AFTER STRONG PROTESTS, ROYAL CANIN WILL PLEDGE TO GIVE £250,000 TO SAVE UP TO 20 BEARS IN UKRAINE

The animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has uncovered that pet food manufacturer ROYAL CANIN has sponsored brutal bear baiting in Ukraine.

FOUR PAWS is in possession of a video documenting a contest sponsored by ROYAL CANIN which took place in April 2013 in the woods near Vinnytsia, Ukraine. Over several hours, at approximately ten-minute intervals, two to three dogs are set on a brown bear. Audiences looks on as the dogs attack and bite the bear, who cannot move freely as it is attached to a chain tied to a rope above. Several men at the ends of the chain control every movement of the bear, dragging it around the fight area. A referee awards points to the individual dogs. Trophies carrying the ROYAL CANIN logo await the owners of the most aggressive dogs.



Baiting bears come from zoos, circuses or the wild. They are taken from their mothers at just a few months of age. Estimates that 15 and 20 baiting bears in Ukraine live cruel lives in tiny cages with nothing but a concrete floor, and they are only released from these cages for training or to be attacked by hunting dogs. They are usually given insufficient food and water, to make them weaker opponents for the dogs. Most also have their claws removed.

FOUR PAWS calls on ROYAL CANIN not only to stop sponsoring these cruel contests once and for all, but also to take on the responsibility for the future of the tortured bears.

CALL ON ROYAL CANIN TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY 


Now, after the scandal has caused an international storm and strong protests, ROYAL CANIN has officially contacted FOUR PAWS and a meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday.

ROYAL CANIN issued the statement saying:

“Royal Canin unreservedly apologises for sponsoring the event where the bear baiting took place. As a company with knowledge and respect for animals at our heart, we condemn any activities that harm or endanger animals.

Royal Canin has been absolutely horrified to see these images linked with our brand. The sponsorship of this event is not consistent with Royal Canin’s animal welfare policy, our philosophy of Pet First or our vision.

This has been a humbling experience for Royal Canin. We again thank Four Paws International for bringing this practice to our attention and in doing so reminding us that diligence in ensuring our policy is followed is paramount.

We look forward to working with all our partners to prevent animal cruelty through policy change and improved animal welfare practices. Specifically, Royal Canin will work to improve the welfare of the Ukrainian bears and dogs involved in bear-baiting.”

ROYAL CANIN WILL PLEDGE TO GIVE £250,000 TO FIND AND SAVE UP TO 20 BEARS!


Info:

FOUR PAWS uncovers illegal bear baiting in Ukraine

Pet food giant under fire over bear-baiting sponsorship

Pet food firm 'sponsored bear-baiting'

SHOCKING VIDEO: Dog v bear fights linked to Pedigree Chum owner

Ukraine / France: Hopefully Some Positive Action From Royal Canin Who Pledge Money To Save Up To 20 Ukraine Bears

FOUR PAWS keep up the good work protecting and helping animals!

WONDERFUL NEWS: MASCHA WILL BE MOVED TO THE BEAR SANCTUARY!!!

The only thing worse than Masha’s nights were her days…


 
In her five years of life, Masha has endured terrifying abuse by day, and heartbreaking misery by night. This beautiful brown bear has been attacked by hunting dogs on a daily basis. Once the dogs are finished attacking Masha for the day, the exhausted bear is returned to a tiny wire cage, measuring just two feet by three feet. She is given little food and water, to ensure that she is weakened for the next day’s assault.

FOUR PAWS: MASHA DESPERATELY NEEDS OUR HELP!


 
GREAT NEWS: MASCHA WILL BE MOVED TO ZHYTOMYR BEAR SANCTUARY IN UKRAINE!!!
 
"Delighted to be able to pass on some great news on Mascha, we have heard this afternoon that Vier Pfoten are rescuing her. She will be moved to Zhytomyr bear sanctuary in Ukraine, where she will live in a natural setting and receive all the care she needs to recover from her ordeal. So we are very happily closing our petition today, on behalf of the PAfCB team thank you to 3,257 people who advocated for her."

UPDATE | FOUR PAWS SECRET MISSION RESCUES FIRST BAITING BEAR



A new life is now beginning for Masha! She was released into her 500 square meter enclosure – designed to resemble a natural habitat, with trees, a pond and places to hide... and two other bears!

Video:
http://youtu.be/Bzii4hrtGvE
This can only bring a smile.

FOUR PAWS is seeking a long-term solution for the remaining 20 baiting bears.
Please support this project with a donation

HAPPIEST NEWS FROM BORKO: THE COURT RULED IN FAVOUR OF DR LITOV!

K9 Rescue Bulgaria

WONDERFUL NEWS!!! JUSTICE SERVED!!!

The Administrative Court in Smolian ruled in favour of dr Litov and against the municipality of Devin. According to the judge, the eviction notice, served at the end of March to dr Litov was unfounded and flawed. Not a single shred of evidence was presented to the Court to substantiate the municipality's claims that dr Litov was in breach of his tenancy contract. The judge ruled all photographs of Borko, taken in his room, inadmissible and irrelevant to the case. Furthermore, according to the judge "the lack of physical evidence, substantiating the municipality's claim is an infringement of the administrative procedure so fundamental, that it makes it impossible for the court to establish the very legal grounds of that claim". As a result the administrative act /eviction notice/ as a whole is corrupt and void. In other words the message to the municiplity of Devin was "Grow up and wise up".



VIDEO: K9 RESCUE'S PATRON LORRAINE CHASE INTERVIEWS DR LITOV AND BORKO!

The lovely actress Lorraine Chase, meets and interviews Dr. George Litov, daddy and courageous rescuer of Bulgaria's animal welfare icon Borko, and speaks about his plight... Dr George speaks about Borkos case, and also about animal welfare in Bulgaria, and the need to change people's perceptions, to bring about real change, to eradicate cruelty.

To learn more about Borko's Campaign 4 Change and how you can help, please see here: http://www.k9-rescue.org.uk/borkos-campaign-4-change-how-you-can-help



Well, Borko's life has turned around. Now is time to help his mom, little brother, and sister to be taken off the streets. We need to raise funds for Doggie Hotel, food, and medical care for all 3 dogs. Dr. Litov feeds Borko's family twice a day but remember this is Bulgaria!


HELP BORKO'S STRAY FAMILY / DONATE!

More info:

TV CELEBS RETURN FROM SUCCESSFUL MISSION IN BULGARIA

BORKO - THE NOW FAMOUS CRIPPLED, ABUSED DOG - CELEBRITYCAMPAIGN

LORRAINE CHASE BECOMES PATRON OF K9 RESCUE CHARITY 

Borko lovers, we could never have done it without you!