Officially established in 1998, Animals Asia campaigns for improved conditions and rights for various species across Asia. It operates award-winning sanctuaries in Vietnam and China (and is the only organization with a bear sanctuary in the latter).

These sanctuaries are home to hundreds of bears who were rescued from the bile trade.

What is bile farming?

In order to extract bile from their gallbladders, bears are subject to invasive, painful procedures. The bile, thought to have healing properties, is used in traditional Chinese medicine. It also appears in some household products like shampoo and toothpaste.

Demand for bile products comes predominantly from Asia, but such items are also found in Australia, Canada, and the US.

According to Animals Asia, the “cruel” trade is a source of “extreme suffering” for thousands of bears across the world’s largest and most populous continent.

One of the most “humane” bile extraction methods involves creating a permanent open passage in the animals’ gallbladder via their abdomen. The surgery – rarely performed by a veterinarian – often results in infections, many of which become fatal.

The way the animals are housed is similarly disturbing, the charity says. Bears are permanently kept in metal cages; many are so small that bears are left unable to turn around or stand on all fours.

Some bears are caged as cubs, and held captive for up to 30 years.

Rescuing bears from bile farms

Animals Asia has rescued 640 bears from the trade to date. With its bear rescue center in Tam Dao, Vietnam, approaching capacity, the nonprofit has announced a new sanctuary that will take in all of the remaining farmed bears in Vietnam.

The 12-hectare sanctuary, situated in the mountainous surroundings of the Bach Ma National Park, will be unveiled tomorrow (May 27). And when all farmed bears in Vietnam are freed and released into the sanctuary, the country’s bear bile trade will officially be history.

“This is a proud moment for humanity, Animals Asia, Vietnam, and our supporters around the
world”, commented Animals Asia founder and CEO Jill Robinson. “Together, in collaboration with the Vietnam government, we bring about this milestone in protecting wildlife across the country.”

In 2017, Animals Asia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Vietnamese government, committing to the closure of all bear farms in Vietnam.

The MOU outlined an agreement between the two parties, which would see them working together to free the then-1,000 animals who were still in the industry.

Speaking on the new sanctuary, Robinson added: “Today we show that courage, empathy, tenacity, and determination have brought about significant change, as we step up and demonstrate the way forward in helping to save the world’s vulnerable species.”

Celebrity support

A wealth of high-profile names have thrown their support behind Animals Asia and its efforts, including Dame Judi Dench, Alan Cumming, Stephen Fry, James Cromwell, Slash, Kesha, and Peter Egan.

Actors Tara Buck (True Blood), Torrey DeVitto (The Vampire Diaries, Chicago Med), and Marina Squerciati (Chicago P.D) are all in Vietnam to celebrate the unveiling of the sanctuary. They’re joined by television personality Josh Packham (Love Island), photographer Katarina
Benzova, and actor Tang Thanh Ha (Mỹ Nhân Kế).

In a video seen by Plant Based News, Ricky Gervais (who just donated £142,414.47 to Animals Asia), asked the public to “stand by them in this mission” and “raise their paw for the moon bear.”

Dr. Jane Goodall offered her “warm congratulations” to the nonprofit. “Animals Asia is ending bear bile farming in Vietnam,” she said. “To protect these beautiful moon bears, please help Animals Asia build this last bear sanctuary and make sure that in Vietnam, there will be no bear left behind.”

The post Vietnam’s Bile Trade Will Soon Be History As Last 310 Bears Are Rescued appeared first on Plant Based News.

Happy, a 51-year-old Asian elephant, was captured from the wild in the early 1970s. She was shipped to the US, arriving at the Bronx Zoo in 1977.

She is one of two Asian elephants living in captivity at the zoo – they are kept in separate enclosures and can only touch each other through a fence with their trunks. Throughout the ’80s, the elephants were forced to give rides at the zoo, perform tricks, and participate in tug-of-war competitions.

Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) – a nonprofit defending the civil rights of elephants, dolphins, great apes, and whales – is campaigning for Happy’s release. The organization insists that Happy’s captivity mimics that of solitary confinement, and robs the animal of her right to express her natural instincts.

This is especially concerning given the species’ high intelligence and sociability, NhRP says. In the wild, Asian elephants form complex relationships that last a lifetime, often working together to raise their children.

In fact, female Asian elephants are considered “social butterflies” with numerous friendships that stay intact even after long periods of separation.

NhRP also notes that in 2005, Happy became the first elephant to pass a mirror self-recognition test, which researchers say indicates self-awareness.

Elephant rights

NhRP first filed a petition against the Bronx Zoo in 2018. The charity asked the court, on the grounds of habeas corpus, to grant Happy her “common law right to bodily liberty.”

This, according to the charity, would require the immediate release of the senior animal to an elephant sanctuary “so as to prevent future unlawful deprivations of her liberty and allow her to exercise her autonomy to the greatest degree possible.”

Elephant researcher Joyce Poole says keeping elephants confined “prevents them from engaging in normal, autonomous behavior and can result in the development of arthritis, osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, boredom and stereotypical behavior.”

“Held in isolation elephants become bored, depressed, aggressive, catatonic and fail to thrive,” Poole added.

The Bronx Zoo responds

The Bronx Zoo, which opened its gates in 1899, has a different perspective. In a statement released on May 18, the zoo accused NhRP of “blatantly exploiting” Happy to “advance their coordinated agenda.”

And, that the nonprofit is “willing to sacrifice Happy’s health and psychological well-being to set precedent.” The zoo cautioned that should the NhRP win the case, there may be a surge of legal actions brought forward on behalf of animals in zoos.

The Bronx Zoo concludes that Happy – like all of its 4,000 animals – is, like her namesake, happy.

The facility is no stranger to controversy. In 2018, the Bronx Zoo ranked #1 on the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants. It was the eighth time the zoo had appeared on the list.

Happy has received coverage of her own, featuring in a New York Post piece about her “sad life alone at the Bronx Zoo.” There, the publication said, “Happy spends most of her time indoors in a large holding facility lined with elephant cages, which are about twice the length of the animals’ bodies.

“The public never sees this.”

The New York Court of Appeals heard arguments for and against Happy’s release last week. The court is expected to announce its decision in the next four to six weeks.

The post Landmark Court Case Could Grant ‘Happy’ The Elephant Human Rights appeared first on Plant Based News.

Kardashian, who has a sizeable 313 million followers on Instagram alone, joined Beyond Meat as the company’s first Chief Taste Consultant.

The partnership will see the A-lister promoting “her favorite Beyond Meat products” with recipes and creative content, according to a press release.

She will also feature in the Beyond Meat newsletter.

“I’ve been focusing on going more plant-based and can tell you that Beyond Meat is my absolute favorite – I love how all their products not only taste amazing but are also good for me and my family,” Kardashian said in a statement. She added that her four children are “obsessed” with her Beyond Beef taco recipe, the Beyond Burger, and Beyond Chicken Tenders.

“As my fans know, my fridge and freezer are fully stocked with Beyond Meat’s products.”

Celebrity influence

Kardashian added that she’s “thrilled” by the collaboration, and “really inspired” by Beyond Meat’s mission.

“[I] love that they are not only making plant-based eating delicious and accessible, but are doing so in a way that benefits both people and the planet,” the media personality said.

“It’s empowering to know that the small changes I’m making for my family, like incorporating more Beyond Meat into our meals, can add up to make a big impact.”

Kardashian joins Shay Mitchell, Kevin Hart, Snoop Dogg, and Liza Koshy as an ambassador of Beyond Meat. The brand, founded in 2009, is now available at roughly 135,000 retail and foodservice outlets in more than 90 countries.

Beyond Meat’s star-studded lineup of celebrity backers is no accident. Besides the additional attention the company undoubtedly receives, research indicates that celebrities and social media can influence what people eat.

A survey conducted earlier this year, commissioned by dairy conglomerate Arla, found that one in three adults make dietary choices based on what they see on social media.

Additionally, a Harvard review published in 2015 looked at the role celebrities play in spotlighting the climate crisis, especially its ties to animal agriculture.

It asserted that “celebrities can help draw attention to an issue and galvanize youth engagement.”

And, that “food is one such area where celebrities can help link the impacts of climate change to our consumption habits.”

The article concluded: “Celebrities can help by relating the causes and impacts of climate change to existing socio-cultural practices, facilitating not only a questioning of cultural values (such as meat and dairy consumption) but simultaneously making the necessary changes to our habits appear more positive, achievable and accessible.”

The post Here’s Why Kim Kardashian Is Now An Ambassador For Beyond Meat appeared first on Plant Based News.

Monkeypox is a rare infection that typically manifests as a rash, which develops into fluid-filled blisters. The rash is often preceded by symptoms such as a high temperature, headaches, muscle aches, backaches, swollen glands, shivering, and/or exhaustion.

It usually takes between five and 21 days for the first symptom to appear after infection.

Monkeypox in the UK

Monkeypox is typically found in Africa, but more than 130 cases have now been discovered in 19 countries outside of the continent, cropping up in Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia.

There are now 71 confirmed cases of monkeypox in the UK – 70 in England and one in Scotland, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

Last week, on May 16, there were just seven confirmed cases in the UK.

According to news outlet i, the recent outbreak is the first time person-to-person transmission of monkeypox has occurred in the UK.

But officials have assured that while the number of cases is “unusual,” the illness is usually mild, clearing up in two to four weeks.

The government has ordered more than 20,000 vaccine doses as a precaution, i reports.

How do you catch monkeypox?

Monkeypox is predominantly spread by wild animals – namely rats, mice, and squirrels – in west and central Africa. A human can catch the disease if they are bitten by an infected animal, or if they come into contact with infected blood, body fluids, blisters, or scabs.

You can also catch monkeypox by eating undercooked meat from an infected animal, according to the NHS, or by handling infected “products” like animal skin and fur.

Touching clothing, bedding, or towels used by anyone with the monkeypox rash also raises the risk of infection. The coughs and sneezes of an infected individual can spread the disease too.

How to avoid getting monkeypox

To lower the risk of contracting monkeypox, the NHS advises people to “only eat meat that has been cooked thoroughly.” Individuals should also not eat or touch bushmeat (the flesh of wild animals).

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can also protect against the infection.

The NHS has urged people to stay away from wild or stray animals, animals that look unwell, and dead animals.

Additionally, the organization stresses the importance of maintaining distance from people who are unwell and may have monkeypox, including not sharing bedding or towels.

Those who have monkeypox are advised to self-isolate, and stay away from pets.

Dr. Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser for the UKHSA, said: “If anyone suspects they might have rashes or lesions on any part of their body, particularly if they have recently had a new sexual partner, they should limit their contact with others and contact NHS 111 or their local sexual health service as soon as possible, though please phone ahead before attending in person.”

Visit the NHS website for more information.

The post NHS Issues Advice To Meat-Eaters Amid Outbreak Of Monkeypox appeared first on Plant Based News.

Food-tech company Eat Just, creator of the vegan egg product, debuted two new television commercials as part of the campaign, starring Williams and Gyllenhaal respectively.

The adverts, narrated by actor JB Smoove, poke fun at the lengths celebrities go to in order to maintain their health and fitness. But with JUST Egg, the commercials suggest, eating healthily (and sustainably) is easy.

Like all plant-based foods, JUST Egg is completely free from cholesterol. It also contains 69 percent less saturated fat than chicken eggs, and boasts five to seven grams of protein per serving (depending on the product).

The eggs, made from mung beans, are also kinder to the planet. As of April, Eat Just had sold the equivalent of 250 million eggs, saving 9.1 billion gallons of water in the process.

It also spared 43.6 million kilograms of CO2e and 13,446 acres of land.

Celebrity endorsement

Speaking about the campaign, Williams said: “I eat to live, so JUST Egg helps me feel and perform better. But it’s also delicious – I don’t think my family can even taste the difference between JUST Egg and chicken eggs.

“I’m also all-in on the mission: how can we make healthy, sustainable options accessible to everyone?”

The athlete, who has 23 grand slam victories to her name, is also a shareholder in the company, something Williams says she’s “proud” of.

“JUST Egg is making a real difference,” she added.

Gyllenhaal – who has worked on near to 60 movies, including Donnie Darko and Nightcrawler – is also an investor in the brand.

“I’m excited to be partnering with JUST Egg,” he commented. “I’m eating more plant-based for my health, and JUST Egg makes it easy and delicious.

“I also recognize the impact our food system has on our planet, so JUST Egg’s mission is important to me. And, honestly, who can turn down being narrated by JB Smoove?”

The new ads will air on television in major markets, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. They will also appear nationwide on connected TV platforms and social media, while billboards of the collaborations will pop up in hard-to-miss locations.

The post Serena Williams And Jake Gyllenhaal Star In New TV Adverts For Vegan Eggs appeared first on Plant Based News.

The collaboration sees the UK’s largest hotel brand adding vegan bacon to its buffet menu at all of its 800+ hotels.

The plant-based bacon rashers – which boast 25 grams of protein per 100 grams, and contain iron and vitamin B12 – were crafted by THIS using pea and soy protein.

The bacon will be available as part of Premier Inn’s all-you-can-eat buffet, as well as its kids-eat-free deal.

Hungry for meat-free options

It comes as a seemingly ever-growing number of Brits are making a conscious effort to eat fewer animal products. In fact, research released by Quorn in September found that 41 percent of families in the UK are flexitarian or meat-free.

Yet many want to see more plant-based food when dining out.

A census-wide survey conducted by THIS in May found that 75 percent of Brits wished hotels, cafes, and restaurants offered more plant-based options.

The same survey discovered that nearly half (48 percent) of UK residents are interested in eating plant-based sausage or bacon for breakfast.

“Breakfast is a great occasion for people to get together, and our well-loved breakfast is a great value and hassle-free way to do that,” said Simon Jones, managing director for Premier Inn.

“With the recent introduction of our new vegan bacon in partnership with THIS, there’s now even more choice so no one has to miss out!”

THIS co-founder Andy Shovel echoed this sentiment, saying that the partnership is “really promising and timely,” given the UK public’s rising interest in meat-free food.

The post Premier Inn Adds Vegan Bacon To Its Buffet At All 800+ Hotels appeared first on Plant Based News.

Ryder, who once owned a vegan juice bar in Coggeshall, has TikTok to thank for his rise to fame. Ryder began posting musical covers on the social media platform in March 2020, during the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown.

His covers won the approval of a string of high-profile names including Elton John and Alicia Keys. And by the end of 2020, he was the most-followed UK artist on TikTok. (At the time of writing, Ryder has near to 13 million followers.)

During the pandemic is also when he penned his hit song Space Man, which he performed at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 – the 66th edition of the competition, which took place on May 14.

There, Ryder topped the jury vote, reeling in 283 points, and secured another 183 points from the public.

‘Unity, peace, love’

The 32-year-old musician named the experience an “incredible, incredible, rewarding journey.”

Speaking to presenters Scott Mills and Rylan Clark after the scores were released, Ryder said: “We signed up to come and sing. We enjoy music, and I know that every single artist involved this year absolutely smashed it.

“Everyone was a credit to themselves and a credit to what Eurovision is all about: unity, peace, love, togetherness, inclusivity and expression. Thank you for having us.”

The post Vegan Singer Snags 2nd Place At Eurovision, Earning Best UK Result In 24 Years appeared first on Plant Based News.

A petition that garnered more than 53,000 signatures was submitted to various higher-ups last week (May 5), reaching the leaders of America, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the EU, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, and the UK. 

Animal protection organization Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), which distributed the petition, said the matter is one of increasing urgency.

“Our global leaders cannot continue to bury their heads in the sand,” said Sarah Moyes, senior campaigns manager at CIWF. “Livestock emissions play a significant role in the current climate emergency, yet this has been virtually overlooked by world leaders.”

Environmental impact of animal farming

Indeed, the 86 billion animals who are farmed for food every year are responsible for a significant portion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.

In fact, 14.5 percent of global emissions stem from animal agriculture – more than the world’s transportation sector (including planes, trains, cars, and other vehicles) combined.

But the industry’s environmental concerns don’t end with emission output. Approximately 20 to 33 percent of all fresh water in the world is used to farm animals, while more than 884 million people do not have access to safe drinking water.

Animal-based food production also requires extensive land clearing, resulting in surges of emissions and habitat loss. Livestock uses up nearly 80 percent of global agricultural land, despite providing less than 20 percent of the world’s calories.

Placing pressure on world leaders

“We must drastically reduce our total global meat and dairy consumption, so we’ve addressed our petition to leaders of top meat-consuming countries or regions,” Moyes continued.

“It’s critical these world leaders act to bring forward a meat and dairy reduction and support a shift to nature-friendly, higher welfare farming, as a matter of urgency.”

Moyes added: “Factory farming is significantly contributing to one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time and leaders of those countries where meat consumption is particularly high, must play their part to ensure we meet the Paris Agreement targets.”

“We must turn up the heat on world leaders to keep the global temperature down!”

The post Petition Delivered To World Leaders Calls For ‘Drastic’ Reduction In Animal Farming appeared first on Plant Based News.

The finance titan handed the farm a six-figure sum, which critics say directly helped Madox grow its operations and consequently, increase the number of animals in Madox’s firing line.

Now, a coalition of climate scientists and animal advocates are urging HSBC to come good on its promise to “take responsibility” (one of the banking giant’s core values), and divest from animal agriculture altogether.

The problem with Madox Farm

Non-profit Animal Equality UK and a host of co-signatories penned a letter to HSBC about the matter. It was sent to the corporation yesterday afternoon. 

Animal Equality UK’s executive director Abigail Penny, writer George Monbiot, actor Peter Egan, author Eleanor Boyle, professors Tim Jackson and Julia Steinberger, and special advisor to the Wealth Economy Project, Dimitri Zenghelis, used the letter to drive home the importance of divesting from animal farming.

In February, a confronting BBC Panorma documentary placed Madox Farm and its practices under a microscope. At the facility – based in Carmarthenshire, South Wales – Animal Equality investigators discovered extreme violations of animal welfare standards.

Employees were filmed striking cows with shovels, kicking them in the face and udders, and choosing to let animals “die in agony” rather than intervene with veterinary care, the letter says.

But documentary viewers were also shocked by standard dairy industry practices. Cow-calf separation, for example, whereby a newborn calf is removed from their mother within days, hours, or even minutes of being born, so that her milk can be sold for human consumption. 

The common practice causes “undeniable psychological torment” for millions of cows and calves every year, the letter says, adding that “suffering on this scale is unfathomable.”

The letter highlights how intensive dairy farming has seen cows selectively bred to produce 40 percent more milk than they did a few decades ago, “leaving one-third [of cows] unable to walk at all.”

This too was documented at Madox, a Red Tractor-assured site, which is also backed by P&O Cruises and British Airways.

HSBC’s links to animal cruelty

This is part of why the letter’s signatories felt “disdain” upon learning that HSBC had given Madox a hefty sum.

Madox used these funds to build a 9,600-square-foot facility and increase its herd to more than 650 cows at any one time, the group says. It’s a project that HSBC was “passionate” about and “proud” to support, said HSBC UK’s deputy head of agriculture, Euryn Jones, at the time. 

But the letter maintains that because of the partnership, HSBC is “directly responsible for condemning more cows and calves to experience this anguish.”

“This troubling footage begs a troubling question: where is your oversight of these farms you help fund? Why was this abuse happening under your watch? And, most importantly, what is your next move?” the letter reads.

Animal farming and the climate crisis

Madox isn’t the only farm to receive funding from HSBC, and this is part of a wider problem, the letter stresses.

The financial services giant maintains that it is committed to protecting “communities, businesses, and the natural environment from the damaging” climate emergency. Yet, in mid-2021, HSBC launched a £1.2 billion fund especially for the agricultural sector, including animal farming.

The move clashes with HSBC’s sustainability commitments, the letter highlights, since animal agriculture is a significant driver of the climate crisis. 

The sector is the leading cause of global acidification and eutrophication, as well as land and water use. It’s also responsible for 14.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Further, animal farming is to blame for up to 91 percent of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest, and is heavily linked to biodiversity loss and antibiotic resistance too.

‘Put your money where your mouth is’

As a result, HSBC’s funding efforts must see an upheaval, the letter says.

“Animal welfare is an emerging investor issue. The escalating ESG risks associated with supporting intensive animal agriculture, from labour to water risks throughout supply chains, can no longer be ignored,” the letter states.

“The good news is, you can accelerate us to a brighter future. Please, divest from animal agriculture and instead support farmers in their transition to arable farming and rewilding of their land.”

The signatories ask that HSBC – which pulls in roughly US$50 billion in revenue a year, and holds nearly $3 trillion in assets – uses its position and power to “leapfrog society forward.”

“Put your money where your mouth is … our planet – our home – urgently needs action, not words.”

“We hope that we can count on you.”

The post Exclusive: Dairy Farm That ‘Tormented’ Cows Heavily Funded By HSBC appeared first on Plant Based News.

Humane Society International/UK (HSI) – an animal rights charity which championed the anti-glue trap campaign, Unstuck – has welcomed the news, naming it a “momentous victory” for wildlife across the country.

What are glue traps, and are they ethical?

Glue traps are pieces of cardboard, plastic, or fiberboard coated with a strong non-setting adhesive, designed to immobilize animals who wander across them.

HSI considers the traps “inhumane” and “indefensible,” since animals who become ensnared in one can suffer from broken or dislocated bones, torn skin, suffocation, vision loss, or if left long enough, dehydration or starvation.

It’s alleged that some animals who become stuck in a glue trap chew through their own limbs in an effort to free themselves.

And it’s not just rats and mice who fall victim to the devices. According to HSI, protected and endangered species including hedgehogs, birds, bats, and pet cats have also been known to sustain injuries, many of which are fatal.

Ban on glue traps

Despite the animal welfare complications, glue traps are widely available in the UK, with many costing as little as 99p. And while the new legislation will not ban their sale, it will be illegal for members of the public, including “pest controllers,” to use one in England without a licence.

Those who violate the new law will be handed a fine and/or up to 51 weeks in prison.

Further, coming upon a glue trap and not checking, without good reason, that it is disabled will also be an offence.

The legislation contains a limited exemption, which will allow those working in “pest” management to apply for a glue trap licence via the Secretary of State. This can only be carried out when there is “no other satisfactory solution,” and when it is necessary for “the purpose of preserving public health or safety.”

HSI/UK executive director Claire Bass – who labels glue traps “crude devices that cause horrific suffering to millions of animals” – hopes the ban will spur on industry changes.

“It is absolutely right that their public use will be banned, and we hope this will precipitate their removal from sale by retailers since it will be illegal for their customers to use them,” Bass said.

“The licensing regime for glue trap use by the ‘pest’ control industry will need to be strictly managed to ensure that these cruel products are no longer casually used with impunity,” she added. 

A similar exemption was included in a 2015 glue trap ban in New Zealand, but licences still continued to decline. In fact, there were no licence approvals in New Zealand at all last year.

Chris Packham on ‘compassionate’ wildlife management

Naturalist and vegan Chris Packham was pleased by the news. “When wildlife, like mice and rats, are successful at living alongside humans, we label them ‘pests’ or ‘vermin’ and seem to think that’s a green light to completely disregard their welfare,” he said in a statement.

“Glue traps are a prime example of this. That attitude has to change.”

The presenter added: “I’m delighted that cruel and unnecessary glue traps will now be taken out of public use, prompting a more compassionate and also effective approach to dealing with unwanted wildlife.”

“This law is great news for mice and rats, but also for the many unintended victims who get stuck in the glue, such as delicate birds, grass snakes, frogs, and hedgehogs.”

The post England To Ban Glue Traps In ‘Momentous Victory’ For Wildlife appeared first on Plant Based News.