ANIMAL TALKIES - about animals, nature, compassionate living - blog by Karishmeh Felfeli

Merry Christmas Photos from the Blue Cross

2011-12-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

I volunteer at my local Blue Cross, which is not an animal rescue, but provides low cost vet care to those most in need, both at its main hospital and via mobile clinics that travel to various areas in the city. I volunteer as a Vet helper at one such mobile clinic and am also involved with fundraising/admin at the main clinic. Here are some of my favourite pictures from my second home since animals and people need caring for even though it is Christmas!

The lovely Aoife playing with a cat called Aoife who is in with her sister!

Bobby, spreading the Christmas cheer!

Staffie cross called Lizzie, thrown out from a car, with vet Bernie

Lizzie, now adopted by Chris, the manager of Blue Cross, and
much loved by all the volunteers! Here she is after
the X'Mas party!

Rachel with a patient, and her new best friend, Ben!

On Elephants and Circuses by Saleha Jawwad and Karishmeh Felfeli

2011-08-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

By @animaltalkies and @salehaj

Karishmeh writes: I spent the first part of my adult life in Ireland. From the age of nineteen to twenty-six, I lived in the country’s capital city, Dublin. One of my most vivid memories of my first year in the city was when I was walking along what is known as “Sandymount Strand” in the exclusive, upmarket neighbourhood, by the beach (well – a strip of sand). I noticed a large poster on one of the many electricity poles (similar to the election campaign posters) – the poster had pictures of an elephant, tiger, dog, rhino and giraffe. Bright colours and bold retro lettering spent out the fact that a “circus” was coming to town. I honestly thought this was some sort of joke – a theatre play, some sort of avant-garde performance project? Not a circus with live animals! Not in Dublin, Ireland of all places. The first and last time I was at a circus, was in 1987 – I was around four or five years old and I was taken to one in Pune, India with some neighbours. I don’t remember seeing any tigers or lions then, only many clowns and trapeze artists.

Though it’s perfectly possible there were animals used and I blocked them out of my memory (I saw the film “Dumbo” around the same time, so….). But it did not make any sense for a circus with live animals to come to a first world, European country! Surely nobody would spend their money watching wild, sometimes endangered animals performing horribly unnatural tricks for the amusement of people. But I walked over to the poster and my worst fears were confirmed. There were tigers in this circus – TIGERS – in 2002 – this seemed insane. And the elephants in the poster looked so, so awfully unhappy. I looked around me – old Georgian houses, “yummy mummy” types walking their dogs, elderly couples out for their walk. Cars whizzed by. Of all places in the world, it seemed utterly impossible that Ireland, this rapidly advancing country with it’s “Celtic Tiger” economy would allow a circus with live animals – surely the very idea of this went against the progressive, forwarding-thinking image the country was trying to present to the rest of the world. Didn’t the Irish know by now, that there was no “kind method” when it came to training wild animals to perform in captivity. An elephant doing a headstand is just unnatural – it spends years in captivity, and many dark, lonely journeys being jolted from town to town. In other words, circuses that use live animals have no place in a progressive, civilised society.

But, as I would soon find out, Ireland regularly played host to circuses using animals. For the next few months and years that followed, I read about the problem of animal circuses in Ireland, and each year, I campaigned against these dreadful, antiquated and unnatural arena antics. Most times, I would campaign against one circus, only for another to begin its tour shortly after. I would stand on street corners, distribute flyers and leaflets to teenagers and children – many of whom were as freaked out by the idea of circuses allowing wild animals as their parents. Yet animal circuses in Ireland continue to be popular – who is going to these? And why? Do people still view the circus as some sort of nostalgic family bonding experience – heralding a bygone era – the romantic circus life, as it were, and the wholesome fun those of a certain generation associate with going to the circus? And while countries like Israel, Singapore and Austria have gone all out to ban the use of circuses, they still remain a popular entertainment option in the United States and in Ireland.

A few days ago, I received a message with a link to a video, from the co-author of this blog article, Saleha Jawwad, an animal lover and activist from Islamabad, Pakistan. Now before you say, “well, I don’t go to the circus, so why should I care” I ask you to please read Saleha’s thoughts about the video, and then watch it for yourself.

Saleha writes: Last week, I saw a video that made me cry like a baby (yes, I still do that!). The video was of Shirley the elephant and how she was moved from a life of captivity to a life of freedom. Before I get to the point where I cried a river, I need to tell you about this amazing girl and her struggle.

Shirley is an Asian elephant and was captured from the wild in 1953; she performed for 30 years with the Carson and Barnes Circus and then spent 23 years living in the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo. Life in captivity caught up with our gal and she ended up crippled. Her right leg was broken 30 years ago, after she was attacked by another circus elephant. She’s missing most of her right ear because of a fire, that also left scars on her back, side, and feet.

After all the horror, Shirley finally found peace when she was moved to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in June 1999. The video shows Shirley’s arrival at the sanctuary and her first contact with another elephant (Tarra) after two decades; Shirley reached out to Tarra and both seemed to comfort each other. Later on, I got to see Shirley meet Jenny. They seemed desperate to get to each other and in the process, they ended up bending the steel bars between them! When the bars were removed, they embraced – it was a reaction of joy we can see amongst ourselves when seeing a loved one after a long time, in Shirley and Jenny’s case, after almost 25 years. The two were together in a circus, when Jenny was an infant and had been “brought” from Asia. It’s true, an elephant never forgets.

I saw Shirley and Jenny walk around and play in the fields. To me, this was the perfect moment; I know that these animals will spend the rest of their life in comfort and peace, and knowing that they will no longer be bound by chains, is plain…awesome! This is what I want for all animals in captivity..see why I cried?

Shirley the elephant’s story – part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzEUayHqrRc and part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXKxgLvIS6Y&feature=related

Karishmeh and Saleha share their thoughts:

These magnificent elephants, now old and crippled, spent twenty-eight years apart – in the most horrific conditions, travelling from one town to the next – many long, gloomy journeys without a friendly soul in sight. When we think of all the experiences we have had over the past twenty-something years, we feel so desperately sad at the life Shirley and Jenny have had. The video shows how intelligent elephants are. Yet, by allowing them to be exploited in circuses for a few cheap laughs, we show zero understanding towards their needs – the fact that their extraordinary intelligence and sensitivity means that they feel the pain of separation is not taken into account at all. They are not meant for a life of constant travel in dark containers, doing headstands.

Here’s what baffles us. How can people be willing to sit back in silence and condone the suffering of innocent animals who were taken away from their homes and beaten up, just to learn a few tricks to entertain others for an hour or two. How is this fair? The reason this industry is still thriving (or certainly making a reasonable profit) is because people visit circuses using wild animals! Don’t they realize that visiting such places is helping ensure the animals are never set free? Shirley and Jenny are the lucky few who were able to get a second chance at life, but others continue to suffer.

What hurts the most is that the people who harm these amazing animals are still in business.

In Ireland
In 2006, the Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) investigated animal circuses in the Republic of Ireland after being specifically asked to do so by residents and tourists. The report found that in the 7 circuses using wild animals and operating in Ireland, 102 animals were used. The investigation found that some of the animals were imported from across Europe, facing gruelling journeys of up to 1,000 miles. In some cases, the animals are transported back to their source country at the end of ten months of touring, only to be brought back to Ireland two months later.

A vet surgeon who examined the animals in three of the circuses confirmed that many animals used are suffering physical and behavioural welfare problems (what a surprise) as a result of their captivity and use in the circus. The findings also confirmed that few attempts are made to provide suitable environment enrichment for the animals, that most of the animals used in circuses in Ireland have restricted lives, with temporary, inadequate accommodation, constant transportation and unnatural social groups. CAPS also found that Irish circuses that feature wild animals alongside farm and domestic animals often show little or no regard for the welfare of the animals that they exploit and profit from.

In America

Circuses such as Ringling Brothers have been cited by the USDA (US Department of Agriculture) for serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), these violations include:

·   Improper handling of dangerous animals
·   Failure to provide adequate veterinary care to animals, including an elephant with a large swelling on her leg
·   Causing trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm, and unnecessary discomfort to two elephants who sustained injuries when they ran amok during a performance
·   Failure to test elephants for tuberculosis
·   Unsanitary feeding practices

Since 1992, 26 elephants (including 4 babies) have died at Ringling Bros Circus. One death which begs for justice is of an 8 month old baby elephant named Ricardo. He was put down after he fell from a circus pedestal and ended up severely injuring his hind legs.

United Kingdom

In March 2011, in the UK, footage of workers from the travelling Bobby Roberts Super Circus beating a 59 year old elephant, Anne, was released. It showed Anne chained for hours, her getting beaten on her back leg (where she has arthritis) and it also showed others getting beaten and spit upon. This video made it to the front pages of newspapers in the UK and all over the world, with many people breathing a sigh of relief when Anne was finally given the chance to live the rest of her years in peace, in a sanctuary.

http://www.annetheelephant.co.uk/

And yet…people still visit and encourage this ugly industry.

For physically massive, super intelligent animals that require a great deal of space, water and dust bathing, the life of a circus performer is worse than anything else. It is the worst form of cruelty, for it reduces this magnificent creature to being nothing more than a tortured soul, being subjected to the most horrific life, all so that people can make a few quid, and those watching can get a few laughs. No one stops to see the elephants getting violently beaten with bullhooks, or baby elephants being tied up and wrestled to the ground by several adults. They pay no heed to young female elephants forced to sexually mature at (as young as age 7) instead of 18, as they do in the wild. Nor do they witness the emotional turmoil of mother elephants forced to separate from their babies, because hey…the circus “really cares” about their well being.

Elephants aren’t the only animals that suffer. In December 2009, a Russian travelling circus was responsible for the deaths of 8 tigers and a lion, because the truck was not properly ventilated and after 20 hours, the animals died of suffocation.

Tigers face the same plight. As do ALL animals exploited in circuses. Lions, tigers, horses, bears, monkeys are “trained” by getting whipped, electrocuted, and isolated. Be very clear – there are NO happy days for an animal in a circus. If they are lucky, they may one day be rescued and end up in a safe sanctuary to live out the rest of their years. But most are not so lucky. And the worst part of all this is that today, in 2011, the use of animals in circuses is totally unnecessary. People are genuinely uncomfortable and uneasy about it and all-human circuses such as Cirque du Soleil have never been more popular. Others include the Australian Circus OZ, Zippos and the amazing Hassani Circus (read all about Ali Hassani and Coco the Clown’s daughter Tamara’s lifelong campaign for non animal circuses here).

There is nothing romantic about animal circuses. Please, please, please do not contribute to the suffering of wild and domestic animals in circuses. Please stop and take a moment to ask yourself - how you would feel if you were beaten to learn a few tricks? Would you want to be forced to remain standing and chained? Would you be okay with being taken away from your loved ones?

Help end this senseless suffering. Here are a few things you can do to help out:

Do NOT give circuses that use wild animals your patronage. DO tell everyone you know to boycott them completely. Most importantly, don’t buy the ticket! When the buying stops, so does the suffering…that simple.
SUPPORT ANIMAL FREE CIRCUSES WHEREVER YOU LIVE. This is important, because the more popular such circuses and organizations are, the more likely it is that those circuses that use animals will phase them out completely.
DO write to the circuses letting them know you do not support the use of animals. Support organizations such as PETA, CAPS, and Animal Defenders International by sharing their articles, donating and participating in their campaigns to help circus animals.
Tweet, Facebook, +1, MySpace - show your friends and family why you are against keeping animals in captivity. If you’re in the UK, ask your local MP to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. If you’re in Ireland, write to your local TD asking them to ban the use of wild animals in circuses. If you’re not in the UK, reach out to your local government representatives and ask them to help animals in captivity instead of condone their suffering. If you know of any animals suffering, please report it to your local authorities!

If we can’t show kindness and compassion to other living creatures, how can we show it to other people? Animals in circuses won’t be able to roam in the wild because a life of captivity deprives them of that option, but they can spend the remainder of their lives without pain or suffering in sanctuaries. Please be responsible and do your bit to help out.

Here’s some links you can share:

Ringling beats animals http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7shHYryHJOE

Bobby Roberts circus lies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw7W1AJAL2c&feature=player_embedded

Baby elephants suffering http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com/bound-babies.asp

Captive Animals Protection Society (CAPS) Website
Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary

Coco the Clown (Nicolai Poliakoff, one of the most brilliant circus performers whose daughter Tamara went on to found the first circus in the UK not to use performing animals – Nicolai was never at ease with animals being used in circuses. ) Visit the Cocos Circus and Theatrical Arts School website.

Ali Hassani obituary (acrobat, circus performer, husband of Tamara Poliakoff, founder of the Hassani circus along with his wife, devoted his life to the development of non-animal circuses, son in law of Nicolai Poliakoff aka Coco the Clown)

For more information about cruelty in Irish circuses and a list of circuses in Ireland that use animals please visit http://www.irishcircuses.org/roc/animal_circuses.html

Shirley the elephant’s story – part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZzEUayHqrRc and part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXKxgLvIS6Y&feature=related

Elephants never forget http://features.peta2.com/neverforget/default.asp

Pledge to not visit circuses using wild animals http://features.peta2.com/neverforget/pledge.asp

Article on Vegetarianism in Zoroastrian faith. From Jam-E-Jam... on Twitpic

2011-07-03T04:13:00.000-07:00

FASCINATING - a short while ago I wrote about Vegetarianism, and described my experiences as a Zoroastrian who did not eat animal-products. This is an article reprinted in a June 2011 issue of Jame-E-Jamshed, which was originally printed in the 1980s.

You can also ead my original post on vegetarianism in the Zoroastrian faith, and amongst Irani/Parsi households here.

FURTHER READING

Parsi man founded the American Vegan Society, wife a pioneering author of Vegan cookbooks.

The first Vegan Cookbook was published in 1966, and was written by a Parsi lady, Freya Dinshah. Her husband, Mr H. Jay Dinshah (1933-2000) was instrumental in introducing and publicising the concept of "Veganism" in America. The Dinshahs founded the American Vegan Society, and it is still based on "Dinshah Lane", in Malaga, New Jersey, decades after it was founded. As this New York Times article elaborates, thanks to the efforts of the Dinshahs, veganism is thriving in New York City.

Read the IVU Obituary about Jay Dinshah here.

Vegetarianism in Ancient Cultures

DASTUR BODE, a High Priest of the Zoroastrian religion, explained that culture means right living and includes a proper diet. Though our cultures may appear different we are not divided by them for there is an inner culture revealed by self knowledge and we must grow in unity through self realisation. Read more at the International Vegetarian Union Archive here

You can also read Dastur Bode's lecture "Vegetarianism - a Message for the New Age" from the 1957 IVU Congress here.

Two special babies find loving homes

2011-07-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Two special needs dogs find loving homes in Udaipur, India

A homeless youth Ronald and his cat Charlie Find a Home at Covenant House |Covenant House

2011-06-27T05:34:00.000-07:00

Ronald and Charlie Find a Home at Covenant House |Covenant House

Laxman and Renuka Srinik - Living Patron Saints of Mumbai's Cats

2011-06-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

Cats of all shapes and sizes - cared for by one elderly couple

The Sriniks live in an abandoned cabin - a sort of make shift one-room house in Charkop, a place in Kandivali which is in North Mumbai. And while many married couples might complain about their flat, apartment or house being "too small" or feel the need to upgrade and buy a bigger house, the Sriniks prove that there really is no such thing as "cabin-fever" if you're with your soulmate. Even if your privacy is compromised a tiny bit....owing to the fact that you share your life and home with nearly two hundred cats and kittens. And before anyone from the West reads this and starts to think "they're hoarders" or "crazy cat people" - look at the photos. The cats are not living in misery and filth. Laxman and Renuka take it upon themselves to look after, feed and care for any stray, abandoned, injured cat or kitten that they come across. They have very little material wealth, as you can probably guage from the photographs - but don't the animals look well? And for such an elderly couple, don't Laxman and Renuka look incredible? The word I would use is enlightened.

Sometimes, when I think about the fact that my partner and I have had no permanent address for over two years, I wonder if the first few years of the last decade were a dream. People are very quick to judge - when you see a homeless person, you might assume they are in that position because of some underlying weakness - drugs, alchohol, whatever it may be. And often that might very well be one of the reasons the person is in that situation - but if you take the time to look closer, to spend time with those who live on the fringes of society, you might find people who were, at one time, successful musicians, teachers, doctors, businessmen. In India, you often have no choice but to confront these things head on - the sheer number of sleeping bodies at a railway station in Mumbai (and not all "Slumdog Millionaresque" children either) makes you realise just how easy it is for anyone to end up on the streets, with no home or family, irrespective of what their occupation is, or how much money they may have earned a year or two earlier. And, as I've found, sometimes the best thing that can happen to you is losing absolutely everything - as absurd as that sounds.

Maybe the Sriniks might agree with me - to an extent! Laxman and Renuka Srinik did not always live in a one-room shed/cabin. They lived in Malad, and it all began back in the early nineties, when they rescued a pregnant cat who gave birth to four kittens in their house. Neighbours protested at the growing brood of felines, and the Sriniks were forced to move. This pattern continued over the years, but Laxman and Renuka realised that the love they had for each other, and their animals was stronger and more resilant than anything they felt for anyone else. And so they continued to make greater personal sacrifices, so that they could exist in peace with their animals - continuing to rescue the cats that needed help. In a country like India, where so little importance is placed on a HUMAN life, let alone the life of a cat, it is nothing short of extraordinary that people like this exist. Of course, Laxman and Renuka would have to endure even greater hardship were it not for the amazing human beings who donate their time and money to help care for the cats on an ad-hoc basis.

The most important initiative is the sterilization project - spearheaded by "Animals Matter to Me, Mumbai" and implemented with great success. In fact, volunteers with "Animals Matter to Me Mumbai" such as Ankita Pathak (a young student vet) Rahul Koshaley and Gurpreet Chawla were all present on June 10th 2011, the day the following photographs were taken. The kind-hearted vet who was also present that day is Dr Brijesh Raj - I know from experience, the difference between a good vet, and an absolutely great one, who gives up time to help rescue animals, and takes an active interest in helping animals that need it most. When I lived in Dublin, Ireland there were two excellent vets - Eamonn Moore from Blackrock Clinic and John Bainbridge from A & B Dundrum - they would spay and neuter stray animals at very low rates, and go above and beyond what is normally expected of a vet. In Pune, I have been lucky to work closely with Dr Deepak Tulpule, who also treats all the strays my grand-father and mother take in. Laxman and Renuka look so relieved and happy to have such wonderful, positive, enthusiastic people helping them for the day. There are also many others who help the couple from time to time, on a voluntary/independent basis.

In an age of social-networking, constant connectivity and greater public awareness of some horrific acts of animal-cruelty (if you see some of the videos that people have sent me, or the photos, or news stories, you will know what I'm talking about), I think it is equally important to share stories of those that DO care. The human race might very well be doomed if it weren't for these people, and the great things they are doing, despite every obstacle and hurdle. Those that care about their fellow creatures in the way that Gandhi or Martin Luther King Jr would have approved of, those that do not mock people who love and treat animals as our equal. I also like knowing that there are people in the world who share the same outlook as me - I somehow can't imagine our life being that different from the Sriniks - which is why I can't wait to meet them and spend time with them when I'm next in Mumbai. It also makes me smile when I think about the fact that both Laxman and Renuka have a sense of humour - all the cats are named after Bollywood Film stars, from the past and present. So there's a Vijayanthimala AND a Katrina!

In the meantime, I will continue to support Animals Matter to Me, Mumbai who have been so helpful even with animals that are not in Mumbai (I've sought their help with puppies in Pune, as well as an injured stray) and I do hope anyone reading this will be inspired to do the same, or find the people in your own corner of the world who are doing their own bit to counterbalance the acts of greed, stupidity and cruelty for which we humans are known!

Laxman Srinik with a Volunteer from Animals Matter to Me, Mumbai
All Photos courtesy AMTM

Laxman with Dr Brijesh the Vet

Dr Brijesh at work, with Laxman and Ankita Pathak lending a hand!

No fancy toys needed - we're cats, remember?

A blissed out volunteer, with some of the Sriniks' cats

Renuka Srinik

Feeding time!

The brilliant young volunteers (notice the equal mix between boys and girls)

Cats Aid, Dublin - Fundraising Sale - please come along if you are in town?

2011-06-10T07:42:00.000-07:00

ALL I AM SAYING....IS GIVE CATS A CHANCE (Yes, to be sung to the tune of Lennon's Give Peace a Chance! No...I've not lost my mind completely. Here are a few reasons why not all people who love cats have a screw loose!)

ANYWAY.....HELP CATS AID, DUBLIN BY GOING TO THEIR FUNDRAISING SALE.

WHEN? 25th June from 12.00 p.m. to 14.00 p.m.

WHERE? Iris Charles Centre for Older People, Newbridge Avenue, Sandymount, Dublin, Ireland

HOW MUCH? 1 euro - that's right, admission is just ONE euro. Please come along, whether you love cats or not. Think of it as good karma!

ITEMS FOR SALE:

GOOD AS NEW ITEMS.
CATS’ AID MERCHANDISE.
CAKES & PRODUCE.
WHEEL OF FORTUNE.
CRAFTS, PLANDS & DVDS.
BOTTLE STALL.
HABERDASHERY

If you have Items you would like to donate, please deliver them to the Centre on Fri 24th June from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.

Hand2Paw - Homeless teenagers and animals unite.

2011-06-07T03:11:00.000-07:00

If only every city in the world had someone like Rachel Cohen who would make the connection between society's most vulnerable young people and equally vulnerable animals.....

Blog about this coming up soon - but in the meantime, check out the Hand2Paw Website as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages.

And share this video below with everyone you know....

On Food - Do you know many Vegetarian Iranis/Parsis?

2011-05-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Parsi Mutton Dhansak

"Animals are my friends, and I don't eat my friends." - George Bernard Shaw

Before I begin writing about animals or vegetarianism, I have a confession to make. Despite being a very fussy eater as a child (my mother says that getting me to eat ANYTHING was a struggle), I have been a passionate "foodie" since my late teens. By "foodie" I mean, I adore cooking and am obsessive about preparing fresh meals from scratch, whether there are only a handful of ingredients, or all my masalas at my disposal. I love eating exotic food- think Indian, Persian, Mexican, Thai, Lebanese, Cuban..It helps that I was surrounded by the fragrances, odours and colours of Indian, Persian and Parsi cooking as a child. As a result, my worst nightmare was when I came down with Jaundice and at to eat plain, boiled (i.e. tasteless) food for two months when I was around ten. Even at 20,000 feet, trekking in the Nepal Himalayas in 1999, I carried a packet of homemade lime ad mango pickle - to jazz up the already delicious Nepali dahl-bhat (lentils and rice) that we would eat daily in the mountains. And while I love getting an occasional takeaway or going out for a bite to eat, I really do prefer to spend all day cooking an assortment of dishes. In that sense, I could never adjust to a life of endless restaurant and takeaway meals, rolls, sandwiches, chips.

Goan Prawn Curry Rice

Dorabjees in Pune.

My earliest memories of "food" involve devouring or "picking out" the meat and chicken pieces in the delicious Parsi dishes that my mother and grandmother and next door neighbour prepared. Anyone who has ever eaten Parsi or Persian food knows that it is very non-vegetarian and utterly delicious. And then, Goan food - my absolute favourite cuisine was also very non vegetarian!! Goans are very much like Parsis, actually - they love their meat, drink and a god time! Prawn Curry Rice, Mutton Xacuti, Pork Vindaloo - I could never get enough whenever we went to Goa. My absolute favourite "takeaway" treat though, was Mutton Biryani and Mutton Dhansak from Dorabjees Restaurant in Pune, India served with a side portion of kachumbar (onions, cucumber, coriander, green chillies all chopping up and sprinkled with lime and black pepper). I would - again - pick out the pieces of meat and not really bother eating the rice or vegetables. Dorabjees would also cater all the Irani/Parsi weddings and Navjotes (the Zoroastrian ceremony - similar to Holy Communion), so I'd be in hogs heaven on those occasions! I don't think I even knew what vegetarianism meant - my maternal grandfather did not eat meat after he turned forty (he's seventy-five now), though I never asked him why. He would have simple meals prepared for him by my grandmother - dahls, lighter vegetable curries, chappatis.

Throughout my childhood, animals formed a very important part of my life. Mainly dogs and cats, the occasional injured bird. As a kid, I had walked through Pune's meat and chicken market many times - in the India of the 80s and 90s there wasn't the supermarket culture that exists now. The meat market had hundreds of carcasses hanging, a super large version if today's butcher shop. I was never bothered by this, or grossed out by the stink of dead animals, blood, and raw, dead fish. At the age of 10, I became friends with a Brahmin Maharashtrian girl in my class called Arti. All my friends up until this point were Parsi or Christian - and they all ate the sort of food I did. But Arti's mother would send very different food for her packed lunch - all vegetarian (no eggs either). At lunch, Arti would be tempted by my lunch (usually some yummy curry or meat and veg dish, elaborately prepared by my grandmother) though I was never tempted by hers! But that was the first time I started thinking about all the different types of food people ate. I would irritate my mother with random questions about how animals were killed, why was grand-dad vegetarian, did fish have feelings.....

When I was thirteen, I went on my first outdoor expedition. I loved connecting with nature, learning how to cook simple meals on an open fire, and hiking, rock-climbing, sleeping under the stars. On the last day of this camping expedition at Kalsubai (the highest peak in Maharashtra), we had to walk through a tiny village to get our train back. Along the muddy path leading from the bottom of the base camp to the village, I noticed some chickens and a goat - wandering around. I went over to them to say hello (I always liked spending time with animals in their natural surroundings). One of the chickens was a very sociable sort, and kept following me even as I began to half jog to catch up with the others.

I finally got away and legged it back into the village, so as to catch up with the rest of the girls on the trip. While walking through the narrow village streets, with its stalls, vendors, hawkers, children, dogs and cats, I was temporarily distracted by an unearthly squawking sound - eerie and very high pitched. I noticed a stall with a small table inside, and two large wire mesh cages beside the table. The cages were filled with chickens, while the table was obviously the source of the squawking. Before I even had the chance to think, I saw a chicken on the table going from a manic, squawking bird to a limp, headless piece of flesh, covered in blood. I caught the look in the bird's eye a split second before it was all over - a look very different from the one I saw in the other chicken roaming around freely. Even though the man behind the table ensured it was as quick as "killing a life" could be, there was something about the animal's anguished eyes, the squawking and struggling that completely paralysed me. Not the blood, so much, but the fact that the other chickens, stressed out in their cage watched one of their own get killed after screaming and struggling for freedom. I was thirteen years old and I had watched one living creature take the life of another living creature.

I had to run to catch up with the others in my group and I remember getting a bit of a telling-off from one of the teachers. On the train journey back, while the other girls laughed and giggled and chattered endlessly about the adventures of the past four days, I could barely say a word. I could not understand what I was feeling. Even though I did not know it at the time, I was probably experiencing torment and conflict at "speciesism" and the social conditioning that had allowed me to love animals (my cats and dogs) but also one which had let me eat them and enjoy the taste! I had also witnessed the suffering of fellow creatures and I came to the conclusion that I had, in some minuscule way, contributed to their suffering and death. Even at thirteen, I was not idealistic or naive enough to think that if I stopped eating meat, all the chickens of the world would one day be saved from death and suffering. I was also more than a little concerned at the implication any radical change in my diet might have for the rest of my family. Since I was still in school, I would not have the time to cook my own meals from scratch. Plus, if I was hungry and there was no vegetarian food around at home, wouldn't I be even MORE tempted (remember - I LOVED the taste of meat!). Still, I was decisive enough to make an immediate switch to vegetarianism, despite all the above doubts.

Iranian Veg Khoresht, Saffron Rice, Broccoli and Potato with Saag, Kachumbar - I love to cook!!

I never anticipated that my decision would result in an entire family of food-loving, non-vegetarian Iranis going vegetarian in just a few years! Though they were never motivated by my "sentimentalist" reasons, my quiet "conversion" and the fact that I never once started ranting about how meat is murder, intrigued them. They also noticed the fact that my health improved dramatically - I had suffered from chronic hives/urticaria since I was a baby and would get violent attacks all over my face and body every week or two. I was not allergic to meat, or to dairy, and no real cause could be found. I was always small and frail (at thirteen, I resembled a nine-year old), so even though the family worried that I'd become even smaller and weaker, I actually became much more hardy. The hives stopped occurring , and by the time I was seventeen or eighteen, I would only get a severe attack once a year - usually before a concert or examination, when I was very stressed! It became easier for my mum and grand-mum to cook the same delicious recipes minus the meat. Dorabjees takeaway was just as delicious, none of the curries and complicated Indian, Parsi and Irani recipes lost their appeal. I got over my aversion to vegetables and started experimenting with new, easier dishes. My school friends thought I had lost my mind (all except Arti, who was chuffed, because it meant we could order vegetarian dishes at restaurants and taste each others'). Weddings and social gatherings were tough, because I really did love the non-vegetarian food there, but in the first year, I also enjoyed the novelty of sitting with my grandfather at the vegetarian buffet (filled with Brahmins and Gujaratis). There isn't a better place in the world to go vegetarian than India. Goa was tough at the start though - and resisting prawn curry rice was impossible at first - prawns don't have eyes and even I conveniently ignored the niggling guilt I felt at eating prawns. But I soon saw sense, and by the time I was seventeen, I had been a vegetarian for four years - and three of those had been really easy. Did I miss the taste and texture of meat (no tofu or meat substitutes in India that I knew of) - yes, I did. But only at first. I missed licking the spices of the leg of a tandoori chicken, or the succulent flavour and taste of a piece of beef in a Sorpotel or Vindaloo. But then I reminded myself that there were so many other delicious things I could eat that did not involve killing a living thing and eating its internal organs and limbs, its liver and leg. My grandmother was only too happy - she would now cook for two vegetarians instead of one, and soon, meat would only appear on the table once every few weeks. My mother and brother followed soon enough, and my father some years later, after seeing a brilliant Ayurvedic doctor. I believe that most people, even those that don't have any great love for animals, are rational enough to make choices that are beneficial to them in the long-term, provided they allow themselves to question and challenge the conditioning, and their own weaknesses. I did not know anything about the horrors of factory farming. I did not have PETA posters, I did not even know what the word "vegan" was. There were no heated discussions or arguments in my family. It just made sense.

When I first left India on my own, for America and later Ireland, I ate......NOTHING! I basically survived on coffee, M&M'S and Nacho chips. It was very difficult. My in-laws (from the West of Ireland) could not understand why anyone would not eat meat, and even now I don't think they really do understand. Christmases, family meals have always been fraught with tension, even though my other half is as as much of a veggie lover and exotic food junkie as I am. He is also living proof of a non-vegetarian animal lover who went vegetarian on his own (though I like to think my cooking had something to do with it). According to him, the best way a vegetarian can convince a non-vegetarian meat-lover to quit is through delicious recipes and great food. He also said it was Shaw's quote, about animals being his friends that made perfect sense to him, because he can look a cow in the eye now and not feel any guilt! So simple, so effective. No slaughterhouse videos! Sentimentality aside, in this day and age, where we have SO MANY FOODS at our disposal, so many exotic spices, herbs, ingredients, if one chooses to eat an animal, bird or fish simply because it "tastes good" or they "need the protein" or they "don't know how to cook" or "it's part of the cycle of life" then I strongly suggest you read "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer. Or watch the film "Earthlings". Both these will answer or attempt to answer many of those questions and ask many more.

I would describe myself as a vegetarian (even though everyone else around me would probably say I'm a vegan). I don't like labels and definitions, all I care about is not exploiting those weaker than us, so I don't consume, or try my best to avoid anything that involves hurting, torturing or killing another living being.

The late Dennis Weaver, actor and environmentalist said “ I think there will come a time…when civilized people will look back in horror on our generation and the ones that have preceded it; the idea that we should eat other living things running around on four legs, that we should raise them just for the purpose of killing them! The people of the future will say, ‘meat-eaters’ in disgust and regard us in the same way that we regard cannibals and cannibalism.” I agree, and I can also see why Martin Luther King Jr's son Dexter is vegan (as was his mother, the late Coretta Scott King) . There is a fundamental connection - oppression is oppression, whether applied to a race of people or a species of animals. Thanks for reading.

VICTORY FOR TONY, the Truck Stop Tiger!

2011-05-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

Breaking News....Victory for Tony

A couple of months ago, I wrote about a beautiful tiger called Tony, the 10 year old Bengal/Siberian used as a roadside attraction in Louisiana. The only life Tony has known is one in a hideous truck stop, breathing fumes from vehicles, and used as a tourist attraction for passers-by to gawk at. After a very, very long campaign (just over three years) thousands of petition signatures, and blogs, videos and articles published all over the world (including messages from celebrities such as Leonardo di Caprio and Ian Somerhalder who is originally from Louisiana), a judge has FINALLY ruled in favour of Tony and against his owner Michael Sandlin. I cannot describe how elated I feel, especially since when this great news broke, I was actually in hospital after an accident and missed the moment this victorious ruling was made. On 6th May 2011, Judge R. Michael Caldwell granted a permanent injunction which blocks The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries from issuing a new permit to Tony’s owner Michael Sandlin. READ MORE ABOUT THIS HISTORIC RULING HERE

VICTORY FOR TONY!!! And VICTORY for all those who have worked tirelessly, campaigning on behalf of this beautiful animal. Captive tigers continue to be a growing problem in the United States, and Tony is not the only privately owned tiger. If I met the legal team from the Animal Legal Defense Fund I think I would touch their feet in gratitude (no exaggeration) for securing this victory for Tony. I cannot wait for the day he leaves his horrible truck stop behind and goes to a beautiful sanctuary where he can live the rest of his days in peace. I know he will not know life in the wild, as a tiger ought to, but surely his quality of life will be much improved, free from the noise and fumes of his truck stop home.

I have written letters, campaigned, blogged and tweeted, and as one of the thousands of people who has been fighting for Tony, this feels like a very personal victory. Never believe one person can't make a difference, for in doing what you can, in some small way, you are giving a voice to the voiceless, and speaking up against the injustices that take place every second of every day. I am now going to support the Animal Legal Defense Fund from halfway across the world, because they have proven that NOBODY is above the law and no case is too difficult to fight for, when it comes to the welfare of our fellow creatures.

It's been a very difficult week, but I feel strangely optimistic about things. We can make a difference, so lets never stop trying, fighting ad doing what we can to help the animals and human beings that need us the most. And much gratitude goes to Judge R. Michael Caldwell for doing the right thing and making the obvious ruling for Tony's welfare in this case.

TRUCK STOP TIGER TONY'S WEBSITE

MY ORIGINAL BLOG POST ABOUT TONY

THE ANIMAL LEGAL DEFENSE FUND

@FreeTonyTiger on Twitter

Belfast City Council - barbaric and backward.

2011-03-04T13:38:00.000-08:00

NEWS FLASH 4 MARCH 2011

LISTEN TO CAROLINE BARNES (LENNOX'S OWNER) IN CONVERSATION WITH KARISHMEH ON OFFBEAT - 103.2 DUBLIN CITY FM HERE

LISTEN TO LENNOX'S RADIO SPECIAL ON OFFBEAT, the critically acclaimed music program on 103.2 DUBLIN CITY FM HERE

Get in touch with Offbeat - visit the Offbeat Website and Blog or send an email to offbeat AT dublincityfm DOT com

Visit the newly updated Save Lennox Campaign Website www.savelennox.co.uk

I now know why I had to create this blog/website. I don't care if I ever play a piano concert again, or broadcast another radio program - when I know that such injustices are taking place in the world, it makes all the "arts" stuff seem so pointless and irrelevant. The photo you are looking at is that of a dog called Lennox.
I know what some of you might be thinking "scary pit bull" or "fighter dog" or something like that. Why else would Belfast City Council seize the dog in order to destroy him. Hang on, let me spell it out. Murder him. The thing is, Lennox is an American Bull Dog Labrador cross. AND he's not a fighter dog, he's a much loved 5 year old family pet. The family that had Lennox from the time he was a wee pup are not scumbags - they are loving, responsible dog owners that also foster for numerous dog shelters in Northern Ireland. Lennox has wanted for nothing - and from the time he was a young pup he has been Micro chipped, Neutered, DNA Registered, Pet Safe Registered, Insured and Licensed every year with the Council without fail.

DESPITE THIS (and this is the part that really upsets and angers me) on Wednesday the 19th May 2010 he was taken from his family home by Belfast City Council as they believe he falls under the dangerous dogs act for Northern Ireland. The Council, without seeking any proper professional guidance declared Lennox to be a breed of "Pit Bull Type" and so they wish to kill him simply because he has the appearance of said breed. The Belfast City Council took Lennox from his loving family home using a wrongly addressed warrant and using copyright ADBA (American Dog Breeders Association) breed standards guide which the Council were never authorised to use, in doing so the Council broke international copyright laws and for doing so have recently been issued with a 'Cease & Desist' order from ADBA Inc.

In the words of his distraught family " Lennox has never attacked anyone or anything yet the Council have removed him from his home where he lives with my Husband, myself, our 11 year old disabled Daughter, his kennel mate Juicy a 2 year old female boxer and various foster dogs. Belfast City Council are pressuring our family to sign him over to them to be destroyed however we feel the need to fight his case, he cannot speak but we will be his voice! If this was a human we would declare this racism. We ask every kind hearted compassionate person for your support, don't let them murder him."

What is even worse is that Belfast City Council REFUSE to allow the family to visit Lennox with toys, food and treats, and as you can see from the photograph, the poor animal is living in filth (yes, that looks like diarrohea) - I know that even rapists, paedophiles and serial killers get better treatment than an animal that has done NOTHING but be a loyal friend and companion to his humans, amongst them a disabled little girl. I have already mentioned this in passing on my radio program Offbeat, but I will devote next week's program to highlighting Lennox's plight and getting the word out there. This is backward, barbaric and unbelievable - and I URGE you not to support the economy and tourism industry in Belfast in any way until this dog is returned home safe and sound to his family. I should add that since I was born in Poona, India and grew up rescuing animals there, and volunteering with local animal shelters and the SPCA, I am used to seeing cruelty and shocking cases of animal abuse. Yet I have NEVER seen an animal have to live in a place like the one you see Lennox in. EVER. Even the Pune SPCA has better facilities for it's animals - not some horrific jail cell. So much for first world and third world countries. This is why I feel so strongly about helping this poor animal. This CANNOT happen in our progressive society. It is unacceptable.

Whether you're a dog lover or not, whether you have animals or not, this is a basic fundamental ethical issue - the fact that Belfast City Council are treating this animal so badly, and refusing to provide answers (everything is top secret, which causes more concern to people like me who want to know what the Council has to hide?) they are proving that they are completely disinterested in the welfare of their residents (two legged and four legged). You CAN help - you can do a few things today that won't take more than 5 minutes of your time, and an animal's life (and a family's happiness) depends on it. Violence never solves anything. Breaking into Belfast City Council and smashing their equipment will not result in anything. But there is a strength to be found in protesting, writing, petitioning, and media pressure - so I need anyone who reads this to do their bit.

SIGN YOUR NAME TO THIS PETITION (It will take a minute of your time, but it makes a HUGE difference) - http://www.petitiononline.com/sl190510/petition.html

Visit this website to see how you can help bring Lennox back home where he belongs - again EVERYTHING you can do is laid out for you on the website - it does not take more than 5 minutes of your time.

Write to all these Councillors at Belfast City Council. Ask them to release Lennox. Be polite and not abusive. Do NOT put "Lennox" in the subject line, or they will delete. OR if you feel the cause is worthy enough, you can WRITE to the above people - here are their contact details.

Visit Lennox's Facebook Page

SHARE THIS WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW BY EMAIL, TWITTER, BLOGGER, FACEBOOK OR VIA YOUR WEBSITES.

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Email me or let me know if you have any ideas

Thank you for reading. - KF

On Flumpy - poster dog for overlooked Oldies everywhere.

2011-02-22T02:10:00.000-08:00

Here is "Flumpy", real name Upton, an older dog who has been waiting six years in kennels for a home where he can live the rest of his life. I wanted to share his story with all of you, because he is just one of the many beautiful "oldies" that is waiting for a loving home. I also wanted to highlight the work of the Oldies Club, an astonishing charity that helps so many dogs (and a few other animals!) like Flumpy, who would otherwise never stand a chance at even being alive.

If you click the "About" page on this blog, you'll notice that my maternal grandfather gets a mention. One of Poona's most legendary animal-welfare people, he has devoted the better part of 50 years to improving the lot of the city's animals. In India, old dogs live side by side with young dogs and puppies (though thanks to the excellent efforts of the animal rescue groups in the city over the last 8-9 years, I don't see many puppies on the streets anymore, courtesy of spay/neuter projects). So "oldies" are never waiting for a home, as it were - the street is their home. They rough it out as best they can, in the heat and dust, and get through most of their life depending on the kindness of the many citizens of Pune (like my mum and grandfather) who feed them daily, while on their morning walk. Some of the lucky stray (mixed breed/pariah) dogs end up in homes, as loved and pampered as their "pedigree" friends. My mum used to only take in this Indian street dog breed - ever since I can remember we had a house full of dogs and cats. My grandfather went a step further, he took in the older dogs that seemed to be struggling with life on the streets, the ones whose joints were getting stiff, or ones who looked like they just wanted a cool, shady floor to lie on for the rest of their years, and a regular meal each day. So I've always been understanding of "oldies" - the dogs who, for a wide variety of reasons, find themselves looking for a new home at a time in their life when they should be spoilt and pampered, after the years of companionship they have provided to their human friend!

Grandfather's oldie

In England and Ireland (and I imagine this is true with most Western countries), there aren't any "street dogs", so to speak, but there are thousands of dogs in pounds and rescues everywhere just desperate for a loving, forever home. I've written about my experiences with Dog Pounds in Ireland, but the reality for many dogs is that they will either end up in a rescue where they will live the rest of their years, or they are put to sleep, because there just aren't enough foster/rescue spaces for every dog. So older dogs that have been used to one home, one surrounding all their life often become very disoriented in noisy kennels (the sound of so many dogs barking is enough to drive anyone to despair - human or animal), and they demonstrate their unease and confusion in different ways. Some oldies remain unaffected, but the majority become withdrawn and detached, or else cranky and aggressive, which makes them even more difficult to rehome. It is easy to become very critical of those who are responsible for these older animals ending up in such a desperately sad situation (I've heard every reason imaginable from people who hand in older dogs), but there are some genuinely distressing situations (death of the owner, catastrophic family circumstances, owner going into care) where nobody is at fault.

Which is why "helping" these dogs, giving them a chance, ensuring they find a new home, or a safe forever foster home becomes so vital. I've only ever fostered and rehomed older dogs, or the ones that would struggle to find a safe haven for whatever reason - behavioural problems, health issues, not suitable for homing with children and so on. And I've seen first hand that homing or fostering an oldie can be even more rewarding than one imagines. Old dogs are so much more content, they don't chew your shoes and they don't bounce around 24/7 wanting to play (though I did have one sprightly foster doggie who loved to have a little hippy-hippy-shake whenever I put on music - quite a sight!) - they are, for the most part, very low maintenance, and in exchange you'll be showered with just as much affection and love. Even with the oldies that just want to be left alone, there are always days when they let you know how grateful they are for a warm bed to lie in, and a safe home away from the stress of the kennel and dog pound. And when it is time for the old dog to say goodbye to their human friend, they have a way of letting you know that they will never forget the fact that you didn't abandon them or desert them during their final moments.

When I think of my grandfather's oldie "Cola" a mongrel/collie cross who passed away after getting cancer, last year, I can remember just how distraught my grandfather was, even though for the last few months of her life she was not able to do much other than sleep and sit by his side in the evenings. I happened to be living in India then, and I was there to comfort him for the last six weeks of Cola's life. I remember thinking then, about all the oldies like Cola who would spend the last moments of their life alone, or in a dog pound or kennel, not knowing that feeling of having someone with you when you're ill or in pain, or close to death. Imagine my delight when I found out about the Oldies Club last year - an organisation that does so much for so many beautiful animals all over the United Kingdom, and one which relies solely on the kindness of those who care about the older animals - from fosterers, coordinators, those who sponsor the dogs, those who donate, and the charity's patron Marc Abraham (compassionate vet and all round wonderful human being). Without the Oldies Club, older dogs like Flumpy would not stand a chance. Speaking of Flumpy, if you would like to read his story, please visit the Oldies Club Page about Flumpy, and also check out the Bath Cats and Dogs Home who took in Flumpy in the first place. Not only does the Oldies Club help their own oldies, they also help older dogs that find themselves in other rescues. If you check out their absolutely superb website, you'll see some beautifully written, informative and interesting entries for many, many old dogs that are in rescues all over the country - Flumpy is one example.

My grandfather doesn't celebrate "Christmas" - given that he's Zoroastrian. But he always had many Christian friends, and living in India, one tends to celebrate every festival and feast with equal enthusiasm, so Christmas is no exception. I knew he was struggling to deal with the loss of two more oldies who had been with him for the better part of 7-8 years (and my mum lost her cat that had been with her through thick and thin, another oldie). So I sent two Oldies Club Sponsorships (Charlie and Shep) to Poona, India, so my grandfather could feel a little happier in the knowledge that old dogs in England had a safe haven and were being cared for, and my little contribution in his name would be of some use to the Oldies Club. After the initial confusion (he received photos of Charlie along with a lovely Certificate and Letter addressed to him with no note from me, ha!) he understood how the Sponsorship worked and was unbelievably happy and the logic behind it - that people who couldn't adopt/foster an oldie, could still help!

So, if you can't offer poor Flumpy/Upton or any of the beautiful dogs on the Oldies Club website a home, then please consider sponsoring a dog for someone you care about - I also gave my significant other a "Shep" sponsorship for Christmas and I received an "old donkey - Julie Anne" in return! It is really a wonderful way to help such a superb charity and ensure that dogs such as Flumpy can live the rest of their years in peace.

Even an old dog deserves to be loved and cared for - so do help doing your bit for the Oldies.

More information on the Oldies Club:

http://oldies.org.uk/
http://twitter.com/oldiesclub
http://www.facebook.com/OldiesClub

For more information about Flumpy/Upton and many other animals looking for homes visit the Bath Cats and Dogs Home

http://www.bathcatsanddogshome.org.uk/

http://twitter.com/bcdh

On tonga rides and war horses

2011-02-18T03:39:00.000-08:00

Look back at our struggle for freedom,
Trace our present day's strength to it's source;
And you'll find that man's pathway to glory
Is strewn with the bones of the horse.
~Author Unknown

My experience of horse-riding is limited to the "tonga" rides I took as a child, at Bund Garden in Poona, and at the hill station resorts, Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani. Though I did go running at the Poona Race Course every single day for nearly five years, when we moved to one of the small outhouses, a tiny cottage on Elphinstone Road (I was told by my parents that these used to be the stables during the British Raj) which was part of a large stately bungalow. At the Race Course, I would see these beautiful horses, out on their morning rounds, and I would always try and be there before dawn, to watch the sun rise up above St Patricks Cathedral which could be seen from a distance. One of the few places in the crowded, polluted city where it was still possible to smell the morning dew on the grass, breathe fresh air, and watch the sun come up each morning. And even though many people would come to the Race Course each morning for their daily walk/jog, I would always be on my way out, just before 7 a.m. when the place got busier. So for an hour or so every morning, it was just me and the horses. I remember being in awe of these beasts, and being intimidated by their beauty. Even when I started teaching at Bishops School (a 7.30 start), I used to do my best to go to the Race Course before that, to spend time with the horses in such a peaceful surrounding. I tried not to think about the actual "horse-racing" side of things, for even as a child, I hated watching the races on television, with the jockeys cracking the whip, and people betting money and all that.But then again, I also used to make myself upset watching Hindi films as a kid, and the televised Mahabharata, with all the horses in battle sequences. Yup, I was a sensitive weird sort of child, no doubt!

Life in Ireland was very different - there was so much greenery, so many places where you could see horses and donkeys roaming around, on farms and in private gardens. By coincidence, I lived not too far from Dublin's Leopardstown Racecourse and the Harolds Cross Dog Track for some time, and soon realised that both horse and greyhound racing was a vital part of Irish culture. Every job I ever worked (especially the office administration ones), had a monthly "work night out" and the obvious choice always seemed to be to go to the race course or track. I was already extremely self-conscious about being the only foreigner in the office (when I moved to Dublin, there were very few people from India or anywhere) and I just wanted to get on with work and not stand out, or cause any sort of conflict. So I would simply make excuses (mainly ridiculous ones like the cat needs to be fed) and duck out of going.

Fast forward nearly 9-10 years. The Celtic Tiger is nowhere to be found. And while horses were once the poster animals for Ireland's unsustainable economic boom, they are now left to fend for themselves, in the fields across the country, often in the harshest weather, with no food, water or shelter. Abandonment is not the only issue - abuse of horses is still rife, and stems from a lack of education and basic respect for these animals. Dunisk, outside Dublin is just one such place, where large volumes of horses are left to starve, after being abused - the discarded victims of the people who have no use for them now.

And it is not just Ireland that is facing up to an Equine crisis of epic proportions. On 6th February 2011, James Doward of The Observer wrote about the record number of thoroughbreds being slaughtered for meat. Of course, the Emerald Isle does get a mention, with the article stating that "the foal oversupply is particularly acute in Ireland where there is an eight-week wait for horses to be slaughtered, resulting in a growing number being shipped to the UK to be shot and then bled."

Joseph Quinn, aged 15, who launched his Hay Appeal for starving horses

Someone asked me a couple of days ago, what I did for Christmas/New Years this year. Well, courtesy of some spectacularly difficult domestic issues and ill health, it was a very, very quiet holiday. But a few days before Christmas, I became aware of a young man by the name of Joseph Quinn, from Co. Meath in Ireland. Just 15 years old, he was braving the harshest weather to feed Meath's starving horses, collecting money for bales of hay, carrots and water. Someone sent me a link to a facebook page he created called Ireland's Equine Crisis and I knew I had to help in some way. I sent him some money for his Hay Appeal - even though it wasn't much, I knew that it made more sense than spending money on Christmas presents for people who already have so much stuff and don't need anything else. Sure enough, he was out over the Christmas period, in sub-zero temperatures feeding the poor abandoned animals. In fact, I've never had much time for the insanity that surrounds Christmas, where people go crazy buying things they don't need, for people who already have so many things. I've always been poor, but at Christmas I'm reminded of people and animals who are so much worse off, so for as long as I can remember, my Christmas presents have always revolved around buying things for those that can't afford them, perfect strangers, people with no families of their own, animals and organisations such as the Donkey Sanctuary, Cats Protection, the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation and the Oldies Club, to name a few- I've written about this before, a couple of years ago . So I was more than happy to include this wonderful young man, Joseph Quinn on my Christmas list this year. As someone who has spent somany years working with children and teenagers, I was very overcome when I found a young person like Joseph, showing such compassion and initiative to speak out for the voiceless and actually DO something about it himself.

www.horse4life.org

Egypt 25 Jan 2011

So despite all the negativity and sadness and the really shocking plight of horses the world over, it is important to remember those that care, those that do good. It is very easy to become disheartened with all the stories of cruelty, neglect, stupidity, greed - but I choose to learn about those that are doing their very best to fight all that. Organisations such as Horse4Life UK who are working tirelessly on behalf of horses and donkeys, trying daily, to educate people about Equine Welfare, and to rehabilitate and rescue the most vulnerable animals. Animals that have been there for humans from the very beginning - through world wars, famines and floods. Even during the recent uprising in Egypt, I could not help but notice how horses were at the forefront of the protests, willing to take the beatings and blows from all sides.

Egypt Protests 2011

As the beautiful verse at the start of this blog says, there would be no glory for the human race, were it not for the millions of horses that gave their lives for us. Do your part, if you understand just how intricately the welfare of man and animal is linked. Whether you love horse-racing or not, whether you hunt or not, every horse deserves to be treated with some basic compassion rather than being discarded and abandoned when he is not fast enough, young enough, or generating any money. Show your support by helping organisations such as Horse4LifeUK and The Brooke (a remarkable charity that is very close to my heart as I've seen first hand the work they do in India) either financially or in a hands-on way, through field work and volunteering. And when you come across a young person such as Joseph Quinn who has taken matters into his own hands, then please share their story and champion their cause, for the sake of these lovely creatures.

www.thebrooke.org

Joseph Quinn's Equine Crisis Website
Horse4LifeUK on Twitter @Horse4LifeorgUK and here is the Horse4Life Website

Ireland's Equine Crisis FB page

The Brooke Website

On a lighter note - here..have a sing-song to Ireland's Song for Europe, from that great factual series Father Ted. Jedward, who?

The Truck Stop Tiger called Tony.

2011-02-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

The first time I saw a real, live tiger was at Peshwa Udyan Zoo, in Peshwa Park, near Saras Baug in Poona. I'm struggling to remember my first impressions, as I can't have been more than three or four years old. I remember really enjoying the day at the Zoo - small and primitive though it was. I actually saw the magnificent tiger from the little children's toy train that used to run through the park, up the little hill, overlooking the tiger enclosure at the very end. Straight out of some Rudyard Kipling sketch or essay. As I grew older, and returned to Peshwa Park Zoo a few more times, I felt more and more uneasy at the ridiculously tiny enclosure the tigers had to themselves. I still remember one tiger pacing up and down the narrow corridor in the 35 degrees celcius heat. Still, this was Poona, India and the animals "seemed" well looked after, so who was I to argue with that.

K.M. Chinnappa

The second time I saw a tiger was much more memorable. I was in the Southern state of Karnataka, not yet 16, before my expedition to the Nepal Himalayas and was spending some time training (physically and mentally) for the forthcoming trip. It was the rainy season, the notorious Indian monsoon, and I was spending two weeks at the "Nagarhole National Park", a beautiful, lush place renowned for its Tiger Conservation Project and one where it was still possible to sight a tiger. After spending the better part of a fortnight having the blood sucked out of me (quite literally) by the millions of leeches that plague the area in the rainy season (nothing can be done about this, except salting ones feet, shoes, socks and pulling out the leeches one by one!!), I finally saw the magnificent big cat in his natural surroundings. The man who made this possible was a terrifying, looming man dressed from head to toe in proper "park ranger" clothing, complete with a very large old style "shikari" gun. This chap was Mr K.M. Chinnnappa - tireless champion of tigers, and one who would be instrumental in preserving the tiger population at this beautiful place. (Ah - the internet, it wasn't around when I met Chinnappa, but I see there's more information about him online now - read here). I'll be the first to admit that he scared me senseless, and spoke many times that he would "kill a poacher at sight, if one crossed his path." Plus he seemed a dour sort of man, with little time for the giddy schoolgirl nonsense that seemed to fill my mind from time to time - I don't think he cared less whether I went to Everest Base Camp, or jumped off the darned mountain without a harness! His mission was simple - educate young people about the wildlife (this included making me and others memorise all the botanical names of every species of flora and fauna that existed in Nagarhole) and protect the tigers.

When I saw the magnificent tiger (who I nicknamed Venkatesh, after the South Indian tough guy actor) at around 11 p.m. at night, I understood, for the first time, why Chinnappa was so crazy about protecting these beasts. A tiger was not supposed to be at a tiny cage/cell in Peshwa Park Zoo - he was supposed to be in places like Nagarhole - swaggering around as he would have done in the days of the Raj and Nizams, until some Lord, Nizam or Maharaja fired a bullet his way - it was not that long ago that there were so many tigers in India that hunting them was both a social activity and a sport that has thankfully become extinct (off topic - remember that great Bonzo tune Hunting Tigers out in Indiiiiah). And I could see why Chinnappa was so passionate about saving these beautiful creatures - and showing little sympathy to person who would poach a tiger for a few quid.

Tony, at his Truck Stop Home

Someone else who is very passionate about saving the tigers is Hollywood star Leonardo di Caprio (his boyish face was plastered everywhere the year I went to Nagarhole - Titanic was just released, if I recall correctly). Here he is, talking to the BBC about why he is doing so much to save the tigers from extinction - and he has the support of the World Wildlife Fund. So it seems utterly baffling that in America, land of the "free" , a beautiful tiger (one of over a thousand) has been caged at a truck stop for over ten years, for passers-by to gawk at. When I first came across Tony's Story, I honestly thought it was some sort of joke gone terribly wrong. Surely this sort of madness doesn't still take place, in 21st Century America of all places. But no, this is actually very, very real. According to the Big Cat Rescue, and the FTTT campaign website

"Tony is a 10 year old Siberian/Bengal tiger used as a roadside attraction at Tiger Truck Stop in Grosse Tete Louisiana. Tony is another example of how serious the problem is of private ownership of tigers in the United States where there are more privately owned tigers then there are left in the wild.
Tony’s owner, Michael Sandlin, has bought, sold, bred, and exhibited tigers for over 20 years. In 2003, because of violations and fines, Mr. Sandlin and the USDA made an agreement where 3 of the 4 tigers he owned, Toby, Khan and Rainbow, were sent to Tiger Haven in Kingston TN. The USDA reduced the fines and allowed Mr. Sandlin to keep one tiger, Tony."

I was honestly at a loss for words when I saw the photos and watched the videos of Tony at his horrible truck stop abode in Louisiana. On the one hand, Leo di Caprio is trying to save tigers, and on the other hand, idiotic individuals who violate numerous laws are allowed to keep these beautiful creatures as "pets" - that too at a polluted, stressful roadside location which can't be good for anyone, let alone a beautiful tiger.

Despite endless campaigning and petitioning (40,000 plus signatures), and some fairly high-profile Twitter Retweeting (Leo di Caprio and actor Ian Somerhalder, a Louisiana native, animal lover, campaigner and founder of the IS Foundation ) in mid-December, officials from the LDWF decided to grant the permit renewal to Tony’s owner allowing him to continue exhibiting the ageing Tony as a road-side attraction at the truck stop throughout 2011. A sad, sad state of affairs. Is Tony's fate any better than that of the tigers who are killed by poachers? I really doubt it. He's fed and has a place to live, but after seeing how tigers live in the wild, or certainly even in tiger/big cat sanctuaries/nature reserves, a grotty truck stop is absolutely NO place for such a beautiful animal. Maybe when the tigers are no more, and we only have photos in history and wildlife books to remember them by, arrogant and idiotic people who subject these animals to such an existance will come to their senses. It makes me just as sad to see a tiger subject to such a life as Tony's as it does to see a tiger hunted and killed for his skin, claws, teeth, whatever it is that people want from these beautiful creatures. Where are "power celebrities" like Ellen and Oprah when you need them? Just because Tony doesn't have a book to sell or a movie to promote!

Still, I'm a firm believer in the power of education and information. Which is why this blog exists and which is why I chose to pursue a career as an educator and broadcaster - young people are often far more eloquent and compassionate than we give them credit for (there I go, sounding like my grandmother again...!). Here's an example of a young voice speaking up for poor Tony and tigers all over America that are subject to such ridiculous conditions.

So if you've managed to get to the end of this blog post...thank you! And now, before you close out of this webpage, here's how you can make your voice heard. And it will be heard - you must at least try, for Tony's sake. I know I'm referring to him as if he's my own cat, rather than a tiger, but I'm not about to start apologising for that now.

VISIT THE EXCELLENT WEBSITE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP FREE POOR TONY AND ENSURE HE SPENDS HIS TWILIGHT YEARS IN A SANCTUARY RATHER THAN A TRUCK STOP.

Take Action - it won't take more than a few minutes.
On Twitter: follow @freetonytiger
On Facebook (if you use the darned thing http://www.facebook.com/FreeTonyTheTiger)

Thank you.

The plight of Orangutans - why do I care?

2010-12-12T13:41:00.000-08:00

I have to be honest. It is not easy trying to make a living as classical musician, teacher or radio broadcaster when you also devote half your life to rescuing animals and working with local and international animal welfare charities. The life of a musician is a horrendously uncertain one (as I've experienced through the past 12 years) but when whatever little money you earn goes to paying release fees for pound dogs, vet bills for rescued cats, bales of hay for starving horses, adopting an orangutan, sponsoring old animals its twice as hard to make ends meet. But I would not have it any other way - money comes and goes, but if you don't use it for those less fortunate (and human beings count too - I always support Big Issue sellers, or the School for the Blind in Poona or the Irish Wheelchair Association for instance) then even if you're very wealthy, it counts for nothing.

Ruthie

It is for this reason that I had to think long and hard about beginning this blog - I've written about some of the animal rescue stuff I've done on my website, but to devote an entire blog to all this was a decision that was not very easy to make. It all began with the blog post I wrote about Ruthie the Orangutan and the work of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. I'll never forget how I felt when I wrote that wee blog post on the Sarabande-Glenn Gould Project website, and I made a mental note to myself, that perhaps I should start a blog which would be devoted to wildlife and animals. I've always had people tell me to keep some of the stuff I do to myself, especially when I was playing lots of concerts and I was in the public eye a wee bit. I recall comments like "you don't want people thinking you're one of those animal rights nuts, or a crazy cat lady" and this was advice given in the kindest possible way. To some extent, I can understand that. If you're in the public eye in any sort of way, you are responsible for the sort of image you present to the outside world. If you work for a certain organisation, you have to be even more particular about how the things you do in your spare time reflect upon you and the organisation in question. With the internet, everything is available for the world to see, so while a lot of what I do and who I am has no bearing whatsoever on my professional life or work as a musician/broadcaster, the fact remains that people are quick to judge and not everyone is as sympathetic, understanding or tolerant as one may like.

But living in fear of what other people think is a terrible way to be, so while I'm more of a passive, do-my-bit-each-day type of animal lover, I am still happy to speak out about issues that matter to me, and share my thoughts on all such things to anyone who cares enough to read. What I've found in the month that I've had this blog up and running, is that people who would normally never listen to my radio program or but are involved in animal welfare in some capacity have now begun listening online, while some of my regular listeners have been very encouraging and have become more involved in rescue work themselves. For the majority of people who know me from the music related work I do, this website is just a glimpse into who I am as a person, which is why I started it in the first place.

Anyway, back to the subject of today's post - Orangutans. If it wasn't for Orangutans, I would not have begun this blog. What is it about the plight of these beautiful ginger creatures? Why do I care so much about them and their survival? Why do I find myself reading every article I can get my hands on, about palm oil, illegal logging and the destruction of Borneo's forests? Why do I care if the orangutans live or die or are destroyed by human greed and consumerism? At first I thought this was a difficult question to answer. But now I know the answer is simple. I care because I see myself in them. How would I cope if my mother was shot dead in front of my eyes when I was still a toddler? How would I feel if I were put in a tiny cage for fourteen years of my life as a pet to a bunch of ignorant humans? How would I feel if my arms and legs were stiff and sore from never getting any exercise? How would I feel if I had no food to eat, no warm safe arms to comfort me, no friends to spend time with, nobody to love me? Orangutans are not "dumb" animals. They are so closely connected to us, yet we destroy their habitat, orphan their children, take away the right to live on this planet. When you look at a photograph of a baby orangutan, do you really see a "dumb" animal? I don't. Orangutans are capable of feeling all the things we feel on a day to day basis. Stress, grief, boredom, pain, love, warmth. Orangutans are curious, intelligent, hilarious, compassionate and capable of learning many extraordinarily complex tasks if they are given the chance - provided their habitat, home and right to life on this planet is not snatched from them. If I had more money I would go out of my way to help these beautiful creatures - they are my extended family after all. When I read this recent news about the mother and baby orangutans that had been captured,I felt their pain, their extreme shame and despair, their physical and mental suffering. It sounds weird, I know but this is true. When I read that the mother had not made it, I actually cried (and it takes a lot for me to cry) - she must have been suffering so much, but perhaps death brought her peace and an end to the shame and helplessness she must have felt when alive. At least her little one, now named Peni, survived the ordeal and is in the care of International Animal Rescue.

When I wrote about adopting Ruthie from the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation & the extraordinary Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Reintroduction Project founded by Lone Droscher Nielsen (pictured right) so many people wrote in to ask me how she was getting on. People still ask me how she is doing. At first, I would let them know, but since most of these people are reasonably secure financially I now tell them that if they want to know how she is doing, they should pledge an adoption themselves. People think nothing about spending £80-100 on a night out, or at a music festival, and if I can give up my daily cup of takeaway coffee or a newspaper so that orangutans like Ruthie can live the life they were supposed to, then so can other people. This not just about me "feeling bad" for the plight of animals - this is about saving a species that is so close to us human beings - think of it as saving your extended family or friends. Orangutans are threatened by palm oil plantations, habitat loss from logging and mining. Females are killed and eaten and babies are taken for pet trade. We humans, being the more "advanced" species, have done this to our fellow creatures who resemble us and are so much like us. In the end, only we can save them and give them the chance to live on this planet, free to raise their children high up in the trees that are rightfully theirs. This is why I care about the plight of these beautiful creatures and this is why this blog exists - because they make me want to share how I feel about them with the whole world. Their suffering is my suffering, and with apologies to Emile Zola, "the fate of these animals is of greater importance to me than the fate of appearing ridiculous, it is indissolubly connected with the fate of men."

P.S: Most people who read this blog will be doing their Christmas shopping at this time of year. Consider a different sort of Christmas present this year. Adopt an orangutan, and support the work of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation help animals such as the little orphan orangutan Peni at International Animal Rescue or pledge your support to the Orangutan Land Trust to secure the future for these beautiful creatures.

The Karuna Society Facebook Fan Page (yes, I admit, FB has it's uses!)

2010-11-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

I have a Facebook Page, but it's not a personal one - I'm sure quite a few of you remember my rant about Facebook a couple of years ago! I have been using Twitter (as of the last week and a half), but I have no real need for a personal Facebook Page. However, I have seen how helpful a Facebook Fan Page can be to an organisation (particularly a charity or cause) so when the opportunity came up for me to help one of the world's most incredible animal welfare charities out, I decided to go for it. Most animal rescues, charities, shelters and organisations have a Facebook Page. Some may not even have a website, but they have a Facebook Page. I'm not unaware of this - even though I don't have a personal FB, I know the impact Facebook has made on our society (for better and for worse). While I have no time for Facebook (and Twitter, for that matter) as "self-promotion" tools, I can certainly see the merit in a charity using both social networking sites to raise awareness, raise their profile and raise funds for voiceless animals. So when I discovered that the incredible Karuna Society for Animals and Nature did not have a Facebook Fan Page (they did, however, have a Facebook Group, but I felt a Fan Page would get people involved a lot quicker), I decided (with the permission of two wonderful women - Romula D'Silva and Eileen Weed) to make one.

Within 24 hours of the Karuna Society Fan Page being up on Facebook, it had 44 "likes" and in the 2 days that it has been in existance, 72 people have become Fans of the page. I have now made it my personal mission to get as many people to support this page and the work of Karuna Society as I possibly can. In a country like India, where larger organisations such as PETA India, the Blue Cross and Maneka Gandhi's People for Animals are all doing very good work, organisations such as Karuna which often do so, so much for animals don't get the recognition or support that they deserve. Karuna Society is responsible for the welfare and rescue of cattle, wild animals, disabled dogs and cats, birds and just so many voiceless creatures who would surely have no chance in the "dog eat dog" society of India where suffering and cruelty are far more visible than in the West. By "visible" i don't mean that there are more animals suffering in India than anywhere else - in fact, sometimes I feel that the animals in sanitised Western cities are a bit worse off when compared to their Indian counterparts because abroad, out of sight is really out of mind. The thousands of dogs euthanised in dog pounds, the thousands of cats and kittens drowned and abandoned, the puppy farms, greyhound abuse it's all well concealed from the majority of the population.

So anyway, I do hope you take a moment to support Karuna Society's Facebook Fan Page. Feel free to look around the page, check out all the photographs and leave your comments and feedback - I will personally ensure each message is responded to. On behalf of everyone involved in the running of Karuna on a day to day basis, and all the animals that the society has saved, a big thank you for any support!

KF

KARUNA SOCIETY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

KARUNA SOCIETY WEBSITE

Bob: London's Big Issue Cat & James his saviour

2010-11-22T04:05:00.000-08:00

I had no reason to be there. But through a weird last-minute occurance, I found myself at Angel tube station. I did what I had to in the area and was just about to make my way back to the tube, when I spotted something that nearly caused be to get hit by a car (not the first time). Across the street, I saw a young man selling what looked like "The Big Issue" - that wasn't so extraordinary. What caused me to actually freeze in the middle of a busy street was the fact that there was a CAT sitting by his side. A CAT! Right outside a very busy London Underground station, bang in the heart of a very, very busy area with hundreds of people passing by, buses in every direction, cars, endless traffic. A CAT! And he wasn't freaking out, he was tucked in, watching the world go by. When I crossed over to where the magazine seller was standing, I noticed that he was, indeed, selling "The Big Issue" and that the cat was his companion. How on earth can someone teach a cat to stay put for a few hours on a very busy road? How does he not just take off after a pigeon. What about food? What the HELL is going on?! All these questions, running through my head. But I was drawn to man and cat, almost in a trance at this bizarre yet beautiful sight!

I asked the seller (whose name is James) if I could stroke his cat, and he said that "Bob" (the cat) was very friendly and loved strokes. So that's exactly what I did. Imagine the sight, if you will. A magazine seller, an orange cat and ME, down on my knees stroking the cat under the chin. Oh dear. Anyone reading this will fear for my mental well-being. But it was really touching to be part of Bob and James' little routine. I asked James how he managed to keep Bob from taking off, and he said that Bob will only go anywhere that his human goes. So much for anyone who says cats aren't loyal or affectionate (I know they are, but this is actual proof, if you ever need it).

This was some time ago. Today, I found out that James' has had his fair share of knockbacks in life, and when Bob turned up in his life, the feline too was in very bad shape. Something made me want to find out if they were both doing okay - life on the streets of London is grim, to say the least, which led me to the photo group page (above) and also to this video taken by a student who was as touched and amused by these two incredible creatures as I was.

So the next time you happen to be in London, keep a look out for James and Bob, and spare a thought for all those who may not have a cozy, warm bed to sleep in at night, or enough food to eat, but yet they ensure their four legged friend never goes hungry. I know James buys prescription food for Bob (because of Bob's condition) which is far more expensive than regular cat food, and it's obvious that the cat is extremely well looked after. What does James have to give up from his meagre earnings so that Bob is fed, warm and safe...? The next time you're in store about to buy something you don't really need, consider buying a hot meal for a homeless man and his four legged friend (dog or cat) and share a little bit of your money and your spirit.

Yesterday, I read this story about how more and more homeless New Yorkers are picking dogs over shelters and my mind drifted back to James and his cat Bob, so I thought I'd share their story with you. That is all.

An Angel - Roshni D'Silva - Pune's street dog saviour

2010-11-21T12:14:00.000-08:00

Roshni D'Silva - Pune's miracle worker

Anyone who is involved in animal rescue in any capacity knows that human beings are capable of inflicting unspeakable cruelty to their fellow creatures. Since beginning this weblog, I have come across such horrific stories of animal abuse, neglect and cruelty, that I have felt despair at human ability to inflict pain to our friends. But anyone who is involved in animal rescue also knows that for all the cruelty and evil that exists in the world, there are also those who make such an impact to the welfare of voiceless animals, that it makes you feel less hopeless, and more resilant. These are the people we don't read or hear about, the silent few who get their hands dirty and just get on with the business of helping, rescuing, healing, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. My faith in humanity was restored earlier this week, when I came across the story of a young girl who devotes all her time, energy and money to helping the stray dogs of my home town - Pune, India. Roshni D'Silva, a vegan since the age of 15, is completely unique in that she works tirelessly in the dust and heat of Pune, doing absolutely everything - from catching injured or unneutered dogs, treating them or taking them to the nearest vet hospital if they require urgent medical attention, using every cent of her own money to pay for medicines, bandages, syringes, and doing whatever she has to, to ensure that any stray dog she encounters is given the same care and attention that a family pet would receive.

I love India's stray dogs - they are a vital part of the landscape of the country, and unlike sanitised Western countries where millions of healthy dogs are gassed or euthanised in pounds because they are no longer wanted, and can't exactly roam the streets, India's strays make the streets their home. They are alert, loyal, affectionate and excellent guard dogs, and they want for very little, but give so much in return. Roshni D'Silva's unwavering affection for these noble creatures, her willingness to help every dog she encounters and spare it from a life of suffering, breeding and pain makes her a living saint, in my book.

With a Diploma in Animal Management from Nottingham, England, and volunteer experience with PETA and the Farm Sanctuary, Roshni would be an asset to absolutely any animal welfare organisation in the world. So it's all the more incredible that she has devoted herself to helping the animals in India, and take it upon herself to save as many as she can, from pain and suffering.

One of many stray dogs with Mange

What is also admirable is the fact that Roshni is willing to use her passion and love for animals in a way that matters most - educating people, treating the animals herself, sacrificing creature comforts so that more dogs can be helped. This is illustrated in a conversation I had with my mother recently (before I came across Roshni's story). My mum mentioned a stray dog with very severe mange (much like the dog pictured), who refused to come anywhere near her (hence making it impossible for her to catch him and take him to the vet). Every day for the next three days, my mum did her best to try and get close to it, luring it with food and treats. When she mentioned this to my dad, in passing, he told her about a young girl with a backpack who treats stray dogs - he said he had noticed her a few times, walking everywhere, and administering medicines to a few stray dogs. Finally, my mum managed to get her number and upon ringing her, asked if there was any possibility she could help with the dog suffering from severe mange. As luck would have it, the young girl was very sick, but she did give my mum the name of a tablet that works very well for the sort of condition this dog had. My mum began giving the dog the tablet every day for the next week, and within a couple of weeks the dog was nearly recovered. Earlier today, much to my surprise, I found out that the name of the girl my mum spoke to was Roshni D'Silva. So not only is this remarkable young woman rescuing stray dogs, but she is also happy to educate members of the public, and use her better judgement when it comes to treating the animals she encounters.

Roshni D'Silva - Vegan since the age of 15

Ever since I was a child, I've always felt an unspoken closeness, a sort of kindred connection with people who show a love for their fellow sentient beings. In India, you notice all sorts of contradictions when you're growing up - the "sacred" cow on one hand, the mass production of leather on the other. The beautiful pedigree dogs out with their owners at the local race course, the hundreds and thousands of stray dogs sleeping under cars and rickshaws. The deeply spiritual energy of the country, contrasted with acts of mindless cruelty. Local vets, animal carers, people who work day in and day out for very little money at local hospitals and shelters, the materialistic and extravagant upper classes who think nothing about spending thousands of ruppees in one night. Which is why when I come across someone like Roshni D'Silva, I feel a surge of pride, an inner peace knowing that someone like that is living in my home town, in my home country, making a difference to all the voiceless strays that I grew up rescuing and feeding. In her own words she "lives a very simple life" and "whatever she earns is for the dogs". This is a girl who thinks exactly as I do - she is incredible.

When I was in Pune a few months ago, I noticed how few stray puppies there were, and how many dogs were neutered (of course, I ended up carrying a big hulk of a stray dog to the vet to be neutered, much to the amusement of my mother and a rickshaw driver because he wouldn't stop following me, and because I felt, I had to!). I felt optimistic then, and I feel optimistic now - Roshni D'Silva has only been in Pune for the past two years, but if all the stray dogs of Pune could speak, they would agree with me when I say that I hope this beautiful woman makes the city her home for many years to come.

Sources: The Indian Express: Pune Newsline 4/10/10

Dog Pounds Ireland - the reality.

2010-11-09T14:12:00.000-08:00

When I lived in Ireland, I was involved with local rescues, and I also fostered dogs, so I was no stranger to the deeply upsetting reality that nearly 30,000 healthy dogs were put down in pounds across the country each year.
As a child, I always imagined Ireland was a country where cows and sheep grazed peacefully and where sheepdogs/collies chased them playfully. Then one day I came across this quote by George Bernard Shaw when I was writing an essay on the great Irish writer "the worst sin towards our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them, that's the essence of inhumanity" and wondered if Shaw had seen this "indifference" first hand in his native country.

My last foster dog - a collie called Jules

I don't know if things have changed much since Shaw's time. You can read this brutally honest factsheet from the ANVIL Ireland website here which shows how Ireland is, quite literally, a place to die for!! The last time I fostered a dog (pictured left) for an Irish rescue was a couple of years ago (though I did rehome a few pound dogs and transport a few as well after that) and she was in such a bad way when she came to me that I wondered if she would even survive her ordeal. As it turns out, there were SO many dogs in the pounds in Dublin and such few homes available that my foster dog had to go to a home in Sweden once she was ready. So on the one hand irresponsible breeders continue to breed dogs for their own financial gain, ignorant people who care so much about what colour/breed/type of dog they want will pay hundreds (or thousands) for a pedigree puppy, and then when the same puppy grows into an adult dog, and the novelty wears off, or the vet bills are high, or the child becomes allergic all of a sudden, the poor animal ends up in the pound.

THIS is the reality facing hundreds and thousands of dogs in Ireland. Out of sight is out of mind. But the reality for most of these dogs, after months and years of loyal friendship that they have given their human families, is five days in a cold dog pound, surrounded by barking dogs, followed by death.

I always say to people who tell me " oh I can't bear to watch this, or read this, it's too heartbreaking, it makes me cry" that however it makes you feel, by watching it you are at least aware about what is going on for these loyal animals in your country. And if it's heartbreaking for you to watch, imagine how upsetting it is for the dogs, or for the vet who has to put a healthy dog to sleep, or for the staff at dog pounds who have to "clean up" after this by disposing off thousands and thousands of pet corpses. Watch the following two videos if you care (the second video gives you an insight into what it is like for the euthanasia technicians/vet nurses/vets).

ANIMALS NEED A VOICE IN LEGISLATION

Vegan Chili con Carne & Chocolate Brownies

2010-11-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

I love food. I may not look like a "foodie" but I love cooking, especially different dishes from different parts of the world. Also, being born into a family of bakers, I LOVE desserts, cookies, cakes. Too bad nobody passed on the baking recipies to me (not a girl's trade you see). Anyway, point is, I love cooking and baking. Going vegan has not been too difficult because I'm now even more into planning meals in advance, and cooking new dishes, and dessert to go with them - it's actually not more expensive than cooking vegetarian food, and certainly cheaper than non-vegetarian food, contrary to what some people may think. Just requires a bit of creativity and planning. Today, I cooked chili con carne with rice & salad, and chocolate brownies for desert! More like chili con carne for lunch and chocolate brownies for dinner - as I could not move after eating lunch. This is why I struggle with set meals in restaurants (3 course dinner & a bottle of wine type stuff) - I can't do starter, main course and dessert - much prefer a huge main course and a bit of dark chocolate afterwards and then a pig out late at night. Very bad, I know!

Anyway, here's the recipie for the Chili con Carne (served with steamed rice):

Ingredients:
Soya TVP Mince
1 cup Kidney beans
1 Onion -- chopped
2 Cloves Garlic -- crushed
Any veg - I used carrots, mushrooms and broccolli
1/2 cup Combined red and green pepper (and I also used the large red chili peper)
1/4 cup Water
1/2 teaspoon Chili powder (you can use the Schwartz Chili con Carne packet if you're not good with spices or don't have the time)
1/2 teaspoon Cumin
1 oz can stewed tomatoes
1/4 cup Tomato paste

Directions: Very easy - after rehydrating the soya mince for 5 mins, set it aside. Brown the onions & garlic in some oil, then add the mince, spices, tomatoes and paste, and stir it all together. Then add the veg and water & continue to season the spices to taste. Simmer for about 1/2 an hour and that's it! I wanted spring onions and avocado for the salad, but I couldn't find any that looked like they weren't dying, so I didn't bother. Simple iceberg lettuce, tomatoes & onions worked a treat for the salad.

Yummy Vegan Brownie recipie that I used:

Ingredients

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups raw sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Pour in water, vegetable oil and vanilla; mix until well blended. Spread evenly in a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until the top is no longer shiny. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting into squares.

Warning: These brownies will be gorged on by non-vegetarian/omnivorous members of your family! Hide them and eat after dark, when all others are asleep.

Holy Cow - Why I don't wear Leather

2010-11-03T03:59:00.000-07:00

I know fur is bad. Wearing fur in this day and age is insane (and stupid) and will get you stoned. I remember when I was living in Dublin, the two fur retailers in the city centre were always empty, and when I lived in Toronto and had a job in the fur district (an unfortunate coincidence) I noticed that shop windows were darkened, with heavy blinds. Of course the fact that these shops still exist means that there is a demand (though not a huge one) for fur. I remember seeing a woman musician wearing a full fur coat after one of my masterclasses in Canada. She happened to be a dog lover. What insanity!

Anyway, my point is that it is no longer acceptable to wear fur. Many people have boycotted it completely, and many well known retailers are bombarded with letters from members of the public which then pressures them to pull the fur from their shelves. Which is great. But leather still remains unbelievably popular as a clothing item - in fact it is hard (but not impossible) to find something in one's closet that does not contain leather. And unlike fur, there seems to be little or no resistance to leather. It's fashionable, associated with sex appeal (black leather pants, leather jackets, leather boots - biker chic and all that) and so widely available that few people know that wearing leather is just as bad as wearing fur.

Most people believe that leather is a by-product of the meat and dairy industry. In that, it's better to use all parts of the animal once it has been slaughtered and leather is just one such product that can be used instead of wasted. This is complete nonsense!! Leather is a co-product of the meat industry. It is estimated that leather makes up half of all of slaughterhouses that process cattle. Because the profit margin is rather small on the sale of animal flesh (relatively speaking), most cattle exploiting companies are dependent upon the sale of hides to remain in business. Most of the leather that is worn by people in America and Europe comes from India and China. In India the cow is meant to be sacred, and as for China - there are no animal welfare laws at all.

As I said, in India, the "holy cow" is not meant to be slaughtered - cattle slaughter is illegal in many states because Hindus worship cows, and regard them as sacred beings. But India is still a developing country where millions live below the poverty line, so when Cattle purchasers buy impoverished Hindu families' cows from them with the promises that their beloved cows will be taken care of, poor families have little choice but to agree. But instead they death march them to Bangladesh, Pakistan or an Indian state where cow slaughter is permitted. I have seen these "death marches" - many, many times. This year, I saw at least three such marches. The heat is so unbearable for most human beings to tolerate, poor, dehydrated animals who are not used to this often falter, fall, pass out, and the cattle wranglers often do whatever it takes - rubbing chilli powder into their eyes, breaking tails, or beating them - to keep the animals going. Holy Cow - yeah right! If it wasn't for people like Maneka Gandhi, or organisations like The Brooke, Karuna Society and Peta India, cows would hardly stand a chance.

The next time you're picking up a cheap pair of shoes in Primark or a leather jacket, spare a thought for the cows whose throats have been slit while they are fully conscious. There are so many fantastic alternatives to leather; it's incredible to think that more people don't know about them. You don't have to be an animal rights fanatic, just want to do your part in living a more sustainable, cruelty-free lifestyle. It's better for you and for those around you. How many shoes, belts and jackets does a person need anyway? And while you might struggle to find leather-free guitar straps, boycotting leather products CAN be achieved. Thanks to the internet, alternatives to absolutely everything are now available online (bookmark this blog for shops, websites and online retailers that sell leather-free clothing, accessories and footwear). And before I sign off, here's a very interesting video by an Indian born, Chicago based young man called Minku Sharma. Nothing extremist or insane about him, but it's people like this that shape our world, not violent and thuggish scoundrels who cause human suffering in the name of animal rights! Another amazing inspiration is rock legend Tom Scholz and his DTS Charitable Foundation. More about him in a seperate post. Thank you for reading!

Beauty without Cruelty - looking hot is not that hard!!

2010-11-01T16:19:00.000-07:00

Lets get one thing straight. I cannot understand or comprehend violence of any sort - even when it is in the name of "animal welfare" and "animal rights". The world will always be filled with bad people, evil people, twisted people and greedy people who want to profit at all costs, even if that means torturing thousands of animals. One of the most effective ways that I feel I can make a stand is by making informed choices and decisions in how I live my life, by not cooperating and purchasing any product that has ever been produced at the expense of an animal being tortured, and by only using products that don't even contain animal ingredients. I also find the time to write letters to let people and companies know exactly why I don't use their products, and at the same time, if there is a company that is actively helping the environment and animals, then I go out of my way to write to let them know.

As a child growing up in India, I was not exactly ignorant of the idea of vivisection - however, I always thought that animals were only used to test medicines, pharmaceutical products, and so that advances could be made in finding cures for diseases (though I always had a feeling there was something fundamentally odd about this as well). Like most teenage girls, I enjoyed wearing a bit of lipstick and eyeliner when I was seventeen or eighteen, and I certainly loved painting my toenails when I was fourteen or fifteen. But when the internet suddenly came into existance in the late nineties, and I began to read about the fact that many, many cosmetics were still being tested on animals, I could not believe it. The costmetics industry is worth billions and billions of dollars, so if all the big cosmetic firms are still testing their products on animals, then every lipstick or eye-shadow or face cream is a by-product of a backward, barbaric practice that has absolutely NO place in today's world given the incredible cosmetics that are easily available and not tested on animals. Vanity and ignorance have a lot to answer for - many women, in particular, are so preoccupied with looking beautiful, young, perfect that they are willing to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars on products that have blinded rabbits, burnt monkeys and caused the needless suffering and death of our fellow creatures. Madness! I think every woman is naturally beautiful irrespective of skin colour, skin condition, eye colour, face structure or hairstyle. I suffered from bad acne until my early twenties, and I never bothered covering it up because I wanted to be fancied/liked/admired for who I was, not a "covered up" version of myself. As a dark haired, bushy eyebrowed teenager with Persian genes, I was also desperately paranoid about facial hair on my lighter olive skin (there are disadvantages to having thick black hair on your head!) especially when the darker skinned Indian girls in school seemed to have flawless skin and no visible facial hair. I realized when I was quite young that all women are deeply insecure - that is just something that goes with being a woman, but I definitely did not want mute, voiceless animals suffering because of my deep-rooted insecurities and vanities. I still suffer from breakouts, I still have days where my pores are too large, skin is too greasy but most days I am just too busy to notice. For anyone reading this who has no idea about cosmetics that still test on animals, or use third party companies to test their ingredients on animals, you can find out more by visiting BUAV's fantastic Cruelty Free Guide. You can also find a whole list of companies and cosmetics that do NOT test on animals, and some of them are as well known as Lush and Urban Decay!

In the meantime, here are the only products/cosmetics that I have in my bathroom at the moment (this list has not changed in a few years!). I never thought I'd actually write this on my blog, but at the risk of sounding like a tree hugging eco bunny here goes:

Dr Bronner's (Liquid Soap which I also use as a shampoo) & Chandrika Soap
Witch Hazel & Rosewater (as a toner both available in any health food shop, pharmacy or exotic food shop)
Rock Salt, Demera Sugar and Oatmeal (for dead, dry skin)
Jasons Vitamin E Oil & Neils Yard Moisturiser (which I use once a week - if I remember!!)
Henna from some roadside shop in Pune, India

I don't wear makeup, but I do own the following for when I absolutely have to:

Beauty Without Cruelty's moisturising lipstick which is available here
An Avon lipstick (I think I took this from my mum) and Himalaya Herbals LipBalm
Lavera's tinted moisturiser (transparent) and Compact Powder
An old Urban Decay Eyeshadow and Glitter Eyeliner

One of the reasons I decided to work on this weblog is to share my ideas of cruelty-free living and the importance of keeping in mind the philosophy of "reverance for life" as described by Albert Schweitzer and discussed by G.B. Shaw, Mark Twain, Henry Salt and many others. So even if one person who reads this post is curious about cosmetics and animal testing and decides to stop buying products that support this backward, unacceptable practice, then the world is a better place for it. While being poor is no fun for me most of the time, it certainly has its advantages, I don't buy bottles and tubes of pretty looking gunk, I don't really need to put on my face, my (shared!) bathroom doesn't resemble a mad scientist's lab and I'm not supporting the torture of animals. Enough preaching for one day!

Animal Related Posts On My Other Websites

2010-11-01T01:53:00.000-07:00

So here are all the animal related blogs and posts from my other websites that I've decided to add to the Animal Talkies Weblog. From Cats to Orangutans, radio programs to recitals, and special appeals for certain animals - you can read all the stuff I've written about in the past few years.

Goodbye Bucky - saying farewell to my old feral cat

Death, Life, Animals and Mozart

Glenn Gould and Animals

Albert Schweitzer & the Reverence for Life

Toronto Humane Society - Gould's Legacy in the wrong hands

All I am saying...is give cats a chance!!

Ruthie the Orangutan, Glenn Gould and more...

A Special Appeal for Ebenezer, who needs a home at the end of his life

Composers and Musicians who loved cats - radio special on Offbeat