The Victoria Vegan
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Dave Shishkoff, Editor

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Animal Rights

Book Available in Victoria: On Their Own Terms

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You may have heard of FoA VP Lee Hall’s new book, On Their Own Terms: Bringing Animal Rights Philosophy Down to Earth, and now it’s available in town, at Sarah’s Place – if you haven’t seen this vegan boutique, make sure you stop in! It’s on the outside of Market Square on Pandora, and is a cute and fun little shop, with clothing, neat trinkets and curios, and vegan chocolate bars!! (Try the Jokerz, for long-time vegans, it’s pretty neat to have a ‘Snickers’ candy bar!) Congrats, Sarah, and thank you for once again raising the profile of veganism in Victoria!! On Their Own Terms is an essential read for vegans, animal rights activists, and those interested in the theories and ideas behind animal advocacy. A review that I could have written myself (since it mirrors my own reactions) can be found here on the My Daily Vegan website. There…

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Animal Rights

Canada’s Animal Law and Policy Must Change: Friends of Animals

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Canada frequently trails others in its attitudes and policies regarding animals. Whether it’s a lack of a meaningful Endangered Species Act or protection of the trees and lands, or support of international treaties, protection for fur-bearing animals or ordinary anti-cruelty measures, Canada’s record is abysmal. Many people think of Canada and think of the annual seal slaughter. While this year saw the fewest seals killed in decades ( http://ca.news.yahoo.com/commercial-seal-hunt-off-canadas-east-coast-one-135017906.html ) , it’s still a puzzling affair to any rational person why the government continues to push for and defend this annual slaughter. The Green Party of Canada, headed by Saanich & Gulf Islands MP Elizabeth May, remains the only national political party to speak against this. The Greens support ideas promoted for years by Friends of Animals: buy back the licensing for killing crews, and promote the growth of better jobs ( http://greenparty.ca/media-release/2011-06-14/end-sealing-subsidies-and-keep-dfo-conservation-programs-say-greens ) . While a few other Ministers…

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Events

World Vegan Bake Sale Report

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April 30th was the Victoria fundraiser event for World Wide Vegan Bake Sale Day, co-hosted by Sarah Kramer (of How it all Vegan fame) and we had another beautiful, sunny day! Our most amazing poster design thanks toGareth Gaudin, creator of Perogy Cat. Things got crazy just after 11:30am (even tho the bake sale started at 12!), as we were hit with a dessert mob as we tried to set it up! Things were pretty steady until nearly 4pm. This year we had over 20 bakers contribute (thank you SO MUCH!), and there were some really impressive offerings: From 2011-05 – World Vegan Bakesale There were numerous types of cupcakes, including ones in the shape of butterflies! From 2011-05 – World Vegan Bakesale The typical wide range of goodies, including almost-overwhelming Whoopie Pies: From 2011-05 – World Vegan Bakesale Sarah Kramer presented her Emmy-winning butter tarts and a selection of…

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Events

World Vegan Bake Sale Day – April 30th!

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It’s nearly here: It’s the second annual World Vegan Bake Sale Day event here in Victoria, and it’s this Saturday, April 30th, from noon to 4pm with Sarah Kramer at Tattoo Zoo – make an appointment with your dentist on Monday!! All the details are here: http://thevictoriavegan.ca/veganbakesale/ Hope to see you there, and get back to us quick if you’d like to contribute some vegan goodies! =) Dave Shishkoff

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Activism

For a Seal Friendly Victoria, Boycott ‘Seed of Life’ Health Food Store ‘Til They Go Seal-Free

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UPDATE: The boycott has been ended! As of December, 2013, Seed of Life has stopped selling seal oil capsules! Please tell Peter, the new owner, you appreciate his decision to end the support of this cruel business! Previous info: A year ago we began our campaign to eliminate all seal products from retail outlets in Victoria, BC. Our primary focus is on seal oil capsules, which is similar to salmon oil and is touted for Omega 3 and DHA, but these nutrients can be found in plant-based oils made with flax, hemp and algae. Seed of Life does not have the Friends of Animals Seal of Approval. The Vitamin Shop quickly removed it from their shelves after our supporters stopped in, dropping off letters of protest and speaking with the managers. But Seed of Life has been much more resistant to those who care about seals and the use of…

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Editorial

Human Decency to Canada Seals? Only With Rational Policy-Makers

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There are generally two sides to a story, but in the case of seals, the majority of Canadian views are being grossly misrepresented at the International level. The European Union (EU) recently banned imports of commercially-killed seal products (fur, oil and flesh), denying Canadian seal-killers profits. Key markets now closed to seal pelts include Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, Greece and Poland. Adrian Raeside Since the ban on importing baby harp seal pelts was first proposed, Canada’s delegates have defended Newfoundlanders by supporting the seal market, rather than pressing for an end to many decades of misery for seals, and all who want the bloodshed stopped. Where’s the democracy? Poll after poll[1] demonstrates most Canadians oppose the seal slaughter. It directly impacts the lives of 4,000 or less people in Newfoundland and Labrador. The total annual income has been a few million dollars — while part-time seal-killers make a pittance…

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Animal Rights

UVic Rabbit Killing: Nature Abhors a Vacuum

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The Alley Cat Allies has published an interesting document called The Vacuum Effect: Why Catch And Kill Doesn’t Work (read the PDF here: http://www.alleycat.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=534 ) researching the efficacy of kill or ‘cull’ programs, mainly in relation to feral cat populations. It’s no surprise to learn that the elements that drew cats to the area will only continue to do so, even when the community is destroyed. Same with other species in other environments, like mountain lions, badgers, raccoons and others. Doubtless, more rabbits will turn up at UVic. They are currently living off-campus in the surrounding neighborhoods, and other wooded areas. Inevitably, they will also find their way to UVic. And, unfortunately, UVic’s response (at least for now) is to kill them. We can understand that UVic doesn’t want people abandoning pet rabbits on campus grounds – we really sympathize with UVic, and the rabbits themselves. This isn’t an ideal…

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Animal Rights

Report: Freedom March for UVic Rabbits

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A group of over 50 enthusiastic people gathered in front of the UVic Student Union Building to join in the UVic Friends of Animals Club protest demanding UVic end all future plans to kill the rabbits at the University. Less than two dozen are estimated to remain on campus, and UVic’s intolerance to this population is disheartening. UVic had changed their minds once again, and now declared that the grounds will be a ‘rabbit free zone’ after the end of the month. Plans are to capture and kill any rabbits found. Note and important distinction: UVic (and sometimes even the SPCA) may use the term ‘euthanize’, but you cannot euthanize a healthy animal; it’s a term used to describe the mercy killing of a terminally ill animal, including humans. What’s so difficult about tolerating a small group of rabbits living on campus to eat some of the grass? UVic argues…

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Events

Wednesday: Freedom March for UVic Rabbits

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Tomorrow is our big event for the UVic bunnies, we’re hopeful for a large turnout! Below is our media release, the Facebook event page is here:   ====   The UVic Friends of Animals Club Has organized a protest to speak up for and defend the UVic Rabbits. We’re expecting hundreds of students and members of the community to join our march around Ring Road. The event begins at the SUB (Student Union Building) on Wednesday, February 9th at 3pm.   We’re demanding UVic put an end to their savage plans to kill the remaining rabbits – it’s understandable that UVic wouldn’t want people abandoning rabbits on campus, but this isn’t how the situation needs to be handled.   We’re asking that the few remaining rabbits (probably under 30 based on such few sightings) remain on campus, and UVic should take responsibility after decades of neglect by organizing a TNR…

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Animal Rights

Updates to Victoria’s Pet Bylaws

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In two earlier postings we’ve commented on the proposed pet bylaw updates that the City of Victoria has been looking into. Sadly, despite several emails since late July to Councilor Thornton-Joe (who’s heading the project), we hadn’t heard back. Well, until 6pm last night, an hour and a half before I had to be at City Hall to speak on the matter. The Councilor finally got back to me, after six months, and dozens of emails and phone messages. She apologized, but it’s still very disappointing. It turns out that the proposed bylaws have been filtered down significantly since the initial proposal, here’s the latest draft (thank you to Chantelle from the Greater Victoria Animal Crusaders for providing this). At the meeting last night, all were passed, and two additional amendments were added, including mandatory spaying of all cats sold in the Victoria area. Fortunately, the earlier proposed limits to…

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