or anyone else since these horses will never go abroad or be eaten. They will probably be with me till their dying day and will then be put down in my yard and sent to the hunt kennels.... (Mrs) S. C. SCARLETT, Home Farm, Staunton. (letter may be in archive)

Newcastle Journal 14.11.03 Farmers question badger cull suspension - Defra must reassure cattle farmers that its shock decision to suspend badger culling in the reactive zones of the Krebs TB control trials is based on sound science and completely impartial. The National Beef Association warns there are deep suspicions within the cattle sector that the department is looking for an easy political solution to a difficult animal disease problem so it can get a smoother ride from pro-badger voters... (story)

Ledbury Reporter 14.11.03 Farmer is unmoved by badger cull shock - A FARMER hit by two outbreaks of TB in his cattle says he still has faith in the Government's badger-culling trials. Fred Simcock, of Coddington, was speaking after the recent shock decision to suspend a key element of the trial.... Andrew Field, spokesman for the Herefordshire Badger Group, said: "We're calling for a complete cessation of culling in this part of the world. We want money to be spent on scientific research into the issue of TB rather than just the badgers' part."... (story in archive)

Burnham & Highbridge Times 14.11.03 BADGER CULL TO CEASE - News that reactive culling of badgers is to cease has been welcomed by Secret World founder Pauline Kidner... (story)

Gloucestershire Echo 14.11.03 BADGER CULL HAS NOT HALTED TB - Having been on the old badger TB panel, I was as astonished as everyone else at the suspension of badger culls in reactive areas (Echo, November 5). But, as is often the case, 180 degree political U-turns appear out of a clear blue sky.... M Hancox, Stroud (letter)

Bristol Evening Post 14.11.03 FOUNDER TO MEET BEARS SUPPORTERS The founder of a charity set up to highlight the plight of captured bears in China will meet local supporters at a fundraising show. Jill Robinson, of the Animals Asia Foundation, will also give an update on progress made with the campaign at the event organised by the South Gloucestershire branch of China Bear Rescue.... (story)

Hull Daily Mail 14.11.03 DON'T TRY TO IMPOSE FOOD WISHES ON US ALL - In reply to Eileen Girling's letter... You must be getting desperate when you can quote the Bible, so out of context, and then claim you don't know why God made animals. Cheryl R Sampson, Cleeton Lane, Skipsea. (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 6.11.03 IT'S NOT IN GOD'S NAME Please may I reply to Cheryl Sampson's letter… Eating meat at the very least is unethical. The earth cannot sustain it…. Mrs E Girling, Sigston Road, Beverley. (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 27.10.03 COULD YOU KILL YOUR OWN FOOD? I Read with amusement the letters from meat-eaters and vegetarians…. But if everyone had to kill their own meat there would be millions more vegetarians, me included. G Gibbins, Cottingham Avenue, Hull. (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 16.10.03 WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO EAT WHAT WE LIKE - Eileen Girling you are the "pot calling the kettle black". It's all right for you and your likes (vegetarians) to be accusing meat eaters of being killers but it's not all right for meat eaters to answer back. It's all right to eat plants because, according to you, they don't feel pain like animals. That's the same argument as saying that just because animals can't speak, doesn't mean that they can't suffer pain…. Cheryl R Sampson, Cleeton Lane, Skipsea, near Hornsea (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 7.10.03 'BODY NOT DESIGNED FOR MEAT' - Living near factory farms and slaughterhouses explains the lack of compassion for the suffering of animals from recent letter writers in favour of meat…. A billion cows worldwide pumping methane into the atmosphere do more damage than all the responsible, caring vegetarians. S Broom, Ings Road Estate, Hull (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 7.10.03 'CARNIVOROUS COMMENTS WERE UNDERMINED' - Simon Mason's tacit acceptance of the Theory of Evolution (Mail, October 1) undermines his carnivorous comments… My cat eats meat and, as far as I am aware, this has not helped him evolve to the point where he walks on two legs…. Peter Minns, John Street, Kingston Square, Hull. (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 2.10.03 VEGETARIANS UNDER ATTACK ONCE AGAIN - Re: Chris Baron and Cheryl Sampson's letters (Mail, September 24). Once again vegetarianism is attacked by meat eaters via the well known argument of living plants… Eileen Girling, Sigston Road, Beverley. (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 1.10.03 VEGETARIANS SHOULD NOT DENY EVOLUTION - If members of the vegetarian lobby examined their own teeth, they would discover something quite interesting.... These are to facilitate eating meat. Are they denying thousands of years of evolution by saying humans are not supposed to be omnivores? Simon Mason, Tranby Lane, Anlaby. (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 24.9.03 VEGETARIANS ARE KILLERS - I Am sick of vegetarians' attitude of holier than holy because they don't kill animals to live on. What planet do they live on?... So it's time for vegetarians to stop accusing meat eaters of being killers when they kill vegetables to live themselves. Cheryl R Sampson, Cleeton Lane, Skipsea (letter)
Hull Daily Mail 17.9.03 VEGETARIANS ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DEATHS In His indulgence for roast beef, Chris Baron states that "he harms no one but himself"… Each person that eats meat is directly responsible for the animal's death. Vegetarians do not cause killing. Eileen Girling, Sigston Road, Beverley (letter)

BBC News Online 13.11.03 Gamekeeper's poison conviction - A gamekeeper has been fined £250 for illegally possessing poison, 11 gin traps and a wild buzzard's egg. Ronald Allison, 66, was the only suspect when a buzzard was poisoned on Balmanno Estate in Perthshire.... (letter)

Royston Crow 13.11.03 Bid to drive out illegal hare hunts - ABOUT 50 landowners and farmers from Eastern Hertfordshire's rural areas attended a meeting to examine ways of tackling problems associated with illegal hare coursing last night. The meeting at Stevenage police station saw Nicholas Moss, the deputy chairman of the North Hertfordshire magistrates' bench, and eastern area commander Chief Supt Andy Wright speak on the problem... (story)

Sheerness Times & Guardian 13.11.03 Busy being badger's friends - BADGERS are nocturnal creatures, rarely seen by the human eye and rarely given a passing thought. The only time most of us see them is when they have been hit by a car and their bodies are lying at the side of the road. But these gentle creatures have a group of champions fighting to help them survive through all seasons: the West Kent Badger Group…. (story)

Ilkley Gazette 13.11.03 Fur flies as animal rights group targets fashion shop - HEATED scenes broke out in Ilkley town centre yesterday as animal rights protesters targeted an Ilkley shop selling real animal fur. Members of protest group Fur Free Yorkshire set up banners and began leafleting outside 5th Avenue fashion store at the Moors Shopping Centre... Member of Fur Free Yorkshire, Damian Tapper, from Burley-in-Wharfedale, said: "No doubt the owners of 5th Avenue and other shops selling fur call themselves animal lovers, which at best is laughable."... Campaign organiser, Anna Harris, from Sheffield, said: "Catching animals from the wild or breeding them in cages, in order to supply the fur trade is completely unnecessary and totally barbaric...."

Eastern Daily Press 13.11.03 Princess calls on horse lovers to fight - The Princess Royal yesterday called on horse lovers to join her fight against the export of horses and ponies for slaughter. Princess Anne urged visitors to the annual seminar of the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) to lobby the Government in the group's fight against new draft regulations from The European Commission.... (story)

The Forester 13.11.03 'EXPERIMENTAL BADGER CULLS A WASTE OF TIME' - A Forest farmer welcomes the news that some experimental badger culls have been halted as the end of a 30-year smokescreen.... Humphrey Phelps has been farming at Westbury on Severn for 50 years, and he thinks a return to the practices of the past would prove more effective against the scourge of Bovine TB than killing badgers.... (story)

Dundee Courier 13.11.03 Hypocrisy of government - Jim Crumley’s excellent account of the vile destruction of badgers highlights, yet again, the hypocrisy of government, when it comes to animal welfare.... Politicians are too occupied gloating over their ever-increasing bank balances and lucrative expense accounts to really care about animals. I would rather have 100 badgers on my doorstep than one of these hypocrites. Bob Beveridge. Old Town House, Falkland. (letter)

Cambridge Evening News 13.11.03 Arrest after vandalism at city war memorial - A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested in connection with the vandalism of Cambridge's city centre war memorial... (story)
Cambridge Evening News 12.11.03 TODAY OF ALL DAYS - A WAR veteran said he felt sick after an "outrageous" act of vandalism tarnished a Remembrance Day ceremony. Vandals sprayed images of monkeys on to the war memorial in Station Road, Cambridge, just hours before the ceremony at 11am this morning.... (story)
Edinburgh Evening News 12.11.03 Vandals attack war memorial - POLICE are hunting vandals who daubed images of monkeys on a war memorial in Cambridge hours before a Remembrance Service... (story)

Western Daily Press 13.11.03 ONE ANIMAL LOVER'S CRUSADE TO RESCUE BATTERY FARM HENS - Animal lover Jane Howarth has launched a one-woman crusade to save hundreds of battery hens from life in cramped cages. Jane buys the hens from farmers and then helps find new owners for them... (story)

Scotsman 12.11.03 Usual suspects in defence of rural 'liberty' - FORDYCE MAXWELL - I CARE about the future of the countryside, most of those who live in it and the farmers who look after much of it. But if I thought that writing about it and making a case for it for a working lifetime was for the benefit of the types who appear in a book called Liberty and Livelihood: a portrait of rural life, I’d quit tomorrow. The book is published this week by, no surprise, the Countryside Alliance. I have expressed doubts about this organisation before for running a pro-fox-hunting campaign under the pretext of speaking up for rural life as a whole and for managing to sell the idea that it represented the unanimous view of everyone in the countryside... (story)

Oswestry & Border Counties Advertizer 12.11.03 SHOOT MAN DIES - A MAN, who was airlifted to hospital last Saturday after apparently suffering a heart attack while out shooting near Oswestry, is believed to have died in hospital... (story may be in archive)

Torquay Herald Express 12.11.03 RACING CRUELTY - One of the pets I've had over the years was Bandit, a retired greyhound. He made a wonderful pet. Sadly of the 9,000 greyhounds retired every year only 20 per cent are homed. The rest face an uncertain fate.... The league against cruel sport is campaigning for a compulsory levy of 1p in every £1 taken by bookmakers to become a statutory part of the government's forthcoming animal welfare bill. ROBERT GAGIE, All Hallows Road, Paignton (letter)

Peterborough Evening Telegraph 12.11.03 DEMONSTRATION: Police to talk to HLS protesters - POLICE are due to hold talks with protesters who are planning another massive demonstration against the controversial Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS) laboratories. About 1,000 people are expected to descend on Huntingdon town centre on Saturday, December 6 for a march and rally organised by Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty (SHAC).... Heather James, spokeswoman for SHAC, said she believed the demonstration would have more impact in the town centre... (story)

Chester Chronicle 12.11.03 RECENT reports concerning the slaughter of dolphins in Japanese coastal waters are truly appalling. The annual dolphin hunt from September 1 to March 31, kills an estimated 20,000 dolphins, porpoises and small whales… MALCOLM ESPLEY Tattenhall (letter)

BBC News Online 12.11.03 Protest against puppy farm grants - Dog breeders and animal welfare campaigners opposed to grants being given to farmers take their protest to the Welsh assembly on Wednesday.... Karen McGarrigle, co-ordinator of the Say No to Puppy Farms campaign said: "While we sympathise with the plight of the farmers affected by the foot-and-mouth outbreak, raising a puppy that is going to live with your family requires a far different approach to that used for rearing and animal destined for the meat market...." (story)

Swindon Evening Advertiser 11.11.03 How can we expect better? Yet more beautiful birds killed by thoughtless young men (EA November 6). However, what do we expect, what messages are we giving out to our young people? Air guns are freely available... Our rich friends are allowed to kill semi-tame birds by the thousand... People ride around our countryside killing foxes, deer, hares, and any unsuspecting pet that happens to get in the way.... Mrs M Harrison, Toothill (letter in archive)

Worcester Evening News 11.11.03 Badger debate - BADGER culling will be on the agenda when an MP meets members of the National Farmers' Union this weekend. Sir Michael Spicer, Conservative MP for west Worcestershire, is to meet the Pershore and Upton-upon-Severn branches of the NFU at Pershore College on Saturday... (story in archive)

Shropshire Star 11.11.03 Workers at RSPCA against job strike - RSPCA staff in Shropshire and Mid Wales are no longer likely to take industrial action over plans to cut 40 jobs, union bosses announced today. A meeting is due to take place tomorrow to discuss a redundancy package which has been offered to workers at the animal charity's flagship headquarters in Dorrington, near Shrewsbury, and the RSPCA Cymru centre in Brecon.... (story)

Cumberland News & Star 10.11.03 GET HOOKED ON ANGLING By Fiona MacRae - CUMBRIAN adults and children are being offered the chance to become hooked on angling. The Environment Agency is running free coaching sessions on coarse or freshwater fishing this winter.... (story)

Cambridge Evening News 10.11.03 NO WONDER THEY WON'T TELL US From Christopher Cornell, Russell Court, Cambridge - IN YOUR report on the proposed monkey lab (News, October 30), there is a reference to the Cambridge University Council refusing to discuss details of the experimental work... I would suggest the reason why the university does not want to discuss the details of the monkey brain experiments is that once the details of the experimental procedures are in the public domain the general public will become horrified by the details and protest even more about them. (letter)

Argus Pleading poverty - One minute Carla Lane is pleading poverty for help with her animals and the next minute she can afford to pay out £8,000 for a court case against her… 10.11.03 -Mary Frankel, Hove (letter)
Argus 27.10.03 Carla Lane in £8k payout to sanctuary worker by Virginia Bridgewater - Screenwriter Carla Lane was ordered to pay out more than £8,000 in what a tribunal panel described as the worst case of unfair dismissal they had seen. The writer of hit TV series' Bread and Butterflies was taken to a tribunal by her former employee Mandy Rutherford, who claimed she was a victim of sex discrimination and unfair dismissal…. Miss Rutherford said she was made to feel stressed, self-conscious, undermined and intimidated by John Bully, whom Miss Lane had employed as a manager at the sanctuary…. (story)

Bucks Free Press 10.11.03 Stop this shocking treatment of animals - I HAVE recently become aware of a shocking example of the cruelty of factory farming: the pig farrowing crate... For information on factory farming and vegetarianism contact Viva!... Mrs Sue Smith Ivins Road Holtspur (letter)

BADGER CULL SUSPENDED
Western Mail 10.11.03 Bovine TB group calls for meeting - Steve Dube, The Western Mail - THE Farmers' Union of Wales is demanding an emergency meeting of the UK bovine tuberculosis forum following the Government's sudden decision to suspend part of the Krebbs trials.... NFBG chief executive Dr Elaine King said the reactive culling data confirmed there was a bovine TB link between badgers and cattle. She went on to call for tighter cattle movement restrictions and improved cattle TB testing regimes.... (story)
Western Mail 8.11.03 Cause of TB spread still controversial Duncan Higgitt, The Western Mail - YEARS of research and bitter debate over any role badgers play in the spread of TB among cattle have failed to find an answer. Farmers have long argued that Mr Brock is to blame... (story)
BBC News Online 8.11.03 Restrictions on cattle 'possible' - The movement of cattle could be restricted under government plans to eradicate bovine tuberculosis.... Anthony Gibson, of the National Farmers' Union in south-west England, says his members feel as if they are being left with no solution to a problem that is ruining their lives and businesses... But Dr Elaine King, of the Federation of Badger Groups, applauded M