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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 13th February 2012
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Judge throws out Whales 'Slavery' suit
Animal Rights activists express disappointment

A US District Judge has thrown out a case brought by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) activists on behalf of five whales at SeaWorld they allege are enslaved. The suit demanded the immediate release of five whales (Tilikum, Katina, Kasatka, Ulises and Corky) kept in SeaWorld parks in Orlando, Florida and San Diego, California. PETA hoped that the whales would be released into a coastal sanctuary, conceding that releasing the whales into open ocean would not be consistent with their welfare.

However, US District Judge Jeffrey Miller took less than an hour to dismiss the legal grounds on which the suit had been brought and throw out the case. His Honour Judge Miller rejected PETA's argument that the 13th Amendment of the US Constitution, which prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, mandated the release of the whales.

"The only reasonable interpretation of the 13th amendment's plain language is that it applies to persons and not to non-persons such as orcas," says the text of the Judge's ruling. "Both historic and contemporary sources reveal that the term 'slavery' and 'involuntary servitude' refer only to persons."

SeaWorld spokesman David Koontz welcomed the dismissal, arguing that the speed with which the court came to its decision underlined "the absurdity of PETA's baseless lawsuit." Speaking to Agence France-Presse, he said that "SeaWorld remains the standard for zoological stewardship of marine animals and we reject any challenge to the conditions and quality of care for these remarkable animals."

PETA spokesman David Perle, however, maintained that the group would continue its activities until "the inevitable day when all animals will be free from enslavement for human amusement. Today's decision does not change the fact that the orcas who once lived naturally wild and free, are today kept as slaves by SeaWorld."

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New roadshow brings free flea and tick checks to dog owners

News Story 1
 A nationwide roadshow offering free, personalised parasite risk assessments and flea and tick checks will be visiting popular dog events across the UK.

The All About Dogs shows in Norfolk and Knebworth, will be among the first events to host MSD Animal Health's Big Parasite Check campaign, which aims to address common misconceptions and highlight the importance of year-round parasite protection.

A total of six dog-friendly events will feature the free clinics from summer through to winter. Full roadshow dates and locations are available on The Big Parasite Check map or through your local MSD Animal Health Representative.  

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News Shorts
BVA urges 'continued vigilance' over bluetongue

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has urged vigilance following a concerning rise in Bluetongue (BTV) cases in sheep and cattle.

In a recent statement, the BVA noted that members are reporting more severe clinical signs and higher mortality rates than in previous years.

'We know that farm vets are working hard to support farmers and animals affected by this outbreak, during what is an extremely difficult time for all involved,' they stated. 'Continued vigilance to identify disease early is vital and vaccination remains the best way of protecting animals from this disease.'