News
‘It’s just a cat,’ says UK garbage-bin woman26th Aug 2010
Perhaps slightly misreading the world’s mood, a 45-year-old British woman caught tossing a cat in a garbage bin has defended her actions as “a joke.” But its not a joke - not for the cat which was left in a bin for 16 hours. Animals are not 'objects' of amusement which we can do with how we please.
Moray Firth Dolphins need your help...
25th Aug 2010
The Moray Firth dolphin community consists of approximately 130 bottlenose dolphins and is one of only three resident dolphin communities in the UK, the most northerly in the world and of great international significance. But the UK government is allowing two companies to begin seismic surveys in preparation for future oil and gas development in the Moray Firth. These will begin on September 1st. You can help stop this from going ahead.
Scottish SPCA says stop to chick hunting
25th Aug 2010
The Scottish SPCA wants the baby gannet culling on the Isle of Lewis banned.
Langholm meeting seeks countryside law 'balance' sought
25th Aug 2010
Animal welfare groups and gamekeepers have been invited to a summit on new countryside legislation next month. What hope do we have of saving wildlife and respecting animal rights if its a meeting between gamekeepers and welfarists?
Butchered pet lamb found in Clackmannanshire road
18th Aug 2010
Central Scotland Police said the lamb's death was a "despicable crime". A thief stole a family's pet lamb and then butchered it in the street, police have revealed.
National Trust opens first bat reserve
18th Aug 2010
Scotland's first ever dedicated bat reserve is opening in Dumfries and Galloway. The reserve is being launched by the National Trust for Scotland at Threave Estate near Castle Douglas.
How domestic cats could save the 'Highland tiger'
18th Aug 2010
Pound for pound, they are as fierce as their full-size counterparts but their dwindling numbers mean "Highland tigers" are also just as endangered. With only 400 Scottish wildcats thought to be living in the wild, scientists are now preparing a radical new approach to saving the the rare felines.
Beaver born in the wild in UK for first time in 400 years
13th Aug 2010
Scottish conservationists sight at least two baby beavers born to animals released last year in remote Scottish woodland
Hot horse branding to be banned in Scotland
13th Aug 2010
Hot branding of horses and ponies is being banned in Scotland on animal welfare grounds.
Cloned cows: three animals entered food chain, but no milk
12th Aug 2010
Three animals that were the offspring of cloned cows entered the food chain, the Food Standards Agency has said, concluding its investigation into the row
Roadkilt Sporrans
4th Aug 2010
A designer in Invernesshire is making sporrans from roadkill animals - and claims they are ethical! There is nothing ethical about using dead animals. It is disrespectful and disgusting - animals, alive or dead, are not commodities to be made into our sporrans, boots, or coats. More details and info on how to complain
Two puppies discovered on train inside bag
4th Aug 2010
Two one-week-old puppies were rescued by cleaners after they were left for dead in a bag of fishing gear on a train
Cloned cow milk claim investigated
4th Aug 2010
Reports that milk from a cloned cow's offspring is on sale in the UK are being investigated.
A Vegan World in 8 Years
4th Aug 2010
A simple and fantastic thought on how to make the world vegan!
Whales' slow, agonising death from nets
4th Aug 2010
Minke whales in Scotland are suffering agonising deaths after getting tangled up in fishing ropes, a new report has warned.
Wildfowl numbers in the Firth of Forth are steadily declining, and the experts are worried
4th Aug 2010
Firth of Forth's wider seabird population is in trouble. It is one of many areas around the UK which have seen seabird populations dropping for years, prompting the RSPB to warn that these "alarming declines" herald a worrying summer for Scotland's colonies.
'Lauder Lass': Needs your help!
26th Jul 2010
A beautiful mare in the Scottish Borders has been given a second chance after suffering years of mistreatment and nearly ending up in a Slaughter house and potentially a foreign one at that! Can you help her?
Beer to be sold in dead animals
23rd Jul 2010
A £500 a bottle super-strong ale is to be sold inside the bodies of dead animals.
What's wrong with milk!
23rd Jul 2010
Two new studies - an Italian one published this month, and earlier Canadian research - have linked milk consumption to a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer.
How much milk should you drink? For years we've been told it's good for bones, now studies show prostate cancer link
23rd Jul 2010
Two new studies - an Italian one published this month, and earlier Canadian research - have linked milk consumption to a significantly higher risk of prostate cancer.
Poisonings of birds of prey 'highest for two decades'
23rd Jul 2010
DOZENS of birds of prey were killed across Scotland in 2009 during the worst year in two decades for incidents of illegal poisoning, a report will show today.
The Hardest Working Mother On The Planet
23rd Jun 2010
Poem by Anita Menzies-Udale
Scientists create 'sick pigs' to cure humans
18th Jun 2010
SCOTTISH scientists are creating pigs that are genetically modified to suffer from incurable human diseases – so they can be used by drug companies to test new therapies.
Laura Cummings: There's no need for people to fear a brush with foxes
17th Jun 2010
DISTINGUISHED by its pointed ears and long bushy tail, the fox is an animal synonymous with the British countryside.
UN urges global move to meat and dairy-free diet
4th Jun 2010
Lesser consumption of animal products is necessary to save the world from the worst impacts of climate change, UN report says
'Roadkill clinic' to see students care for injured wildlife
2nd Jun 2010
Animals which would normally have been left for dead are being brought back to life with the opening of a pioneering emergency wildlife hospital in the Lothians.
How will animals fare under the new Coalition Government?
30th May 2010
The Labour Party has failed to hold on to power and lost almost a hundred MPs, mainly to the Conservatives. We use the Programme for Government agreed by the coalition as a starting point for assessing the prospects for animal protection, focussing here on hunting and animal experiments.
Licences granted to cull birds of prey
30th May 2010
Landowners are to be given a licence to kill buzzards in a new scheme to protect gamebirds on their estates.
Is factory farming making you sick?
30th May 2010
Animal Aid has, today (Wed 26th May), released a shocking new factory farming film featuring grim scenes shot secretly in randomly-selected farms across the UK during the last three years.
Mother and seven newborn ducks rescued from Princes Street
24th May 2010
A MOTHER duck and her seven newborns had a lucky escape after she decided to set up her nest on a Princes Street roof.
Asbo fowl saved
24th May 2010
FOR two years they had ruffled the feathers of Scotland's legal system as the first cockerels to be handed down an animal Asbo.
Three year ban for Lanarkshire woman
24th May 2010
The Scottish SPCA has welcomed the conviction of a Lanarkshire woman who admitted neglecting her pet dog at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Wednesday (5 May).
World Day Against Speciesism: June 5, 2010
24th May 2010
Speciesism is to species what racism is to race, i.e. the will to disregard the interests of some individuals in order to give advantage to others under arbitrary excuses
Real-fur sporrans – For Scotland’s sake, make it fake! Week of action.
21st May 2010
Edinburgh the Fur-Free City (www.edinburghfurfreecity.co.uk) has called a Week of Action across Scotland from 22nd -28th May for everyone to speak out against real-fur sporrans. Communities all over Scotland – Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow and Inverness are gearing up to participate in local events.
Scottish Borders celebrates World Environment Day
21st May 2010
A new group, “The Green Fork –Scottish Borders”, focusing on healthy, low-carbon food will be launched with a free talk and workshop on World Environment Day, Saturday 5th June at the Tweedbank Community Centre, Tweedbank from 12noon-2pm. There will be free compassionate-living guides focusing on ethical and compassionate living in Tweedbank and lots more free literature to be taken away!
New environment Bill avoids animal rights issues
18th May 2010
Proposals for the new Wildlife and Natural Environment Bill, released yesterday, show that the Scottish Government has dropped key changes which would have benefitted animal rights.
New MPs' position on the Hunting Act
18th May 2010
The League Against Cruel Sports has published an analysis of the new House of Commons and its members position on repeal of the Hunting Act.
New breeding beaver pair released in Scotland
13th May 2010
A new breeding pair of beavers has been released into the wild in Scotland as part of a five-year reintroduction trial.
Programmes and activities undertaken in 2009-10
6th May 2010
See what EVA were up to last year!
Lawyer wants to bring dog walkers to heel
5th May 2010
TO MANY busy young professionals, commercial dog walkers provide a vital service in keeping their canine companions happy while they are at work. But now an Edinburgh lawyer has launched a campaign to crackdown on the booming industry after she was attacked by three dogs, part of a pack of 13 being exercised by a commercial walker.
Cat found burned in Kirkcaldy
5th May 2010
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a cat was found badly burned in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
Study could reduce animal testing
5th May 2010
A project to improve the effectiveness of tests into cancer treatments could limit the need for animal testing, researchers from Dundee University have claimed.
Gulls maimed in airgun attacks
5th May 2010
The Scottish SPCA is appealing for information after a spate of airgun attacks has left gulls fatally wounded in Nairn.
Wildcats 'at risk from new homes plan'
30th Apr 2010
Campaigners fighting a housing development planned for a Highland town say the site may be home to the rare wildcat. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) will today consider plans to build up to 300 houses at Kingussie over the next 15 years, with officials recommending approval of outline planning permission.
Lack of space causes estate to shelve plans for wolves
29th Apr 2010
Wolves will not be making an early comeback to the Highlands after an estate shelved plans to keep them on a wilderness reserve. Fanastic - wild animals are not meant to be kept in captivity.
Lucky escape at Grangemouth docks
29th Apr 2010
A minke whale about three metres, 9ft, long was spotted by workers at a petrochemical plant near the mouth of the River Carron, has had a lucky escape after becoming beached on mudflats at Grangemouth docks.
Horse Crimes
29th Apr 2010
A horse has had a 2.5ft (0.76m) section of its tail cut off while it was in a field at Bridge of Allan while more horse thieves braiding manes to mark horses for theft
Chimpanzees mourn their dead like humans do, research finds
29th Apr 2010
In a pair of studies, researchers observe the animals comforting the dying and showing signs of trauma after a death - is this really news to anyone?
Deed not Breed: Nuisance dogs to get Asbos under new law
23rd Apr 2010
With the words “postmen and postwomen of Scotland, rejoice” MSP Christine Grahame yesterday celebrated the unanimous passage of her Bill forcing dog owners to keep their pets under control.
Lufthansa Stops Shipping Dogs and Cats to Laboratories
22nd Apr 2010
Photos of the plight of more than 50 dogs who were transported on a Lufthansa cargo plane from the U.S. to a notorious Charles River Laboratories were exposed last week and has resulted in Lufthansa stopping shipping cats and dogs
Cameras capture secret life of the 'Highland tiger'
19th Apr 2010
A new research project in the Highlands has provided a rare insight into the secret world of one of Britain's most endangered and elusive species.
Endangered: are Scotland's wildcats running out of lives?
19th Apr 2010
Persecuted by man since prehistoric times, Britain's most elusive mammal is to be found only in the Highlands. Now the wildcat is under threat from loss of habitat, speeding traffic – and its domesticated cousins
Hope for Scotland's red squirrels as researchers develop killer pox vaccine
12th Apr 2010
A VACCINE to protect red squirrels against a deadly disease threatening to wipe them out in the UK is being developed in Scotland. Scottish scientists say the inoculation could protect Scotland's native species from pox carried by their grey cousins. Read a response to the article here
Few fishermen expected to join in when N.L. seal hunt resumes on Thursday
8th Apr 2010
The commercial seal hunt is scheduled to resume Thursday (08.04.10) in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and off northeastern Newfoundland in an area known as the Front.
Running the Great North Run for the animals
6th Apr 2010
Liz Begg, vegan from Arborath, Angus is running for the animals in Great North Run - Newcastle to South Side. Will you sponsor Liz?
Europe: An EU ban on selling animal-tested cosmetics, due to come into effect in 2013, could be delayed by years
6th Apr 2010
A long-awaited EU ban on selling animal-tested cosmetics could be delayed, perhaps by years. The ban is due to come into force in 2013, but the European Commission is already preparing for a delay.
Circus elephant could move to Scotland over animal ban
6th Apr 2010
BRITAIN'S only circus elephant will flit to Scotland if MPs outlaw performing wild animals, her owners revealed yesterday (04.04.10)
Twisted mobs use dogs to maul deer
29th Mar 2010
Twisted mobs are watching their devil dogs maul pregnant deer - as Scotland sees a rise in sickening bloodsports.
Diageo Deer
29th Mar 2010
Diageo is proposing to kill deer on its grounds to allow expansion of their operations there
Wild Animals in Circuses: Banned in England and Wales but not Scotland
26th Mar 2010
Wild animals are to be banned from circuses, ending hundreds of years of performing elephants, tigers and lions in the big top, the Government will say today - but the Scottish Government, drags its heels.
Donations Appeal: Support our work and campaigns
25th Mar 2010
Ethical Voice for Animals (EVA) is an animal rights group set up in 2007 in Edinburgh to help local communities tackle a variety of animal protection issues. We need your help to fund our campaigns in 2010!
Exotic Meat
22nd Mar 2010
With restaurants like Kubali Khan and the farmers market on Castle Terrace in Edinburgh - another restaurant - L’Escargot Bleu on Broughton Street joins the 'exotic meat market' with horse meat on the menu.
Label that fur!
22nd Mar 2010
Ask Minister Brennan to introduce legislation for clear fur labelling today.
Seal fears around Loch Linnhe
19th Mar 2010
SSPCA has rescued an unusually high number of weak and emaciated common seals from the area over the winter, many weighing only half the body weight that a healthy common seal should at this time of year.
Defra ‘bans’ game bird battery cages
19th Mar 2010
After more than six years of campaigning and undercover exposés by Animal Aid of battery cages used for 'game birds', the government has today issued a new industry Code of Practice that effectively outlaws the contraptions.
'Hotspots' for illegal poisoning of birds of prey are revealed
19th Mar 2010
THE number of birds of prey being poisoned in Scotland has risen by more than a third over the past year, new figures have revealed.
Cow autopsy at ground breaking Edinburgh Science Festival takes us back to the Dark Ages
11th Mar 2010
EVA call for the live post-mortem examination of a cow to be dropped from Edinburgh's Science Festival programme
Natural Home Remedies and Body Care
11th Mar 2010
Natural Remedies and Body Care course starts at Leith Academy, Edinburgh on Wed 5 May 2010, running from 7 till 9 pm for 6 weeks (finishes 9 June). Learn how to use plants for safe, sustainable home health care and body care products.
At-risk species found in medicine shop raids
8th Mar 2010
Four Edinburgh shops have been raided as part of a worldwide operation targeting the illegal trade in traditional medicines made using endangered animals.
Update on actions against the planned autopsy of a cow in Edinburgh
4th Mar 2010
The Edinburgh International Science Festival is planning to conduct an autopsy of a cow as a part of its programme. We launched an alert last week asking people to send emails to all stakeholders and the festival director asking them to stop this event from going ahead, we have now received a response - your emails are needed!
Scots farmers say No to new rules over transport
4th Mar 2010
European Commission was proposing new regulations covering the transport of livestock for slaughter - Scottish farmers say no
Petition calls for action on illegal bird killing
3rd Mar 2010
A demand for tougher action on the illegal killing of birds of prey has been delivered to MSPs.
Highrise littered with puppies on day animal ban is lifted
3rd Mar 2010
Edinburgh Council maintained a ban on pets in its council houses until last Friday (26 Feb), when it launched a pilot scheme allowing pet owners who live in highrise flats to keep their animals.
English drug barons and badger baiters have moved danger dogs to Scotland, police sa
1st Mar 2010
Dog fighting rings moved operations north last year after a crackdown on the sick "sport" in England.
Cows to face DNA testing to find tastiest beef
1st Mar 2010
THE producers of Scotland’s most famous beef are to carry out genetic tests in an attempt to rear a ‘superstud’ bull.
Hedgehog-trapping project scrapped
24th Feb 2010
The Scottish Natural Heritage has rejected recommendations to continue the relocation scheme in North and South Uist for a further three years
Red and Grey Squirrels
22nd Feb 2010
Angus Macmillian explains why Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS) claim that their grey squirrel cull is instrumental in red squirrels returning to Cults, Countesswells and Bieldside, is entirely baseless.
£8m public cash for breeding lab mice is criticised
22nd Feb 2010
A Scottish Enterprise life sciences body has been criticised for ploughing £8 million of public funds into helping Scotland become a global centre for the breeding of humanised mice for experimentation.
Autopsy of a cow - Barbarity in the name of science
19th Feb 2010
The International Edinburgh Science Festival revealed its programme - which includes the autopsy of a cow at Edinburgh Zoo. Take action here
Man banned from keeping animals after abandoning dog with cancer
18th Feb 2010
A MAN who abandoned his cancer-stricken pet rottweiler was today ordered to behave for six months and banned from keeping animals
The vivisectors are coming to town (Glasgow)
16th Feb 2010
It's been announced that an event will be held on 30th March at Glasgow University to "showcase" techniques and ideas for continued animal experimentation.
Harsh Scottish winter leaves starving deer
16th Feb 2010
Thousands of deer are thought to be at risk of starvation in Scotland following this year's harsh winter.
Jail the Baiters
13th Feb 2010
IT'S one of the most brutal bloodsports in Britain - and it's on the rise in Glasgow.
The new Control of Dogs Bill passes first hurdle
12th Feb 2010
MSPs give stage 1 backing to measures to curb irresponsible dog owners
Public money being used to promote bloodsports
10th Feb 2010
Anger after Scottish Country Sports Tourisgm Group given public money to promote 'taster' courses in shooting, deer stalking and fishing.
Workshop: “What is the responsibility of a therapist on a dying planet?” – an introduction to ecopsychology
10th Feb 2010
Sunday 11th April 2010 9.30 - 4; VOCAL, 8 Johnston Terrace, Edinburgh, EH1 2PW
Facing backlash in Europe, Canada hunts for new seal market in China
9th Feb 2010
Forget the Old World animal ethics of Europe. Canada is taking its seal hunt where the money is - to China.
Public consutlation on Circuses
9th Feb 2010
In 2006, the Government ledge to Parliament to ban 'certain non-domesticated animals' from travelling circuses, no action has been taken. A ban on the use of wild animals in essential, and the UK Government has recently launched a public consultation on the use of wild animals in circuses.
Dick Vet Lectures
9th Feb 2010
A series of four FREE Lectures focussing on preventative healthcare. The Lectures will be presented by experts from the Small Animal and Equine Practices at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. All Lectures will run from 7.00pm - 8.00pm and take place in Lecture Theatre G.08, William Robertson Building in George Square.
Oscar nominated film exposes factory farming
9th Feb 2010
How much do we really know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets and serve to our families? Food inc screenings in Dundee, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow
Seals to be given better protection as Marine Bill passed by Scottish Parliament
9th Feb 2010
Seals in Scottish waters will have more legal protection under the Marine (Scotland) Bill which was today (4th February) passed by the Scottish Parliament.
Fife horsewatch scheme established to protect animals
9th Feb 2010
A horsewatch scheme has just started in Fife - giving the equestrian community a direct link with the police.
SSPCA seeks answers after fox is mauled in Capital park
5th Feb 2010
A Fox that was discovered mauled to death in an Edinburgh park is thought to be the latest victim in a series of suspected coursing attacks.
Illegal Pig Farming Conditions exposed in new EU Investigation
5th Feb 2010
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.
Draft Code of Practice on the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates
5th Feb 2010
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.
Film shot by Chimps at Edinburgh Zoo
5th Feb 2010
The world's first film shot entirely by chimpanzees was broadcast by the BBC last Wednesday.
Dog rescued after drifting 75 miles in Baltic sea
5th Feb 2010
A shivering dog was rescued after floating at least 75 miles on an ice floe down Poland's Vistula River and into the Baltic Sea, officials said on Thursday.
Cat-killer let off community service
5th Feb 2010
An Angus teenager, who cooked his friend’s cat in a microwave, will not have to complete his community service sentence
Pigs being blown up at MOD research facility
5th Feb 2010
It's been revealed that live pigs are being blown up at the shadowy Government biological/ chemical weapons research facilty at Porton Down, Wiltshire.
SSPCA Dog Scandal
5th Feb 2010
Please find an e-mail to the SSPCA regarding their current policy of taking on what basically amounts to commercial contracts to handle stray dogs on behalf of Councils.
Appeal for Shoeshine
5th Feb 2010
From Greenock, Ms Coleen Watt had trouble locating her lost dog, who is now in the SSPCA Cardonald Centre