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posted on June 15, 2006
How Many More Dolphins Will Die?
The Vancouver Aquarium 50th Anniversary Contest is to win a trip to Sea World San Diego to "dine with Shamu" an aquatic circus with orcas. Sea World San Diego has had at least 18 orca deaths and 21 other dolphin deaths. The total number of deaths at all four Sea Worlds is at least 40 orcas and 49 other dolphins. The Vancouver Aquarium has had at least 9 orcas and 17 other dolphins deaths. The Vancouver Aquarium continues to promote keeping orcas in captivity and how many dolphins have really died at the Vancouver Aquarium?
Read more.. |
posted on June 13, 2006
The Vancouver-based ecology organization Lifeforce is presently monitoring a rare white crow in the Greater Vancouver Lower Mainland. It is generally thought that the likelihood of albinism is one in a million.
Read more... |
posted on May 23, 2006
The City of Vancouver has been at the forefront of the moral evolution towards respecting animal rights and protecting wildlife. This includes prohibitions on exotic animal circus acts, bans on rodeos and phasing out the Stanley Park Zoo. However, the Vancouver Aquarium has asked the Parks Board to rescind past promises. If passed this would be a violation of the democratic process and a major step back to the barbaric Dark Ages of imprisoning animals.
The Aquarium has asked the Board to rescind the following approved resolutions;
1. "THAT any request by the Vancouver Aquarium for an expansion of the area currently occupied by the Vancouver Aquarium under its lease with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation be referred to a public referendum to be held during the next general civic election.
2. "THAT the plebiscite ask the following yes or no question, "Are you in favor of phasing out the containment of whales and
dolphins in Stanley Park?"
The Vancouver Aquarium must stop acting like dictators and should:
1. Put all zoo and aquarium expansion plans before the public for public input. This must include all species, land expansion and costs. Species, such as polar bears, penguins and Arctic wolves, whom suffered in the previous zoo may be subjected to future exploitation.
2. Try to get any expansion exemption by properly requesting to renegotiate the lease agreement to remove any "no expansion clause".
The Board cannot fulfill their mandate to act in the best interests of Vancouverites, Stanley Park and wildlife without this vital information being brought before the public.
Lifeforce was instrumental in stopping major aquarium expansion, phasing out the Stanley Park Zoo and implementing a bylaw to restrict the importation of cetaceans into Stanley Park.
Those wishing to speak to this important issue that would destroy precious parkland and imprison more animals must contact the Vancouver Parks Board by Monday noon (May 29) the day of the meeting that starts at 7PM. Email them at pbcomment@city.vancouver.bc.ca or phone to sign up to speak @ 604-257-8451. |
posted on April 22, 2006
April 23 - 30
The Vancouver based ecology organization will be calling upon the Federal government to conduct an inquiry into the increase of painful experiments on animals. This public awareness campaign will be started during the 2006 World Week for Animals in Laboratories as part of international opposition to cruel, scientifically fallacious experiments. Lifeforce is calling upon people to poster their neighbourhoods with the Canadian Vivisection Poster that can be downloaded from our Website at www.lifeforcefoundation.org. We are also urging everyone to send the poster to his or hers MPs.
"Nearly 2.5 million animals are killed every year in Canadian labs. Government, health organizations, businesses and public donations fund it. According to the last statistics there is an increase of 16% from 2002 to 2003. Dogs and cats are seized from pounds. There has not been phase out of cruel, scientifically fallacious "animal models" even though reliable, non-animal humane methodologies are available. The vivisection multi-billion dollar industry polices themselves," stated Peter Hamilton. Lifeforce Founding Director, "There must be public accountability. There must be an end to this waste of scarce health care funds",
Animal Models
Researchers create "animal models" by attempting to mimic naturally occurring human health problems in formerly healthy animals. However, they are not studying the actual human maladies and animals react differently to the drugs and methodologies tested. There are major biological and anatomical differences between and within all species.
A recent example of inaccurate animal models is the clinical trails that resulted in severe side effects but proven safe in monkeys and other animals.
Increase of Animals
A Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) report of the numbers of animals used in research, teaching and testing has revealed an increased of 16% from 2002 to nearly two and a half millions animals in Canada in 2003 (last reported figures).
Pain
In 2003, institutions providing the information confessed that 1306 dogs and 496 cats were subjected to "moderate to severe distress or discomfort" (Category D). The use of pain relievers for invasive procedures can be withheld for "strong, scientifically-based justification is provided.".
There were also 2,866 monkeys experimented on 227 were used in Cat. D
In 2003, 58% of the animals were subjected to "fundamental studies" - basic science that is curiosity studies with no direct benefit to humans. That's why whenever "breakthroughs" are reported researchers add that further studies are needed.
CCAC
The Peer Review System and the pro-vivisection organizations such as the CCAC protect the vivisectors not the animals. The CCAC inspections are confidential (many facilities are only given conditional approvals and two are on "probation" - April 2004 to March 2005) and there are no bans on even the cruellest practices (categories D and E). Lifeforce is the only organization in Canada that has succeeded in laying cruelty to animal charges against researchers. Our 1984 case exposed the practice of restraining baboons for four months in experiments funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
Lifeforce Recommendations
1. That there is a reduction in the numbers of animals used in experiments.
2. To work towards the goal of phasing out the use of unreliable animal models.
3. That there will be a ban on chronic restraint of animals and painful experiments (Categories D and E).
4. Annual Reports and inspection reports be public information (as in the US)
Read More... |
posted on April 19, 2006
 Researchers studying what orcas obviously eat are harassing orcas in the San Juan Islands.
Lifeforce, a Vancouver based ecology organization, continues to urge the Canadian and US governments to take immediate actions to protect the endangered Southern Community of orcas. Both governments are developing Orca Recovery Plans but it may be too little too late. While scientists still debate what to do an orca has died and others continue to be threatened.
"Too much time and money is spent on "proving" what is already know and not enough immediate action taken to mitigate threats, " stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, "Luna was a member of the endangered Southern Community and was not reunited with his family. Why did the system fail? An "Orca Inquest" must be conducted so he will not have died in vain."
On April 3-5 there was a "2006 Killer Whale Symposium" at NOAA Fisheries Service, Seattle, WA to report research findings and to promote more research. On April 18 and 19th there is "oil spill response training but no discussion of how to keep marine mammals away from oil spills.
Lifeforce has developed methods to attract orcas away from environmental hazards such as oil spills and vessel accidents. Equipment, training and readiness costs must be made available now. In 1999 J and K pods were exposed to an oil spill at Cherry Point. Recently J pod was in the area of another spill.
"Since the 80s Lifeforce has been fighting to protect these orcas. If immediate actions are not taken their survival is threatened." added Hamilton, "The system has failed to implement plans to protect them. Many of those in charge of policies and programs are studying them to death."
Other Lifeforce recommendations include:
1. Present boat monitoring programs fail to control pleasure boaters and whale watch companies. Responsible agencies (WDFW, NMMF, NOAH, DFO) need to be trained, be on the water and be fining boaters in violation of the guidelines/regulations.
2. Obtain assurances with the Whale Watch Operators Association for the 2006 season. Agreements must include maximum 30-minute observation periods, No Whale Watch Zones such as Active Pass, 1/4 to 1/2 mile buffer zones for all shorelines and stopping harmful operations such as blocking pathways.
3. The orcas' food and depletion of fish stocks are already known. Use this information to implement moratoriums on salmon fishing to rebuild stocks for orcas and people.
4. Convene a Public Inquiry into the death of Luna. Strategies and policies could be applied to Orca Recovery Plans and improved Marine Mammal Regulations.
5. Form a joint Canadian/US Research Task Force with public participation to review all present and proposed research. Essential studies only, not basic science. No close approaches/focal follows especially with other boats present because these boaters usually are left with the impression that it is okay for them to get close.
6. Distribute education materials (wildlife regulations, green boating and household pollution) to all marinas in 2006. Boaters may also be reached through licensing.
7. Critical habitat during most of the year is already known. Use this knowledge to address immediate threats such as dumping raw sewage off Victoria and any future noise pollution by the proposed Delta Port Container Expansion.
8. Promote Orca Trails Land Based Whale Watching as discussed in WA Report on Wildlife Viewing Opportunities. |
posted on April 7, 2006
Lifeforce has prepared a summary of some of the history of the US Navy's employment of marine wildlife. Species, such as orcas and belugas, have suffered and died prematurely. Canada has also assisted in the military experiment by allowing the US to confine belugas in Nanoose Bay, BC and permitting studies at the Vancouver Aquarium. Presently the US Navy wants to deploy dolphins and sea lions in Washington. |
posted on April 3, 2006
However, is it even necessary to have any consultation? In view of the diversity of natural fauna and flora found within the Stanley Park ecosystem, do we really need to continue to spend time and monies on keeping animals in captivity? For example, beavers and seabirds would be incarcerated while they can be found living freely. Now the expansion is up from 30% to at least 50%. Is it still $80 million? The public has already said "No!" to a zoo in Stanley Park.
Lifeforce has launched our Let Stanely Park Be! Campaign site to help preserve this precious area. |
posted on April 1, 2006
 Poster People Needed: World Week for Animals in Laboratories (WWAL) April 23 to April 30
Nearly 2.5 million animals are killed every year in Canadian labs. It's funded by government, health organizations, businesses and public donations. According to the last statistics there is an increase of 16% from 2002 to 2003. Dogs and cats are seized from pounds. There has not been phase out of cruel, scientifically fallacious "animal models" even though reliable, non-animal humane methodologies are available.The vivivsector multi-billion dollar industry polices themselves! Help stop this scientific fraud.
Lifeforce is calling upon people to poster their neighbourhoods with our Canadian Vivisection Poster.
Break down the Vivisection Wall of Secrecy with a Poster Wall!
Poster your car windows, bulletin boards, libraries, and other places - Be creative!
Please tell Lifeforce where you will poster, how many you will print and who you sent them to so we can provide a list to the media. Thanks for helping end vivisection.
NEW! This Canadian Vivisection 2006 page can be added to the back of the Vivisection Poster and used as an educational hand out. |
posted on March 12, 2006
Luna Dies in Red Sea of Political Correctness and Government Inaction.
A lot of people made money off of poor Luna and it did not help him or his endangered family. In spite of Lifeforce pleas to immediately return Luna to his family those with diverse vested interests have led to the death of Luna today.
From government to First Nations to NGOs the hope to do the right thing by reuniting Luna with his family L pod was dimmed by cultural differences and those seeking to profit.
"The tugboat collision may have finally killed him but it has been political correctness and government inaction that has created this tragedy", stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, "The threat to Luna was evident. Luna has recently been hit and wounded by another boat. Those who wanted him to stay in Nootka Sound have killed him."
Another lone orca, Springer, was successfully returned to her family Northern Community. Plans and funding was available to do the same for Luna. |
posted on March 12, 2006
The Vancouver based ecology organization, Lifeforce, is calling for an "Orca Inquest" to find out why Luna was not saved. We hope that a full review of this tragedy will help protect other endangered orcas and solitary dolphins.
"Orcas must be protected and not ambushed as a result of political "incorrectness" and government inaction. Luna's death must not be in vain," stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, "There should be a public review not an in-house cover up by those involved. Lifeforce will be sending a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and other politicians to ask them to form an independent committee similar to a Coroner's Inquest relating to human deaths. Orcas are sentient, intelligent creatures with their own culture that we must respect."
Imagine being ripped apart by a huge boat propeller. This was an excruciating death. Luna did not die in peace. Such a death was predictable and preventable. This was evident in view of a recent boat collision with Luna resulting in approximately ten propeller cuts. Was there an emergency plan to closely monitor him?
"It was bad enough that a "system" would fail but there is no system to protect such lone orcas. There isn't even an official Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) response team for such emergencies and stranding," added Hamilton, "For 8 years it was Lifeforce that protected a lone False killer whale near Vancouver."
The Southern Community's Luna was first discovered in 2001 in Nootka Sound after being separated from his family. When the Northern Community's Springer was separated from her family and found in Puget Sound she was successfully reunited in 2002. Why didn't this happen for Luna and his endangered family? Both Luna and Springer were normal young orcas. Luna followed and rubbed against boats to fulfill behavioural and social needs. Given the opportunity Luna would have chosen orcas not boats.
For further information: Peter Hamilton 604-649-5258
Please send letters to:
Harper.S@parl.gc.ca
Layton.J@parl.gc.ca
Duceppe.G@parl.gc.ca
maquinna@yuquot.ca
Regan.G@parl.gc.ca
Gordon.Campbell.mla@leg.bc.ca
Carole.james.mla@leg.bc.ca
Martin.P@parl.gc.ca
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posted on March 2, 2006
Published in the North Shore Outlook, Mar 02 2006
Editor,
Your recent story about the Vancouver Aquarium was full of untruthful, misleading statements.
First, the Vancouver Aquarium harpooned, not rescued, the first killer whale that ended up in captivity. They wanted to kill one to use as a model for a sculpture. The orca slowly starved to death.
Secondly, the first beluga born in captivity was because the mother was pregnant when captured - the baby died prematurely. Also, all three orca babies also died within a few months.
Thirdly, sea otters captured during the Valdez oil spill were to be released not kept for blood experiments etc. In addition, the "star Clamchops" drowned when trapped under a water gate. Two months later the media discovered the truth about Clamchop's inhumane death.
It has been animal protection organizations that have raised public awareness about the plight of marine wildlife. They have and will continue to save them from continued threats such as the zoo multi-million dollar industry.
I urge everyone to tell their politicians to stop the lucrative government funding of this cruel, exploitive entertainment business. If not, the aquarium will continue to imprison more animals.
Peter Hamilton
Lifeforce |
posted on March 2, 2006
It used to be Super Natural BC promoting our spectacular scenery and wildlife roaming freely. So why is VANOC selling sheep skin trapper hats and the igloo image?
Vancouverites should not be portrayed as trappers with a leg hold trap in one hand and a dead beaver in the other. Trapping is part of a barbaric past that drove many species to the point of extinction.
VANOC should be showing the world the wonders of BC's diverse cultures, nature and wildlife.
Please send/phone your concerns to:
John Furlong and VANOC Board of Directors
info@vancouver2010.com
1.877.408.2010
A version of this letter was published in the Vancouver Sun, March 2/06 |
posted on January 10, 2006
 Politicians Must Help Stop the Increase of Animals Suffering in Research Laboratories.
A Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) report of the numbers of animals used in research, teaching and testing has revealed an increased of 16% from 2002 to nearly two and a half millions animals in Canada in 2003.
"The horrors of vivisection continues behind closed doors." stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, "Governments' promises for "Replacement, Reduction and Refinement" have been broken. More animals are suffering in inhumane, scientifically fallacious experiments and more health care funds are being wasted."
Researchers create "animal models" by attempting to mimic naturally occurring human health problems in formerly healthy animals. However, they are not studying the actual human maladies and animals react differently to the drugs and methodologies tested. There are major biological and anatomical differences between and within all species.
The animal experiments are only part of the research system. They are conducted before, during and after human clinical and invitro (nonanimal) studies. For example, Depro-Provera, now being used as a birth control method, caused cancer in animals and increased risk of breast cancer in people but is still marketed. Further, saccharin caused cancer in animals but only a warning was put on the packaged product. Drug side effects cannot be determined in animal models so are listed in a long list of warnings when marketed. When drugs fail the animal tests companies say that you can't rely on animal tests.
So why do these questionable practices continue? Methodologies are available that are more effective and do not involve animals. (See Better Living on our web site). The multi-billion dollar animal research industry includes businesses from cage and restraint manufacturers to animal dealers. A decrease in animal use means a decrease in profits.
The Peer Review System and the pro-vivisection organizations such as the CCAC protect the vivisectors not the animals. The CCAC inspections are confidential (many facilities are only given conditional approvals and two are on "probation" - April 2004 to March 2005) and there are no bans on even the cruellest practices (categories D and E). Lifeforce is the only organization in Canada that has succeeded in laying cruelty to animal charges against researchers. Our 1984 case exposed the practice of restraining baboons for four months in experiments funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
In addition to many other species, in 2003 there were 9501dogs (4693 were "Random Source") and 3530 cats (2833 were "Random Source") used. Dogs and cats are still obtained from "Random Sources" such as pounds - they were formerly people's companions. Dogs are popular "animal models" for heart, spinal cord and emphysema experiments. Cats are frequently used for brain/vision studies, spinal cord experiments and drug tests.
In 2003, institutions providing the information confessed that 1306 dogs and 496 cats were subjected to "moderate to severe distress or discomfort" (Category D). The use of anesthic/analgesia for invasive procedures can be withheld for "strong, scientifically-based justification is provided...".
In 2003, 58% of the animals were subjected to "fundamental studies" - basic science that is curiosity studies with no direct benefit to humans. That's why whenever "breakthroughs" are reported researchers add that further studies are needed.
BACKGROUND - Examples of Animal Experiments in Canada
Dog Experiments by UBC Researcher
Researchers at various labs, including the McDonald Research Laboratory, University of British Columbia, write that they have developed A CANINE MODEL FOR EMPHYSEMA. Over the years Lifeforce has investigated similar experiments at UBC and St. Paul's Hospital. Some of the research was funded by tobacco companies and subjected animals to cigarette smoke.
This model produces extreme emphysema only closely resembling that encountered in humans (but not the same as). They said that the animals could be maintained indefinitely. So the dogs would be confined in a research laboratory cage. They claimed the this dog model will be of value in developing imaging techniques capable of safely evaluating the effect of treatment on emphysema in patients. However, non-invasive imaging techniques can be used to determine treatments for people with the actual health problem.
In experiments funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation the
arteries of dogs are restricted to induce heart attacks/strokes.
Kittens are intentionally crippled in spinal cord experiments
that have been funded by Rick Hansen Foundation and others. |
posted on January 8, 2006
The 2005 ADbusive award goes to Telus, for continuing to exploit animals and supporting cruelty to animals
With penguins from the West Edmonton Mall (WEM) put in hotel bathtubs and an isolated hippopotamus from the old Vancouver Game Farm, Telus continues to be one of the worse companies to exploit animals in their company advertising. They also continue to pay unscrupulous businesses known for their animal abuses.
WEM owners have inhumanely imprisoned bears, monkeys, dolphins and many others who died prematurely. All four adult dolphins and all 5 newborns died prematurely.
The Vancouver Game Farm's appalling records include the long term isolation of the hippo used in the Telus ad, the painful foot problem with the elephant named Tina and the deaths of many animals including two hippos.
"A win-win situation for companies and for the animals would be to use stock footage of animals in the wild and/or to film animals in their natural habitats. Organizations that work to protect animals can be contacted to discuss such opportunities. Donations can be given to animal protection organizations instead of contributing to businesses that harm and exploit animals," stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder.
"As shown in the latest animated movie "Narnia" art has reached the point where you can't tell the difference between a computer generated animal and a living animal. Hopefully now the market in live animals will end," added Hamilton.
Telus has recently advised Lifeforce that they will explore these options. (John Page, Director of Ethics and Control Compliance, John.Page@TELUS.COM )
Background
Lifeforce's ADbusive awards started in the 90s. Many companies stopped promoting puppies and kittens as Christmas gifts. Since the 90s Lifeforce has been a leader in convincing cities to implement restrictions on exotic animals and we are presently seeking a total ban on the sale and ownership of primates, tigers and other exotic wildlife.
Below is an excerpt from a Lifeforce letter to BC Telus (October 22, 2002) which ads also have included monkeys, baboons, a sloth, a wallaby, a beaver and amphibians.
Dear Board of Directors:
On behalf of the Lifeforce Foundation I would like to bring to your attention our concerns over the use of exotic animals in BC Telus advertisements. Your ads promote keeping exotic, wild animals as pets and that they are mere objects for so-called human entertainment. It condones keeping animals to force them to do idiotic tricks. Your ad campaign does not instil a respect for and understanding of their natural lives in the wild.
In general, these animals are often abused and kept in inhumane conditions. They are beaten to be "tamed" and to be dominated by humans. They are imprisoned in small cages and are only let out for brief periods when performing. For example, the orangutan in the Clint Eastwood movies was found beaten to death at the holding compound.
Dishonourable Mention:
Kahlua - Albino white tigers used in TV commercial and on their web site Depicting exotic animals is as dangerous as drunk driving.
President, CEO and Board
Allied Domecq PLC
allieddomecq@adsw.com
Daimler Chrysler - "You could be a Millionaire" contest ad with white birds crammed in picnic basket and William Shatner puts on a fur coat.
Steven J. Landry
Chairman, Presdent, CEO
18004652001
customerassistca@daimlerchrysler.com
Wrigley's Juicy Fruit Gum Print Ad - using chimpanzees in their ads
Christopher Perille
Director of Corporate Communications
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
P.O. BOX 3900
Peoria, IL 61614
(312) 645-4077
cperille@wrigley.com
Kelly McGrail
Director of Public Relations
Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
P.O. BOX 3900
Peoria, IL 61614
(312) 645-4754
kmcgrail@wrigley.com
Glamour Magazine - featuring a chimpanzee "model
Cynthia Leive
Editor in Chief
Glamour Magazine
The Condé Nast Publications In
4 Times Square
New York, NY 10036
Fax: (212) 286-8336
letters@glamour.com |
posted on January 2, 2006
Endangered Orcas Need Immediate Help
Lifeforce, a Vancouver based ecology organization, is calling upon the Canadian and US governments to take immediate actions to protect the endangered Southern Community of orcas. Both governments are developing Orca Recovery Plans but it may be too little too late.
"Since the 80s Lifeforce has been fighting to protect these orcas. If some immediate actions are not taken their survival is threatened." stated Peter Hamilton, Lifeforce Founder, "The system has failed to implement plans to protect them. We must protect the orcas not jobs. Many of those in charge of policies are studying them to death."
History
While everyone agrees that three major threats are habitat pollution, depleted fish stocks and boat noise, the other environment hazards and reuniting Southern Community family members have not been fully address.
Lifeforce has developed methods to attract orcas away from environmental hazards such as oil spills. Equipment, training and readiness costs must be made available now. A major oil spill could happen at any time.
The aquarium captures have devastated the Southern Community. Approximately 48 orcas were captured with 11 dieing during the captures. A generation of young orcas and their offspring has been lost forever. The abnormal age and sex ration will take decades to return to normal. Lolita (in a US aquarium) and Luna (in Nootka Sound, BC) are members of L pod and should be returned for their sake and to increase the gene pool.
Some of the above mentioned threats cannot be resolved immediately but we can immediately reduce some of the threats by effectively monitoring the boat traffic. We can immediately reduce noise pollution/boat traffic that interrupts foraging patterns and causes stress that affects the immune systems. We can also reduce boat collisions that could injure and kill orcas. We must also stop the increase of unwarranted research boat traffic that adds to the noise problem.
"Boat noise monitoring and oil spill response must be fully funded now. We must change the face of whale watching and research in order to stop their haphazard, continuous boat harassment. We must have oil spill response teams to protect the orcas now." added Hamilton.
Some Immediate Needs:
Comments for the US NMFS' proposed Orca Conservation Plan - MMPA Depleted listing for the Southern Resident orcas ends January 3, 2006. This will most likely form the basis or foundation for the Orca Recovery Plan that will be required under the recent Endangered listing under the ESA. The Canadian government is also developing Orca Recovery Plans.
However, the orcas can't wait. We must immediately:
- Guarantee adequate funding is available to maintain monitoring programs such as Lifeforce's Lifewatch Boater Awareness Program. We do not have funding to continue our education services in 2006
- Immediately contract and equip Marine Wildlife Emergency Response Teams, such as Lifeforce, in key areas. This must include being prepared to keep orcas away from oil spills
- Reunite Luna with his family L pod in 2006
- Immediately return Lolita to home waters for a probable reunion with her family L pod in 2006
- Enact strong Marine Mammal Protection Regulations
- Stop any attempts to weaken the US Endangered Species Act
- Obtain assurances with the Whale Watch Operators Association for 2006 season. Agreements must include 30-minute observation limits, No Whale Watch Zones such as Active Pass, 1/4 to 1/2 mile buffer zones for all shorelines and stopping harmful operations such as blocking pathways
- Improve all Monitoring organizations effectiveness through standards and policies
- Provide financial support for land based whale-watching programs such as Lifeforce's Orca Trials
- Provide financial support for Whale and Dolphin Hotlines to report stranding, harassments and locations. Hotlines should be area specific. Lifeforce's 13-year-old Hotline covers the Southern Georgia Strait/Northern WA area
- Train/license all whale watch companies and researchers
- Train enforcement agencies regarding orca behaviours
- Form a joint Canadian/US Research Task Force with public participation to review all present and proposed research. Essential studies only, not basic science. No close approaches/focal follows especially with other boats present because these boaters usually are left with the impression that it is okay to get close
- Stop all Aquarium business activities that promote petting, feeding and swimming with dolphins
- Conduct joint US and Canadian environmental impact studies on any major construction such as the proposed Delta Port Expansion - a critical orca habitat
- Distribute education materials (green boating and land related pollution) to all marinas in 2006. Boaters may also be reached through licensing
- Demand that the City of Victoria, BC stop dumping raw sewage into critical orca habitat
- Implement a 5-year moratorium on all depleted fish stocks
Available Reports and Articles:
1. Lifeforce Conservation Programs
2. Oil and Chemical Resistant Whales?
3. Marine Mammal Regulations
4. Model Whale Watch Plan
5. Monitoring Issues
6. Marine Wildlife Monitoring and Enforcement/Education Plan (Draft)
7. Orcas Treated Like Lab Animals (Lifeforce News Article)
8. Are We Prepared for Emergencies? No! (Lifeforce News Article) |
posted on January 2, 2006
 The Vancouver-based Lifeforce Foundation started as a non-profit, charitable organization on June 15, 1981. Founder Peter Hamilton was an artist and musician who believed that there was a need for an organization that cared about all life - people, animals and the environment.
Lifeforce has many achievements but we all still have a long way to go.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support!!
Our full 25 year anniversary special newsletter is now available in our Newsletters section. |
posted on January 1, 2006
 In experiments funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation the arteries of dogs are restricted to induce heart attacks/strokes.
Some of the funds from the Heart and Stroke Foundation Research Lottery will be spent on painful, scientifically fallacious experiments on animals. These Heart and Stroke Foundations in BC and Ontario do not have any policy opposing experiments on animals. They continue to use "animal models".
Researchers create "animal models" of heart and stroke injury to test drugs and other methodologies. However, they are not studying the actual human maladies and animals react differently to the methodologies tested. There are major biological and anatomical differences between animals and humans.
The Peer Review System and the pro-vivisection organizations such as the Canadian Council for Animal Care (CCAC) protect the vivisectors not the animals. The CCAC inspections are confidential and there are no bans on even the cruelest practices. Lifeforce is the only organization in Canada that has succeeded in laying cruelty to animal charges against researchers. Our 1984 case exposed the practice of restraining baboons for four months in experiments funded by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario.
Please contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca to express your concerns. Go to their "Contact Us" to send an email. Please send Lifeforce a copy of their response. |
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