Animal Rights/Liberation – Page 20

9 UK Actions: ALF/ARM/Countrside Resistance

19th-29th April >>

anonymous report (photo above):

“Springtime is here, and images of lambs frolicking in the sunshine leap to mind. Unfortunately, for most lambs the reality is much harsher – confined to metal pens, with the slaughter man’s noose permanently weighing around their necks. Well not if the ALF have anything to do with it..

Ten lambs have been liberated from this death sentence and given loving new homes. They are now free to live out their natural lives away from abuse and repression.

ALF – respect life..”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr29_08.htm

anonymous communique:

“During the night, activists broke into an intensive breeding unit in Hampshire. Inside this windowless prison they found hundreds of young birds living in squalor with no access to fresh air or sunlight.

The hens were destined for a lifetime of suffering in miserable egg farms where they would have been exploited until no longer profitable and slaughtered. However, in just over 2 hours volunteers had loaded 530 of the birds and took them to safety. As the morning light rose, for the first time in their lives they saw daybreak, sunshine and felt the earth beneath their feet.

Dedicated to all those who acted to free animals from their cages but ended up incarcerated themselves…

A.L.F.”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr28b_08.htm

reported anonymously:

“In solidarity with the World Day demonstration outside of Novartis’ torture labs the following day, and to remind them that not all activists carry placards and bullhorns, two Novartis vivisectors were visited at home in Horsham on Friday night.

Steve Charlton of 7 Saint Christopher Close had glue put in his front door lock, and ‘Animal Abuser at No. 7’ was painted on a row of garages next to his house. We can’t be sure they were his, but we’ll leave it to him to explain that one to his neighbours.

At 5 Ryecroft Drive, Gerald Dubois had left a car out under an open window. Hardly a deterrent. Silent as the night that hid us, we stripped the paint, slashed all the tires and left our calling card in our own paint.

You never see us, and you can’t stop us.

Animal Liberation Front”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr27_08.htm

reported anonymously:

“Yet another hunt scum has received the ALF treatment in Humberside,
this time the target was a dark blue Volvo estate displaying one of
those ridiculous countryside alliance stickers.

The car was a piece of trash before we even got started, missing
lights and the front reg plate, covered in dents etc. It’s a wonder
it’s even safe to drive.

Thought we’d add to the damage already incurred by adding a few extra
dents and scratches, also let the tires down and superglued the
valves shut.

Have a nice day, courtesy of the ALF”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr26c_08.htm

anonymous communique:

“To give World Week For Lab animals a good start, the ALF were out spreading the good news.

Unfortunately, Novartis director Kevin White at 3 Pipson Close, Yateley, Hampshire, GU46 6JL forgot to leave us much to work with, so after the standard package – sloganeering of windows, doors and walls; glueing of locks – we had to improvise. Fortunately we green-fingered types noticed that his daffodil border looks a lot nicer when redistributed around his whole garden. We hope Kev likes our flower arranging.

Novartis employee Christopher Golunski of Carthena Drive, Fleet, Hampshire, GU52 7SF was far more sporting, displaying his car under a very handy floodlight. An ‘ALF classic’ was duly administered.

Until next time…
ALF”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr24_08.htm

received anonymously:

“There are some that would have dominion over England’s pastureland, claiming to be its guardian but enslaving some animals for food, and hunting others for leisure. They must be resisted!

shooting signs have been ripped from their posts

2 pheasant were pens were destroyed :- water hoppers cut, electricity lines chopped, fencing torn and poles ripped from the ground and broken, main water supply and tubing sabotaged, locks glued on entrance gates, feeders removed and dismantled

tyres were slashed on a land rover that visibly displayed support for the shooting lobby

Don’t let these scum get away with murder in the name of countryside ‘conservation’.

The Countryside Resistance”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr24b_08.htm

anonymous communique:

“That disgusting piece of scum Tristian Roberts might get a little
surprise when he opens his post, paint and bricks through the windows
are going to be the least of his worries.

He seems to think that it’s ok to torture and kill innocent animals,
and that mutilating a pregnant sheep with pitchforks and fence posts
before dumping the body in a wheelie bin is just a bit of Saturday
night fun. You may get off lightly in the courts because of your age,
but we’ll make sure justice is done.

We don’t just target vivisection all forms of animal abuse are
equally wrong.

Animal Rights Militia”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr23_08.htm

anonymous report:

“Oops we accidentally squirted super glue into the locks at a butchers
store in Hull, how clumsy of us.

Have fun opening the locks on your shutters, might need a drill
rather than a key though.

In solidarity with the actions against butchers at Norwich market
earlier in the month.

Yorkshire ALF”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr23b_08.htm

reported by activists in the UK (see photos in link below):

“So we recognised a little problem (if you can really call it that) within the animal rights movement as activists continue to argue and disagree over what forms of activism are most or more effective.

This is called the Direct Action vs. Outreach debate, which is known throughout the broader revolution by compassionate individuals looking for real change. A solution to this is ALF Outreach, taking direct action primarily to educate others about the atrocities and crimes towards the non-human animals on this earth.

Since understanding that an undeclared war against innocent individuals is currently taking place, we knew we had to take action. Our cell demonstrated our commitment in the last few months by stenciling ‘animal liberation’ over 40 times on walls, bollards, pillars, electricity pylons, water meters & carparks. Identical tagging years ago inspired our activity.

This is dedicated to 90% of the public who continue to consume graveyard food and to the badger who caught us off guard recently, the only individual who has.

Here is a tip for those who have spent a lot of effort to remove our work. It takes far less time for us to tag than it does for you to clean up after us. The bottom line is we will be back to replace our work time and time again and that this is a much larger battle that you are not prepared for. Just remember that you own the paths and streets just as much as we do, we claim the right to decorate because nobody else has. Whether its animals in battery farms or those starving in poverty, veganism is the solution for the forthcoming revolution. Until all are free!

Want to join in? Get your stencils from http://www.animalrightsmerchandise.com, they are only £1.50 and can be shipped worldwide. A message for the police: you can raid their offices, but we’ll just double our actions to support them.

Tagging the state and reclaiming the streets,
ALF Outreach-South West”

Source: http://directaction.info/news_apr19_08.htm

Bath Bomb #9 now online (& update on Chippenham squatted social centre)

Yes, the new edition of the Bath Bomb is finally ready. Stories from the dark underbelly of lovely lovely Bath. Or something like that:

The Bath Bomb – @nti-copyright: copy and distribute!
Issue #9
free/donation
April 08

Diana Verdict: 10 Years On, Still Dead

Seattle Was A Riot…

Yes, the new edition of the Bath Bomb is finally ready. Stories from the dark underbelly of lovely lovely Bath. Or something like that:

The Bath Bomb – @nti-copyright: copy and distribute!
Issue #9
free/donation
April 08

Diana Verdict: 10 Years On, Still Dead

Seattle Was A Riot…

Sunday the 20th April at the Porter Cellar saw a screening of ‘Breaking the Spell’: an hour-long look at the 1999 Seattle WTO protests and the anarchists who travelled there to set a new precedent for militant confrontation. Showing from 1pm til 4, free admission, with a practical and fresh look at the old debate of pacifism versus political violence, the film captured a moment when world history was up for grabs. Look out for the next offering from Bubbling Under, 3rd Sunday of the month, same time, same place, always free and always fun!

www.moles.co.uk
http://www.crimethinc.com/

EDOn’t Believe It!

That’s right folks, last month saw Bath Activist Network and Bath Stop the War Coalition illicitly screening a copy of the film the cops tried to ban in that shady den of crime and subversion otherwise known as the Quakers’ Friends Meeting House. The film was ‘On The Verge’, telling the story of a dedicated crew of Brightonians who have nearly succeeded in shutting down a bomb-building factory after 4 years’ campaigning. They have suffered continual police harrassment, with over 40 arrests so far, and the bother didn’t stop when they took their new film on tour. Obviously not happy with exposing us to the idea that we have the power to change society, the police have been scurrying round the country bullying small venues to make them drop the film [telling one woman they would take away her exhibition license if she disobeyed]. The same happened in Bath – the Bell, our original venue, got a call from a sweaty-palmed worm of a human being named Alan Bartlett. Alan, acting under orders of his police overlords had threatened the pub out of showing the film. Nevertheless, the film went ahead to a packed theatre, numbers doubled due to the controversy caused by police and council bullying. The film was inspirational and the night was a great success. And as for our inept, toady friend Alan, and the wannabe film critics that constitute the thin blue line… I’m guessing they havn’y heard the last of this just yet!

Our next chance to stick it to EDO MBM will fall on the 4th of June at the ‘Carnival Against the Arms Trade’ in Brighton, where red will be this season’s fashion. For more on the demo, film and campaign, check out www.smashedo.org.

Don’t Be A Fossil Fool

The 1st of April was declared ‘Fossil Fools Day’ this year, with 35 demonstrations against gas, oil and coal companies up and down the country. Ffos-y-fran, near Merthyr Tydfil in Wales, is the site of the UK’s biggest open-cast coal mine, and, at only 36m away from the nearest house, is potentially in breach of new environmental health regs. Coal is the least efficient of fossil fuels, and with the spectre of climate change risking innocent lives the world over, activists from Bath, Bristol, Oxford and across Wales decided to take a stand. Or at least a nice lie down. Whilst some disrupted the site of the mine itself, others blockaded nearby Aberthaw power station on the 3rd, owned by RWE npower, which processes the coal from Ffos-y-fran, and produces 7.4 million tonnes of Co2 a year. It also has a shocking disregard for health and safety, workers revealed, following a death at work last June. From 5.30 am, 15 blocked the main access route with 4 locked-on to concrete-filled suitcases [!], 8 blocked the back road, and 2 scaled machinery. Operations were screwed for up to 8 hours, with no vehicle access, mass tailbacks, and 50 staff getting a free day off! 15 were eventually dragged away for aggravated trespass, but the message was clearly sent: profit from climate change, and you will have to pay!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/6746429.stm
www.daysofclimateaction.org.uk
www.stopffosyfran.co.uk

Bristol and Bath Railway Path: The Truth and the Rumours

First, the rumour that Bristol City Council were planning to support the development of part of the Bristol-Bath Cycle Path with a rapid transport bus route leaked out. Speculation followed that the mature trees cut down at Lawrence Hill had already been felled in preparation for the work. The widely reported story that the scheme was to be shelved turned a protest ride along the proposed route from Fishponds to College Green into a massive, colourful celebration. 1,500 attended this good-natured romp and parade in the spring sunshine – an unprecedented turnout for a local issue. Among them were three marching bands, a peddle-powered train, a mobile ‘consultancy wagon’ – oh and not forgetting a single gladiator. This was despite yet another rumour that the rally had been cancelled! Everyone wants better public transport but to displace the most environmentally friendly commuters and travellers – cyclists and walkers – and destroy the only green corridor for wildlife in East Bristol is ludicrous. The plan directly threatens Sustrans most successful cycle path which has been their showcase route since it was fully opened in 1986. Their response is that the bus rapid transit route is ‘the right idea in the wrong place’. Yes, we need to tempt people out of their cars with bigger, faster, stronger, cheaper, more reliable and integrated public transport. On land the (usually single-occupant) private car is the most inefficient means of transporting individuals from A to B imaginable.

As I write the council meeting to decide the fate of the plan is scheduled for Tuesday 1st April. It is now confidently predicted that councillors will scrap the proposals. However, rumours abound among sceptical constituents that the plans might reappear at a later date when the media spotlight is off the issue. Transparency and scrutiny? We’ll be watching every move.

www.railwaypath.org

Human Freedom, Animal Rights…

We run a lot of animal rights stories in this humble rag, and are often asked to justify their point: there’s more important things, aren’t there? With the anti-foie gras campaign, beyond the cruelty of force-feeding waterfowl till they burst, what about the health implications of eating diseased liver, no matter the posh nom de plume? There are 2 national anti-vivisection demos this month, in Oxford on the 19th, and Horsham on the 26th [World Day for Lab Animals!]: with no scientific studies ever being taken into the relevance of animal testing results for human medicine, and medical drug side effects being the fourth biggest killer in the UK, big pharma is lobbying hard to put profit before lives. Meat and dairy-based diets are being increasingly linked to cancer, heart disease and diabetes, whilst livestock production causes deforestation, high methane emissions, mass starvation, water pollution and shortages: so the environment is stuffed, too. Bloodsports are intrinsically linked to land enclosure and wealth inequalities, as well as being barbaric. And then when you add on repression in the UK, with animal rights activists going down for years on trumped charges and ridiculous new laws coming out every year, then worries about a police state become more and more valid… So, it’s not just all about fluffy bunnies and puppies. FFI on local animal rights activism, contact bathanimalaction@yahoo.co.uk.

Bath Activists Have Cracking Time In Chippenham

We here at the Bath Bomb are delighted to announce the opening of Chippenham’s newest squatted social centre – the 78. The following account detailing the occupation of the new centre was recieved anonymously: “After being contacted by squatters in Chippenham, several Bathonians made the rail trip to the town to see what was happening. The building they had in mind is a lovely old bungalow with loads of potential and really friendly neigbours. It had not been lived in for 30 years, but that didn’t make getting in easy. After trying several doors and windows, we came across a slightly chipped window, giving us enough room to use a twig to unhook the latch from the inside! Once in, we got busy changing the locks and tidying up the rooms and garden. The place had obviously been left in a hurry, as 1970’s tins of mushy peas and sardines greeted us in the fully-stocked kitchen! The space is open to all and operates a no-smoking, drinking or drugs policy. Some of the projects to be run from the squat include community gardening, people’s education nights, free shops, donation-based dinner evenings and much more. The 78 should be up and running soon, so keep your eyes peeled. We are only 10 minutes by train from Chippenham and trains run past midnight most nights – Bath Activist Network are looking forward to many nights of fun, food and education in our new local squat, so why not get down there and check it out for yourself?”

Fight War, Not Wars

On 15th March activists from Bath joined a 40,000-strong demonstration in London against the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the repression of the Palestinians and a possible attack on Iran. It is now five years since the coalition invaded Iraq on a lie. Since then, hundreds of British and American troops and thousands of Iraqis and Afghans have been killed or injured. Torture, repression and ill-treatment have become commonplace. Loads of money that could have been better spent on hospitals, schools, benefits and pensions have been wasted on the war. At home, due to ‘the war on terror’, political, legal and civil rights built up over many years are being eroded by the state. War criminals Bush and Blair continue their careers with no apology for the death and desturction they have caused. If the coalition states like Israel, Britain and the USA attack Iran, marches, strikes and direct action must be the answer by the people, the majority who have been against these murderous military adventures from the outset.

To join the local Stop the War group, you can attend the vigil outside the front of the Abbey every Saturday 11.30-12.30

Squat’s All The Fuss About?

What do you think of when someone says ‘squatter’? Chances are, the stereotypes of drug-fuelled, special brew swilling freeloaders pops to mind, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The principle behind squatting is simple – good buildings should not be left to rot while people have a use for them. As a rule, most squatters will only ‘crack’ a building that has been empty for some time, and is not in use. For example, Bath’s last three squats were the former Stothert and Pitt site, a church that had been disused for three, and a shop near the pump rooms that had been disused for at least as long. The latter two both operated drink and drug-free policies and provided community rescources such as free shops, cheap food, free film nights and much more. Importantly, they also provided people with a much needed place to live. This country has a proud tradition of squatting, from the Diggers in 1649, to the poor families of Bath and Corsham who moved into deserted army barracks in the 1940’s.

Squatting is not about ripping people off or giving anyone a hard time (except maybe corrupt councillors, scummy landlords and property developers) – it is about turning unused buildings into valuable community resources, taking them from the developers and speculators, and giving them back to the people they belong to – all of us. Now for the legal bit! Squatting IS legal, so long as you follow some very simple guidelines. You MUST NOT cause criminal damage when entering the building. You must have sole access to the building, so fitting your own locks is a must, and you should definitely have at least one person in the building at all times, as, in the case of squatting, possession is very much 9/10ths of the law. When the landlord finds you, he may try to get a Possession Order. Once this has been given, it is illegal to stay in the building, but if you pick the right place, that may not happen for years, if ever. http://squat.net/

50 Years And Still Fighting

On the 24th March, Bath CND and Bath Stop The War Coalition hired a coach to join 5,000 protesters to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of CND. With this also being the anniversary of the first march to the nuclear facility AWE Aldermaston, they surrounded the base by peacefully linking hands. Before the surrounding of Aldermaston, there was a rally with guest speakers, including Vivienne Westwood, MPs Jeremy Corbyn and Caroline Lucas, Bruce Kent, and CND Chair Kate Hudson. The demo consisted of old, middle-aged and young. There were some veterans from the very first march back in 1958, where 4,000 gathered in London on the coldest weekend in memory, for a 600-strong march to the site, braving the snow. Fifty years on and some say ‘what has changed?’ Well, now the majority of the population are opposed to nuclear weaponry rather than it just being a minority view, and the Cold War is over. This year’s protest went well, leaving the perimeter fence strung with messages, communicating our dismay at the madness of the Government’s plans to renew the Trident nuclear weapons system, flushing £5 billion down that particular drain.

Foie Gras News

The foie gras saga continues with Beaujolais in Chapel Row targeted for selling the diseased liver of force-fed ducks. Saturday 29 March saw 5 activists braving the rain, armed with leaflets and a petition of over 500 signatures to get the vile stuff banned by Bath Council. The amiable co-owner of Beaujolais stated that she’d heard the ethical arguments but would continue to sell it. When the police turned up and she realised we weren’t about to bugger off, she claimed to have stopped selling it (despite the website listing). Changing her story several times within the space of half an hour, she later told us she’d put it on the menu “just for us.” Nice lady, bit confused. Following the demo, a statement was posted on their website claiming that they only sell ‘faux foie.’ Make up your mind, woman!

www.banfoiegras.com/page.php?module=sustained&article_id=27>
www.ciwf.org.uk/campaigns/other_campaigns/exotic_foods.html>

EVENTS

Monday nights – Bath Hunt Sabs Meeting, 8pm, Bell
Wednesdays 4-7pm – London Rd Food Co-op, Riverside Community Centre
Saturdays 11.30am-12.30 – Bath Stop The War Vigil, Abbey Courtyard
23rd April, tbc – Anti-sweatshop demo, 2.30pm til 5pm, Topshop in Bath
25th April, 9.30pm-4am – Benefit gig for Bristol No Borders & Bristol Antifa, New Trinity Hall, Trinity Road, Bristol £7 entry
26th April, 11am – National SHAC demo, Horsham Park, Horsham, W Sussex
29th April, 7.30pm – ‘Bath: An Eco-City?’ debate, Bath Abbey
1st May, 7.30-9pm – Bath Activist Network meeting, downstairs at Hobgoblin
3rd May, tbc – Anti foie-gras demo, contact bathanimalaction@yahoo.co.uk
7th May, 7.30-8.30pm – Bath Animal Action meeting, backroom of Bell
10th May, 12-3pm – Bath Freeshop, outside Pump Rooms, Stall Street
11th May – Bath Animal Action info stall, outside Pump Rooms

For further info on any of our stories see www.myspace.com/bathbomb

GOT A STORY? WANT TO RECEIVE THE BATH BOMB BY EMAIL? HOPING TO SUE?
Contact us by e-mailing bathbombpress@yahoo.co.uk. Large print e-versions available on request.

Q: Who Are Bath Activist Network? A: A local umbrella group campaigning on issues as diverse as development, environmentalism, anti-war, animal rights, workers’ rights and more. Helping to produce The Bath Bomb, we are open to anyone, and our members range from trade unionists to anarchists, liberals to greens, and people who just want to change Bath for the better. For details on meetings, demos, or just to get in touch, ring us on 07949 611912, email bathactivistnet@yahoo.co.uk, or see our website: www.myspace.com/bathactivistnetwork

And now, to the disclaimer: As anyone is free to contribute to this newsletter, the opinions expressed in each article are not necessarily reflective of each contributor. Naturally, any right-wing or corporate bullshit will be binned and spat on. Needless to say, the opinions of the author of this disclaimer does not necessarily represent the views of any other contributor…

—

update on Chippenham squat – April 24, 2008

Unfortunately, on Monday, the would-be social centre ‘the 78’ was evicted on a rushed through Interim Possession Order…

SEA SHEPHERD CREW OCCUPY CONSULATE, MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA

14/04/2008 – Today 5 members and supporters ofthe Sea Shepherd crew, the ‘Steve Irwin’ occupied the offices of the Canadian consulates representative in Melbourne with over 40 activists demonstrating out the front…

Ships manager Benjamin Baldwin said, “We are standing in solidarity with our fellow crew who were mistreated and illegally detained in international waters.

‘We were here to present our concerns to the Honorary Consul, Lois Appleby. We are calling on the Canadian government to drop charges against our crew and apologise to the crew for this gross breach of international law.

‘We are relieved upon hearing this morning that charges were dropped against some of the crew, however call on the Canadian government to drop all charges against the Captain and First Officer prior to their next hearing on the 1st May – they have no jurisdiction.

‘We demand an end to the seal slaughter and call on Australians to make their views known to the Canadian consulate.

The activists were escorted from the building by police after being threatened with arrest as a result of their peaceful protest. There were manygestures of support from the general public out the front of the action with many people shocked that the hunt was still taking place.

For further information: Benjamin Baldwin on 0412 730 813 or 0422 990 040

A professional photographer was on hand and further pictures are available.

Armed Canadian Coast Guard Storms Sea Shepherd Ship and Arrests Crew

12.04.2008 At 0700 Hours (PST) and 1100 Hours Atlantic time the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society vessel Farley Mowat was attacked by officers from two Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers the Des Groseilliers and the Sir Wifred Grenfell. Captain Alex Cornelissen informed the boarders that the Farley Mowat is a Dutch registered ship in international waters and that Canada had no legal right to restrict the free passage of the vessel through international waters. The ship was in the Gulf of St. Lawrence well beyond the Canadian twelve mile territorial limit. It has been reported that both the 1st officer and the captain of the ship have been arrested and will be brought before a court in Sydney, Canada. According to Federal Fisheries Minister Loyola Hearn, the “safety and security” of the sealers is the government’s main focus and the seizing of the Sea Shepherd vessel will ensure a “safe and orderly” seal hunt. Last week, the same Mr. Hearn announced that Canada would lay charges against the captain and first officer of the anti-sealing vessel for coming too close to the seal hunt.

Captain Paul Watson was speaking by phone with Farley Mowat communications officer Shannon Mann when he heard the voices of men screaming for the crew to fall to the floor. The men carried guns according to Mann and could be heard by Captain Watson threatening the Farley Mowat’s crew. As Captain Watson was speaking with Shannon Mann, the Satellite phone went dead and nothing more has been heard from the Sea Shepherd crew. The Farley Mowat was documenting violations of the humane regulations and gathering proof that the seals were being killed in an inhumane manner. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is assuming that the video tapes will be seized by the Canadian authorities. There are 17 crewmembers onboard the Dutch registered Farley Mowat from the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France, Sweden, South Africa, Canada and the United States.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has been cut off from communication with the crew and has no information on where the vessel will be taken. Sea Shepherd has no information on the condition of the crew and the Society is deeply concerned for their crew. “This is an act of war,” said Captain Paul Watson. “The Canadian government has just sent an armed boarding party onto a Dutch registered yacht in international waters and has seized the ship. Considering that the mission of the Farley Mowat was to document evidence of cruelty by sealers to support a European initiative to ban seal products, I can predict that the Europeans will not be very pleased with this move and most likely this move by Loyola Hearn will guarantee that this bill is passed. In other words the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans has just handed us the victory that we were looking for.”

The Sea Shepherd has been documenting the Canadian seal hunt off the coast of Newfoundland since the middle of March. On the 30th March, the Canadian Coast Guard rammed the Sea Shepherd ship twice, in an attempt to keep it away from the scene of the seal hunt. On 5th April, the ship (Farley Mowat) was attacked by a mob of 30-40 angry seal hunters. The attack took place while anchored in the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. The Farley Mowat was berthed in St. Pierre to transfer video footage of the Canadian seal slaughter onto shore and await the resumption of the slaughter, which was temporarily suspended after the death of four sealers.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
http://www.seashepherd.org/

Sea Shepherd Crew Attacked By Mob Of Seal Hunters

6.04.2008
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society’s ship, the Farley Mowat, was attacked this morning by a mob of 30-40 angry fishermen. The attack took place while berthed in the French islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon. The Farley Mowat was berthed in St. Pierre to transfer video footage of the Canadian seal slaughter onto shore and await the resumption of the slaughter, which was temporarily suspended after the death of four sealers.

Tensions quickly escalated in St. Pierre as the growing mob hurled rocks, threats, and insults at crew members of the Farley Mowat. Cameraman Simeon Houtman was assaulted by an axe-wielding fisherman after stepping onshore to film the incident. “The fisherman raised the axe above his head with one arm and tried to knock Simeon back with his other. Simeon jumped back onto the ship just before the mob threw our gangplank into the water,” said Peter Hammarstedt, First Officer of the Farley Mowat.

Captain Alex Cornelissen requested assistance from the French police–at least half a dozen of whom were present at the scene–but they did nothing to defend the ship or crew against the mob. Instead, the police suggested that Sea Shepherd should leave St. Pierre immediately. Captain Cornelissen explained to the police that it would take some time to warm the engines in order to leave port safely and avoid serious engine damage. He requested protection during that time, but the police did nothing other than stand by and watch as fishermen hacked at the mooring lines of the Farley Mowat with an axe and ripped the gangplank from the ship, setting it dangerously adrift into the harbor. After the mob severed head and bow-spring lines from the bollards, Sea Shepherd crew members scurried to pull in lines and prevent them from drifting back towards the screw or into the bowthruster. “The mob responded with a rain of stones and rocks that were thrown with the intent to injure,” said Hammarstedt.

Without engine power, the Farley Mowat drifted uncontrollably in serious danger of crashing into nearby rocks and/or ships in the harbor. Captain Cornelissen had no choice but to start the engines cold–risking irreparable damage–in order to avoid a potentially lethal collision. Although the Farley Mowat was able to escape the hostile crowd at St. Pierre, the extent of engine damage sustained remains undetermined. Fortunately, all crew members were on board during the attack, and no-one was injured.

http://www.seashepherd.org/

Canadian Coast Guard Rams Sea Shepherd Ship (twice) & other news

31.03.2008
The Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker CCGS Des Groseilliers twice rammed the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship Farley Mowat today. The Sea Shepherd is present at the baby seal hunt to document the killings. Witnessing a seal being clubbed is a crime in Canada.

The Coast Guard had ordered the Farley Mowat to not approach the area where seals are being slaughtered. When the Farley Mowat did not comply, the Coast Guard rammed the vessel near the port aft stern area. After the Farley Mowat stopped in the ice, the Coast Guard rammed the ship a second time in the same area of the ship causing damage to the plates in that area.

The Coast Guard has demonstrated extreme recklessness with this move. The crew of the Farley Mowat were engaged in documenting the slaughter of seals. They were not interfering with the hunt. The annual slaughter of baby harp seals has started off the east coast of Canada in Newfoundland last week. The slaughter of over 325.000 baby seals has been widely condemned around the world, but the Canadian government is adamant in its continued support for it.

“I’m beginning to wonder if anyone on the bridge of the Groseilliers has a license to command a ship,” said Captain Alex Cornelissen. “The incompetence of the Coast Guard has already cost the lives of four sealers this week-end and now they are ramming ships in dangerous ice conditions. This is unbelievable. It’s like the Coast Guard has declared war on seal defenders and the sealers are collateral damage.”

The Farley Mowat will remain in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and will continue to document the atrocities on the ice. Already the crew have seen enough evidence to understand that the Canadian government’s pretense that the slaughter is humane has no basis in reality – in other words it’s a state sponsored lie.

“It appears that Canada is prepared to use violence to cover-up the truth of this slaughter,” said Captain Paul Watson. “Our duty is to resist their violence and continue to document the truth.”

Background –

The annual slaughter of baby harp seals has started off the east coast of Canada in Newfoundland. The slaughter of over 325.000 baby seals has been widely condemned around the world, but the Canadian government is ademend in its continued support for the barbaric mass killings. The EU is said to pass legislation this year to ban the sale and/or export of seal products within its borders.

Last week, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship ‘Farley Mowat’ set off from Bermuda to make its way to the killing fields. The last time the Sea Shepherd went out to confront the seal hunt was in 2005 when eleven Sea Shepherd crew were arrested. The aim of this year’s ‘Seal Defence Campaign’ is to try and document the atrocities. In Canada it is a crime witness a seal being killed. Never mind going out there purposefully to document whats going on ” It is a crime to take a photograph of a dying seal. It is a crime to video tape or film a sealer doing his grisly work. Unless you have a permit and the government is not granting permits. And the regulations that ban anyone approaching the slaughter are actually called the ‘Seal Protection Regulations’.”

Four seal hunters drown after boat capsizes

Mainstream media outlets are reporting that four seal hunters have drowned off the coast of Newfoundland after their trawler capsized in the ice.

The Canadian Navy states that the three bodies have so far been located with one still missing presumed dead.

Footage obtained from the hunt has shown the hunters ignoring guidelines on animal welfare distributed by the Canadian government, seal carcasses have been left on the ice, whilst some reports are emerging on seals being skinned alive despite a ban on the practice. Further reports of malpractice and illegal activities are still incoming.

The direct action conservation group Sea Shepherd is expected to arrive off the coast of Newfoundland within the next day, despite threats from the coastguard warning of arrest. Sea Shepherd founder and director Captain Paul Watson has this to say:

“The Minister is making some very irresponsible statements here. Canada has no right to restrict entry of a foreign registered ship into the 200 mile economic exclusion zone when said ship is not engaged in economic activity. The Farley Mowat is a Dutch registered yacht crewed by international volunteers, none of who are paid to be on that ship. The ship has the right of passage and that is guaranteed by international maritime law. We suggest that the Minister consult with his attorneys before making further threats”

With the prospects of a European seal pelt ban looming and increased pressure by activists, it is only a matter of time before the hunt is finally stopped. By hitting the sellers of this product the hunt can effectively be bankrupted.

http://www.seashepherd.org/

Japanese Open Fire on Sea Shepherd Crew: Three Injured

07/03/2008
At 1545 hours (0445 GMT), a clash between the crew of the Sea Shepherd vessel Steve Irwin and the Japanese whaling ship Nisshin Maru turned violent when the Japanese Coast Guard began to throw flash grenades at the crew of the Steve Irwin.

Captain Paul Watson was struck by a bullet in the chest. Fortunately, the bullet was stopped by his Kevlar vest. The bullet struck just above the heart and mangled Captain Watson’s anti-poaching badge, which was worn on his sweater underneath the Kevlar vest.

Dr. David Page was videotaped prying the bullet from Captain Watson’s Kevlar vest. “You have been hit by a bullet,” he said.

The Kevlar vest and anti-poaching badge effectively saved Captain Watson’s life.

Additional injuries were sustained by crewmembers Ashley Dunn and Ralph Lowe. Dunn, 35, from Launceston, Australia suffered a hip injury when he tried to get out of the way of the exploding grenades. Lowe, 33, from Melbourne, Australia received bruises to his back when one of the flash grenades exploded behind him.

The Japanese Coast Guard was retaliating against Sea Shepherd crewmembers for tossing rotten butter onto the decks to discourage their illegal whaling activities. The clash came after a week long pursuit by the Steve Irwin of the Nisshin Maru, in an effort to stop illegal whaling activities in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary.

Earlier in the day at 0800 hours (1900 GMT), the Steve Irwin had ordered the Nisshin Maru to leave French territorial waters. The Japanese whaler complied and turned around, heading back west into Australian waters.

The confrontation occurred inside the Australian Territorial Zone at the position of 63 Degrees, 41 Minutes South and 133 Degrees, 27 Minutes East.

Video of the incident

Japanese Scramble to Spin Shooting Story

In the aftermath of a confrontation between the crew of the whaling ship Nisshin Maru and the crew of the Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin, the Japanese public relations flacks are working overtime to get the spin right.

First, they admitted that warning shots were fired, then they corrected themselves and said that only flash grenades were fired at the crew of the Steve Irwin. Then they changed the story again and described the flash grenades as “warning balls.” By tomorrow morning, they may have it spun it again and may be describing them as “marshmallows.”

The Japanese Coast Guard and the Japanese Fisheries Agency have stated to the media that the devices were flash grenades and that warning shots were fired. Only the Institute for Cetacean Research is denying that warning shots were fired and describing the flash grenades as “warning balls.”

“I think the video tells the story,” said Sea Shepherd volunteer Laurens De Groot, a former police officer from Rotterdam. “I’m familiar with the devices thrown. They are the type of flash grenade that specially trained SWAT teams used to combat armed and dangerous criminals.”

The Japanese claim that Captain Paul Watson is lying about being shot was expected. When Giles Lane and Benjamin Potts were tied to the mast of the Yusshin Maru No. 2, the Institute for Cetacean Research claimed it was a lie until the video images were released.

Dr. David Page, the ship’s medical officer, has examined and verified that there were three injuries sustained, all severe bruises. Ralph Lowe from Melbourne was bruised on the back by an exploding flash grenade, and Animal Planet cameraman Ashley Dunn from Launceston, Tasmania injured his hip while trying to avoid a flash grenade. Captain Watson has a large bruise and a cut on the upper left side of his chest.

Dr. Page pried a bullet from Captain Watson’s Kevlar vest and examined the bruise where the bullet impacted. Watson’s Sea Shepherd anti-poaching badge took up some of the force of the impact, but it also cut the skin beneath after it was mangled by the bullet.

Japan claims there were only two Coast Guard officers on the Nisshin Maru, but Sea Shepherd photos and videos clearly show at least four uniformed Coast Guardsmen.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura was quoted as saying to the media, “Is it all right to hurt humans in order to protect whales? I think whales are cute and important creatures, but even so, hurting humans is unforgivable.”

That is quite the spin–accusing Sea Shepherd crew, who did not injure anyone, of hurting humans after Japanese whalers and the Coast Guard deliberately injured human beings to protect an illegal whaling operation.

The Japanese Coast Guard admitted to the media only a few days ago that its officers were armed with rifles and sidearms. Now they are denying they have rifles.

The Japanese keep changing their story.
The most important fact remains that the Japanese whaling fleet is illegally killing endangered whales in a whale sanctuary in violation of international law and an Australian Federal Court order.

Japanese Whaling Fleet Confronted By Sea Shepherd + Interview With Nottingham Activist On Board

3.03.2008 – Aboard the M/Y Steve Irwin Southern Oceans —The crew on the Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin engaged in a confrontation with the Japanese factory ship Nisshin Maru this morning between 0800 and 1000 Hours. The Nisshin Maru cannot outrun the Steve Irwin. After a 12 hour chase the Sea Shepherd ship closed the gap and passed alongside the Nisshin Maru. The crew deployed over two dozen bottles of rotten butter sending a stench throughout the whale killing ship that will remain for days. The crew also threw packets of a slippery chemical onto the deck of the Nisshin Maru. This will make it very difficult to cut up whales. The substance becomes even more slippery with water so it will be difficult to wash it off the decks.

“I guess we can call this non-violent chemical warfare,” said Captain Paul Watson. “We only use organic, non-toxic materials designed to harass and obstruct illegal whaling operations.” Four armed Japanese Coast Guard officers clearly identified in their uniforms videotaped the confrontation.

The Captain of the Nisshin Maru played a tape over and over again with a woman’s voice saying “Warning, warning, this is the Nisshin Maru captain. Stop your destructive actions immediately. If you dare to board this vessel you will be taken into custody and restrained as illegal intruders under Japanese law.”

Captain Paul Watson radioed the Nisshin Maru to inform them that they had no authority in the Australian Antarctic Territory. Captain Watson ordered the Japanese captain to cease all whaling operations and to comply with the Australian Federal Court ruling that prohibits the Japanese whaling fleet from killing whales in the Australian Antarctic Territorial waters.

The confrontation took place at 63 Degrees 17 Minutes South and 126 Degrees and 20 minutes east. This is 175 miles off the Banzare Coast inside the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone. The Steve Irwin has fallen half a mile off to the starboard side of the Nisshin Maru. “It stinks too bad to remain any closer,” said Todd Emko 32, of New York City.

Not a single whale has been killed since the Sea Shepherd ship Steve Irwin returned to harass the Japanese whaling fleet in the Australian Whale Sanctuary. “They will not be getting their quota this year and that is a certainty,” said Jeff Hanson 35, from Fremantle, Western Australia. “In fact I don’t think they will be getting half their quota.” In total the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has shut down illegal Japanese whaling operations for over four and a half weeks.

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Interview With Nottingham Activist In Southern Ocean On Board Sea Shepherd Ship

Dan is an activist from Nottingham who has joined the crew on board the Sea Shepherd vessel Steve Irwin in a bid to stop the illegal whaling activities of the Japanese near Antartica. The mission, named Migaloo, started last December and after refuelling in Melbourne last month, the Sea Shepherd crew is back in the oceans, have managed to track down the whaling fleet and have been in hot persuit of its main vessel, the Yushin Maru No. 2 for the last week. Accoring to one of the crew onboard the ship “the weather is getting colder and we are getting many hours of darkness now. The Antarctic winter is creeping up on us. The seas are getting rougher and we are getting blizzards.” We joined Dan via sattelite phone to ask him about his adventures..

Interview 28/02/08

Dan: Hello?

Q: Hello?

Dan: Eh up, how is it going?

Q: Yeah, I’m fine, how are you?

Dan: Good mate.

Q: And you thought you’d get away with not doing an interview with us? 🙂 (Dan left earlier than anticipated)

Dan: I knew you’d catch up with me eventually..

Q: So how is it going?

Dan: Yeah, I’m alright. We’re in the middle of the southern ocean right now. In a big storm at the moment with things flying around everywhere..

Q: I read some stuff about the seas being really rough, varied at times it would be like sunny and then blizzards and things..

Dan: Yeah, I mean we’ve got about 4 meter waves and I’m not sure what the windspeed is..

Q: But you’re all coping with it?

Dan: Yeah, we didn’t expect it to be this bad, from the weather reports we were getting. But its here now..

Q: Could you explain a little bit about what it is that you guys are doing there at the moment?

Dan: Right now we are chasing the Japanese whaling fleet around the coast of Antartica. We’d like to catch up with them and stop them. By constantly chasing them we’re hoping to reduce their ability to whale. […] They’re certainly not whaling in this weather. The last couple of days they haven’t killed any whales at all.

Q: You’ve been on the chase for a number of days. Is there an end in sight? How long is this gonna go on for?

Dan: I mean depending on the weather and stuff we will carry on until our fuel runs out. Thats still a good few weeks yet, which should bring us to the end of the whaling season actually. We should be leaving the same time as the [whaling] fleet.

Q: Whats your job on the ship?

Dan: Everyone has their set role on the ship. I’m in charge of the deck department. I am also in charge of all the ships cleaning duties, making sure the toilets are clean. Also looking after all the equipment on deck, like the crane and the anchors. I’m also in charge of the inflatable boats which we use on our actions. Making sure they are in good working order and getting people trained up to use them. So thats my job. We’ve got navigators, we’ve got people in the gally cooking, we got people in the engine room making sure we have the power and [there is] also a communications officer, who keeps us in touch with email etc, lots of different jobs.

Q: Why did you decide to join the Sea Shepherd more than any other organisation, for example Greenpeace?

Dan: I’m interested in the Sea Shepherd because of its direct action angle. We don’t do any protesting. We actually physically trying to stop [the whaling fleet]. Not really interested in just protesting, done that before.. I’m concerned with saving [animals] from the seas and ending whaling forever. Its the Sea Shepherd direct angle I’m attracted to..

Q: Because at the moment there are a lot of laws protecting whales.. A lot of laws have been passed, international treaties and all sorts which basically prohibit the whaling, but no one to enforce them and that that is the task that the Sea Shepherd has taken on.

Dan: In this situation the Sea Shepherd is actually playing the role of the Australian navy or coastguard. We’re in Australian waters and Australian territory. The Australian [Federal] Court ruled [recently] that the Japanese whaling [operations] inside their territory is illegal and that it should be restrained. There just isn’t the political will to do that. Japan and Australia are important trading partners. There are numerous laws which are protecting the whales down here, I’m not an expert on all of them, but there is the Convention International Trade In Endangered Species, the UN World Charter for Nature, which is actually empoweres [ordinary] people to enforce these laws, the International Whalings Commission Moratorium on Commercial Whaling, and the Antarctic Treaty protects whales. So they are really blatently breaking a whole bunch of laws. So it is a case of law enforcement, more so that protesting.

Q: Yeah, because I guess there could be a whole load of laws, but if there is no one to enforce them..

Dan: Yeah, its only worth as much as the piece of paper its written on.. These treaties should either not be agreed on or be enforced.

Q: You’re obviously doing a great job down there, is there anything people can do on land to support the stuff you’re doing down there?

Dan: When you go to the Sea Shepherd website there are numerous people you can contact to [confront] them about their inaction. There is Sea Shepherd UK who are constantly raising funds. This ship consumes huge amounts of diesel and then the maintenance and repair. People can be sure that any money they donate will be used directly to [confront] the whalers.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to say to the people in Nottingham, some who you know and will be reading this?

Dan: Hello to everyone I know. Take care of yourselves back there. I’m a bit cold and wet, but yeah, safe so far and I’ll see you all in a few weeks.

Q: Well we wish you all the best, you’re doing a great job down there and there are tonnes of people who really support the stuff you’re doing and we all know its very important so keep up the good work!

Dan: Yeah, cheers mate, take care.

Sea Shepherd Aussie Crew Prepared to Be Taken as Prisoners to Japan

Hunt Chaos in Derbyshire

Chaos in Monyash – 01/03/2008

On Saturday the 1st March the High Peak Hunt meet at 11.30am at the Bulls Head Inn at Monyash, Derbyshire.

During the course of the next three hours the huntsman lost control of his pack on numerous occasions. This resulted in them causing chaos on the roads and in the fields around the area.

Chaos in Monyash – 01/03/2008

On Saturday the 1st March the High Peak Hunt meet at 11.30am at the Bulls Head Inn at Monyash, Derbyshire.

During the course of the next three hours the huntsman lost control of his pack on numerous occasions. This resulted in them causing chaos on the roads and in the fields around the area.

The footage below shows one event where the pack can be seen running back and forth across a main road. Also during this clip you can see the pack looking for the scent of a hare they had been chasing, all this without the huntsman in the area.

Sabs where the only ones present where they proceeded to slow down the cars driving along the road, thus preventing any loss of life. They also made sure the hunt did not chase any hares they were after.

30 minutes later the same occurred again, with the same result. This time one of the hounds went astray.

When the hunt finally called it a day they were still missing a hound, which eventually came running down the road to the meet 20 minutes after the huntsman had put away the rest of his pack.

To watch the three and a half minute video clip just follow the link off our front page www.nwhsa.org.uk

How can all this happen if they were ‘following a scent’?

info@nwhsa.org.uk

Sea Shepherd Finds Japanese Whaling Fleet: They Are On the Run Again

The Japanese whaling fleet is on the run again. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society ship Steve Irwin re-located the Japanese whaling fleet at 0600 hours this morning, February 23, 2008.

A few hours earlier, the Steve Irwin had been side tracked when it chased a vessel that turned out to be a Namibian Toothfish vessel. The Antalles Reefer registered in Walvis Bay was found at 0200 Hours. The vessel refused to give a fishing permit number and threatened the Steve Irwin by reporting that it was armed. The Captain of the Antalles Reefer claimed to speak only Russian. The Steve Irwin has a Russian speaking crewmember and during the conversation the Captain said he would resist with force if there was any interference with his operations.

Captain Paul Watson relayed the information to the Australian Customs vessel Oceanic Viking and reported that a suspicious toothfish fishing vessel was operating inside the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone. At 0600 Hours, the Steve Irwin encountered the Fukuyoshi Maru No. 68 which immediately headed eastward to lead the Sea Shepherd crew away from the whaling fleet. The Steve Irwin continued west and the Fukuyoshi Maru No. 68 turned and began to pursue the Steve Irwin. It is believed that the Fukuyoshi Maru No 68 carries armed Japanese coast guard officers.

The Steve Irwin is now pursuing the Nisshin Maru and two harpoon vessels with the Fukuyoshi Maru No. 68 in pursuit of the Steve Irwin. “The great Southern Ocean whaling ship chase is on again,” said Captain Paul Watson. “I don’t think any whales are going to be dying today. Our goal is to keep the harpoons quiet for the next three weeks.”

The weather is good, the seas are calm and the chase is threading its way southwest through an obstacle course of icebergs, growlers, and bergy bits. The Steve Irwin has plenty of fuel, water and provisions and a crew that is committed to shutting down the illegal whaling operations of the Japanese fleet. “I can’t think of a place I would rather be right now,” said Jeff Hansen from Fremantle, Western Australia. “Seeing the Japanese whalers running like cowards from the Steve Irwin is a very satisfying experience.”

The chase is taking place some 80 miles north of the Shackleton Glacier off the coast of Queen Mary land, well inside Australian Antarctic Territorial waters.

On January 15th, 2008, an Australian Federal Court ordered that Japanese whaling be “restrained” in Australian territorial waters. The Sea Shepherd crew is acting to enforce that court order and to uphold numerous international regulations that the Japanese whaling fleet has and continues to violate.

For previous coverage on the Sea Shepherd see the UK Indymedia feature article.

http://www.seashepherd.org