Ethical Voice for Animals (EVA)

Update 29 January 2010

2010-01-29T03:34:00.000-08:00

Last week, we received an appeal for 'rescuing' a dog from an SSPCA center. The Greenock owner, who's dog was in the SSPCA Cardonald Centre, simply coudnt afford the outrageous fees charged by the SSPCA on top of what they charge the Council. We dont object to raising monies - funds are needed to run any facility. But we do object to how SSPCA has started charging exorbitant 'fees' and the entire stray dog 'scandal'. The good news is, thanks to everyone who responded to the appeal, the dog has now been reunited with his family. Read more about it here http://araction.blogspot.com/2010/01/sspca-scandal.html

We've been busy with street action past two weeks - leaflets out across Edinburgh on veganism, compassionate living and animal rights. If we haven’t visited your area yet, get in touch and lets get organized. Dont forget to check the diary dates below - next meetup on Tuesday (2nd Feb) at Hendersons, 7pm, see you then.
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Dates for your Diary
http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Send us your events to be listed here info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Stalls
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
Edinburgh: Every Saturday, Castle Street, (weather-dependent) Email allisonspeers@hotmail.com to help.
Aberdeen: 20 Feb, 27 Mar, 24 Apr. Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk if you can help.

Demos:
Email allisonspeers@hotmail.com
30 Jan: Day of Action against AstraZeneca
13 Mar, 27 Mar: Campaign Against Real-Fur Sporrans
10 Apr, 24 Apr: Campaign Against Real-Fur Sporrans
8 May, 22 May: Campaign Against Real-Fur Sporrans
5 Jun, 19 Jun: Campaign Against Real-Fur Sporrans
3 Jul: Campaign Against Real-Fur Sporrans

Next Meeting:
2nd February Hendersons, 7pm .
Drinks and Bunny Huggers meeting. Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk if you are coming
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk.

Other:
Every other Tuesday, 7pm, Hendersons: Edinburgh University Vegetarian Society meeting
25 Jan, 7pm: GVM, First Feast of 2010! Mono Cafe Bar, Glasgow
30 Jan, 2pm: GVM, Scotland For Animals AGM and Social. Bacchus, Glassford St, Glasgow
30 Jan: Angus Veggies Group. Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee. 2pm
12 Feb, 7pm: GVM, Vegan Chinese Meal. Chow, Glasgow
18 Feb, 7pm: GVM, Return of The Dub 'n' Grub Experience! The 78. Glasgow
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Support our Work: We've been working independently without receiving any grants for the last two years - running a range of campaigns, awareness raising events, talks, demos, stalls, vegan fairs and other activities including maintaining websites and producing a bimonthly newsletter. We invite readers and supporters to make a donation towards costs. Any support would be greatly appreciated.
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Today (29th Jan) is the Global Day of Action against AstraZeneca. Not only do AstraZenca do their own unscientific and unreliable tests on animals – but also continue to use HLS. We’d be protesting today against their barbaric practice outside their premises in Edinburgh. Please contact AstraZeneca, asking them to stop dealing with HLS. Their Edinburgh phone number is 0131 317 2000. More info here http://www.shac.net/AZ/action.html
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Alert from Scotland for Animals: Take action against pigs being blown up at MOD research facility. Contact your MP and ask why taxpayers money is being used to mutilate and kill animals for military research. Take action and get more info here http://iloapp.scotlandforanimals.org/blog/blog?Home&post=82
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Animal Cruelty in Scotland: An Angus teenager, who cooked his friend’s cat in a microwave, will not have to complete his community service sentence. This is outrageous. Animals need your support, get active!
http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/1572098?UserKey=
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Some cheerful news we thought we'd share - dog rescued after drifting 75 miles in Baltic sea! http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/7097479/Dog-rescued-after-drifting-75-miles-on-ice-in-Baltic-Sea.html
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The world's first film shot entirely by chimpanzees was broadcast by the BBC last Wednesday. It was a part of research being done at Edinburgh Zoo investigating how chimps interacted with video. Like previous studies, the results and observations show chimps to be compassionate and intelligent - its wrong to test on these animals, as it is to put them in zoos. You can watch the documentary and get more info on the project here http://www.chimpcam.com
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Scottish Government has released a “Draft Code of Practice on the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates" for Consultation. Primates should not be kept privately – you can help influence policy. More here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2010/01/20104900/0
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Pig farming conditions were exposed in a new EU investigation - the vast majority of the 250 million pigs reared each year in the EU were being reared in illegal conditions. In 2003 new EU legislation designed to improve pig welfare came into force. Despite the new laws, most of Europe’s pigs are still farmed industrially in conditions of utter deprivation. They are packed into overcrowded, barren pens without straw or any other enrichment materials. Nearly all are tail docked. Read more here http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=52356&lang=en
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UK: Animal rights and the future. The possibility of the next Parliament introducing legislation to repeal the Hunting Act fills us with dread. A poll in 2005 showed that 14% of respondents said that animal welfare was an issue that would be 'very important' in helping to decide which party they would vote for - up 3% from 2001. More here http://www.progressives.org.uk/Magazine/article.asp?a=5245
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

Update: 15th January 2010

2010-01-15T02:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! We are back and what will 2010 bring us? Well, we’ve organized a meeting on the 19th Jan at Hendersons, 6pm for discussing just that. So if you’ve been meaning to volunteer and want to get involved, please make it to this meeting – we’d be drawing up plans for all our exciting work this year. We’ve got the Green Fork making it mark in parts of Scotland and the campaign against real-fur sporrans is getting stronger. Demos scheduled and despite the cold weather, our stalls continue the valuable educational outreach. And last but not the least, Fayre-2010! What we get done this year is up to you, and to me. See you on the 19th at Hendersons, 6pm - just ask for Bunny Huggers.
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Dates for your Diary
http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Send us your events to be listed here info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Stalls every Saturday, Castle Street, Edinburgh (weather-dependent)
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
Email allisonspeers@hotmail.com to help.

Next Meeting:
19th Jan. Hendersons, 6pm .
Drinks and Bunny Huggers meeting. Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk if you are coming
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk.

Other:
Every Wed, 7pm, Hendersons: Edinburgh University Vegetarian Society meeting
16 Jan: Edinburgh Vegetarian and Vegan Society meeting. Hendersons, 12 noon
30 Jan: Angus Veggies Group. Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee. 2pm
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Animals being frozen to death in Scottish farms. See http://news.scotsman.com/news/Livestock-being-frozen-to-death.5961813.jp
Appeal from SFA: Contact the Scottish Govt. Animal Health and Welfare Directorate on: 0131 244 6015 and ask what's being done about this situation. Please give them your full details and ask for complaint to be logged and for a reference number. You can also contact Richard Lochhead here: scottish.ministers@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Pet owners are being encouraged to find alternative shelter during freezing conditions for small animals normally housed outdoors http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8448270.stm
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The Scottish Government Consultation on a revised Code of Practice for the Welfare of Livestock: Meat Chickens and Breeding Chickens can be found here http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2009/10/23142215/0
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Real protection for Scottish seals: Urge the Scottish government to ban its barbaric shooting policy and take a stance to protect this globally important seal population. More here http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=5270 and here http://www.saveoursealsfund.org/news-article-1.html
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Animal sacrifice in does not just take place in distant worlds. Here in Scotland, a single person slaughtered 1,015 lambs in Paisely for Eid Ul-Adha - the Islamic festival commemorating the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah. Muslims are supposed to mark this by arranging for lambs to be slaughtered. http://living.scotsman.com/features/Faith-and-religion-in-Scotland.5952295.jp Join Scotland For Animal’s campaign against religious slaughter. Email john@scotlandforanimals.org
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More on the efforts to save grey squirrels: The fight against cruel squirrel culling would stand a much better chance of success if the SSPCA were to more actively campaign against it. They have strongly condemned the method of killing the squirrels and it would help if you could contact them and ask them to do all they can to end the cull or at least have cruel killing methods outlawed. See http://www.grey-squirrel.org.uk/victimising_grey_squirrels_2.pdf and for more info visit http://www.grey-squirrel.org.uk
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Please follow the link below and ask your Westminster MP to sign the Early Day Motion calling for clear labelling of all real fur items sold in the U.K. http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=105&ea.campaign.id=5225
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The Conservative Party are promising, should they gain a majority at the General Election later this year, to repeal the anti-hunting law in England and Wales. Please contact the Tory Leader (David Cameron and you can e-mail him at camerond@parliament.uk ) in protest. Here’s a petition you can sign to ban fox hunting http://www.backtheban.com/
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China, The Year of the Mutilated Tiger: The tiger is a majestic animal, which once roamed freely through his environment but has been made virtually extinct in nature due to Chinese superstition and greed, which values the tiger for its parts: bones, penis and pelt, not its intrinsic worth. The Chinese have devised a profit saving solution: tigers are now bred on tiger farms, where they are kept in small cages until they are ready to be harvested. The cruelty of this solution is two fold, it holds captive an animal that was once a master of its environment and kills the tiger when a sale is pending. There is absolutely no recognition that the tiger is a living being worthy of respect. Write a letter to protest to your local Chinese Embassy: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/embassy_list.htm
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

Update 16th Dec

2009-12-11T01:39:00.000-08:00

Here’s another issue of our (roughly) bi-monthly update. Between updates, we learnt that the Nutcracker Christmas Shop was selling stuffed polar bears made from real fur. After a successful e-campaign, we are pleased to report that they have agreed not to reorder the fur items again. That’s well-done again! Thank you!

Our last event this year will be the celebration of the annual International Animal Rights Day (IARD). It’s on the 10th December (we are celebrating tomorrow, on the 12th) and is the only day in the year which calls for the recognition of animal rights. More details on what we are doing in the diary below (festive drinks and meal after the vigil). A history of IARD can be found here http://www.uncaged.co.uk/iard.htm

Christmas is 2 weeks away - and here’s info for a cruelty-free Christmas, lots of lovely vegan recipes http://www.viva.org.uk/christmas/index.php and for your Christmas shopping, don’t forget all the online ethical shops, list here http://www.veganvillage.co.uk/shops.htm - and for a compassionate guide to Edinburgh, pop over to one of our stalls. Finally, there are Christmas e-cards on our website you can use instead of paper cards – reduce your carbon footprint http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/gcards/composeCard.php The e-cards are free – but we’d appreciate donations.

As 2009 comes to a close, we want to thank you for your support during what has been a year of many ups and downs! We hope you and your friends and family have a lovely festive break, and we look forward to campaigning in what promises to be an exciting 2010!
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Dates for your Diaryhttp://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php

Stalls every Saturday, Castle Street, Edinburgh (weather-dependent)
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals! Email allisonspeers@hotmail.com to help.

Next Meeting: 12 Dec.
Susies Diner.Drinks monthly Bunny Huggers meeting. Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk if you are coming
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk.

Other:
Every Wed, 7pm, Hendersons: Edinburgh University Vegetarian Society meeting
12 Dec: Angus Veggies meet Broughty Ferry, in Brambles at 1pm
17 Dec: Edinburgh University Vegetarian Society Christmas meal at David Banns. Everyone welcome. Email sarahfrancesdickins@hotmail.com for info
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Early November it was revealed that well over half a million living animals were subjected to experiments in Scottish laboratories last year. In two-thirds of procedures no anaesthetics were used. In most cases the animals were destroyed after the experiments. Read more here http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6917271.ece Please write (at http://www.writetothem.com) to your MSP along the lines of:
“I recently read an article which said that over 500,000 animals were used in experiments in Scotland last year and that over a third of those experiments involved genetic modification of animals. Can you find out for me how many, if any, experiments were carried out in the (insert your town or area here) area last year and if any of those involved the use of genetically altered animals? Could you also advise me if the research using genetically modified animals could possibly pose a risk to our community?”
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The Government recently debated the amendments to the Marine (Scotland) Bill and the Scottish Government representatives strongly opposed moves to keep the close seasons which give seals at least some protection during the breeding seasons. Your emails are needed now! More info and actions here http://www.saveoursealsfund.org/news-article-1.html
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Edinburgh Zoo shamed again. This time, the suffering of the sea lions and the big cats is brought to light. This recent inspection also called for a “radical refurbishment or complete replacement" of the food store and veterinary areas of the zoo. Zoos are prisons - and do nothing for conservation - animals bred in the zoo cant be re-introduced into the wild. More here http://news.scotsman.com/scotland/Zoo-upgrade-ordered-or-sea.5891891.jp
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Dumfries and Galloway Council's plan to reduce the sea gull population by introducing a falcon has failed. Read more here http://www.dgstandard.co.uk/dumfries-news/2009/12/04/council-falcon-plan-to-tackle-gull-menace-fails-51311-25317069/
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Here's more on a project in Argyll - spearheaded by the SWT - to re-introduce beavers in Scotland. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/dec/06/beavers-scotland-controversy-tim-adams
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"Hunts have found ingenious ways of getting around the legislation – indeed, in the first two or three weeks after the ban came into force, I was told more foxes were being killed than ever before. Laying a false trail, or drag hunting, is not against the law"...Four years after the ban, is fox hunting booming and why is the debate under the political spotlight once again? More here http://www.bbccountryfilemagazine.com/feature/country-matters/is-fox-hunting-more-successful-than-ever Will you raise your voice against hunting? Get in touch. info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
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The Copenhagen talks started this week. Climate change is an issue that sorely needs action from the world leaders. But things look grim as always. A United Nations report in 2006 found that livestock cause 18 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the environmental group World Watch says this was an underestimate and the figure for meat and dairy's share of total greenhouse gas emissions is a staggering 51 per cent. The impact of meat on global warming needs attention. Meat wastes water, pollutes land, and creates greenhouse gases. Here’s a brief intro to the links between veganism and climate change http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_veggie/ALL/1395/ For those who missed the screening of Meat the Truth, get in touch and if there’s enough interest we’d show it again. Or pop over to our stall and pick up a climate change/vegan leaflet.
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A chilling account of a "bear farm" encounter by Jill Robinson, Animals Asia's Founder: Robinson was horrified when the visitors teased the bears with fruit hung on fishing poles and laughed at the melee as the animals fought over the pitiful morsels rows and rows of tiny cages, which would eventually become coffins for their moon bear prisoners, lined the dimly lit basement Rusting catheters protruded from gaping wounds in the bears' bellies, and blood, pus, and bile seeped from the holes. Their canine teeth had been cut back. Many had three- to four-foot scars along their bodies or head wounds from bashing themselves again the bars in feeble attempts at mental stimulation. Some had missing paws. While noble rescue efforts are in place for China's bear farm prisoners - and have thankfully rescued some of the bears - the deplorable practice still continues under the auspices of being "phased out. You can voice your disapproval by contacting your local Chinese Embassy: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/embassy_list.htm
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

23 October 09

2009-10-23T01:56:00.000-07:00

Its been a very busy month! To start with, a fantastic week of action against real-fur sporrans. Lots of media attention, fur-free statements coming in from sporran makers and retailers, protests, actions – and all thanks to the hundreds of emails that people sent and actions your participated in! You can get vegan sporrans – there are ethical companies making excellent faux-fur sporrans and phasing out the real-fur – Caledonian Creations, Sporran Nation, Free Rangers, 21st Century Kilts, MacDonald Sporrans. Thanks for everything you have done to support this campaign – there’s going to be more to do, and we’d keep you posted.

Besides the Week of Action, we’ve been busy working on The Green Fork. Over the last two years, we've taken animal rights campaigning to different parts of Scotland, and are now getting requests to provide practical support to people to go vegan, and campaign vegan. Would you like to be involved in your local geographic area? Get in touch!

Bunny Huggers turned two this month. When we first started off, the scene was bare - little support, few other groups. Now, there's a thriving community of campaigners - vegan, animal rights - across Scotland. Its fantastic to see so many different groups and events - see the diary for more details and get involved!
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Dates for your Diary
http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php

Stalls, Edinburgh (weather-dependent) All at the west end unless indicated otherwise
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
24th Oct: Registry House
31st Oct
7th Nov
21st Nov

Next Meeting: 23rd Oct. 7pm. Location TBC
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Other: 1 Nov, 12noon-5pm: Glasgow: Animal lover's Fayre, The Stereo
14 Nov, 12noon, Edinburgh: Edinburgh vegetarian and vegan group meeting
11 Dec, Edinburgh: Edinburgh vegetarian and vegan Christmas gathering at David Banns
Every Wed, 7pm, The Southsider: Edinburgh University Vegetarian Society meeting
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Good news for the Polar Bear in Edinburgh Zoo - Mercedes was relocated from the Zoo to the Highland Wildlife Park, near Kingussie, on Monday. Its fantastic that Mercedes has been given a better home - but zoos are nothing more than prisons in the name of conservation. Here's a factsheet on the grim realities of zoos http://www.captiveanimals.org/zoos/zfact1.htm
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The PRP has just released a new online, interactive booklet that describes how rainforests are on the front line in the fight against climate change and explains how a new form of international collaboration could help to reduce tropical deforestation, with many benefits for developed and developing countries. If you're after a hard-copy version, stop by your local Borders UK, HMV, John Lewis, Waitrose, Waterstones, or WH Smith to pick one up for FREE or read it online here http://www.rainforestsos.org/book?utm_source=2009%2B10+21+prp+newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletterlist
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News from 1 World Scotland: It has been revealed that First Minister Alex Salmond recently served up Foie Gras at official Scottish Government engagements at Bute House in Edinburgh. As you'll no doubt know this 'delicacy' is produced by force feeding ducks until their livers are engorged and literally bursting, the method is banned in the UK. Protest emails can be sent to Alex.Salmond.msp@scottish.parliament.uk Please make sure you provide your postal address including in emails
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

25th Sep

2009-09-25T01:28:00.000-07:00

Things are beginning to get very exciting. Following our call for a week of action against real-fur sporrans - we've already got people in different parts of Scotland – including Borders, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, North Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire and West Lothian – gearing up to participate from 28th Sep-4th Oct. Thousands of people have signed the petition to ban the import of fur in the UK, and the time's right to put an end to real-fur sporrans.

Sporrans are made of fur from seals, mink, fox, chinchilla, rabbit, badger, bobcat, beaver, muskrat, and musquash - and killing methods include skinning alive, anal electrocution, genital electrocution, gradual beating, neck breaking and twisting, poisoning, gassing, clubbing, stomping amongst others. Fur is not just inhumane, it is an environmental nightmare – there’s simply no excuse left for murdering animals in this day and age when excellent faux-fur is easily available.

A few hours of your time is all we’re asking for – on behalf of the 45 million animals killed yearly for their fur, get active! We’d send you the leaflets and materials, all you need to do is distribute them and raise awareness in your local area near a sporran shop. See what towns have signed up already and if there is not one in your area, organize one! www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/woasp.php and email us at info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
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28th Sep-4th Oct: Week of action against real fur sporransVarious actions, get in touch at info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk 2nd-Oct-4th Oct: Protest (camp) at sporran maker - location TBC nearer the date. Email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk for details
Other dates and towns participating available here www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/woasp.php
Real-fur sporrans have been largely ignored and a few hours of your time would help. We cant emphasise enough how important it is to take a united form of action now and speak up against sporrans - leafletting in a small town on your own might not seem like much, but it makes a huge difference when put together with everyone's actions!

Demos
02 Oct: Edinburgh action against real-fur sporrans: 4.30pm, meet at Registry House
More actions here http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/woaspto.php

Stalls, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0789 146 2403 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
10 Oct: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House
17 Oct: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
2nd Oct. 7pm Castle Arms
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Bunny Huggers Second Birthday!
17th October, 8pm, Native State (near George Square), Edinburgh. You are invited!

Other:
11 Dec, Edinburgh: Edinburgh vegetarian and vegan Christmas gathering at David Banns
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Bunny Huggers will be 2 years old on the 31st October. We are planning to celebrate on the 17th October – meeting at Native State (near George Square) at 8pm. We would love it if you’d come along and join us!
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A quick report on our protest against Charles River in Tranent – one of the largest animal breeders, who also supply animals to HLS. Demo went well though very windy! More security than warranted - but we made our voices heard. Animal testing is cruel, unethical, unscientific and unreliable. Plans of more demos against Charles River, get in touch if you'd like to get involved.
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Animal cruelty raises its ugly head again: After the recent news on dog-fighting case in Edinburgh, we hear puppies were thrown from a car in Fife. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/8268444.stm The animals need your help – get active for animals http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
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News from the China boycott: The following is taken from a blog by Purrfect Play, a company which produces safe and cruelty free pet products domestically in Indiana, USA: "Pet companions are fed up with all the toxic products coming out of China. Many of us read labels and go out of our way to avoid Chinese made. We have learned the karmic price in buying cheap products for our beloved pets from a country where millions of dogs and cats per year are tortured. China doesn't care about dogs and cats, no matter where they live. It seems deeply ironic that companies dependent on the love of pet companions to buy their premium products would ignore the dark reality for dogs and cats in China. What do you think?" To view the entire blog scroll down to 'Made in China': http://purrfectplay.typepad.com/purrfectplay/
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

Update: 11th Sept

2009-09-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

Our bi-monthly update took a bit longer than 2 weeks since the last issue. But that’s because after the fayre (of which we have a fantastic video here http://vimeo.com/6312197) , we’ve been busy with the launch of the week of action against real-fur sporrans – 28th Sep – 4th October. In your diary, please!

Sporrans are made of fur from seals, mink, fox, chinchilla, rabbit, badger, skink, bobcat, beaver, muskrat, and musquash - and killing methods include skinning alive, anal electrocution, genital electrocution, gradual beating, neck breaking and twisting, poisoning, gassing, clubbing, stomping amongst others.

We’ve already contacted all sporran retailers in Edinburgh, and the majority of the sporran makers in Scotland – and have sent them plenty of information on where to get excellent quality fake-fur, and fake-fur sporrans. And we’ve asked them to go fur-free by the end of September.
Which is when the week of action kicks in.

We have been protesting, leafleting holding all sorts of events for 2 years to raise awareness of this issue and now when we really need your help and support! Well, we need a couple of hours of your time on one of the days within the week really, to speak up for the animals. Not a lot, is it? We’d send you the leaflets and materials, all you need to do is distribute them and raise awareness in your local area near a sporran shop. See what towns have signed up already and if there is not one in your area, organize one! www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/woasp.php and email us at info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
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28th Sep-4th Oct: Week of action against real fur sporrans
Various actions, get in touch at info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
2nd-Oct-4th Oct: Protest (camp) at sporran maker - location TBC nearer the date. Email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk for details
Other dates and towns participating available here www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/woasp.php
Real-fur sporrans have been largely ignored and a few hours of your time would help. We cant emphasise enough how important it is to take a united form of action now and speak up against sporrans - leafletting in a small town on your own might not seem like much, but it makes a huge difference when put together with everyone's actions!

Demos
22 Sep: Demo against animal breeders (for vivisection). Meet at Registry House at 2.30pm.

Stalls, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0789 146 2403 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!

12 Sep: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House
19 Sep: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House
10 Oct: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House
17 Oct: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House

Talks:
16 Sep, 3.30pm, Glasgow: Patricia Tricker speaks to the Glasgow Vegan Network (Organised by Vegan Society)

Next Meeting:
2nd Oct. 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Bunny Huggers Second Birthday!
17th October, 8pm, Native State (near George Square), Edinburgh. You are invited!

Other:
12 Sep, 12noon, Edinburgh: Edinburgh vegetarian and vegan group meeting
11 Nov, Edinburgh: Edinburgh vegetarian and vegan Christmas gathering at David Banns
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Bunny Huggers will be 2 years old on the 31st October. We are planning to celebrate on the 17th October – meeting at Native State (near George Square) at 8pm. We would love it if you’d come along and join us!
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A reader recommends this book, we thought we’d share: Eternal Treblinka by Charles Patterson: In his exceptional book, Patterson writes about the Holocaust and the slaughterhouse industry - and the chilling links between the two. Many survivors of the Holocaust, children of survivors of the Holocaust and even sons and daughters of parents who perished in the Holocaust have said that it took the Holocaust for them to realize that the way that the Nazis viewed and treated them was just like how they used to view and treat (non-human) animals; some of them have gone on to work for Animal Rights directly as a result of the Holocaust and Patterson includes some of them in his book.
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While it is widely known that China and Korea are bastions of animal cruelty, the situation though not as publicized is parallel in Vietnam. Dog and cat meat is consumed and bile is extracted from moon bears in each of these countries. The following is a description of bile extraction in Vietnam: "The bear lies helpless on the ground. For the fourth time this month, she’s been drugged with ketamine – an illegal substance in Vietnam used by the farmers to render the bears unconscious and take their bile. Her eyes blink and her paws move as the operator jabs a four-inch needle into her abdomen time and time again, trying to locate her gall bladder. Once located, the mechanical pump is turned on and her bile runs into a jar while a crowd of Korean tourists look on smiling and hand over their money to buy a hangover cure." Animals Asia
This cruelty persists despite legislation which bans it in Vietnam, as this practise is endorsed by the general population. To voice your protest send a letter to help@moonbears.co.uk
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

31st July

2009-07-31T01:32:00.000-07:00

Compassionate Living Fayre Summer’09 - a fantastic day and lots of fun was had! Feedback has been excellent - the workshops we introduced this year were all very well received - along with the talks and the stalls and the food and the entertainment and the info and the - well, you know – the fayre! Ranting Rabbit had a whale of a time giving out lots of free food and free hugs! Check out the pictures here http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/pictures/fayre09

Thanks to all our sponsors and supporters, and all organisations who participated in the fayre. And most importantly, all our very special ‘Bunny Huggers’ who put in the time and effort to organise this fayre and help run it on the day - many thanks to you all!
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Stalls (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
8 Aug: Stall: Registry House, 12noon-4pm
15 Aug: Stall: Registry House, 12noon-4pm
22 Aug: Stall: Registry House, 12noon-4pm

Demos:
1 Aug: Demo against Zippos Circus, Hawick, 2pm. Free transport from Edinburgh organized, email to book a place
26 Sep: Demo against animal breeders (for vivisection). Meet at Registry House at 12 noon.

Talks:
16 Sep, 3.30pm, Glasgow: Patricia Tricker speaks to the Glasgow Vegan Network (Organised by Vegan Society)

Next Meeting:
7th August 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.
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The social meetup on the 29th July was fantastic! Vegans from all over Scotland came along and it was great fun to enjoy an evening without someone asking you “So what can you eat?” More than that, its an excellent opportunity for new and aspiring vegans to get tips they never really put in any literature!
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We are re-running the appeal from the last newsletter – please write to the Glasgow Council opposing plans for the new zoo!

There are plans for a new £35 million animal park on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow's East End. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (and all other Zoological societies in the world) breed and keep animals in the name of education, wildlife research and conservation - but watching a panda outside its natural habitat is not educational, and any the chances of any animal being bred in captivity ever being released back in the wild - are virtually impossible. Here's more info on what's wrong with zoos. http://www.alv.org.au/issues/whatswrongwithzoos.php

Help stop this £35m prison from going ahead. Write to the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Council (with your full address and postcode) Emails to pach.exec@southlanarkshire.gov.uk,Councillor.McAvoy@southlanarkshire.gov.uk,george.black@ced.glasgow.gov.uk,steven.purcell@councillors.glasgow.gov.uk
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Another alert from SAF; Religious slaughter exempts animals killed by religious groups from the legal requirement that all are stunned and rendered unconscious before having their throats slit and bled. The EU Parliament recently voted to ensure products produced in this manner more widely available in member states. The practice of Ritual Slaughter has been scientifically proven to cause extremely high levels of pain and distress for animals.

The EU legislation is yet to be ratified by the UK Parliament, so please write to your MP, asking them to support a ban on Ritual Slaughter. You can write to your MPs here www.writetothem.com
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Monkey Business in China: Not content with brutally butchering 10's of millions of dogs a year for their flesh, tormenting moon bears for their bile, and raising tigers on farms for their penises and pelts, China has found yet another way to harm and exploit animals - this time it is monkeys. Plans to build the largest monkey breeding facility in the world are already underway in Huazhen China. This farm nearing completion will be able to hold 50,000 monkeys, until they are ready to be shipped off to laboratories around the world to be used in any number of inhumane experiments. An undercover visit to an existing facility revealed that the monkeys were packed tight into cages, while mothers clutched their babies in their sterile prison. To protest this latest assault on animals in china write to your local embassy: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/embassy_list.htm

Three cheers for India: In sharp contrast to China's spirit of entrepreneurial exploitation, India has banned the export of its monkeys to research facilities around the world in order to protect them from cruel experiments. In India monkeys roam freely and mingle with the human population.
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Animal cruelty raises its ugly head again – in Alloa, Clackmannshire. After a woman’s dogs ‘accidently’ mated, she left 3 puppies starving in a cage full of excrement while pocketing hundreds of pounds by selling their six siblings for £120 to £160 each. Our legal system does not provide enough protection to the animals either – disappointingly, the woman was let off, despite horrific cruelty. Read more here http://news.stv.tv/scotland/west-central/112430-woman-who-kept-litter-of-puppies-starving-let-off-by-a-sheriff/

The animals need your help – get active for animals http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

17th July

2009-07-17T02:14:00.000-07:00

So, finally, the much awaited Compassionate Living Fayre next Saturday. There’s so much more on this year – its been a lot of fun organizing it, thinking up of exciting ways to introduce ethical, compassionate and a vegan lifestyle to people. Come along and find out more about how your choices effect everyone - the people, the planet and the animals – and practical tips and skills for you to take away to make a positive impact on everyone around you. More info available here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre09.php

At Bunny Huggers, we’ve been rather busy with the fayre, but there’s plenty other stuff going on – take a look at the diary below. There are also plans for a new zoo in Glasgow (see below for actions) and a social meetup for vegans (which we are all looking forward to) in Edinburgh.
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
22 July: Meat the Truth

Stalls & Demos (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
1 Aug: Demo against Zippos Circus, Hawick, 2pm. Free transport from Edinburgh organized, email to book a place
8 Aug: Stall: Registry House, 12noon-4pm
16 Aug: Stall: Registry House, 12noon-4pm
22 Aug: Stall: Registry House, 12noon-4pm

Next Meeting:
7th August 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Compassionate Living Fayre Summer'09
25th July 10.30am-5.30pm Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EL
More details http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre09.php
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The social vegan meetup in Edinburgh has been finalized for the Wednesday 29th July, at 6pm. Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for venue, hope to see you there!
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From SFA: There are plans for a new £35 million animal park on the banks of the Clyde in Glasgow's East End. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (and all other Zoological societies in the world) breed and keep animals in the name of education, wildlife research and conservation - but watching a panda outside its natural habitat is not educational, and any the chances of any animal being bred in captivity ever being released back in the wild - are virtually impossible. Here's more info on what's wrong with zoos. http://www.alv.org.au/issues/whatswrongwithzoos.php

Book on Animal protection: Bad Hare Days - on the controversial subject of live hare coursing in Ireland and the campaign to protect the Irish Hare - by John Fitzerald. In addition to the nature of hare coursing, the book also explores the social and psychological impact on campaigners of engaging in a difficult and tension-wrought campaign aimed at changing public opinion on this and other animal protection issues. More here www.myspace.com/banharecoursingireland
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An update from the campaign against animal abuse in China: While we have often heard that dogs are tortured prior to slaughter to enhance the potency of the meat, the following is documentation of this primitive belief taken from the Animals Asia website: "Livestock sections of large bookshops stock books and VCDs on dog farming which promote horrific slaughter methods, in the misguided belief that the more the dog suffers the better the meat will taste. Consequently, vacuum packed and canned dog meat is becoming increasingly available in some supermarkets. Send your letters of protest to Chinese Embassies and let them know you disapprove of the sadism and slaughter of man's best friend http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/embassy_list.htm
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As Korea begins 'the dog days of summer' the killing of dogs for their flesh increases, as superstition holds that dog meat cools down the consumer. In order to mark this seasonal killing spree, demonstrations were held world-wide, to protest both the vicious killing methods and the slaughter of dogs for their meat. A demonstration on July 14, 2009 NYC, in front of the korean embassy, boasted many protestors and one celebrity: Rue Maclanahan of Golden Girls fame. In addition a petition is being circulated to let korea know that we will not tolerate such cruelty to man's best friend. Please sign this petition and pass it on: http://www.uniteddogs.com/stopkillingdogs/
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Thanks to all those who wrote to the SNH opposing the killing of wallabies on Inchconnachan. The island owners Luss Estates, Scottish Natural Heritage and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority have confirmed there are no firm plans to cull the wallabies. The reaction and the public opposition clearly showed that a cull is simply unacceptable. Many thanks! Off the red alert now, but please do remain vigilant – and if you visit the island and see any evidence of the wallabies being disturbed, please email ACAL acal@jfrobins.force9.co.uk – who’ve been coordinating all of this.

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the fayre,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

3rd July

2009-07-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

As we get closer to the fayre, things seem to be getting quieter in our diary – but we are busy bees here trying to bring the best of what vegan and ethical living has to offer to you on the 25th July. As you can imagine, its no easy task!

Now that everything is firming up - the workshops, stalls, talks and activities and beginning to take exciting shapes! Learn how to make seed bombs, shop a bit, consult a herbalist for free, enjoy some good vegan nosh, play some games, meditate, learn about what your local community is upto, get your kids faces painted, get yours painted too…you get the idea, there’s plenty more fun!

So while we disappear behind the scenes again to make all this happen (your help is needed!), here’s a quick newsletter this week to give you all events and happenings in the Bunny Huggers world!
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
22 July: Meat the Truth

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane, 11am

Stalls & Demos (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
1 Aug: Demo against Zippos Circus, Hawick. Free transport from Edinburgh organized, email to book a place

Next Meeting:
3rd July 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Compassionate Living Fayre Summer'09
25th July 10.30am-5.30pm Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EL
More details soon!
Bookings for stalls, workshops and talks open, get in touch to book a place.
All enquiries to fayre09@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
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Word is that a social meetup for vegans is planned in Edinburgh at the end of this month – would you be up for it? Should be good fun! Let us know and we’d send you the details.
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Good news from Animal Concern - opposition to the planning application for a floating factory fish farm off the island of Inchmarnock (off the Isle of Bute) was a success and the applicant has also lost his public appeal against planning refusal. A victory for the seals and the salmon!
There are possible plans to clear Inchconnachan island, Loch Lomond of wallabies. Send a short polite e-mail to ian.jardine@snh.gov.uk, angus.laing@snh.gov.uk and info@lochlomond-trossachs.org simply saying that you are totally opposed to killing any wallabies on Inchconnachan. There's a lot more you can do to help, contact acal@jfrobins.force9.co.uk for more info
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More news from campaigns against animal cruelty in China: A massive cull in the Chinese city of Hanzhong has claimed the lives of 33,000 dogs: The local government ordered the mass slaughter of all dogs as the result of a few cases of rabies deaths. There is no confirmation that these cases were caused by a dog, as the chinese consume many other animals that can carry rabies. Dog killing squads are stalked the streets, mercilessly beating dogs to death with sticks and rocks. Some dogs were trapped in makeshift cages. One by one, the dogs were pulled out with a pair of long metal tongs, and brutally beaten. then - even though it appears that some may still have been alive - they were tossed into a pit to be burned. Protest letters can be sent to Chinese Embassies throughout the world: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/asia.htm
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email
unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

19th June

2009-06-19T01:51:00.000-07:00

So we come back to you after what have been very busy couple of weeks! The Peas vs Pills workshop was fantastic – and we received excellent feedback. Our thanks again to Dr. Shah for coming to Edinburgh to deliver it. (SHARAN are looking for an intern see here for more details http://sharan-india.org/news/sharan-is-looking-for-an-intern/)

During the workshop, and over the last few months, we’ve been receiving requests from new vegans or those wanting to make the transition for support and resources. In response to the need, we are now investigating setting up a service so we can deliver workshops like peas vs pills – and other support activities which would help new vegans in a practical way.

We are thinking of producing resources – recipe books, guides etc and organizing events like cookery demos, talks, and support groups. We want to develop what you want, so if you feel you would benefit from something like this, drop us an email with your ideas. Or better still, get actively involved in setting it up! Emails to info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion
FREE, but let us know if you are coming so we know how many to expect!
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
24 June: Behind the Mask
22 July: Meat the Truth

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane, 11am

Stalls & Demos, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
20 June: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
3rd July 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Compassionate Living Fayre Summer'09
25th July 10.30am-5.30pm Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EL
More details soon!
Bookings for stalls, workshops and talks open, get in touch to book a place.
All enquiries to fayre09@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
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A poisoned red kite was found dead on the Scottish Borders along with several baits and injured hunting dogs on Raeshaw estate in Peebles earlier this month. Its absolutely appalling that animals are still killed for sport. There's been some interest in getting active against hunting, so if you want to get your outdoor gear on and get active for animals, we'd love to hear from you!
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Bobby Roberts are still up in Scotland. Thanks to all who came for the protest on the 12th June. Using animals in circuses is just plain wrong! Zippos Circus are up next, and we’d be organizing a protest on the 1st of August in Hawick – drop us an email if you want to attend. In the meantime please write to your local papers opposing the circus.
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More news from campaigns against animal cruelty in China: In China all animals, with the exception of the panda, are exploited, abused and killed in the name of greed and culture. Moon bears suffer a particularly sadistic form of abuse. They live out their lives in tiny cages and their bile is drained daily by a painful procedure in the name of ignorance, superstition, and profit. This cruelty is justified as a medicinal treatment. "The bile is extracted in an excruciatingly painful process which involves slicing into the animal's flesh and "milking" the substance with a tube." Protest letters can be sent to Chinese Embassies throughout the world: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/asia.htm
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Mark Carter (Marine Concern, Oban) is two weeks into a hunger strike to highlight the fact that it is quite legal to shoot and kill lactating mother seals in the UK. Mark hopes to continue with his protest until 31st August, the end of the common seal pupping season.
Please contact your Westminster MP (details here: http://www.writetothem.com/) and ask that s/he does all in their power to ensure that the Marine Bill for England and Wales, which has its second reading in the Westminster Parliament next Tuesday, June 23rd, includes a total ban on the killing of healthy seals.
Another petition here to stop shooting seals http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/stopsealshooting
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10 days left before the petition to save Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary closes! 2057 signatures so far, please add yours! Sign here http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22833.html
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Glenrath farms had proposed to build a further shed to house around 35000 birds, in Stobo Valley. As a result of public opposition and plain good sense, the Council denied permission for these massive sheds to be built. The owner (John Campbell) is now appealing to the Government to overturn the decision. Please write to the Council and the Directorate for Planning and Environmental Appeals asking them to stay firm on their decision! Email address for DEPA DPEA@scotland.gsi.gov.uk and the council bfotheringham@scotborders.gov.uk Pleas make sure you include the reference number Ref; 08/00256/FUL when sending your letter.
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An update on the proposed EU Directive governing animal experimentation. The draft Directive has already passed from the European Commission to the Parliament and the member states are now offering their views. The Home Office has launched a public consultation which you can complete here http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2009-animals-research/cons-2009-animals-research?view=Binary
Animal Aid have selected some key questions and offered background and proposed responses for each. See their answers hwre http://www.animalaid.org.uk/h/n/NEWS/news_experiments//2145// and fill it out here http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/cons-2009-animals-research/
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

5th June

2009-06-05T01:29:00.000-07:00

The World Environment Day today – stimulating world wide action to protect the environment. Do your bit and sign this appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to channel available food resources to needy people and not to farm animals. Sign here if you haven’t already http://un.evana.org/

Climate change and animal farming are deeply inter-linked - the deforestation of the Amazon forests to make grazing lands, the methane and nitrous oxides released by the farmed animals, the fossil fuels used up in processing, packaging, refrigeration, transportation, the water and food crisis. Yet the issue remains ignored. Animal farming causes more emissions than the entire transport sector – that includes all the air travel as well! The best way to reduce your carbon foot print is to go vegan. Using your bike instead of your car is good – but a vegan on a bike is better!

A change in your lifestyle and diet might sound daunting, and we’ve got a few events lined up to help you make that transition, with experts available to answer any questions you have and resources you need.

6th June: Peas vs Pills (Edinburgh): Info on health, nutrition and veganism. Our speaker is a homoeopathic doctor from India and this one is her only talk in Scotland – so we are trying our best to accommodate everyone. There are no more places available, but some cancellations so give us a shout and we’d see if we can squeeze you in. 11am-4pm, St Georges Church, Shandwick Place.

14th June: Devouring the Earth (Glasgow): Info on climate change and veganism including direct action you can take and practical support available in Scotland. At Scotland’s Gathering for Climate Change. 2pm-4pm, The Phoenix Centre, Glasgow.

22nd July: Meat the Truth, Film Screening: Excellent documentary which investigates all aspects of the farming industry and how it contributes to climate change. 7pm-10pm, Autonomous Centre Edinburgh

25th July: Compassionate Living Fayre Summer 09 (Edinburgh): Workshops, information, stalls, lots of free vegan food for you to try and recipes to take away. 10.30am-5.30pm Augustine United Church
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Workshops:
6th June, 11am-4pm: Peas vs Pills, St George’s Church. Shandwick Place
A one-day workshop about healing yourself and others through a better understanding of the human anatomy, physiology and nature’s laws. More here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/peasvspills09.pdf
Course Fees: £10 with a vegan lunch and snacks included. Last 10 places left, so book now! Emails to bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
The workshop will be conducted by Dr Nandita Shah, a homeopath for the last 25 years. She is presently on tour in Europe, spreading awareness on how people can take responsibility for their own health through simple lifestyle changes.

14th June, 2pm-4pm: Devouring the Earth, The Phoenix Centre, Glasgow.
Info on climate change and veganism including direct action you can take and practical support available in Scotland.
At Scotland’s Gathering for Climate Change

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
13 June: Stirling, outside the Thistle Centre, near Argos, 12noon
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane, 11am

Stalls & Demos, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
13 June: Leith Festival Gala day Stall: 10am-4pm
20 June: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
5th June 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

2 circuses still abusing animals for entertainment are going to be up in Scotland soon – Bobby Roberts (9th-14th June, Edinburgh) and Zippos Circus (various dates and locations). We are organizing a protest to raise awareness, drop us an email if you’d like to join – date’s still not finalized, but likely to be an evening during the week beginning the 9th. In the mean time, please write to your local papers opposing the circus and The Royal Highland Center for letting Bobby Roberts use them.
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More news from campaigns against animal cruelty in China: While it is widely acknowledged that prior to slaughter dogs are tortured to enhance the medicinal potency of the meat, there is now actual confirmation: "Livestock sections of large bookshops stock books and VCDs on dog farming which promote horrific slaughter methods, in the misguided belief that the more the dog suffers the better the meat will taste. Consequently, vacuum packed and canned dog meat are becoming increasingly available in some supermarkets." Protests can be sent to Chinese Embassies throughout the world: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/asia.htm
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The Scottish National Heritage plans to trap and kill thousands of grey squirrels. Costing more than £1million, trappers will target the animals in areas around Aberdeen, Borders and along a line from Angus to Argyll. Here's an excellent writeup from Kill Hunting that we ran a few weeks ago. For those who missed it, read more about the nativeness of the greys http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Uk/uk.environment.conservation/2009-03/msg00017.htm
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Last chance to save Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary, please sign the petition before the 30th June 2009. It has 1471 signatures at the moment but for it to make an impact at all many more signatures are needed! Sign here http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22833.html
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To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

22nd May

2009-05-22T03:30:00.000-07:00

Busy bunnies – that’s what we’ve been over the 2 weeks when you last heard from us! We’ve had fantastic response for the upcoming Peas vs Pills Health workshop – and there are only 10 places left now, so book now before they are snapped up! It’s a bargain at a tenner for the day, including some lovely (and healthy!) vegan lunch and snacks throughout the day. More details here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/peasvspills09.pdf Email bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Preparations for the Compassionate Living Fayre Summer ’09 under way. We’re going to have more stalls this year in the main hall, more entertainment for children – face painting, hair wraps, glittery craft making, games – the works, free talks and short films, lots of lovely free delicious vegan goodies, competitions and prizes! And we are introducing a new Workshops Room this year, where you can get your hands dirty and learn new skills and have loads of fun! Programme still to be confirmed, bookings for stalls, talks and workshops now open so email us and get involved fayre09@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

As you can probably gather, the fayre is going to be busy and exciting so we need lots of volunteers! Please do help out for a couple of hours. Lots of people attending the fayre last year said us Bunny Huggers were very nice friendly people, so all of you lovely folks – email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk and sign up! We need people to man stalls, prepare food, leaflet at the door, dress up as bunnies, mind children, help set up/clear up etc – or just hang about and well…be friendly! A cup of tea and nice vegan cake to go with it - and it can’t be easier to help animals!
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion
FREE, but let us know if you are coming so we know how many to expect!
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
24 June: Behind the Mask
22 July: Meat the Truth

Workshops:
6th June, 11am-4pm: Peas vs Pills, St George’s Church. Shandwick Place
A one-day workshop about healing yourself and others through a better understanding of the human anatomy, physiology and nature’s laws. More here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/peasvspills09.pdf

Course Fees: £10 with a vegan lunch and snacks included. Last 10 places left, so book now! Emails to bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
The workshop will be conducted by Dr Nandita Shah, a homeopath for the last 25 years. She is presently on tour in Europe, spreading awareness on how people can take responsibility for their own health through simple lifestyle changes.

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
13 June: Stirling, outside the Thistle Centre, near Argos, 12noon
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane, 11am

Stalls & Demos, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
23 May: Stall: Anti-vivisection 12 noon, Registry House
13 June: Leith Festival Gala day Stall: 10am-4pm
20 June: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
5th June 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Compassionate Living Fayre Summer'09
25th July 10.30am-5.30pm Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EL
More details soon!
Bookings for stalls, workshops and talks open, get in touch to book a place.
All enquiries to fayre09@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

Belgian city of Ghent has introduced meatless days - a weekly Veggie Thursday. "If everyone in Flanders (population: six million) does not eat meat one day a week, we will save as much CO2 in a year as taking half a million cars off the road," said the Ethical Vegetarian Alternative. An interview with Tobias Leenaert from EVA here http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=44580&lang=en
And here's another fantastic 10-minute video that recently caught our attention – climate change and meat, how it all links up - worth a watch. http://www.veganvideo.org
-------------------------

Petition Food vs Feed to the UN: An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to channel available food resources to needy people and not to farm animals Sign here if you haven’t already http://un.evana.org/
-------------------------

Investigations by Animals Asia reveal that the fur from dogs slaughtered for their flesh is now entering local and international markets and being used as "trim" for fashion items, or for trinkets such as keyrings and hair accessories. Recently a St Bernard rug, made in China appeared on the New Zealand version of Ebay: You can protest this cruelty by boycotting Chinese goods and writing to your Chinese embassy: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/asia.htm
-------------------------

The disappointment which left many activists gasping from the EU “The Parliament has significantly weakened the already inadequate proposals of the European Commission to revise the 23 year old law” Thousands have joined the virtual march against vivisection. Sign up here http://www.makeanimaltestinghistory.org
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,
See you tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

8th May

2009-05-22T03:26:00.000-07:00

What a fantastic week for animals! 2 victories this week – you would have already heard of the EU ban on the trade in seal products (see http://www.protectseals.org) but closer home in Scotland, the permission for the proposed Glenrath Farms in Peebles (which would have been the largest free-range poultry farm in Europe) has been refused! See http://stopglenrathfarms.googlepages.com/ for background. Well done everybody!

Following the sucess of last year's Compassionate Living Fayre (see http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php), we've decided to do another one this summer. Everyone had such a good time we simply couldnt wait a whole year before doing it again! St Augustine’s Church, 25th July, 2009. Put the date in your diary now! We've paid attention to the feedback we received and lots new activites planned this year - we need your help to organize it. Get in touch – fayre09@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Finally, we've revamped our anti-fur website, though we are still writing content and developing tools for making campaigning easier. See www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk. There's a quick e-action here http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/emailsporran.php which lets you send an email to all sporran manufacturers/retailers on our list. We need help updating this list, so please get in touch if you can help, and in the meantime, check out the new website - feedback very welcome!
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion FREE, but let us know if you are coming so we know how many to expect!
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
20 May: Earthlings
24 June: Behind the Mask
22 July: Meat the Truth
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Workshops:
6th June, 11am-4pm: Peas vs Pills, St George’s Church. Shandwick Place
A one-day workshop about healing yourself and others through a better understanding of the human anatomy, physiology and nature’s laws.
Course Fees: £10 with a vegan lunch and snacks included. More details available on request. Limited to 50 places so book now to avoid disappointment. Emails to bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
The workshop will be conducted by Dr Nandita Shah, a homeopath for the last 25 years. She is presently on tour in Europe, spreading awareness on how people can take responsibility for their own health through simple lifestyle changes.
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
9 May: Perth, In front of City Hall, 12noon
13 June: Stirling, outside the Thistle Centre, near Argos, 12noon
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane, 11am

Stalls & Demos, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
16 May: Stall: Boycott Procter and Gamble, 12 noon, Registry House
23 May: Stall: Anti-vivisection 12 noon, Registry House
13 June: Leith Festival Gala day Stall: 10am-4pm
20 June: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
5th June 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Compassionate Living Fayre Summer'09
25th July 10.30am-5.30pm Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge Edinburgh EH1 1EL
More details soon! All enquiries to fayre09@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

The Canadian seal hunt – while Canada's largest markets for seal products -Russia and China are outside the EU, the ban brings the goal of ending cruel commercial seal hunts in Canada and elsewhere even closer.
There’s still more to be done though - for the first time in history, a Canadian senator has proposed a bill to ban the hunt - and now we need to gather as much support for Senator Harb's bill as possible. Please contact the Canadian High Commission today, and demand that they support Senator Harb's bill to ban the seal hunt. Quick eaction here http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=15&ea.campaign.id=2765
-------------------------

Animals in Labs - While the seal products have been banned in the EU – unfortunately animals in labs did not get the same protection from the European Parliament. European Union lawmakers watered down proposals to protect animals used in scientific procedures.
One of the worst amendments adopted is the failure to ensure that all experiments must be authorized by a national authority. MEPs have decided that only experiments causing moderate or severe pain, or use of primates, should require authorisation. This means that 4.6 million experiments would take place in Europe each year without public scrutiny, accountability, or prior authorisation.
The Commission's proposal for a 7-year phase-out of the use of primates born of wild-caught parents has also been delayed indefinitely. The European Commission will now consider these amendments before they move the Council of Ministers.
-------------------------

The Scottish Government announced its new Marine Bill last week. The Bill includes measures to better protect seals, and makes it an offence for anyone to kill, injure or take a live seal, except for humane purposes or under license. More here http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/s3/bills/25-MarineScot/index.htm
-------------------------

In China dog meat is completely legal. Each year sixteen million dogs are killed in government sanctioned slaughter houses, but the actual number is much greater, as dogs are killed daily in restaurants and private homes throughout China. Writing to Chinese Embassies, throughout the world to protest this egregious cruelty is helpful, as they are concerned with the global image of China as it relates directly to profit. The following is a list of Chinese Embassies throughout the world: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/asia.htm
-------------------------

10,000 hens need rehoming from battery farm in Norfolk which is closing-down. If you would like a hen or two or know someone who would please contact littlehenrescue@googlemail.com. Any not rehomed by 28 June will be slaughtered.
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email unsubscribe@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

24th Apr

2009-04-24T04:29:00.001-07:00

Latest Update: 24th April, 2009
54 Manor Place, Edinburgh, EH3 7EH
Refreshed bi-monthly. Subscribe here www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

World Day for Laboratory Animals today - 381,134 animals were used in experiments in Scotland in 2007. 92% of new drugs successful in animal studies go on to fail in clinical trials - and we don’t want mascara tested on rabbits. Yet, mice, rats, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, horses, sheep, pigs, birds, amphibians, fish, cars, dogs and primates - all 381,134 of them – were shocked, infected, burned, poisoned, shot and surgically mutilated.

No more! London tomorrow sees the biggest march against vivisection in 25 years. The EU Directive governing animal research is being currently updated – unfortunately, the Agricultural parliamentary committee has already produced proposals that would weaken the protection to animals in laboratories.

But there is still time - all MEPs are now (for the first time) going to vote on EU Directive 86/609 in early May, and your help is now needed to ensure that the next vote goes in the animals’ favour.

Get in touch with your MEP today!! Email them here http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=3157 and send them a letter (find out who your MEP is here http://www.europarl.org.uk/section/your-meps/your-meps and write to them at
Put MEP name here,
European Parliament, Palais de l'Europe, Strasbourg Cedex 67006, FRANCE

Its critical – your action is urgently needed! We’d be holding a stall tomorrow at Registry House to get more signatures and raise awareness so come along and make your voice heard.
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion FREE, but let us know if you are coming so we know how many to expect!
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
20 May: Earthlings
24 June: Behind the Mask
22 July: Meat the Truth
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Workshops:
6th June, 11am-4pm: Peas vs Pills, St George’s Church. Shandwick Place
A one-day workshop about healing yourself and others through a better understanding of the human anatomy, physiology and nature’s laws.
Course Fees: £10 with a vegan lunch and snacks included. More details available on request. Limited to 50 places so book now to avoid disappointment. Emails to bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
The workshop will be conducted by Dr Nandita Shah, a homeopath for the last 25 years. She is presently on tour in Europe, spreading awareness on how people can take responsibility for their own health through simple lifestyle changes.
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
9 May: Perth, In front of City Hall, 12noon
13 June: Stirling, outside the Thistle Centre, near Argos, 12noon
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane, 11am

Stalls & Demos, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
25 April: for World day of Action for Lab Animals: 12 noon, Registry House
2 May: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House
16 May: Stall: Boycott Procter and Gamble, 12 noon, Registry House
13 June: Leith Festival Gala day Stall: 10am-4pm
20 June: Stall: Anti-vivisection, 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
1st May 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Other Events (Scotland)
Ayrshire: 5th May, 11 am. Waterside Action group Fundraising Event
11am, Jamieson Park Newmilns. Email all@wag-ayrshire.org.uk for more details
-------------------------

We included a piece in our last newsletter about the – the ‘Red Squirrel Protection Unit’ – funded by DEFRA – who by their own admission do nothing for the red squirrels and simply and inhumanely kill the greys (http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/19/red-squirrels-protection) Angus MacMillian from Kill Hunting talks here about the nativeness of greys http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Uk/uk.environment.conservation/2009-03/msg00017.htm

Currently Kill Hunting are looking for photographic evidence that grey squirrels are not rendered unconscious with the first blow of a blunt instrument when they are chased into their sack from a trap or if they are not killed outright by an air gun pellet within the trap. Any firm evidence will allow the SSPCA to submit a report to the Procurator Fiscal. If you can help with evidence gathering, them get in touch!
-------------------------

Help Ban Canadian Seal Fur Imports: The Canadian Seal hunt has now begun - the largest slaughter of marine mammals on the planet. The European Union will consider banning its trade in seal products in a few weeks, but the fishing industry and the Canadian government are lobbying furiously to fight the ban (http://planetark.org/wen/52327). Its critical to write to MEP's asking them to vote for a ban. Take online action here http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=2991
-------------------------

Our friends at Grampian Animal Rights Advocates have a new website – and plans for exciting events coming up soon. See http://www.grampianara.org Get active for animals in and around Aberdeen! Email them at grampianara@live.co.uk
-------------------------

Animal cruelty in Scotland is appalling. Every week we come across dozens of reports of these brutal crimes.
Puppy chained, weighted and drowned in Ross-shire (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/highlands_and_islands/8008545.stm)
Cat shot in Angus (http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5gyEaaetCPa4-9jSeGLsSJPVe6_MQ)
Rabbit starved to death in Stirling (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/tayside_and_central/8010769.stm)

The animals need YOUR help. See http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php and get active. Do something, do anything.
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email mailto:varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

9th Apr

2009-04-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

Newsletter is a day early for Easter holiday - while we are all looking forward to the long Easter weekend, there’s no celebration for the animals – see http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=41477&lang=en. We are off to Galashiels with vegan chocolate eggs and goodies this Saturday to celebrate a compassionate and cruelty-free Easter! We’d be visiting other cities over the next few months so hope you’d come along and join us (more details below). Easter is a celebration of spring and a perfect time to try new things – like this lovely traditional Easter dinner which is 100% cholesterol free http://www.vegcooking.com/easter05.asp and here’s another cheeky chocolate Easter treat for you http://www.veganfamily.co.uk/easter.html Happy Easter!

Speaking of healthy eating, Dr. Nandita Shah is visiting Edinburgh (6th June) to deliver her celebrated Peas vs. Pills holistic health workshop. Learn how you can prevent and cure many illnesses, including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, digestive problems, menstrual and menopausal problems, joint pain, backaches and more by understanding what your body is telling you and responding accordingly. Places are limited to 50 and are being snapped up so book now (more details below). Emails to bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Finally, our film series kicks off on the 22nd April. Marking the World Week for Animals in Laboratories we will be screening short films about the unscientific, unreliable and unethical practice of vivisection. 7pm at ACE, other dates in the diary. We are also holding a vigil for all the suffering animals for the World Day of Action – meet at Registry House, 25th April, 12 noon.
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion FREE, but let us know if you are coming so we know how many to expect!
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
22 April: Anti Vivisection short films
20 May: Earthlings
24 June: Behind the Mask
22 July: Meat the Truth
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Workshops:
6th June, 11am-4pm: Peas vs Pills, St George’s Church. Shandwick Place
A one-day workshop about healing yourself and others through a better understanding of the human anatomy, physiology and nature’s laws.
Course Fees: £10 with a vegan lunch and snacks included. More details available on request. Limited to 50 places so book now to avoid disappointment. Emails to bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
The workshop will be conducted by Dr Nandita Shah, a homeopath for the last 25 years. She is presently on tour in Europe, spreading awareness on how people can take responsibility for their own health through simple lifestyle changes.
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
11 April: Galashiels, Green Street, next to Tesco, 12noon
9 May: Perth, In front of City Hall, 12noon
13 June: Stirling, outside the Thistle Centre, near Argos, 12noon
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane, 11am

Stalls & Demos, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
18 April: Stall: 12 noon, Castle Street/Princes Street
25 April: Demo for World day of Action for Lab Animals: 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
1st May 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.
-------------------------

URGENT ACTIONS: Help Ban Canadian Seal Fur Imports: The Canadian Seal hunt has now begun - the largest slaughter of marine mammals on the planet. The European Union will consider banning its trade in seal products in a few weeks, but the fishing industry and the Canadian government are lobbying furiously to fight the ban (http://planetark.org/wen/52327). Its critical to write to MEP's asking them to vote for a ban. Take online action here http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=2991

Urge the EU to Help Millions of Animals in Laboratories: UPDATED: Thanks to all who wrote to the Members of the Agriculture Committee in time for the vote on the 31st March. Unfortunately, they voted out measures that would have afforded greater protection to animals in laboratories. All MEPs are now (for the first time) going to vote on EU Directive 86/609 in early May, and your help is now needed to ensure that the next vote goes in the animals’ favour. Write to your MEP today http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=3157
-------------------------

In our last newsletter, we included the article on Grey Squirrels and their nativeness written by Angus Macmillan from Kill Hunting (http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Uk/uk.environment.conservation/2009-03/msg00017.html) A reader brought another news story to our attention – the ‘Red Squirrel Protection Unit’ – funded by DEFRA, by their own admission do nothing for the red squirrels and simply and inhumanely kill the greys. At BunnyHuggers, we strongly believe that protecting and conserving a species cannot be at the expense of a life or suffering of any individual animal. See http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/oct/19/red-squirrels-protection
-------------------------
NatureWatch is now conducting a letter campaign to Chinese Government officials protesting unspeakable cruelty to domestic animals: The following is from a recent NatureWatch alert: ‘The vile and sickening torture of cats and dogs for human consumption in China is beyond belief. I won't go into any detail of how the animals are tortured in this email as it is far too gruesome, however you will find information on our website: http://www.naturewatch.eu/youtube-videos The barbarity is so extreme, thousands of ill-fated cats and dogs take their last breath while enduring the most hellish suffering.’- If you want to add your voice to the protest you can contact the Chinese Embassy in your country from the following list: http://www.travelchinaguide.com/embassy/asia.htm
-------------------------

Did you watch the seal campaign on BBC1 last Sunday (Country File)? 5000 seals are shot in Scotland each year by salmon farming and angling interests. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7981598.stm . If you missed it on BBC1, here it is again http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00jtc38/Countryfile_05_04_2009/
MSP Robin Harper has tabled a motion for protecting seals. See http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/business/businessBulletin/bb-09/bb-01-07f.htm Please contact your MSP and ask them to support this motion http://www.writetothem.com/ More actions to take available here http://www.sealaction.org/campaigns/scotland
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

Hope you have a Happy Easter in the sunshine,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email varda.mehrotra+unsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

27th Mar

2009-04-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

This week, we bring urgent e-actions – get political for animals! Right now the European Parliament is debating two critical pieces of legislation – a ban on the trade in seal products and regulations governing animal experiments. Please act now – see http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=2991 and http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.campaign.id=2659&c=peta_Europe_enews (more info below)

We participated in Animal Aid’s Meat free month last weekend handing free ‘vegan’ meat to the public. We had an excellent response – in case you missed it there are still some copies of Animal Aid’s new booklet left – “Feed four for under a fiver” with fantastic recipes (which we’ve all been busy trying!) in case you want them.

We’ve got 3 very exciting event series coming up. Firstly, we are organizing a film series in Edinburgh and have confirmed dates, times and venues – put them in your diary now! Secondly, Ranting Rabbit is going for tour around Scotland. We are going to Galashiels, Perth, Stirling and St Andrews (dates and places in the diary below). Pop over to say hello! We'd like to visit more places in the coming months so if you could help us organise one in your area then please get in touch.

Finally, Dr. Nandita Shah is visiting Edinburgh (6th June) to deliver her celebrated Peas vs. Pills workshop. Learn how you can prevent and cure many illnesses, including obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, digestive problems, menstrual and menopausal problems, joint pain, backaches and more by understanding what your body is telling you and responding accordingly. We are limited to 50 places, so book now (more details below).
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Animal Rights Films Series followed by talk and discussion FREE, but let us know if you are coming so we know how many to expect!
7-10pm, Autonomous Center Edinburgh
22 April: Anti Vivisection short films
20 May: Earthlings
24 June: Behind the Mask
22 July: Meat the Truth
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Workshops:
6th June, 11am-4pm: Peas vs Pills, St George’s Church. Shandwick Place
A one-day workshop about healing yourself and others through a better understanding of the human anatomy, physiology and nature’s laws.
Course Fees: £10 with a vegan lunch and snacks included. More details available on request. Limited to 50 places so book now to avoid disappointment. Emails to bookings@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
The workshop will be conducted by Dr Nandita Shah, a homeopath for the last 25 years. She is presently on tour in Europe, spreading awareness on how people can take responsibility for their own health through simple lifestyle changes.
If you can help put posters up and distribute flyers in your local area, let us know and we'd send some out to you.

Ranting Rabbit Scotland tour:
11 April: Galashiels, Green Street, next to Tesco
9 May: Perth, In front of City Hall
13 June: Stirling, outside the Thistle Centre, near Argos
4 July: St Andrews, Logie’s Lane

Stalls & Demos, Edinburgh (weather-dependent, text 0792 088 8769 for confirmation):
Please spare a couple of hours to help man a stall and get active for animals!
28 Mar: Stall: 12noon, Castle Street/Princes Street
4 April: Stall: 12noon, Castle Street/Princes Street
18 April: Stall: 12 noon, Castle Street/Princes Street
25 April: Demo for World day of Action for Lab Animals: 12 noon, Registry House

Next Meeting:
3rd April 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.
-------------------------

URGENT ACTIONS: Help Ban Canadian Seal Fur Imports: The Canadian Seal hunt officially started on Monday and the Canadian Government will allow commercial sealers to slaughter 280,000 seals this year. The European Union will consider banning its trade in seal products in a few weeks, but the fishing industry and the Canadian government are lobbying furiously to fight the ban. Its critical to write to MEP's asking them to vote for a ban. Take online action here http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=5&ea.campaign.id=2991

Urge the EU to Help Millions of Animals in Laboratories: Your help is needed right now. Please contact your MEP about a new directive that could help millions of animals suffering in laboratories across Europe. Take action today. http://action.peta.org.uk/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.campaign.id=2659&c=peta_Europe_enews
-------------------------

Toad Patrol: Historic Scotland's ranger service is looking for volunteers of all ages to join its annual Holyrood Park 'toad patrol'. Every year the rangers keep a sharp lookout for the start of the spawning season when toads make their journey down to Dunsapie Loch. Meeting time is 8.30am this Sunday (29 Mar) at the gates to the High Road (nr St Margaret's Loch). Afterwards from 10am to 2pm there's a variety of activities at their education centre for all the family and you can get a cup of tea etc! Need to wear warm, sensible clothing/footwear and bring a pair of rubber gloves. For information, phone the ranger service on 0131-652 8150.
-------------------------

Animal cruelty in Scotland: Figures released by the SPCA last week show emergency calls from members of the public to the charity's Animal Helpline leapt by 20 per cent in 2008, with 126,000 calls received – 345 a day. Recently - a dog was hit twice on the head with a blunt object and an attempt had been made to cut its throat in the Borders (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/south_of_scotland/7959377.stm) and another dead dog found tied to a fence post in Tayside (http://serbiananimalsvoice.wordpress.com/2009/03/21/uk-scotland-dead-dog-found-tied-to-fence-post-information-required-by-rspca-and-police/)

Animals need your help! Get active now! See actions, demos and events here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
-------------------------

A very informative article on Grey Squirrels and their nativeness written by Angus Macmillan from Kill Hunting. See http://newsgroups.derkeiler.com/Archive/Uk/uk.environment.conservation/2009-03/msg00017.html
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email varda.mehrotra+unsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

13th Mar

2009-03-13T04:22:00.000-07:00

Most importantly this week, a HUGE thanks to Gin Goblins, and Nanobots, Norman Gold and Silver and Plastic Adults. A fantastic gig on the 28th Feb - excellent music (as always) and lots of fun!

Lots more activities coming up. We are organizing an Animal Rights Film series 'The Big Picture', and will be screening films like Earthlings, Meat the Truth, etc over the next few months. Venues and dates tbc, we hope to have the programme out to you soon.

We are also planning to take our Ranting Rabbit on a road trip – raising awareness in different parts of Scotland. If you can help organize one in your area, please get in touch. We’ve got Perth (9th May) and St Andrews (4th July) confirmed so far. More to come!

So whilst our diary looks rather empty, its mainly because we are sorting out dates and venues. Take a look on the website in a few days when we should have them sorted.

A final appeal for an IT volunteer. We are thinking of revamping our websites and also making more online tools available for campaigning for animal rights. If you can help, we’d love to hear from you! Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------
Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

14th Mar, 09 12noon outside Registry House
International Day of Action Against the Canadian Seal Hunt

15th Mar, 09 Drummonds on Belmont Street Aberdeen. Doors at 7pm. Entry £4
Benefit gig for Willows Animal Sanctuary.

21st Mar, 09 12noon Outside Lush on Princes Street
Distributing Animal Aid’s new ‘Meat-Free! Feed four for under a fiver’ recipe booklet and free food samples as a part of Animal Aid’s Meat Free month

From 28th March (weather dependent) (12noon onwards)
Information Stalls (anti-fur and anti-vivisection). Email for location.

3rd April 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.
-------------------------

On 2nd March, a critical vote will occur in the European Parliament, in the Internal Markets and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO). IMCO will decide what amendments should be made to the proposal to prohibit seal product trade, and it is IMCO’s Opinion that will be voted on by all MEPs weeks from now. Please let your MEPs know that you support an unconditional prohibition on seal product trade, and that you will not accept anything less. Please sign here http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=105&ea.campaign.id=2689&ea.param.extras=urltracker:HSUSIMCOemail

Also, just with one click on this link, you can send a message to the entire EU Parliament responsible for this crucial decision. Let them know you expect a full ban and nothing less. http://www.antifursocietyinternational.org/seals/sealemail.html
-------------------------

An extremely rare white deer discovered in the Scottish lowlands has become subject of a bidding war between hunters wanting to kill it. A motion has now been put forward in the parliament to stop this. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/south_of_scotland/7938222.stm Please write to your MSP and ask them to support the motion. http://www.writetothem.com
-------------------------

February 2009: An undercover investigation by The Humane Society of the United States reveals psychological suffering of primates in research laboratories. Watch the video here http://video.hsus.org/index.jsp?fr_story=478975d8a33d5737fb8cb89030361b7fda24a9d9
-------------------------

We are also looking for school speakers. We feel its important to make information available to students so they can make informed choices towards a more healthier and ethical lifestyle. To start with, we’d be doing one school talk a month, and if you can help at all please get in touch. Training, materials etc all will be provided. info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

We are now on Facebook - join us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=55916184153) and Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/bunnyhuggers).
-------------------------

To finish off on a positive note, some good news from Edinburgh Zoo last week. Mercedes, the Canadian polar bear is being moved to a 1.6-hectare home at a wilderness park in northern Scotland. See full story here http://www.ottawacitizen.com/Travel/Britain+famous+Canadian+polar+bear+gets+digs/1342422/story.html -------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email mailto:varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

27th Feb

2009-02-27T02:54:00.000-08:00

In case you missed our giant sporran – we’d post the pictures up soon. It was a good demo - lots of awareness raised, leaflets handed out and we enjoyed it - a good way to spend your Saturday afternoon - for the animals.

Up next we have more demos and stalls coming up (see diary below) – most importantly the day of action against the brutal Canadian Seal hunt (15th March). Semi-dress sporrans are often made of seal skin and it’s important to make a big impact on the day. If you are available for a couple of hours, please come along and lend your voice to the hundereds and thousands of seals clubbed to death.

Benefit gig at 8pm tomorrow at The Ark - Gin Goblins, Nanobots, Plastic Adults, Norman Silver & The Gold – all for just a fiver! Promises to be a fun night-out, see you there!

Finally, thanks to all who responded to our appeal and sent letters and emails to kilt makers. Please keep the pressure on. Letters to Gold Brothers (107 South Brigde, EH1 1HN) or emails to the Pride of Scotland (http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/emailpos.php) asking them to go fur-free.
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

28th Feb, 09 8pm-1am, The Ark Waterloo Place
Benefit Gig: Gin Goblins, Nanobots, Plastic Adults, Norman Silver & The Gold
Download Poster here (http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/benefitgigweb.gif) and one more suitable for printing here (http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/benefitgigposter.jpg)

6th March 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

From 7th March (weather dependent) @ the East End of Princes Street (12noon onwards)
Information Stalls (anti-fur and anti-vivisection)

15th Mar, 09 12noon outside Registry House
International Day of Action Against the Canadian Seal Hunt

15th Mar, 09 Drummonds on Belmont Street Aberdeen. Doors at 7pm. Entry £4
Benefit gig for Willows Animal Sanctuary.

21st Mar, 09 12noon Outside Lush on Princes Street
Distributing Animal Aid’s new ‘Meat-Free! Feed four for under a fiver’ recipe booklet and free food samples as a part of Animal Aid’s Meat Free month
-------------------------

On 2nd March, a critical vote will occur in the European Parliament, in the Internal Markets and Consumer Protection Committee (IMCO). IMCO will decide what amendments should be made to the proposal to prohibit seal product trade, and it is IMCO’s Opinion that will be voted on by all MEPs weeks from now. Please let your MEPs know that you support an unconditional prohibition on seal product trade, and that you will not accept anything less. Please sign here http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=105&ea.campaign.id=2689&ea.param.extras=urltracker:HSUSIMCOemail
-------------------------

Action Alert from Animal Concern Advice Line: South Ayrshire Council plans to close a Pets Corner in a park in Ayr. If you live in South Ayrshire please contact your Councillor and ask that s/he takes action to ensure no healthy animals are killed because of this cost-cutting exercise. If you do not live in South Ayrshire please contact the main Council offices at cst@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Please also ask for a reply to tell you what they are going to do with the animals.
More details here http://news.scotsman.com/latestnews/Pets39-Corner-becomes-death-row.5003381.jp
-------------------------

Action Alert from Scottish Vegans: A petition to the Local Education Authorities in Scotland to reduce or remove the amount of all meat – including white meat – from local (Scottish) school meals, and to consider alternative protein sources instead. Please sign here http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/25600.html
-------------------------

An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits, with the aim of incorporating them into future strategies for a world without hunger. More here http://un.evana.org/
-------------------------

The former Kepak abattoir in Burnfoot, Hawick, is to be demolished to allow the site to be redeveloped. Work has already started and is expected to be completed within the next few weeks. http://news.stv.tv/scotland/77427-hawick-abattoir-to-be-demolished/
-------------------------

A crewman on one of Scotland's biggest trawlers clubbed 21 grey seal pups to death on a remote Shetland island. More here http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/north_east/7908185.stm
-------------------------

Finally, some good news on the campaign to end dog meat consumption. The good news comes from the Phillipines, where on January 27, 2009, SIRIUS ( http://sirius.2kat.net/), an organization dedicated to ending dogmeat consumption in East Asia, with help from the Animal Kingdom Foundation infiltrated an illegal dog meat trade ring. A sting operation was carried out which resulted in the arrest of the dogmeat traders and the liberation of 15 dogs on their way to slaughter: In the words of Elly Maynard, founder of SIRIUS: The operation was a huge success though fraught with danger for the Animal Kingdom undercover operative who had made contact with an illegal dog meat trader. The link to the report which screened on New Zealand national television is http://www.3news.co.nz/News/NZ-animal-welfare-campaigner-Dogs-not-for-human-consumption/tabid/417/articleID/89967/cat/61/Default.aspx
-------------------------

We’ve got another school talk scheduled to take place next week in Haddington. Thanks to the Bunny Huggers who raise awareness and make facts accessible and available to students. If you’d like to participate, please get in touch – info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email mailto:varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

13th Feb

2009-02-13T03:25:00.000-08:00

We’ve been experiencing IT problems recently – apologies if you didn’t hear from us and wondered whatever happened. Back again now, with busy months up ahead. To start, our giant sporran will be hitting the streets tomorrow on Valentines Day. Assemble at 12 noon outside Registry House – come along and show your support! If you cant make it, please write a letter to Gold Brothers (107 South Brigde, EH1 1HN) or send an email to the Pride of Scotland (http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/emailpos.php) asking them to go fur-free.

A very special thanks to Gin Goblins for the Benefit Gig on the 28th – an impressive line-up and it promises to be a good night out. More details in the Diary section below look forward to seeing you there!

We’re also looking for volunteers to do some research and if you have a couple of hours to spare then get in touch. Email mailot:info@bunnyuggers.org.uk.

-------------------------
Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

14th Feb, 09 12 noon outside Registry House
'Honey, Dont Wear a Bunny', Anti-Fur on Valentines Day 2009
In various costumes, accompanied by a giant sporran - protesting against kilt-makers selling real-fur sporrans

28th Feb, 09 8pm-11am, The Ark Waterloo Place
Benefit Gig: Gin Goblins, Nanobots, Plastic Adults, Norman Silver & The Gold
Download Poster here (http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/benefitgigweb.gif) and one more suitable for printing here (http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/benefitgigposter.jpg)

6th March 7pm Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA.
Cruelty-Free Drinks and monthly Bunny Huggers meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

From 7th March (weather dependent) @ the East End of Princes Street (12noon onwards)
Information Stalls (anti-fur and anti-vivisection)

15th Mar, 09 12noon outside Registry House
International Day of Action Against the Canadian Seal Hunt
------------------------

Animal Defenders International have just published a report and film exposing every aspect of the vivisection primate trade across three continents including sending a worker undercover inside Huntingdon Life Sciences. They have revealed primates being torn from the wild and placed into tiny prisons in Vietnam, to then endure a thirty hour journey in a restrictive cage arriving at Huntingdon Life Sciences in the dead of night to undergo horrific experiments. To view the ADI report and view the video footage shot inside HLS, visit http://www.savetheprimates.com/primateban/news/
-------------------------

An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits, with the aim of incorporating them into future strategies for a world without hunger. Sign here http://un.evana.org/
-------------------------

Action Alert from Animal Concern: Please contact your Westminster MP and ask her or him to sign Early Day Motion 678 Protection for Seals (details here http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=37729&SESSION=899). If you do not have your MPs e-mail address you can contact them via: http://www.writetothem.com/?keyword=mep&creativeid=494396379&gclid=CL3R2-TVyIgCFQJuGgoddDjlzg For your message you could just say something like: ‘I’d be grateful if you would consider signing EDM 678 - PROTECTION FOR SEALS. If you need more information on why I would like you to sign this please get back to me.’
-------------------------

Every year, the fur of millions of cats and dogs in China and other parts of Asia is made into garments and exported for sale in other countries. An EU ban on the import, export, and trade of cat and dog fur, which became effective on January 1, will ensure that EU citizens are not unknowingly contributing to this gruesome and cruel practice
-------------------------

Thousands of cats are sold to Guangdong restaurants. Most of these cats come from cat nabbers throughout China. The cat victims of this gruesome industry are often skinned while alive and thrown into boiling water, sometimes while still conscious, to make a tonic soup. Transporitng cats to Quandong, the cat/dog kill capital of China, is an ongoing event that occurs daily and results in the deaths of millions of viciously slain cats at the hands of sadistic butchers. Write here to complain webmaster@gdfao.gov.cn
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email mailto:varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

19tth Dec

2008-12-19T02:07:00.000-08:00

We are approaching the end of what has been a great year. Our Compassionate Living Fayre'08 welcomed nearly 400 people and was a fantastic success. The anti-fur campaign saw Marina Rinaldi taking fur off its shelves and restless pressure against real-fur sporrans continues. After months of campaigning as a part of the international coalition, we celebrated the release of the Austrian activists. And lots of debates and discussions, school talks, education and outreach events and supporting the work of other animal rights organisations. We've been busy!

None of this would have been possible without the fantastic Bunny Huggers team - Chris, LucyW, Jenny, Lucy, Laura, David, Vanessa, Geoff, Andy and Johnny. Also thanks to EVANA, 1World Scotland, Greyhound Action Scotland and Advocates for Animals - who helped us find our feet and gave us their invaluable support. And all of you wonderful Bunny Huggers!

But we dont claim to know 'what works' - its been a learning curve and in the New Year, we hope to build on our successes and drop things that werent as effective. Looking forward to more school talks, events like the fayre, high-profile demos, taking animal rights to other areas of Scotland and lots more new activities – we look forward to making 2009 an even better year for the animals, and recognising their rights.

Our next newsletter will return on the 16th Jan, hope you have a lovely festive break with friends and and family.
-------------------------

Free X-mas e-Cards! This Christmas, reduce your carbon footprint and support Animal Rights!

See http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/gcards/composeCard.php
-------------------------

Stop the Inchmarnock Fish Farm campaign (STIFF) have a new action. Please object to the proposed new salmon farm off Inchmarnock, Isle of Bute. Emails to DPEA@scotland.gsi.gov.uk, and the reference number to be quoted is IQC/35/24. More info here http://stiffaction.wordpress.com/
-------------------------

An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits, with the aim of incorporating them into future strategies for a world without hunger. Sign here http://un.evana.org/
-------------------------

Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary in Aberdeenshire stand to lose 20 acres and the road because of the plans to build the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route with a dual carriageway running through their land. There is strong public opinion that the road is not necessary or in the wrong place and a Public Inquiry is being held at the moment. Sign the petition to achieve a significant adjustment to the proposed course of the AWPR, so that it would no longer threaten the valuable work of Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary. http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22833.html
-------------------------

Harbour seals' decline 'alarming': Harbour seals, or common seals, are familiar faces along coastlines across the northern hemisphere. But they are now vanishing in the UK at an alarming rate, warn scientists from St Andrews University. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7760521.stm
-------------------------

Korea is at the forefront, as it will soon be one of the first nations to fully legalize dogmeat. Recent legislation meant to achieve this gruesome goal places dog farms under the Livestock Act and attempts to define certain breeds of dogs as pets and others as 'meat' dogs. A dog is a dog and no animal should be subjected to the vicious abuse which is part Korea's dog meat culture http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/08/117_29358.html Address your concerns to Mayor of Seoul Mr Oh Se-hoon ohsehoon@seoul.go.kr and Korean President Mr Lee Myung-bak webmaster@president.go.kr
-------------------------

Both the United States and the EU have banned the import of items containing dog/cat fur. This has not deterred the Chinese in the least from exporting these items. The Humane Society of the United States is filing a law suit against several American retailers who have been selling deceptively labeled dog/cat fur from China: http://www.hsus.org/furfree/news/lawsuit_retailers_designers_fur_labels_112408.html
If you are concerned about an item you have purchased, imported from China, which was labeled as fake fur, see this guide on how to identify the real thing: http://www.hsus.org/web-files/PDF/fur/field-guide-on-real-vs-fake-fur-final.pdf
-------------------------

It is a little known and well-concealed fact that dog meat consumption is legal in China. The number of dogs killed in this trade is 15 million/year in official slaughter houses. The actual number is much greater as much of the killing is also done in backyards and in front of restaurants. A story in the Beijing Daily on 29 March 2005 indicates that the Beijing authorities had issued certificates for dog meat-hygiene and slaughtering to butchers and slaughter houses, thus legalizing the slaughtering of dogs for meat in China. http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?UID=98S9VMFR91X
-------------------------

Finally, to finish off, some good news from 1World Scotland - the Pig-Nosed Turtle at El Barrio's has been rehomed and is now in a sanctuary. Please contact El Barrio's and congratulate them for doing the right thing info@elbarrio.co.uk
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email mailto:varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

21st Nov

2008-11-21T02:29:00.000-08:00

We’ve finally had a chance to catch our breath – and a lot to report! In case you missed it, the Compassionate Living Fayre’08 was a fantastic success! Over 360 people came through the doors, and we have had great feedback. Our thanks to all our sponsors and benefactors – and all the Bunny Huggers who made such an excellent event possible. See pictures of the fayre here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/pictures/fayre08/

The Clown Army Training – held on the 15th November – was very useful as well. Lots to learn and a lot of fun! Thanks again to the Glasgow Clown Army for coming through and teaching us valuable skills for campaigning.

We have also launched our Christmas e-cards – free to use (but donations welcome), you can replace your paper cards, reduce your environmental impact and support animal rights. See http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/gcards/composeCard.php

Last, but not the very least, we have an ‘open planning day’ organized on the 29th November (from 1pm) – all welcome to attend. Its more appropriate to call it a social meetup than a planning day though! The idea is to really think out of the box, without agends and plans and approach the problems and solutions from different perspectives. Come along – the more the merrier. Light lunch, beers and animal rights - sounds like an ideal Saturday afternoon. To attend send an email to info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk and we’ll send you the details. See you there! -------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

24th November, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
4th Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

29th November, 08: from 1pm. : Social meet-up/Open Planning Day
Putting ideas in the pot: Bunny Huggers and the way forward
Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

5th December, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Every Saturday
Demo: Assemble from 12.30-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

Other events/dates of interest: 26th Nov, Plane Stupid Meeting, 7pm at Davidson's Main Parish Church; 28th Nov, Fur Free Friday; 28th Nov, Buy Nothing Day; 29th,30thNov, Anti-Militarist gathering at the Pleasance
-------------------------

At least 34 birds of prey were poisoned in Scotland last year – and it's the tip of the iceberg. Victims include a golden eagle and 12 red kites. More here http://www.scotsman.com/latestnews/34-birds-of-prey-were.4702858.jp
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On November 13, 2008 French customs seized 4,034 jackets and coats made in China, made in part with the skins of dogs and cats. A subsequent investigation discovered 3,334 additional jackets from China, with labels indicating they were 'faux fur', while in fact they were trimmed with cat and dog fur. http://www.chine-informations.com/actualite/chine-france-fourrures-de-chiens-et-de-chats-made-in-china-saisies_11613.html
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We’ve set up a yahoo group for those who want to take an active part in the behind the scenes planning and organizing for Bunny Huggers activities and events. If you are interested in helping out, sign up here http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bunny_huggers/
-------------------------

Burgess Supeadog have launched a competition - and the dog with the most votes will win the title of Supadog Rescue Dog of the Year and also receive a tailor-made dog coat! One of the dogs - Merlin - was one of Grehound Action Scotland's greyhounds brought over from Northern Ireland in 2005. He had quite a bad time of it there - as most racing greyhounds in Northern Ireland do. Merlin landed firmly on his feet and has been happily living the life of luxury in his home in Leeds! Please vote for him - he's a very special brave boy! http://www.burgesspetcare.co.uk/dogs/index.php?page=tales_competition
-------------------------

An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits, with the aim of incorporating them into future strategies for a world without hunger. Sign here http://un.evana.org
-------------------------

Contact your MP to ask them to sign EDM 1215 concerning the testing of household products on animals- the symbols tell you whether they've signed already. http://www.buav.org/lobby/mpsearch.php
-------------------------

Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary in Aberdeenshire stand to lose 20 acres and the road because of the plans to build the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route with a dual carriageway running through their land. There is strong public opinion that the road is not necessary or in the wrong place and a Public Inquiry is being held at the moment. Sign the petition to achieve a significant adjustment to the proposed course of the AWPR, so that it would no longer threaten the valuable work of Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary. http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22833.html
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Campaign to stop Glenrath farms, 1World Scotland: A planning committee meeting has decided to postpone a decision due to the amount of objections received and public feeling against the proposal. A further meeting of the Council is being scheduled for a later date. A final push is now needed to convince the Council that Glenrath Farms Ltd.'s application shouldn't be granted. Send a quick email using this form here See http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/emailglen.php
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

7th Nov

2008-11-07T04:28:00.000-08:00

The Compassionate Living Fayre’08 – tomorrow, 8th November! Everyone here very busy so a quick newsletter this time. We’d have loads to report next time!

The Fayre is from 10.30am-5.30pm, at the St. Augustines Church, on George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. Come and celebrate a year of recognizing the rights of animals and see how easy it is to live a compassionate and cruelty-free life. Stalls from PETA, Animal Aid, Warrior Woods, Plane Stupid, Lush, Scottish Vegans, Kill Hunting, Greyhound Action Scotland, 1 World Scotland, One World Shop, and many more! Also pick up your free copy of the Compassionate Living Guide we are launching tomorrow - along with the free cruelty-free pack.

A full programme of talks available here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php. There will be lots of stalls, free vegan goodies, talks, films, activities for children and shopping – buy your ‘compassionate’ Christmas presents tomorrow and sign the Bunny Huggers birthday card – see you there!
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

7th November, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

8th November, 08: 10.30am-5.30pm: Compassionate Living Fayre
Augustine Church – George IV Bridge
More here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php

15th November, 08: 10am-5pm: Training by the Clown Army
The Forest, Bristo Place
Places are free, but booking essential. Email info@bunnyhuggers.og.uk to book a place.

24th November, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
4th Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Free training for campaigners
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Demo: Assemble from 12.30-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

We’ve set up a yahoo group for those who want to take an active part in the behind the scenes planning and organizing for Bunny Huggers activities and events. If you are interested in helping out, sign up here http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bunny_huggers/
-------------------------

E- Action: contact your MP to ask them to sign EDM 1215 concerning the testing of household products on animals- the symbols tell you whether they've signed already. http://www.buav.org/lobby/mpsearch.php
-------------------------

Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary in Aberdeenshire stand to lose 20 acres and the road because of the plans to build the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route with a dual carriageway running through their land. There is strong public opinion that the road is not necessary or in the wrong place and a Public Inquiry is being held at the moment. Sign the petition to achieve a significant adjustment to the proposed course of the AWPR, so that it would no longer threaten the valuable work of Blaikiewell Animal Sanctuary. http://www.gopetition.co.uk/online/22833.html
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China has found a practical use for all the cats it kills in culls: 1500 cats, some with collars, were rounded up in a neighborhood in Shanghai, jammed into tiny bamboo cages and shipped to Guandong Province as raw material for catmeat and fur businesses. Please sign the following petition and let them know that you intend to boycott Chinese goods to protest this latest assault on decency: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/over-1500-cats-trapped-in-shanghai-and-surr
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email mailto:varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

24th oct

2008-10-24T03:45:00.000-07:00

Next Friday is Bunny Huggers first anniversary - and on the 8th November we are celebrating with the Compassionate Living Fayre at St Augustine's Church, which offers free food sampling, stalls, speakers from PETA, Animal Aid, Plane Speaking and others, films, shopping, games and prizes and a whole lot of fun activities for children. We are looking for volunteers to help on the day with promotion outside, registration desk, clicker counter, product tastings etc! If you can help, drop us an email at fayre08@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
In any case, do pop over - look forward to seeing you there! More info and flyer here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php

On a separate note, we are recruiting members for the fund-raising and the events sub-groups, so if you are interested in either of those, get in touch. We are busy preparing for the fayre just now, but after then we'd be reorganising and planning ahead, and looking back at the lessons learnt from the past year. Its an exciting time to get involved. Emails to info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

24th October, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
3rd Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk Notes from the last meeting available here http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/BH_Discussion%20Grp_20aug.doc

30th October, 08: 8.30am: Vigil for CND outside the Scottish parliament
For a nuclear-free Scotland for humans and animals

7th November, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

8th November, 08: 10.30am-5.30pm: Compassionate Living Fayre
Augustine Church – George IV Bridge
More here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php

24th November, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
4th Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Free training for campaigners
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Demo: Assemble from 12.30-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

We’ve set up a yahoo group for those who want to take an active part in the behind the scenes planning and organizing for Bunny Huggers activities and events. If you are interested in helping out, sign up here http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bunny_huggers/
-------------------------

Compassionate Living Fayre on the 8th November at Augustine Church – George IV Bridge. There’s very little time left and plenty to do! Consider donating some time, money or resources – whatever you can spare! We are looking for donations for the raffle and the lucky dip, so if you have items to donate, please get in touch. info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk More info at http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php
-------------------------

Our campaign against Armani continues. Weekly protests, leafleting, letters and postcards and majority of the public against fur, but Armani on Multrees Walk, Edinburgh refuse to sign a fur-free policy. Undercover investigations of rabbit fur farms in China and France—two countries from which Armani has bought rabbit fur—revealed pitiful living conditions for rabbits, who are confined to tiny wire cages before they are slaughtered. See http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/armani_fur_investigation?c=weekly_enews. Write a letter to Armani, sample letter here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/letter.doc
-------------------------

E- Action: contact your MP to ask them to sign EDM 1215 concerning the testing of household products on animals- the symbols tell you whether they've signed already. http://www.buav.org/lobby/mpsearch.php
-------------------------

Currently, both the animal-using industry and some animal advocacy organizations are propagating the idea that it is possible to use and kill animals in a manner that can be fairly described as respectful or compassionate or humane. We believe that this 'Humane Myth' misrepresents the realities of animal use, and cultivates a positive image of activities that are neither just nor kind nor sustainable http://www.HumaneMyth.org
-------------------------

The Olympics are over. Even the few restaurants in the Olympic venue that banned dog meat have resumed selling this gruesome dish. Throughout China the killing of dogs for their flesh continues. Day after day, on street after street the terrible screams of dogs brutally slaughtered can be heard. Say no to this cruelty and boycott all Chinese goods. See http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/boycottchina
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Glasgow Restaurants offers for World Vegan Day, 1st Nov, 08: If everyone in the UK abstained from eating meat even for one day a week, this would save 13 megatons CO2 of greenhouse gas emissions. This would result in greater carbon savings than taking 5 million cars off the road in the UK (10.4 Mt CO2). It would be almost equivalent to replacing one billion light bulbs with low-energy ones. More here http://www.pr-inside.com/will-you-still-feed-me-when-i-m-64-says-glasgow-restaurant-owner-r876083.htm
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

10th Oct

2008-10-10T03:32:00.000-07:00

Bunny Huggers is going to be a year old over the next couple of weeks. We’ve come a long way – nearly a thousand supporters now, and lots of people taking an active part in animal rights.

We are organizing the Compassionate Living Fayre on the 8th November, to make ethical, vegan and compassionate living accessible and celebrate a year of campaigning! We’d have a giant birthday card for Bunny Huggers, so hopefully you’d come to sign and have some delicious free vegan cake. Free talks from organizations all over the UK and activities for children as well, so should be fun for all! More info and flyer here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php

On a separate note, Laura, who’s been with Bunny Huggers since the very beginning is moving on and going back to Uni. Huge thanks to her for her support over the last year and being at every demo and event - rain or shine! We wish her the very best, she’d be sorely missed!
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

21st October, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

24th October, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Topic: TBC
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
3rd Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk Notes from the last meeting available here http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/BH_Discussion%20Grp_20aug.doc

30th October, 08: 8.30am: Vigil for CND outside the Scottish parliament
For a nuclear-free Scotland for humans and animals

8th November, 08: 10.30am-5.30pm: Compassionate Living Fayre
Augustine Church – George IV Bridge
More here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php

Free training for campaigners
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

We’ve set up a yahoo group for those who want to take an active part in the behind the scenes planning and organizing for Bunny Huggers activities and events. If you are interested in helping out, sign up here http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bunny_huggers/
-------------------------

Compassionate Living Fayre on the 8th November at Augustine Church – George IV Bridge. There’s very little time left and plenty to do! Consider donating some time, money or resources – whatever you can spare! We are looking for donations for the raffle and the lucky dip, so if you have items to donate, please get in touch. info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk More info at http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/fayre08.php
--------------------------

Our campaign against Armani continues. Weekly protests, leafleting, letters and postcards and majority of the public against fur, but Armani on Multrees Walk, Edinburgh refuse to sign a fur-free policy. Undercover investigations of rabbit fur farms in China and France—two countries from which Armani has bought rabbit fur—revealed pitiful living conditions for rabbits, who are confined to tiny wire cages before they are slaughtered. See http://getactive.peta.org/campaign/armani_fur_investigation?c=weekly_enews. Write a letter to Armani, sample letter here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/letter.doc
-------------------------

Animal Rights, Human Rights and the Environment: More than one in three birds, half of amphibians and almost three-quarters of reef-building corals are at risk from climate change, a new study has revealed. See http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/main.jhtml?xml=/earth/2008/10/08/eaiucn108.xml
Veg*anism is the first step to stop climate change and world hunger. More here on an appeal to the UN to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits. See http://un.evana.org
-------------------------

Milk in a chocolate bar is the source of 60 percent of the bar's greenhouse gas emissions. Pegging 19 percent of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions as food-related—with meat and dairy contributing half of those—the report serves up more than the usual recommendations to shop locally and walk to the store. See http://www.motherjones.com/blue_marble_blog/archives/2008/10/10071_chocolate-and-alcohol-planet.html
-------------------------

Drinking water supplies are to be tested for the presence of prescription drugs amid fears that rivers are being contaminated by the growing quantity of pharmaceuticals flushed unwittingly down the drain. See http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/tests-for-drugs-in-tap-water-945268.html
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

26th Sep

2008-09-26T03:53:00.000-07:00

October is a fantastic month for going veg*an – 1st of October the World Vegetarian Day, the 4th of the October the World Animal Day and the entire month is the World Vegetarian Month.

Approximately 7% of the UK population now shuns meat, and approximately 5 thousand people go veggie every week (The Vegetarian Society, UK). Last year, the EVU created a fun quiz for testing your knowledge on the effects of meat-eating on climate change. See how well you do! http://www.euroveg.eu/lang/en/events/wvd/evuquiz2007.php

We’ve been running the petition launched by EVANA to UN FOOD VS FEED' for a couple of weeks, sign now if you haven’t already: An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits, with the aim of incorporating them into future strategies for a world without hunger. Sign here http://un.evana.org

-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

27th September, 08: Demo organized by Aberdeen Vegetarian and Vegan Society, 11.30am St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen.
Raising awareness of veg*nism - ethical, health and environmental. Transport not available though overnight accommodation can be organized if required. Email David at davmoff@gmail.com

29th September, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

3rd October, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

4th October, 08: from 12noon. World Farm Animal Day. Royal Concert Hall stairs top of Buchanan St. Glasgow
Contact oneworldscotland@hotmail.com for more info

21st October, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

24th October, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Topic: TBC
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
3rd Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk Notes from the last meeting available here http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/BH_Discussion%20Grp_20aug.doc

30th October, 08: 8.30am: Vigil for CND outside the Scottish parliament
For a nuclear-free Scotland for humans and animals

Stalls and events during fairs
Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info
2nd Oct: Volunteer Center Edinburgh (From 11am, Assembly Rooms)

Free training for campaigners
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

We’ve set up a yahoo group for those who want to take an active part in the behind the scenes planning and organizing for Bunny Huggers activities and events. If you are interested in helping out, sign up here http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bunny_huggers/
-------------------------

We’re planning to do a Cruelty-free fayre on the 8th November at Augustine Church – George IV Bridge. There’s very little time left and plenty to do! Consider donating some time, money or resources – whatever you can spare! From leafleting before the event to cooking on the day, there’s lots to be done. We need your help, contact info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

The British poultry industry is introducing slower growing breeds of chickens in response to consumers' demands for more welfare-friendly farming. More here http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2008/sep/20/fooddrinks.animalwelfare. An interesting poster on incremental reform here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/Incrementalism_in_Actionposter.pdf
-------------------------

From the campaign to Boycott China: LL Bean, a world-wide wholesaler of sporting goods, has annnounced that beginning in September 2008 it will be opening 5 stores in China with the help of a Korean company: Youngone Corp. By bolstering the economies of China and Korea they are enabling viscious abuse of ALL dogs, for their fur, flesh and as victims of numerous brutal culls. 'Not even the LL Bean dog' is safe in China. Emails to publicaffairs@llbean.com
-------------------------

An excellent piece here highlighting the importance of the linkages between humans, animals and the environment. In the Sunderbans forests between India and Bangladesh, climate change is pitting people against tigers - with deadly consequences. http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/sep/25/conservation.climatechange. An older story here as scientists fear that global warming could be making it more difficult for minkes to reproduce http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/aug/26/whaling.wildlife
-------------------------

Demoing in Glasgow last Saturday against Shawfield, which is Scotland’s only remaining National Greyhound Racing Club-registered greyhound racing track. From the Greyhound UK’s website: Greyhound racing has lost 500,000 racegoers in the last 5 years- and last year greyhound breeding fell by 13% resulting in 5000 less dogs being killed. Watching some videos about greyhound racing, it doesn’t seem enough. Contact greyhoundactionscotland@btopenworld.com if you can help with the campaign.
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email mailto:varda.mehrotra+effcunsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

12th Sep

2008-09-12T02:31:00.000-07:00

Some of you would have already heard - the news we've been waiting for the last 3 months - Christof, Elmar, Felix, Jan, Jürgen, Kevin, Leo, Martin and Sabine - the remaining 9 Austrian activists were freed on the 2nd September. More info (including pictures) can be found on www.austriasolidarity.com and www.vgt.at See Martin Balluch statement after his release here http://www.austriasolidarity.com/news.php?id=37282

In Edinburgh, we’ve been keeping ourselves busy with less scandalous matters. Cruelty-free fayre being planned, demos and tabling events at different freshers fayers, and an anti-greyhound racing demo coming up in Glasgow. We are looking forward to supporting Greyhound Action Scotland’s campaign. Check out their website here www.greyhoundactionscotland.org.uk Also see the diary below, and hopefully we’d see you at one of the events!
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

20th September, 08:Demo organized by Greyhound Action Scotland. 6.30pm Shawfield stadium, Glasgow.
Free transport from Edinburgh arranged, leaving from registry House at 5pm. Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk to book a place

24th September, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Topic: Campaign tactics – what works?
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
3rd Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk Notes from the last meeting available here http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/BH_Discussion%20Grp_20aug.doc

27th September, 08: Demo organized by Aberdeen Vegetarian and Vegan Society, 11.30am St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen.
Raising awareness of veg*nism - ethical, health and environmental. Transport not available though overnight accommodation can be organized if required. Email David at davmoff@gmail.com

29th September, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

Stalls and events during Freshers fairs
Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info
17th Sep: Edinburgh university (From 10am, Teviot Row House)
22nd Sep: Queen Margaret University College (From 10am, University Sports Center)
2nd Oct: Volunteer Center Edinburgh (From 11am, Assembly Rooms)

3rd October, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Free training for campaigners
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

We’ve set up a yahoo group for those who want to take an active part in the behind the scenes planning and organizing for Bunny Huggers activities and events. If you are interested in helping out, sign up here http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bunny_huggers/
-------------------------

Pigs to be bred for transplants in the UK now - Lord Winston is to begin breeding genetically modified pigs in the hope of providing organs for transplant to humans; his method could mean hundreds of genetically modified pigs being reared. Very upsetting!
-------------------------

Dog meat in Korea: On September 28, 2008 the regulation of dog farms will be under the regulation of the government and added to the Livestock Act, bringing dogmeat consumption a step closer to full legal status. An animal who has been nothing but a friend to mankind is now in desperate need of a friend in Korea. Please inform Korean government officials that we will not tolerate such abuse. You may address your concerns to Mayor of Seoul Mr. Oh Se-hoon (ohsehoon@seoul.go.kr) and Korean President Mr. Lee Myung-bak (webmaster@president.go.kr)
-------------------------

A new exciting campaign launched by Lush in partnership with Sea Shepherd last week - Global Anti-Shark-Finning Campaign. An activist was hung by actual shark hooks in protest of the slaughter at the launch. Lush is a fantastic place to by cruelty-free products. Pictures and more info about the campaign here http://www.seashepherd.org/news/media_080903_1.html
-------------------------

The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) is calling for a ban on the Islamic and Jewish method of slaughtering animals in Scotland. See http://scotlandonsunday.scotsman.com/world/Calls-for-ban-on-religious.4466441.jp For more info on religious slaughter see http://www.viva.org.uk/campaigns/ritual_slaughter/index.htm
-------------------------

Petition to UN FOOD VS FEED': In cooperation with MEP Jens Holm and the Swiss Union for Vegetarianism, EVANA has launched a petition to the UN: 'FOOD VS FEED': An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits, with the aim of incorporating them into future strategies for a world without hunger. Put your name down here http://un.evana.org/
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email varda.mehrotra+unsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php

29th Aug

2008-08-29T03:29:00.000-07:00

Its that time of the year when the festival's nearly finished and the students havent yet arrived - still warm enough for sitting in the sun and quiet enough to find a table! Apparently Edinburgh is one of the saddest places in Britain - no wonder, all the road works in the city and the grey glum skies! We blinked and missed the summer.

Something good to cheer you up though – Bunny Huggers is going to be a year old on the 31st October (we are well excited!) and we are thinking of doing a cruelty free fayre, early November - which ties in well with the World Vegan Day on 1st Nov and Bunny Huggers 1st Birthday. We cant do it on our own though - we need people and resources to help us out. Nearly 750 people on this newsletter list, so we are hoping you will reply back and help us organise it! The idea is to promote a cruelty-free lifestyle - towards animals, humans and the environment. If there's enough of us, it should be easy (and fun!) to do - or we'll have to shelve the idea, which would be a shame, so get in touch!
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

5th September, 08: from 5pm. Registry House
International Day of Solidarity for Austrian Activists

5th September, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

24th September, 08: Discussion group: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Topic: Campaign tactics – what works?
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft!
3rd Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/BH_Discussion%20Grp_20aug.doc

29th September, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

Stalls and events during Freshers fairs
Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info
17th Sep: Edinburgh university
22nd Sep: QMU
2nd Oct: Volunteer Center Edinburgh

Free training for campaigners
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

We’ve set up a yahoo group for those who want to take an active part in the behind the scenes planning and organizing for Bunny Huggers activities and events. If you are interested in helping out, sign up here http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/bunny_huggers/
-------------------------

Lots of people saw the documentary on Channel Four ‘Kill It, Skin It and Wear It’ on the 10th August. We are now getting more requests for information and have decided to do stalls during weekdays over the next couple of weeks as well. However, we are desperately looking for people to man the stall! If you can help for a couple of hours, drop us an email at info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
-------------------------

Austrian Solidarity: 8th September is the next scheduled review of the remand in custody. The next global day of solidarity has been organized on the 5th of September, we’d be doing a demo in Edinburgh from 5pm outside Registry House. Drop us an email if you are able to attend. More here http://www.austriasolidarity.com
-------------------------

Scottish Government Consultation on the proposed Marine Bill: Through this Bill it is believed the Scottish Government will tinker with the laws 'protecting' seals in Scotland. In reality there is no law which protects seals in Scotland. Please read the Consultation paper and, at the very least, make a short submission calling for the new Marine Bill to totally outlaw the killing of seals in Scottish waters. Your submission to the consultation only needs to read 'I want the Marine Bill to include a ban on all killing of seals in Scottish waters.' http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment/Water/16440/marine-bill-consultation/ For more info please get in touch.
-------------------------

Scotland declares wars on sea gulls! Sea gulls nesting and feeding in costal town and villages are apparently causing ‘problems’ and the initial battle will begin in the south-western town of Dumfries during next spring's breeding season, when a special anti-gull 'task force' will seek to destroy nests and drive out the birds. http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/49929/story.htm Please write to him at michael.russell.msp@scottish.parliament.uk asking him not to go ahead with this ludicrous plan!
-------------------------

Petition to UN FOOD VS FEED': In cooperation with MEP Jens Holm and the Swiss Union for Vegetarianism, EVANA has launched a petition to the UN: 'FOOD VS FEED': An appeal to the United Nations and its agencies to stop ignoring vegetarianism and instead study its multi-faceted benefits, with the aim of incorporating them into future strategies for a world without hunger. Put your name down here http://un.evana.org/
-------------------------

To the animals we pledge, we hear your cries and we are coming,

See you at the demo tomorrow,
Bunny Huggers

This newsletter is sent once in every two weeks, to unsubscribe, email varda.mehrotra+unsub@gmail.com

Sign up to receive the newsletter directly http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/joinus.php Notes from the last meeting available here

15th Aug

2008-08-15T03:55:00.000-07:00

Finally a breather after Pose to Expose – we were blessed with fantastic weather, so it made the ‘posing’ a lot easier! In the Evening News, the Sunday Mail and Third Force News. Our own pictures here http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/pictures/PosetoExpose08/

Everyone had loads of fun – while making a very important statement – which is what the event was all about! A huge thanks to everyone to participated and to Lucy again for the fantastic costumes.

We launched the fur-free packs on the same day as well – the packs are for people to take to shops selling fur and ask them to sign a fur-free policy. If you do come across a shop that is still selling fur, drop us an email and we’ll send one out to you or pop over to our Saturday stall and pick one up.
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

20th August, 08: Discussion group (second meeting): from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft! 2nd Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk Notes from the first meeting available here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/BH_Discussion Grp_22nd_July.doc

25th August, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

5th September, 08: from 5pm. Registry House
International Day of Solidarity for Austrian Activists

5th September, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

Free training for campaigners (early September)
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Stalls and events during Freshers fairs (early September and October)
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

Austrian Solidarity: This time around, we bring good news - one of the detainees, Chris Moser has been released! We are delighted - see pictures here http://www.vgt.at/presse/news/2008/news20080814_en.php The injustice against the 9 however, still continues. The next global day of solidarity is the 5th of September, we’d be doing a demo in Edinburgh from 5pm outside Regsitry House. Drop us an email if you are able to attend. More here http://www.austriasolidarity.com
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Lots of people saw the documentary on Channel Four ‘Kill It, Skin It and Wear It’ on the 10th August. We are now getting more requests for information and have decided to do stalls during weekdays over the next couple of weeks as well. However, we are desperately looking for people to man the stall! If you can help for a couple of hours, drop us an email at info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
-------------------------

Another quick reminder – let us know if you can come for the anti-vivisection demo on the 25th August - Please do try and come along, we will have transport etc to move between different places, all you need to do is come along to Registry House and spend a day defending the innocent victims of vivisection! Email info@caare.org.uk
-------------------------

Campaign to Boycott China: There's a lot to celebrate about the Summer Olympics in China, but there's an ugly side for animals living in the Olympic host country - animal abuse is widely accepted and only a small percentage live as cherished pets. There are two petitions going if you havent signed them yet http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/395884823 and http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/ban-fur-farms-in-hebei-province.html
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1st Aug

2008-08-01T03:16:00.001-07:00

Back with another fun-filled newsletter helping spread the word!

The discussion group on the 22nd was a success – we talked about lots of serious stuff, philosophical and practical and had a good laugh as well. Its definitely going to be a regular event in our calendar now. The anti-vivisection demo on the 24th also went well, it was a lovely day - which was a nice change from demoing in the rain! Mostly, we’ve been busy with preparations of our Pose to Expose event this Saturday, lots of stuff to be made. A special and HUGE thanks from all Bunny Huggers (and the bunnies we are trying so hard to protect!) to Lucy who’s made all the costumes – you have to check them out this Sat!

We hope you are able to come – if you don’t want to ‘Pose’ you can simply hold a placard or hand leaflets out – whatever you like – the idea is to unite people against fur and be comfy in their own skins, so don’t be shy and pop over to Registry House (opp Balmoral Hotel) around 11.30 am and add your voice! Now is the time, say NO to fur!
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

1st August, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

2nd August, 08: Pose to Expose
Pose to Expose unites people with the one aim - against all fur, fur-trim and fur-sporrans. We have materials etc ready, so come along to Registry House (opp Balmoral Hotel) at 11.30am to join us - You can simply hand out leaflets if you are comfy with that! Email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf and press release here

20th August, 08: Discussion group (second meeting): from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
The idea is making the social justice struggle more accessible and meaningful in our lives. None of us would wear fur anyway - but we do all wonder what to do with rats in the loft! 2nd Meeting of the Discussion group, book a place now by emailing info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk Notes from the first meeting available here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/BH_Discussion Grp_22nd_July.doc

25th August, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

Free training for campaigners (early September)
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Stalls and events during Freshers fairs (early September and October)
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

The news for the Austrian detainees still appears grim. The remand has been extended for another two months. To co-ordinate the international efforts to demand justice for the ten detainees, a new website has been created http://www.austriasolidarity.com Put your name down here http://www.austriasolidarity.com/joinus.php - so you can get regular updates on the situations and urgent action alerts. Your help counts - solidarity is more than just a word.
-------------------------

Another quick reminder – let us know if you can come for the anti-vivisection demo on the 25th August - Please do try and come along, we will have transport etc to move between different places, all you need to do is come along to Registry House and spend a day defending the innocent victims of vivisection! Email info@caare.org.uk Donna from 1WS sends us this poem See http://www.caare.org.uk/poem.php Pictures from last month here http://www.caare.org.uk/pictures/24julantiviv/
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Stop the Glenrath Farms: If you haven’t signed up online already, please do! One click and you can send an email to the Head of Planning opposing the sheds. Visit http://www.oneworldscotland.co.uk/emailglen.php
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Campaign to Boycott China: There's a lot to celebrate about the Summer Olympics in China, but there's an ugly side for animals living in the Olympic host country - animal abuse is widely accepted and only a small percentage live as cherished pets. Write to the Chinese embassy in your country stating that you are appalled by the intentional brutal treatment of dogs in China and to please encourage the introduction of long-overdue animal welfare legislation there to help curb this cruelty. Petition to sign http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/395884823
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The European Commission has proposed a ban on seal-fur imports – hurrah! This will have a huge impact on the seal-fur sporrans. Most semi-dress sporrans are made from seal skins, and such legislation will ensure that manufacturers now use fake-fur semi-dress sporrans. There will still be sporrans made from the fur of animals including chinchilla, fox, mink, musquash, rabbits etc but we are getting there! See a short blurb highlighting the sporran/fur trade here http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/pr/31jul08.doc
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Our Campaign Against Animals in Research Experiments (www.caare.org.uk) encourages consumer boycotts – particularly the boycott P&G campaign spearheaded by Uncaged campaigns based in Sheffield. Uncaged have recently launched a new website Hurtful Essences. Herbal Essences is Procter and Gamble and this website gives you all their dirty secrets! Check it out http://www.hurtfulessences.org
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18th Jul

2008-07-18T03:47:00.000-07:00

Pretty busy as usual – things are getting exciting and animal rights are beginning to make more sense to people. Discussion group meets for the first time next Tuesday, 7pm at ACE and our main aim is to make animal rights and environmental issues more meaningful in our daily lives. You are invited! Don’t be shy, please get in touch. Just drop us an email and let us know you are coming.

There are so many events coming up – hope to see you at some! See the diary below. The only other thing we’d want to highlight is the situation in Austria. The ten detainees have still not been released, and there has been lots going on – from letters and statements to high-profile demos and protests. Check out www.austriasolidarity.com and put your name down! Solidarity is more than just a word.
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

22nd July, 08: Discussion group (first meeting): from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
An evening discussing aspects of the one struggle – environmental, human and animals – and how to improve our participation and making local changes. Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk to book a place.

24th July, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

1st August, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

2nd August, 08: Pose to Expose
Pose to Expose unites people with the one aim - against all fur, fur-trim and fur-sporrans. Email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf

25th August, 08: Anti-vivisection demo against companies in Edinburgh
Free transport arranged, email info@caare.org.uk to book a place

Free training for campaigners (early September)
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for more details

Stalls and events during Freshers fairs (early September and October)
More details soon, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk for info

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

Stop the Glenrath Farms: If you haven’t signed up online already, please do! One click and you can send an email to the Head of Planning opposing the sheds. Visit http://www.oneworldscotland.co.uk/emailglen.php
-------------------------

The news for the Austrian detainees still appears grim. The remand has been extended for another two months. To co-ordinate the international efforts to demand justice for the ten detainees, a new website has been created http://www.austriasolidarity.com Put your name down here http://www.austriasolidarity.com/joinus.php - so you can get regular updates on the situations and urgent action alerts. Your help counts - solidarity is more than just a word.
-------------------------

Energy investment in Scotland's seas can be balanced with protecting marine wildlife and seabirds, the Scottish Government has claimed. We wonder. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/7504109.stm
-------------------------

The Chinese have banned dog meat in the 112 Olympic associated restaurants - this does not really help the 10's of millions of dogs in the 100's of thousands restaurants throughout china that do serve dog meat. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7501768.stm
-------------------------

The anti-vivisection demo on the 30th June was so successful that we’ve decided to make it a regular feature on our calendar. Next one on the 24th July. Please do try and come along, we will have transport etc to move between different places, all you need to do is come along to Registry House and spend a day defending the innocent victims of vivisection! Email info@caare.org.uk
-------------------------

On June 25, in an historic vote, the Spanish parliament's Commission for the Environment, Agriculture, and Fisheries declared its support for The Great Ape Project, a proposal to grant rights to life, liberty, and protection from torture to our closest nonhuman relatives: chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans. See http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jun/26/humanrights.animalwelfare Also see Peter Singer's (co-founder of The Great Ape Project) on this victory and the Austrian situation http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jul/18/animalwelfare.animalbehaviour
-------------------------

4th Jul

2008-07-04T03:24:00.001-07:00

Finally in July, a bit of a quieter month up ahead where we hope to work behind-the-scenes and plan more activities and events and maybe get some sunshine. We arent overly hopeful though - the joys of the British summer (pass the suntan lotion...erm, umbrella please!) Our diary may look empty, but there are lots of things going on. Events planned during the freshers fairs in September and October, training days for campaigners in August and nearer still in July – discussion groups and more national demos. We haven’t had a chance to finalize dates though, so please keep an eye on our events page http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php for updates.

We rarely ask for donations, but with the recent upsurge in activity we are putting an appeal out for any financial help you can offer. We’d much rather you come for demos and events though! Any help much appreciated, pop over to our stall or email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk We also have some fantastic anti-vivisection t-shirts and vegan cookbooks for sale.
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

4th July, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

2nd August, 08: Pose to Expose
I'd rather bare skin than wear skin!
Pose to Expose unites people with the one aim - against all fur, fur-trim and fur-sporrans. Register latest by 11th July (extended date) by email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

During the early hours of May 21st, special forces of the Austrian police, armed in black clothing and wearing masks, forced entry to 23 homes and offices of animal rights campaigners across Austria. Fourteen people were arrested, most at gunpoint. 173 organizations all over the world expressed concern and endorsed a common statement.

In Edinburgh, we organized a demo on the 4th June, and more recently on the 2nd July. Pictures, info (including letters from the prisoners) and action alerts here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/eaustrianconsulate.php
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30th June (Monday) saw Bunny Huggers all over Edinburgh – we protested against 7 companies. Many thanks to those who came from outside Edinburgh to participate. We raised a lot of awareness – staff often don’t know that their companies are involved in cruel and unreliable vivisection. The weather was decent as well - knowing Edinburgh we consider ourselves very lucky! We are now planning to make this a monthly event and will put out details of the next demo soon. Pictures here http://www.caare.org.uk/pictures/30juneantiviv/
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Stop the Glenrath Farms: The situation is getting desperate. We’ve created an easy action page – 2 clicks and you can send an email to the Head of Planning opposing the sheds. We have over 500 people on this newsletter list – we hope each of you will take this quick action - start clicking! Visit http://www.oneworldscotland.co.uk/emailglen.php
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Campaign against animal abuse in China. Naturewatch’s campaign, Spotlight of China: Petition here http://www.naturewatch.eu/petition/ Please also write to your MPs urging them to sign an Early Day Motion (EDM 1630) that was tabled by Martin Horwood MP on behalf of Naturewatch for Spotlight on China. Deadline is 15th August.

If you haven’t written to Stella McCartney already calling for an immediate boycott of China and not supporting the Bejing Olympics, here’s email addresses you can write to londonpress@stellamccartney.com, pressus@stellamccartney.com

Finally, Heifer International sends animals all over the world, including China, to be used for their by products such as dairy and for their meat. Please help end this perverse message of compassion: send a letter to their sponsors. Download sample letters and email addresses here http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/boycottchina/HI.doc
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Clandestine and illegal dog-fighting rings are more rife in the north-east than elsewhere in the country, according to SSPCA. There have been instances in towns and cities across the north-east including Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Macduff, as well as Dundee – and there has been a report of a dog-fighting ring within Aberdeen city. If you suspect any such illegal activity, please notify SSPCA. More here http://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/Article.aspx/716596?UserKey=0
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Zippos Circus are in Scotland (12 June- 5Aug). We hear that East Ayrshire Council has decided to prohibit the use of wild animals in circuses on council-owned land (use of domestic animals still permissible). Animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bull hooks, and other painful tools of the trade. See here if they are coming near you and what you can do about it http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/zipposcircus.php
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Pose to Expose: Uniting people against fur, Pose to Expose gives you the chance to dress up (or down!), baring skin, baring all - whatever you like - to say no to fur!Registration has been extended to 11th July, get in touch with us to discuss your idea for your set-up. We will be providing standard materials - email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf for more details. If you can help distribute these flyers, just drop us an email and we'll post some out to you.
-------------------------

20th Jun

2008-06-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

No rest for Bunny Huggers. Loads of stalls, demos and events – an action packed diary! Animal Rights is beginning to make more sense to people and keeps us all busy and out of mischief. So just a 'mini-newsletter' this time to send a quick reminder of all upcoming events, campaigns and actions.

The stalls at all festivals were well-received, most importantly we got people discussing different issues. We'd like to think it was our wit, charm and humour but suspect it was the delicious vegan cupcakes that attracted people to our stall!

Speaking of debates, the idea of discussing the ‘one struggle’ (human, animal and the environment) has been well-received. We are thinking of a quiet Tuesday evening and some wine and your company so drop us an email if you haven’t already and let us know you can come.
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

21th June, 08: 11am-4.30pm St John's (Hall)
Stall during Edinburgh World Justice Festival

22nd June, 08: Zippos Circus in Glasgow, transport from Edinburgh arranged, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk We’d leave at 9.30am. More about the circus here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/zipposcircus.php

30th June, 08: Mobile demo and protests against companies involved in animal experimentation
Route, start time and meeting place to be posted soon. Demos against companies are done once every couple of months, so don't miss this one! Transport organized, email info@caare.org.uk to book a free place

4th July, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

2nd August, 08: Pose to Expose
I'd rather bare skin than wear skin!
Pose to Expose unites people with the one aim - against all fur, fur-trim and fur-sporrans. Register latest by 5th July by email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

During the early hours of May 21st, special forces of the Austrian police, armed in black clothing and wearing masks, forced entry to 23 homes and offices of animal rights campaigners across Austria. Fourteen people were arrested, most at gunpoint. See http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=34391&lang=en

Martin Balluch, from prison hospital in Vienna, Austria sends his message to the international animal rights movement. See http://www.evana.org/index.php?id=34567&lang=en Letters of support can be emailed to info@vegan.at
-------------------------

Zippos Circus are in Scotland (12 June- 5Aug). Animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bull hooks, and other painful tools of the trade. See here if they are coming near you and what you can do about it http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/zipposcircus.php
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Pose to Expose: Uniting people against fur, Pose to Expose gives you the chance to dress up (or down!), baring skin, baring all - whatever you like - to say no to fur! Register latest by the 5th July, and get in touch with us to discuss your idea for your set-up. We will be providing standard materials - email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf for more details. If you can help distribute these flyers, just drop us an email and we'll post some out to you.
-------------------------

We've received requests from students in Edinburgh (from Edinburgh and Napier University) to help set up student groups and societies for animal rights. Any students interested, please get in touch at students@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

The campaign against China's inhumane treatment of animals continues. One of our supporters in the US (spearheading the campaign) recently wrote to Stella McCartney calling for an immediate boycott and not supporting the Beijing Olympics. If we hear back, we’ll keep you posted, in the meantime help populate the database! See www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/boycottchina/
-------------------------

6th Jun

2008-06-06T05:50:00.001-07:00

Over the last couple of months, I've met so many activists – animal rights, environmental, anti-war, community - with different philosophies and ideas on how to 'fix' things: climate change, animal abuse, war, poverty, human suffering - the whole nine yeards. From going back to a hunter-gatherer existence to improving community participation in governance, the variety is refreshing.

But looking at facts, numbers and graphs fills me with despair and gloom. Our progress seems negligible, we've been holding banners for far too long. A friend then reminds me of the Victory Gardens - 40% of food production during the wars in backyards and rooftops! Changing things locally seems doable, appealing and effective. We are thinking of meeting up and talking about different problems, solutions and ‘how to fix’ things, over coffee, tea and wine – everyone’s invited. We don’t really have any fixed plans yet and trying to gauge interest. So drop us an email if you are up for it or we’d have to shelve the idea!
-------------------------

Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

6th June, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

7th June, 08: 11am-6pm. Leith Links
Stall during Leith Festival.

7th and 8th June, 08: 11am-5pm. Meadows
Stall during the Meadows Festival.

14th June, 08: 11am-5pm. Inverleith Park, Arboretum Place
Stall during Treefest.

21th June, 08: 11am-4.30pm St John's (Hall)
Stall during Edinburgh World Justice Festival

30th June, 08: Mobile demo and protests against companies involved in animal experimentation
Route, start time and meeting place to be posted soon. Demos against companies are done once every couple of months, so don't miss this one! Transport organized, email info@caare.org.uk to book a free place

2nd August, 08: Pose to Expose
I'd rather bare skin than wear skin!
Pose to Expose unites people with the one aim - against all fur, fur-trim and fur-sporrans. Register latest by 5th July by email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
-------------------------

During the early hours of May 21st, special forces of the Austrian police, armed in black clothing and wearing masks, forced entry to 23 homes and offices of animal rights campaigners across Austria. Fourteen people were arrested, most at gunpoint. Protesting against this state repression and in solidarity, activists united on the 4th June marking the global day calling on the Austrian Government to take immediate action and free the prisoners.

The Consul in Edinburgh was away - but we spoke to those present who agreed to take it up and we hope for action. Incredible support from the public - from cleaners boycotting to visitors complaining. You can help - contact the consulate (www.austria.gv.at) and demand justice! More here, including pictures http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/eaustrianconsulate.php Also see http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/jun/05/animalwelfare.austria
-------------------------

Zippos Circus have announced a series of dates in Scotland in Scotland (12 June- 5Aug). Animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bull hooks, and other painful tools of the trade. Demos being planned - see here if they are coming near you and what you can do about it http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/zipposcircus.php
-------------------------

The campaign against Glenrath farms soldiers on. Glenrath Farms Ltd is Scotland's largest independent egg producer and packer with plans to build 9 more chicken-sheds each housing more than 25,000 hens. The company claim the sheds will be ‘Free Range’, although plans for the sheds prove that most of the birds will still never see the light of day, with the outside ‘run’ making up a small proportion in comparison to the size of the shed. Demo planned on the 16th June, more here http://stopglenrathfarms.googlepages.com or email either hitarli@yahoo.com, or oneworldscotland@hotmail.com
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Pose to Expose: Uniting people against fur, Pose to Expose gives you the chance to dress up (or down!), baring skin, baring all - whatever you like - to say no to fur! Register latest by the 5th July, and get in touch with us to discuss your idea for your set-up. We will be providing standard materials - email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf for more details. If you can help distribute these flyers, just drop us an email and we'll post some out to you.
-------------------------

We've received requests from students in Edinburgh (from Edinburgh and Napier University) to help set up student groups and societies for animal rights. Any students interested, please get in touch at students@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
-------------------------

The campaign against China's inhumane treatment of animals continues. An activist notes 'Recently I purchased a nail clipper - NOT made in china. One tiny little item may not seem like much, but who knows....' Help populate the database! See www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/boycottchina/

23rd May

2008-05-23T05:03:00.000-07:00

Nearly 150 actions took place against Procter and Gamble worldwide on the 17th May. Dressed in costumes, in Edinburgh, after helping our very own Ranting Rabbit escape the evil scientist outside Registry House and some street theatre, we made our way to supermarkets in town - raising awareness and giving cruelty-free cards and leaflets to shoppers. It was fantastic as people went into the store with our leaflet, came back out and said 'Where do I get a cruelty-free washing up liquid?' It is so easy to boycott cruelty - let's do this! See pictures here http://www.caare.org.uk/pictures/17mayboycottpandg and a list of products to boycott here http://www.boycottpandg.co.uk

Actions against the horse slaughter in Mexico - on the 20th May, we took to the streets, and reached out to about 400 people giving our leaflets away. Excellent reports of actions in other parts of the world on the global day, more info available in a leaflet here. http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/antihorseslaughter.pdf

We have been busy, and a busier month up ahead! Thanks to your support, we've been able to do a lot recently, but need your support to help sustain this - lots of events in June, and we need people to help cover stalls and demos. No better way of spending a Saturday than defending the rights of animals! Emails to info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

6th June, 08: from 7pm. Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

7th June, 08: 11am-6pm. Leith Links
Stall during Leith Festival.

14th June, 08: 11am-5pm. Inverleith Park, Arboretum Place
Stall during Treefest.

21th June, 08
Stall during Edinburgh World Justice Festival

30th June, 08: Mobile demo and protests against companies involved in animal experimentation
Route, start time and meeting place to be posted soon. Demos against companies are done once every couple of months, so don't miss this one! Transport organized, email info@caare.org.uk to book a free place

2nd August, 08: Pose to Expose
I'd rather bare skin than wear skin!
Pose to Expose unites people with the one aim - against all fur, fur-trim and fur-sporrans. Register latest by 5th July by email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.
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Pose to Expose: Uniting people against fur, Pose to Expose gives you the chance to dress up (or down!), baring skin, baring all - whatever you like - to say no to fur! Register latest by the 5th July, and get in touch with us to discuss your idea for your set-up. We will be providing standard materials - email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk
See flyer here http://edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/downloads/pose_to_expose_2008.pdf for more details. If you can help distribute these flyers, just drop us an email and we'll post some out to you.
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As a part of our awareness raising work, we have organized stalls in several festivals and events. We are now looking for people who can man the stalls or go for the anti-fur demos! We need you, so get in touch and get active. If you can spare a couple of hours on any Saturday in June, please get in touch at info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
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Edinburgh university's shame: Recent report on a new libido drug tested on animals. Researchers at the Medical Research Council's Human Reproductive Sciences Unit in Edinburgh have been injecting monkeys in the hope of producing a drug that would make Viagra redundant. Primates being subjected to tests for a libido drug? Please contact Professor Robert Millar, the units director, and ask him to stop these cruel tests. Email him at r.millar@hrsu.mrc.ac.uk.
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Naming the Rabbit: Thanks to all of you who voted, and you've named the rabbit - 'Ranting Rabbit' won with little competition from others! Look out for him in and around Edinburgh - on Saturdays, he would be out all day protesting against animal abuse - come along and join him! See events here www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php We are soon to get another bunny as well though, so if you missed out on naming Ranting Rabbit, you can still name the next!
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Bunny Huggers receive no funding and completely relies on support from compassionate people like you - to cover costs of printing, transport, materials, props etc. Plans of bake sales and jumble sales, so if you would like to try some veg*n cooking, or have things you can donate for a jumble sale, please get in touch! Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk or just come along to our Saturday stalls outside Registry House. Any goods graciously accepted.

9th May

2008-05-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

New project to tackle animal health and 'safeguard food supply' launched by the Scottish Government this week. Whilst the Government seems keen to tackle global warming - animal rights are being blatantly ignored. According to the UN report 'Livestock's Long Shadow', meat production is one of the top two or three most significant contributors to the most serious environmental problems.

An environmentalist recently commented that as long as the animals were managed 'sustainably', there was nothing wrong with (ab)using them. This kind of a utilitarianism is deeply disturbing. Singer and Bentham might include non-human animals but our modern day society seems to derive the utility of an animal on the basis of human action - an animal's interests are simply not considered.

Ignoring an animals interests is inherently wrong and morally bankrupt. Its no different from racism, and equally condemnable. Using animals and the environment simply as a 'resource' is causing complete chaos all over the world - arctic shrinkage, failing crops, penguins, seals, polar bears dying due to melting sea ice, expansion of tropical diseases, drastic economic impact. The balance of the planet is damaged and we are on our own - but then black people have always known that.
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Anti-Fur Events (EFFC)
More at www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php
2nd August, 08: I'd Rather go Naked thank Wear Fur
More details soon! Email info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk in the meantime

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.

Every Day (weather permitting): 5pm onwards, Leafleting outside the Pride of Scotland, Princes Street

Anti-Vivisection Events (CAARE)
More at www.caare.org.uk/events.php

17th May, from 11.00am: Outside East Register House
Global Boycott Procter & Gamble (P&G) Day XII.
Organized by Uncaged, on this Day of Action thousands of animal activists will unite to expose P&G's callous abuse and inform people about cruelty-free shopping in dozens of countries all around the world. Uncaged has our full support for their fantastic work and campaigns - come along and join us on the 17th

Other Events
20th May
Anti-horse slaughter demo

6th June, from 7pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

7th June, 08
Stall during Leith Festival

14th June, 08
Stall during Treefest

21th June, 08
Stall during Edinburgh World Justice Festival
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Our bunny hit the streets of Edinburgh for the very first time on the 26th April - the bunny, though still needs a name! We all agree we can't keep calling him 'bunny', so vote here and name him! See http://bunnyhuggers.org.uk/namethebunny.php Look out for him in and around Edinburgh - on Saturdays, he would be out all day protesting against animal abuse - come along and join him if you like! See a couple of his pictures here http://caare.org.uk/pictures/26aprCAAREdemo more to be posted soon.
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17th May (next Saturday) is the Global Boycott Procter and Gamble Day. P&G produce a huge range of cosmetic and cleaning products such as: Ariel, Daz, Fairy, Olay, Max factor, Pantene, Head & Shoulders, and pet food Iams/Eukanuba (amongst many others). They conduct cruel and utterly unnecessary experiments on defenceless animals for the sake of 'whiter whites' and 'younger-looking skin'.
It's an important day, and you are needed! We are thankful if you've already boycotted P&G and if you have reduced your carbon footprint. But we need you to increase your 'contribution footprint' - we need your time! Meet at 11am outside Registry House, lets do this!
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26th April was the launch of our campaign against animals in research experiments (see www.caare.org.uk). The very first of our demos followed by a video evening. Over the next coming months, we'd be focusing on consumer boycott, and raising awareness of the companies in Midlothian involved in animal research and testing. See www.caare.org.uk/resources.php
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Bunny Huggers receive no funding and completely relies on support from compassionate people like you - to cover costs of printing, transport, materials, props etc. Plans of bake sales and jumble sales, so if you would like to try some veg*n cooking, or have things you can donate for a jumble sale, please get in touch! Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk or just come along to our Saturday stalls outside Registry House. Any goods graciously accepted.
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25th Apr

2008-04-25T05:02:00.000-07:00

The World Week for Animals in Laboratories on just now and fantastic demos and events all over the world! Demo in Oxford - against the primate lab. A Scottish delegation went down to Oxford on the 19th, to join the 500 activists from all over England. Reports of an excellent demo, with inspirational speeches from Mathew Simpson, statement from Mel Broughton, and a very moving poem about Felix - a monkey imprisoned within the walls of Oxford and tortured daily and ultimately killed - it had everyone, including the police, in tears! For more info on the campaign against Oxford University's primate lab, see http://www.speakcampaigns.org/. Pictures of the demo here http://caare.org.uk/pictures/19aproxforddemo/
Closer home, on 24th April (World Day for Animals in Laboratories) stalls in Edinburgh and a national (Scottish) demo in Glasgow, against the vivisection within Glasgow University. Up here, we don't have the same numbers as in England - yet! Watch this space, we are getting stronger. Pictures here http://caare.org.uk/pictures/24aprglasgowdemo/ More events are planned in Edinburgh on the 26th, see below for details.
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Anti-Fur Events (EFFC)
More at www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.

Every Day (weather permitting): 5pm onwards, Leafleting outside the Pride of Scotland, Princes Street

Anti-Vivisection Events (CAARE)
More at www.caare.org.uk/events.php

26th April, from 11am: outside East Register House
CAARE Demo
First of many demos against vivisection, come along to show your support!

26h April, 08, 7.30pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
CAARE Official Launch party (and the World Day for Animals in Laboratories) (NOTE: Date changed from 24th)
All welcome. Screening of the CAARE anti-vivisection video, vegan food, and interesting debates. To the pub for 'Cruelty-free' drinks after. Leaflet and details here

17th May, from 11.00am: Outside East Register House
Global Boycott Procter & Gamble (P&G) Day XII.
Organized by Uncaged, on this Day of Action thousands of animal activists will unite to expose P&G's callous abuse and inform people about cruelty-free shopping in dozens of countries all around the world. Uncaged has our full support for their fantastic work and campaigns - come along and join us on the 17th

Other Events
2nd May, from 7pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers monthly meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

4th May, from 11.00am: Jamieson Park, Newmilns, Ayrshire
Stall and bake sale at awareness-raising event organized by Waterside Action Group

20th May, from 12noon: Mexican Embassy, Perth
Anti-horse slaughter demo
Free transport from Edinburgh arranged, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk to book a place

Stalls during the Leith festival, Meadows Festival and the Edinburgh World Justice Festival being planned, dates to be confirmed soon.
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The streets of Edinburgh saw the very first CAARE anti-vivisection stall on the World Day for Animals in Laboratories (24th Apr). Official launch party of the Campaign Against Animals in Research Experiments (CAARE) on the 26th Apr at 7.30pm in ACE, West Montgomery Street.
Earlier in the day, we will be doing the first of many anti-vivisection demos outside Registry House from 11am, so come along to show your support. We are supporting Uncaged's Boycott P&G campaign, and also raising awareness about companies like AstraZeneca, Extrordinair, Charles River and the Easter Bush Research Consortium. If any of these names sound alien to you, see http://www.caare.org.uk/resources.php
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Bunny Huggers receives no funding and completely relies on support from compassionate people like you - to cover costs of printing, transport, materials, props etc. Plans of bake sales and jumble sales, so if you would like to try some veg*n cooking, or have things you can donate for a jumble sale, please get in touch! Email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk or just come along to our Saturday stalls outside Registry House. Any goods graciously accepted.
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A very friendly vegan group is now growing stronger - connecting vegans across Scotland, Scottish Vegans has been on the go for 6 months, and boasts of nearly 60 active members. Regularly meeting up, the group campaigns and organizes stalls to raise awareness of veganism in Scotland in an approachable and friendly way. Offers support, advice, information and great recipes! See http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scottishvegans/
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The Scottish Government recently announced the launch of a foreign language website for Seafood Scotland to assist foreign buyers on Wednesday (23 Apr), just as the public consultation on food policy approaches its final day. To put a response in, see http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/01/23111646/0 Though, with the unexpected decision on snaring and the strengthened ties with China, the Government, so far, seems to be unimpressed by public opinion.
Political action on the behalf of animals cannot be over-stated. If you haven't heard of this website already, here's an easy way to get started http://www.vote4animals.org.uk/
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Other events in Edinburgh of interest - talk by Gill Langley of Dr. Hadwen's Trust on the 15th of May (email info@advocatesforanimals.org), Animals Asia Roadshow on the 25th June at the Omni Center (see http://www.animalsasia.org/index.php?module=10&lg=en)

10th Apr

2008-04-10T05:00:00.000-07:00

In Scotland, £58 million are being spent on a new building - the Easter Bush Research Consortium. The Scottish Government is promoting linkages with Chinese pharmaceutical companies - GlycoMar and Scottish Biomedical have already signed agreements - Fiona Hyslop in China just now with a focus on developing research and scientific links. Animal experimentation is big business.
Capt. Paul Watson comments in his blog - 'Every 20 years, the movement goes up and down in popularity - like a fad. And every 20 years, the focus changes - from human over-population in 1972, to global warming now.'
The increasing number of animal experiments - despite a growing animal rights community (PETA alone reached out to 50 million people through their websites in 2007) - makes one wonder, where are we going wrong? Whether over-population is the cause of our problems or not, Paul Watson's blog does make a point - are we losing the battle by constantly getting side-tracked? Disappointing news is delivered to us with discussions of death and horrible abuse on a massive scale - every day. Perhaps it time to rethink tactics.
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Anti-Fur Events (EFFC)
More at www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and the Hunter Square

Every Thursday: 5pm onwards, Leafleting outside the Pride of Scotland, Princes Street

Anti-Vivisection Events (CAARE)
More at www.caare.org.uk/events.php

19th April, from 12.00noon: Martrys Memorial, on St Giles, Oxford
World Week for Animals in Laboratories. National demo in Oxford against the Oxford University lab.
The week that surrounds April 24th every year sees street stalls, media events and protests at laboratories to stop testing and research on animals. We will be organizing transport so email info@caare.org.uk and let us know if you'd like to come. We'd leave early morning and be back after the demo.

24h April, 08, 3.30pm: University of Glasgow, (pedestrian crossing) University Avenue
World Day for Animals in Laboratories
Demo against the Glasgow University to mark the World Day for Animals in Laboratories, organized by 1World Scotland. Transport from Edinburgh being arranged, to bok a place, email info@caare.org.uk

26h April, 08, 7.00pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA (NOTE: Date changed from 24th)
CAARE Official Launch party (and the World Day for Animals in Laboratories)
All welcome. Screening of the CAARE anti-vivisection video, vegan food, and interesting debates. To the pub for 'Cruelty-free' drinks after.

17th May, from 11.00am: Outside East Register House
Global Boycott Procter & Gamble (P&G) Day XII.
Organized by Uncaged, on this Day of Action thousands of animal activists will unite to expose P&G's callous abuse and inform people about cruelty-free shopping in dozens of countries all around the world. Uncaged has our full support for their fantastic work and campaigns - come along and join us on the 17th

Other Events
4th May, from 11.00am: Jamieson Park, Newmilns, Ayrshire
Stall and bake sale at awareness-raising event organized by Waterside Action Group!

20th May, from 12noon: Mexican Embassy, Perth
Anti-horse slaughter demo
Transport from Edinburgh arranged, email info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk to book a place
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To kick start the month for animals in laboratories, we protested against the launch of the Easter Bush Research Consortium on the 8th April. The Easter Bush Research Consortium involves researchers from the Roslin Institute, its new host the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) and the Moredun Research Institute. The consortium claims to tackle key animal health issues, however in reality the Roslin Institute decided to close the two remaining groups working on applied animal welfare programs in 2005.
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Interesting article here about nudity in animal rights activism http://media.www.villanovan.com/media/storage/paper581/news/2008/04/10/Opinion/Ronzone.Animals.Nudity-3314106.shtml. Reminds me of a recent feminist group meeting, everyone was upset about the objectification of women in AR campaigns. I had some 'open mouth-insert foot' moments. Plans of a protest - 'Women are not a piece of meat' - that in some senses, demeaned animals and was unacceptable. Feminist, anti-capitalist, animal rights activist - you can't win them all - I would, of course, rather go naked than wear fur!
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The recent drowning deaths of four sealers from Iles-de-la Madeleine and Paul Watson's response to the deaths, has the media screaming. See http://www.seashepherd.org/editorials/editorial_080404_1.html. Some activists have been celebrating the death of the four sealers. One activist notes, that turning misanthropic is a natural response after experiencing the hopelessness and desperation as an activist. Others argue that 'wild-eyed' attitudes only scare people away. What do you think? Send us your views at debate@bunnyhuggers.org.uk
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The South African elephant management report revealed plans to re-introduce the cull - which was banned in 1994. Richard Leakey (see http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7300570.stm)argues that the cull is necessary and that authorities should ensure that entire families or bond groups are removed intact. It sounds like a hypothetical situation - its simply not practical. Elephants are going to experience emotional trauma and we are opposing this cull. Sign the petition against it here http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/502818212
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Witness Appeal from one of our supporters up north. There was a group of volunteers from Trees of Life near the Kyle of Lochalsh - if you were there, please do help and get in touch. See here for more details http://animalrightsscotland.googlepages.com

26th Mar

2008-03-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

Our anti-fur campaign is now increasing its focus on real-fur sporrans. We've been leafleting outside Pride of Scotland nearly every evening. A large majority of the sporrans tend to be seal fur - we estimate about 1 ton of seal skins coming from Canada are used for sporrans (from the 4.1 tonnes imported) - this figure doesn't include the sporrans coming in from Asia.

The Canadian Seal hunt starts as you read this - 28th March - 275,000 seals due to be clubbed or shot this year. The first time I saw a baby seal being clubbed to death, I was horrified. I remember thinking 'This must be a hoax.' It wasn't - I was naive. I must be now as well - it's still distressing. Perhaps what seems wrong is the barbarity and the sheer force used on a motionless seal pup - the pre-historic club - or perhaps its just watching something die because it was beautiful.
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Anti-Fur Events (EFFC)
More at www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk, Princes Street and finally Hunter Square.

Every Day (weather permitting): 5pm onwards, Leafleting outside the Pride of Scotland, Princes Street

Anti-Vivisection Events (CAARE)
More at www.caare.org.uk/events.php

19th April, from 12.00noon: Martrys Memorial, on St Giles, Oxford
World Week for Animals in Laboratories. National demo in Oxford against the Oxford University lab.
The week that surrounds April 24th every year sees street stalls, media events and protests at laboratories to stop testing and research on animals. We will be organizing transport so email info@caare.org.uk and let us know if you'd like to come. We'd leave early morning and be back after the demo.

24h April, 08, 7.30pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
CAARE Official Launch party (and the World Day for Animals in Laboratories)
All welcome. Screening of the CAARE anti-vivisection video, vegan food, and interesting debates. To the pub for 'Cruelty-free' drinks after.

17th May, from 11.00am: Outside East Register House
Global Boycott Procter & Gamble (P&G) Day XII.
Organized by Uncaged, on this Day of Action thousands of animal activists will unite to expose P&G's callous abuse and inform people about cruelty-free shopping in dozens of countries all around the world. Uncaged has our full support for their fantastic work and campaigns - come along and join us on the 17th

Other Events
4th April, 7.00pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Bunny Huggers Monthly Meeting
Come along if you are interested in participating in our campaign-planning or simply meeting like-minded folk. Off to the pub for 'cruelty-free' drinks after.

4th May, from 11.00am: Jamieson Park, Newmilns, Ayrshire
Stall and bake sale at awareness-raising event organized by Waterside Action Group
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The World Week for Laboratory Animals is about 20 days away. We are arranging transport to go down to Oxford to support the National Demo against the Primate Research lab in Oxford University (19th April), so if you haven't booked a place do so now to avoid disappointment. Emails to info@caare.org.uk The official launch party of CAARE (Campaign Against Animals in Research Experiments) is on the 24th April - from 8pm at ACE. See you there.
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Witness Appeal from one of our supporters up north. There was a group of volunteers from Trees of Life near the Kyle of Lochalsh - if you were there, please do help and get in touch. See here for more details http://animalrightsscotland.googlepages.com
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Animal Rights Action Network in Ireland is organizing their second annual rally against the cruelty, taking place in Dublin. ARAN have been working for the last 8 years and are now the most active and largest group in Ireland - do join them if you are in Dublin, and pass this on to others. More details here http://www.aran.ie and emails to arancampaigns@eircom.net for more info.
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Seoul City Administration has recently decided to put dogs into the category of livestock to regulate the trade of dog meat. It has sparked debate in the AR community - is it right to intuitionalise the production of dog meat and in effect affirm the notion that eating your dog for dinner is acceptable? Or, is it important to introduce (and hopefully enforce) legislation so there is a better standard of life for the dogs? It is, in essence, the same argument as applied to free-range, and perhaps also the question 'Is it right to kill animals to eat/wear them if they've had a good life?' Interesting magazine cover here www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/Incrementalism_in_Actionposter.pdf Send us your views at info@bunnyhuggers.org.uk and we'll publish the debate on the website.
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14th Mar

2008-03-14T04:58:00.000-07:00

We've been tirelessly campaigning against the barbaric fur trade and thanks to your support, we've been growing stronger. Building on the strength, we are pleased to be now launching another campaign - Campaign Against Animals in Research Experiments (CAARE). Official launch party is on the 24th April - the World Day for Animals in Laboratories - 7.30pm, at ACE (more details below). See you there! Also check out the new website http://www.caare.org.uk

We've also re-branded as Bunny Huggers. New website here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk Our leaflet is available online as well - please distribute! http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/downloads/bunnyhuggers.pdf

Animals are being experimented upon to test all sorts of products, including hair dye, soap, nappies, agricultural and industrial chemicals and pharmaceutical drugs and are shocked, infected, burned, poisoned, shot and surgically mutilated. The list of companies is bleakly long. The nature of experiments - utterly barbaric. Scientifically, animal testing has been known to hold back the progress of medical research. Yet it goes on - its big business! As consumers we can refuse to be a part of this - boycott the cruelty. I don't need my toilet cleaner to be tested on animals - nor do I need to specifically use Colgate. Boycott now - we've put together a list of resources on the new CAARE website - http://www.caare.org.uk/resources.php and you can find out which products are cruelty-free. When you can, why not? Get in touch with us if you need more info at info@caare.org.uk
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/events.php
Emails to events@bunnyhuggers.org.uk

Anti-Fur Events (EFFC)
More at www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php

15th March, from 3.00pm: Pride of Scotland, 121A Prince Street, Edinburgh
International Day of Protest against the Canadian Seal Hunt.
Canada's cruel seal hunt is the largest slaughter of marine mammals on the planet. Over one million baby seals have been killed for their fur. We will be protesting outside the Pride of Scotland on the 15th - against their seal skin sporrans, and other fur.

Every Saturday
Information Stall: From 11am, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk and then Princes Street

Every Thursday: 5pm onwards, Leafleting outside the Pride of Scotland, Princes Street

Anti-Vivisection Events (CAARE)
More at www.caare.org.uk/events.php

19th April, from 12.00noon: Martrys Memorial, on St Giles, Oxford
World Week for Animals in Laboratories. National demo in Oxford against the Oxford University lab.
The week that surrounds April 24th every year sees street stalls, media events and protests at laboratories to stop testing and research on animals. We will be organizing transport so email info@caare.org.uk and let us know if you'd like to come. We'd leave early morning and be back after the demo.

24h April, 08, 7.30pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
CAARE Official Launch party (and the World Day for Animals in Laboratories)
All welcome. Screening of the CAARE anti-vivisection video, vegan food, and interesting debates. To the pub for 'Cruelty-free' drinks after.

17th May, from 11.00am: Outside East Register House
Global Boycott Procter & Gamble (P&G) Day XII.
Organized by Uncaged, on this Day of Action thousands of animal activists will unite to expose P&G's callous abuse and inform people about cruelty-free shopping in dozens of countries all around the world. Uncaged has our full support for their fantastic work and campaigns - come along and join us on the 17th

Other Events
4th May, from 11.00am: Jamieson Park, Newmilns, Ayrshire
Stall and bake sale at awareness-raising event organized by Waterside Action Group!
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A cyber protest has been organised against the barbaric horse slaughter in Mexico - for details see http://www.antifursociety.org/HORSE_SLAUGHTER.html. To participate in the protest, visit http://www.antifursociety.org/TAKE_ACTION.html
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Keith Mann's talk and the screening of Behind the Mask in Edinburgh was very well received. Excellent feedback, people left feeling enthused, with an incredible buzz. Our thanks to Keith for coming to Edinburgh. For those who haven't read Keith's book, you can order a copy here http://www.thethinkshop.co.uk/fdtd/order.asp Pictures of the evening here http://www.bunnyhuggers.org.uk/pictures/23febbehindthemask/
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Last week, we went up to Aviemore for protesting against the Institute of Animal Technology's annual congress. 5 of us from Edinburgh went up for the 3 day event. The support from the residents of the village was incredible. See pictures here http://www.caare.org.uk/pictures/4to6marchiatprotest/
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We attended a student fashion show on the 2nd of March. Surprisingly, most students were pro-fur. In student fashion show, we had expected an informed and ethical audience - very disappointing, and it reinforced the need to educate and inform more people. Lots of interesting debates but the winner was a chat with a pro-fur vegetarian - I couldn't understand that, maybe they know something I don't!
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Some excellent news - the traditional cull in the Archangel region of northern Russia which takes place each march - has been cancelled! Annual quotas allow up to 35,000 baby seals to be killed in the White Sea during ten days in March. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/environment/article3542189.ece

21st Feb

2008-02-21T04:58:00.000-08:00

Our campaign has finally borne fruit! Marina Rinaldi's Edinburgh store, mailed us on the 12th of February agreeing to remove all fur and not sell any in the future. From their email - '...removed all fur items and do not intend to sell them in the Edinburgh store in future.' Thanks to all for coming to demos and writing to them! If you'd like to send them a response encouraging and congratulating them for making an ethical choice, please email rinaldi@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk and we will collate all responses and send them on.

The last 4 months - since November, when we started - have just flown by. Now over 200 supporters, we've given out nearly 4000 leaflets as a part of our regular protests. Thanks to all - for coming to demos, leafleting, holding stalls, helping create materials, organizing events, writing to shops, signing petitions, and for giving the 45 million animals skinned for their fur a voice - yours.
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Dates for your Diary
Details of events http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php
Emails to events@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk

23rd February, from 7.30pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Talk by animal rights activist Keith Mann (Author of 'From Dusk till Dawn') and screening of Behind the Mask
Keith Mann has made many sacrifices for total animal liberation. His first visit to Edinburgh brings an opportunity to learn and debate the effectiveness of different tactics, along with the history of the animal rights movement. A must-attend talk.

Every Saturday
Information Stall: 10.30am-1pm, outside East Register House
Demo: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo - we have all the materials, just bring yourself! Move on to Multrees walk and then Princes Street

Every Thursday: 5pm onwards, Leafleting outside the Pride of Scotland, Princes Street
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Update on Pride of Scotland: We've uncovered that majority of the Pride of Scotland stock is supplied by the notorious Gold Brothers. Gold Brothers are known as the 'Kings of Tartan tat', with most of their stock coming from Asia - where there is little or no Government control or legislation for animal welfare. Accused of 'cultural rape', interestingly the unethical company was also recently found in possession of replica guns - see http://news.scotsman.com/scotland?articleid=3785381

Regular Saturday protests continue and we will also be leafleting outside their shop every Thursday after 5pm. Email the manager of the Pride of Scotland asking him to stop selling fur, if you havent already. Spare 30 seconds to sign here and take online action - every email matters http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/emailpos.php
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Against the Chinese Fur Trade: Our protest against the Chinese Fur Trade on the 13th of February went well. Lots of honking in support from passing cars and lots of interest. However, no one from the Chinese Consulate came out to speak. We've been phoning them every day since the 13th but we still haven't been able to get a comment. We will keep at it. See pictures here http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/pictures/chineseconsulate13feb08/

News yesterday morning that First Minister Alex Salmond would be launching the 'China Now in Scotland' programme at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh later in the day. In the little time we had, we organized a protest and sent a letter to the First Minister, Minister Counsellor of Chinese Embassy and the Patron for China Now in Scotland amongst others, urging the Scottish Government to take a strong stand against the lack of legislation governing animal welfare in China. Copies of the letter were also given to everyone attending the launch as they went in. The letter we sent is available here http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/21febchinainscotland.php. Many thanks to all who came for the protest at such short notice!
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In the Borders: 1World Scotland in Glasgow, have recently set up a new branch down in the Borders. Donna Easton is coordinating campaigns for that area, and we wish her and the 1WS team all the very best. They are presently recruiting members, so if you know of people in that area who'd be interested, please pass this on and email oneworldscotland@hotmail.com for details.
Animal Protection Force, who have been campaigning against hunting down in the Borders are also looking for new members. Please email apfuk@cyber-rights.net if you are interested.
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The Institute of Animal Technology (IAT) is holding its congress in Aviemore, Scotland from the 4th-6th March, 2008. Protests being planned for the conference, we will be going up so get in touch if you'd like to join. If you are unable to come, here's some online action you can take http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/conference46march.php
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A couple of things in the pipeline - a student run fashion show in Edinburgh next week, which we will attend to make our presence felt and raise awareness. Event organised by Waterside Action Group in Ayrshire in May - we are hoping to participate. Also organizing stalls during the Edinburgh World Justice Festival. We will post details of each event nearer the time. If you can help organizing any, get in touch!

8th Feb

2008-02-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

Engaging and entering into dialogue with the shops during the past two weeks. Our demonstrations and protests are becoming increasingly effective and generating more awareness – judging by the responses we’ve been getting from the shops and the public. We have a sample of fur from the Pride of Scotland; though their website plainly (and revoltingly) lists they are selling the fur of practically anything that moves. Protests to continue.
In the cold months of January and February, the demos are getting longer! Activists spending cold Saturdays outside the shops need your support. We have launched an e-campaign, sending emails to the manager of the Pride of Scotland asking him to stop selling fur. Spare 30 seconds to sign here and take online action – every email matters http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/emailpos.php
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Dates for your Diary:
Details of events http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php
Emails to events@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk

13th February, From 12noon: Outside the Chinese Consulate, 55 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh EH12 5QG
Protest supporting the Global Day of Action against the Chinese Fur Trade
The world’s eyes are on China – protests outside Chinese embassies and consulates globally, see http://www.antifurcoalition.org/ for a list. Join the global movement, and attend a protest in an area near you. If you don’t make it to the regular demos, please try and attend this one - 100 animals are skinned each minute for their skins and we need to give a loud and strong message on their behalf - a gallery of the victims of this heinous trade http://www.atourhands.com/furfarm.html

23rd February, From 7.30pm: Autonomous Centre of Edinburgh, 17 West Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA
Talk by animal rights activist Keith Mann (Author of 'From Dusk till Dawn') and screening of Behind the Mask
Keith Mann has made many sacrifices for total animal liberation. His first visit to Edinburgh brings an opportunity to learn and debate the effectiveness of different tactics, along with the history of the animal rights movement. A must-attend talk.

Every Saturday: Assemble from 12noon-1pm outside Registry House for the mobile demo – we have all the materials, just bring yourself!
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We have prepared an open letter to the Chinese Consulate, see http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/13febchina.php To endorse the letter, please email your name and country to info@edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk by the 10th of February.
If you miss the deadline, please write to the consulate politely and let them know how you feel about the fur trade edinburgh_chineseconsulate@mfa.gov.cn, phone: 0131- 3373220, fax: 0131-3371790
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Valentine’s day is around the corner, and in the spirit, we are holding the information stall this Saturday - 9th Feb – with a Valentine’s Day theme – do pop over and say hello! 10am-1pm, outside East Registry House. Saturday protests continue after. Details of events http://www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk/events.php
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1World Scotland have launched their “Free-range Scotland” campaign. Information stalls every Saturday. This Saturday, the stall is across from M&S Argyle St., Glasgow. From 12 noon. If you can help, email oneworldscotland@hotmail.com
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A new Anti-horse cruelty coalition is being formed to fight against horse slaughter. Focusing on the horses now being butchered in Mexico, the new coalition is looking for members and organisations across the globe to join them. EFFC have signed up to support them, emails to antifursociety@msn.com
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Leeds is now a fur-free city! The Fur-Free Leeds campaign have received confirmation that Ryan Vintage have removed all real fur from sale and a statement has been issued. Ryan Vintage was the last shop in Leeds selling fur. Congratulations to the campaigners who helped achieve this. We hope more cities (including Edinburgh!) would follow suit.
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The European Union has developed a quick online survey to solicit public opinion on sealing. The results of this survey will be used in formulating European policies towards seal product imports. Please take this survey and help ensure swift action in Europe in banning all seal product imports. You need not be an EU citizen to take the survey. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/animal_welfare/seals/seal_hunting.htm You must take the survey by Feb. 13th.