Kerry Baker's Blog (13)

This is an ambitious project to try and confirm numbers of vegans. 

It takes really only a minute to do.

http://www.theallanimalvegan.com/the-big-count/?goback=.gde_1065857_member_5797787582116937728#!

The Australian Society for Kangaroos has been in court this week trying to stop a cull of kangaroos indigenous to the area.

These culls have been almost annual, based on the ACT Government line that they are in 'plague' proportions. The real problem is that the area is the seat of Federal Government with head offices for public sector agencies, and the ACT Government relies heavily on the revenue it receives from the continual turnover in housing and the explosion of building…

This was the headline article in the Sunday Age today, one of our major newspapers.  While I am pleased to see it given such prominence it is nevertheless distressing to read what we all probably know or suspect, that 'ethics committees' and a bit of a joke.

For anyone who feels so inclined I think it would be appropriate to contact Monash University, and the National health and Medical Research Council which you can Google to express ourtage and be advocates for the…

One of my favourite poems by DH Lawrence.  I was reminded of this today when a young woman in a shop squashed a spider on the counter just as I said 'DON'T" and before I could stop her. I said 'why did you do that?' and she asked what I'd have done with it and I said 'put it outside.'  But I recalled being afraid of spiders as a child, my mother telling me I was afraid of them,  and how long it took me to treat them respectfully. 

Snake

A snake came to my…

This story in the news today.

http://www.theage.com.au/environment/animals/panicattack-elephant-crushes-zoo-owner-to-death-in-trunk-20120426-1xmi1.html

It's incredible that they kept the elephant there while there was blasting going on nearby causing the elephant to suffer panic attacks.  Yet another not surprising outcome from…

Today, April 25th, is Anzac Day in Australia when we celebrate the sacrifices of soldiers since WW1 to present day.  It is a date that comes from the Anzac (Australian & New Zealand Army Corps) soldiers who fell in the battle at Gallipoli.

What is usually forgotten is the role that animals, in particular horses, played in the wars.  The treatment they received however was anything but honourable.

The Australian Waler Horse is well known for stamina, courage and strength. …

This has a duration of 55 minutes and was a debate in Melbourne.  I'm not sure how long it will be available on the ABC website but here is the link.

http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/index

For the classical dancers among us, these vegan ballet slippers are just the thing!

http://cynthiakingdance.com/vegan-ballet-slippers/

For interest.  This article published in a magazine in Australia was discussed today on the ABC news channel.

http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/3886378.html?WT.svl=theDrum

There are some insightful and interesting observations made here that relate to some of the discussions that have been going on in this forum recently.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) has some interesting information speaking up against use of animals in research and preferring vegan to vegetarian diets in their FAQ's.

See online at: http://www.pcrm.org/search/?cid=261

It is great to see members of this profession standing up for animals.  In the meantime, vegans in Australia calling on the government to start renaming food…

A new species of chameleon.  The natural world never ceases to amaze.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-15/tiny-chameleon/3831804

This is an appeal to sign a petition for tigers.  See details at;

http://www.tigertime.info/bantigertrade.html

There are something like just 3,200 tigers left and they are being killed still for Chinese medicine and other products. Some are literally starved to death to make a wine, and the sight of such a beautiful animal so emaciated is indeed tragic. 

This new network may be a good opportunity to share research and views about environmental and animal rights issues.

See website at:  http://www.ssrn.com/

You will have to subscribe, which is free, to have a look but if you see under the news headings you will find a link to a new Sustainability Research & Policy Network.

I note they include vegetarianism in their examples of what might be useful, but see no reason…