Animal Aid

Support Austrian Animal Rights Prisoners

On 21 May 2008, ten Austrian animal rights campaigners were arrested in a series of armed raids on homes and offices belonging to animal protection groups. As far as we are aware, none of the prisoners have been formally charged.

One of the prisoners, Dr Martin Balluch, who is president of VGT (Association Against Animal Factories) has been on hunger strike since his arrest and is currently on his 43rd day.

Read Martin Balluch's message Find out how you can help the prisoners

Protest Against Reintroduction of Shooting on Ilkley Moor

Bradford Council plans to reintroduce grouse shooting to Ilkley moor a decade after it was banned. The Bingley Moor Partnership, which operates grouse shooting on the neighbouring Bingley and Burley moors, has been granted permission by Bradford Council to run shoots on Ilkley Moor for the next 10 years.

Read about the plans

Bradford Council's own Environmental Policy states that they will make every effort to: 'Safeguard natural habitats and species and preserve the nature and character of the district' and 'Prevent environmental pollution arising from its own operations and use its powers to minimise the impact of others within the District.'

These objectives are not compatible with grouse shooting or the burning and draining of moors. Not only is the shooting of live quarry cruel, but there is good evidence to show that many so-called 'pest' species are killed to encourage grouse populations, and that moorland 'management' actually harms the natural landscape and may be environmentally damaging.

Read the full Environmental Policy

There is also concern over safety, as many people currently enjoy the natural beauty of the moor with their families, free from the noise and potential risk of shotguns.

Please contact Bradford Council's Chief Executive, Tony Reeves politely asking the council not to put profit before the welfare of people, animals and the environment. Please also copy your communication to the Leader of the Council, Kris Hopkins to Ilkley Town Hall, and to Ann Cryer MP.

Email Tony Reeves, Kris Hopkins and Ann Cryer

Tony Reeves (Chief Executive)
Bradford Metropolitan District Council
City Hall,
Centenary Square,
Bradford, BD1 1HY
Tel: 01274 432111 (switchboard) 01274 432240 (licensing)

Kris Hopkins (Leader of the Council)
Leaders Office
City Hall
Bradford
BD1 1HY

Ilkley Town Hall
Station Road
Ilkley
LS29 8HB
Tel: 01943 436 212

Ban Electric Shock Collars

Electric shock collars for dogs will now be banned in Wales, thanks to pressure from concerned individuals and groups. With Wales leading the way, it's time these cruel and unsuitable training methods are made illegal in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland too. Shock collars consist of a small battery fitted to the collar, which has two blunt metal probes that make contact with the dog's neck. To teach the dog not to do something, the owner can administer an electric shock - that can be increased in strength - using a remote control. In addition to causing pain, electric shock collars can cause behavioural problems, as the dog may associate anything they happen to see in front of them with the shock. Many dogs can be turned into nervous wrecks as a result. Dogs love to learn so training should always be enjoyable and rewarding, not a frightening or painful experience. Please contact your MP and ask them to ban these unnecessary, cruel and outdated devices and instead promote responsible training methods.

Contact your MP