You are currently browsing the category archive for the ‘Old MAP Reports’ category.
Store pledge rethink on fur sales
1st November 2007
Robert Downes
A BRAMHALL fashion boutique targeted by animal rights activists for selling real fur, have pledged to reassess their buying policy.
Members of the lobby group CAFT-UK – the Coalition to Abolish Fur Trade – staged a peaceful protest outside upmarket Angela Beer in Woodford Road, which stocks garments made from animal fur, including rabbit skin jackets.
A group of up to 20 demonstrators waved banners and placards, handed out leaflets to passers-by asking them to boycott the store, and were later joined by Bramhall councillor, and fervent animal rights supporter, Ken Holt, for part of the protest.
But more than a week after the protest, management at Angela Beer told Community News on Tuesday they would have a rethink on whether or not to stock fur in the wake of the protest.
A spokesman for the store said: “It has certainly brought the issue to our attention. Personally, I would not have it to be honest, but I am a businessman and we have been asked to provide it. We cater for people’s needs, but it’s something we will have to take in.
“It has made us aware of the situation,” he added.
Details gone the way of things. Sorry
These demos were with SHAC but all details have been taken away by the internet gremlins. Who knows what happened!
TAKING TO THE STREETS FOR FELIX
NATIONAL DEMO REPORT – SATURDAY 1ST SEPTEMBER, 2007
National March 1 Sept 07
Hundreds of SPEAK campaign supporters took to the streets of Oxford on Saturday 1st September to demand the release of Felix from his imprisonment in an Oxford University laboratory.
Demonstrators met in Oxpens Park before the march, with some of the earliest arrivals having travelled all the way from Holland and Italy with the express purpose of demanding justice for Felix. As more and more people arrived they all expressed their disgust at the appalling suffering that Felix is going through at the hands of the morally and scientifically bankrupt vivisectors of Oxford University, and how they were determined to ensure his freedom. Before the march set off everyone congregated before two large banners depicting Felix behind the bars of his tiny cage to hear speeches from people who feel passionately about the cause. First, Mel from SPEAK gave a rousing introduction to the day, putting everyone in the mood to get our message heard, and then Dr. Andre Menache and Amanda from SPEAK gave eloquent, heart-felt speeches respectively on the scientific and moral reasons why the research being carried out on Felix is completely indefensible.
After hearing these speeches, with feelings running high, everyone took up banners, placards, leaflets and megaphones, determined to make Oxford University and all the visitors to Oxford realise that Felix’s incarceration will not be tolerated. At the front of the march a large picture showing Felix’s beautiful, thoughtful eyes looking out from the bars of his cage was carried. It is difficult to imagine how anyone looking into those beseeching eyes could fail to be moved to take action to free him from his plight. With every banner and placard behind it showing Felix, and with chants of ‘Free Felix Now’ ringing out, it would have been impossible for anyone in the vicinity to avoid the knowledge of why the protestors were there.
The streets were lined with people looking on and taking leaflets as the march processed into the city centre, before heading towards South Parks Road where, if Oxford University get their way, many thousands more animals will suffer the same fate as Felix. Stopping half way down South Parks Road, in sight of the part built animal abuse lab, the procession stopped to hear more speeches. Mel gave a passionate speech in which he articulated the feelings of many of those who have been with the campaign from the start, rightly lambasting everyone involved with the new lab and with the atrocities being perpetrated against Felix.
Next to speak was Erica, who has supported the campaign since the beginning, then gave a very moving speech about Felix and the suffering he is going through, followed by Lynn Sawyer who spoke brilliantly about our right to lawful protest and how the police are misusing their powers but are being caught out and defeated time after time . These excellent speeches were all rightly received with thunderous applause and cheers, and with emotions running high the march set off again, turning once more towards the centre of the city. As it turned on to Broad Street it fell silent, save for the beat of one drum, allowing those on the march to reflect on the message of the day, and the hundreds of shoppers and tourists standing by, and the police and University ‘professional’ witnesses who were dotted about, to reflect on the evil that is being carried out behind the ‘dreaming spires’ of Oxford. The demo erupted into voice again as it reached the end of Broad Street and for the final stretch back to the park, where there was a final speech from Emma from SPEAK, telling about the feelings of the people who had been supporting the campaign from day one and assuring all those listening that, however difficult things get, they would never give in and never give up the fight for Felix and all the other animals being held without their consent by Oxford University, an institution mired in corruption, lies and barbarism.
The determination to free Felix from the severe and substantial suffering he is enduring was palpable as everyone set off for home and it was clear that everyone was committed to doing whatever it takes to secure Felix’s freedom. Felix is an individual who deserves justice, rights and freedom as do all the other animals imprisoned in Oxford University labs who he has come to symbolize.
Felix’s story is sad, but please do not sit and weep for him as tears will do nothing. Please stand up and fight for Felix. His life depends on us. We are all he has.
FREE FELIX NOW!
SPEAK benefit gig
After the more sombre day time events of the Fighting for Felix national demo, the benefit gig was a time for people to raise money whilst singing, dancing, eating, drinking and relaxing.
The music was excellent. She Makes Music hushed the room with her haunting songs that sent a shiver down the spine. The GeriPatricks were foot tapping good and soon got everyone throwing themselves around the dance floor.
The new SPEAK DVD was shown to a room hushed in silence as the reality of Felix’s suffering sunk in to those watching, but there were cheers and a round of applause when the DVD ended in defiance and a promise to keep on fighting.
Once again Oxford Animal Protection did a marvellous job in organising this event which was enjoyed by all, but without forgetting the reason why we were there – to raise money in the Fight to save Felix and the fight to stop the Oxford animal Lab.
Travelling circus sparks protest
Peter Devine
May 02, 2007
A PROTEST was held by a Stockport animal rights group at a touring circus which was held in Romiley.
Circus Mondao held nine performances at Waterside Farm between Wednesday and Sunday last week, using animals which included zebra, horses, ponies, dogs, a mule and a rabbit.
The protest was organised by Stockport Animal Defenders, who claim animals in circuses are mistreated, a charge completely dismissed by the Circus Mondao owners.
The Defender’s John Brown said: “The public only see the performances and not the suffering. Animals spend a long time tethered and are unable to get sufficient exercise. We don’t think in this day and age animals should be here for our entertainment.”
Protesters blow their top over ‘cruel’ circus
Pete Bainbridge
May 02, 2007
ANGRY animal demonstrators gathered outside a circus big top last night in protest over the touring company’s live performing animals.
The organisation, Stockport Animal Defenders, who have been campaigning for 12 years, waved banners and chanted outside the Circus Mondao, off the Silk Road on Bollington Road, in a bid to discourage audiences from going.
The travelling show, which is holding seven spectaculars – featuring two zebras, five horses, seven ponies, 16 dogs, goats, rabbits and one mule – over the next week, was permitted a licence by the town hall, in spite of the borough’s blanket ban on animal circuses, because it is being held on private land at Turner Heath Farm on Bollington Road.
Bobby Roberts circus demonstration
18th April 2007
Manchester Animal Protection members met with members of Stockport Animal Defenders and Animal Aid at Belle Vue (the home of the infamous dog track) to protest against Bobby Roberts’ Circus.
This is an animal circus that includes the Annie the elephant, who at over 50 years old and lame is still not allowed to retire and is being driven around in her small transport.
Banners were displayed to the potential customers and leaflets handed out. Un typically for a circus demonstration where people are taking excited children, or have pre-booked, and will not change their mind about entering the circus, customers in Manchester did turn away upon seeing the MAP imagery and one customer even discarded his tickets from his car window and drove away.
Seeds will have been planted in the minds of all those passers-by that were addressed and before long there will be no one left that is not disgusted by the cruel relics that are animal circuses.
Grand National Demonstration
14th April 2007
Manchester Animal Protection met outside of William Hill, the bookmakers, near to Piccadilly Station in Manchester.
Grand National demoHere the protestors were able to inform passers by about the cruelty of the horse racing industry. Armed with a brightly painted, large green banner (click thumbnail right for bigger image) most passers by were drawn into some sort of interaction with MAP members.
Once in conversation it was explained that up to 375 horses die each year as a result of racing and that 1000′s more are put to death when found not to be up to racing standard.
It was also pointed out that a couple of horses had died during the Aintree meet already this year.
These figures shocked most people, to whom this was new information. A lot of people on the day either agreed with the request to boycott betting on the big race, or decided that they wouldn’t get involved again next year.
Towards the end of the afternoon the demonstration learned by way of a concerned member of the public that Ladbrokes were actually canvasing for customers to enter their shop on Piccadilly Station Approach to bet on the big race. Learning this the members of MAP moved outside Ladbrokes and advised the customers of the cruelty that they would be supporting by placing a bet, and successfully turning away more would-be gamblers.
The British Transport Police turned up to move the demonstration on but by this time it was almost the start of the race and the bulk of the 1000′s of leaflets had been given out to the Manchester public.
Demonstration at Chester Zoo
9th April 2007
Demonstrators left Manchester on Bank Holiday Monday to head for Chester Zoo on National Zoo Awareness Day which had been organised by The Captive Animals’ Protection Society.
After a short journey we arrived in Chester and were met by local protestors keen to see the public are made aware of the truth about this establishment.
The group took up positions on either side of the road entrance to the zoo and displayed banners and boards and had flyers of information to offer to anybody who was ready to listen to the arguments being made.
The zoo not keen on the activity brought out their own security team to direct traffic and maintain a presence.
However the public were keen to hear the message with many cars winding down windows to take leaflets or even just reading the banner and clearly having a moment of realisation that zoos are actually an anachronistic animal detention centre.
MAP made the arguments that if the zoos were interested in conversation and not profits the money spent on zoos would be better spent preserving wild habitats nearer to an animals native home than in keeping them in gawping pens in the North West of England.
As one last point of interest, representatives of Manchester Animal Protection were able to successfully argue with a zoology student about the problems of zoos, with the student then even urging the group to continue the good work!
There was also a protest outside Blackpool zoo.
Felix Day of Action in Oxford City Centre
24th March 2007
A mini-bus full of peaceful demonstrators left Manchester in the morning and arrived in Oxford at lunchtime.
From the meeting point after a short speech the large numbers of demonstrators who had travelled from across the country broke into smaller groups and demonstrated throughout the city centre, making the people of Oxford aware of the animal torture centre being built on their doorstep.
The public were very receptive to the arguments being made and 1000′s of leaflets were distributed to the public keen to learn more.
Demonstrators from Manchester and elsewhere were able to argue the scientific arguments in favour of alternative/superior methods of medical research.
See http://www.curedisease.net & http://www.drhadwentrust.org.uk for more info
The timing for this latest national demonstration couldn’t have been more appropriate. At a time when Oxford University have been running to the High Court to get gagging orders to silence SPEAK the huge number of people who turned out in full voice sent the message out loud and clear – we will always speak out for the animals.
Over 800 people travelled far and wide to show their determination to fight Oxford University all the way in their obscene and misguided attempt to build the animal research and abuse laboratory.
There were a number of inspiring and informative speakers who addressed the crowd throughout the day, some of whom are well known while for others it was their first time at addressing a large crowd, but all the speakers delivered their message clearly and with great passion.
Before the march set off the crowd were addressed by Amanda, of the SPEAK campaign, who reminded everyone that despite the lab being built quickly, now is not the time to feel down, but rather, a time to get active. The laboratory is already a year behind schedule and it still has a long way to go before it’s finished. Standing next to the stage was a primate cage, no more than 3 feet high and 2 feet wide, a cage, very similar to the cages at Oxford University where monkeys are being forced to live. This cage was taken out of Shamrock monkey farm when it closed; a thought provoking piece of equipment which reminded everyone just how vital it is to always keep on fighting to stop animals being imprisoned in these cages.
Carrie was the second speaker to address the crowd and started her speech by telling everyone that though she had never taken part in direct action, she is nevertheless labelled a “terrorist” by Oxford University! Carrie informed everyone of the latest situation in the High Court and the attempts by Oxford University to try and muzzle a legal campaign and how now more than ever, the SPEAK campaign needs everyone’s support if it is to stop animals being tortured inside the university’s laboratories.
Carrie read out a quote from Jack Kerouac, a piece of text that most animal rights campaigners will be able to identify with, in an age when we have been demonised just because we have dared to speak the truth, reminding us all to hold our heads up high and be proud of what we represent:
Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules, and they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as crazy, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do.’
Next to SPEAK OUT against Oxford University was André Menache, a Scientific Consultant to Animal Aid and trained veterinarian. André spoke with passion about why he did not believe in vivisection. He explained that for 30 years he had taken part in personal research, had read books, questioned animal researchers and had come to the conclusion that research on animals was worthless. He implored the students of Oxford University to think for themselves and not believe everything their professors tell them just as those same professors had believed and had been spoon fed the lies of previous professors: “think critically and analytically…and just as important question, question, question, what you are being told.”
John Curtin spoke next and without naming names pointed out the ridiculous nature of the new injunction against SPEAK that prevents it from naming a company that are the builders of the Oxford Lab. John pointed out that the decision to ban the use of the builder’s name was like a “twilight zone” considering millions of people would be aware of the company as their name had appeared on major news service websites – the whole world knows the name of the builders, but we are prevented from uttering their name. John explained the reason Oxford University were resorting to such draconian and repressive measures is because our message is getting through to the public and the vivisectors are terrified of being exposed as the fraudsters they actually are. As the rain started to fall he reminded people that none of the animals trapped in the breeders cages or the labs have ever felt the rain, and how lucky we are to be able to witness the honour of this simple act of nature that so many will never get the chance to feel.
Last to speak was Miranda who read out a message from Mel Broughton, who unfortunately couldn’t be present as he is currently banned from Oxford. However, he told people in his message that no amount of repression will silence the animal rights movement. Mel’s message was: they can try and silence people by misusing and abusing the judicial system, but for every person they silence another will always take their place. Mel’s message was one of defiance that included references to George, a macaque monkey, who was blinded by the same Oxford University professor who was investigated by the police for abusing a monkey he was experimenting on. Of course he was never charged by Oxford University’s friends, whilst law abiding and compassionate people are being criminalised just because they believe in the right of animals.
The march then set off from Oxpens Park and made its way through the City to South Parks Road. It was a lively, noisy and passionate march, except when the crowd were called upon to be silent for a small portion of the route through the streets of Oxford, watched by thousands of shoppers, which had a very dramatic effect.
Despite having a rallying point on South Parks Road, the march was prevented from going near the lab itself, but this did not prevent people from becoming aware of the large edifice that, if we don’t stop it, will one day will see thousands of animals imprisoned, tortured and finally killed at the alter of academic arrogance and a fraudulent scientific practice!
Matthew Simpson enthralled and thrilled crowd as usual when he spoke eloquently of the fight to stop vivisection at Oxford University. Matthew spoke powerfully about vivisection and the fact that it is a “disgusting” practice that has no place in the 21st Century. He detailed the fact that the modern animal rights movement began in 1971, and that one of the first animal rights books was named ‘Animals, Men and Morals’ and was written, planned and published by fellows of Oxford University. Matthew went onto quote from the book, a quote just as relevant 35 years later: “liberty, equality and fraternity, let animal slavery join human slavery in the graveyard of the past.” Such a quote encapsulates the mission of the animal rights movement today as it did 35 years ago when it was still in its infancy.
Details lost in time.
Call Doc Brown.
With just three days notice, around 200 supporters of the SPEAK campaign gathered at Moreton-in-Marsh in Gloucestershire to send a clear message to the masked extremists currently holed up in the Fire Service College just outside Moreton-in-Marsh. The balaclava wearing builders of Oxford University’s planned animal torture centre have been quietly enjoying the facilities at the college for some weeks now, but all that is about to change! Campaigners set off on a noisy march through Moreton and headed towards the Fire Service College. It was immediately obvious from those members of the public that we passed that it wasn’t only supporters of the SPEAK campaign that wanted the fanatics inside the college moved away. People came out of their houses to see what was going on, with many offering us their support.
On arrival at the Fire Service College we were ‘invited’ to use the ‘designated protest area’ that Gloucestershire police had so thoughtfully provided – this pen served only to remind us all just how low the authorities have sunk in doing their master’s bidding. It is now very obvious that the only argument the Government and Oxford University haveThe activists gathered near the gates of the college and listened as a one time fireman and now active animal rights campaigner told the crowd that there was serious ‘disquiet’ from those who work in the college about having the animal lab builders in their midst. It is our understanding from sources within the college that the office of the deputy Prime Minister has run roughshod over the management at the college and have forced them to house the builders at their facility!
Despite the very hot weather, campaigners used their collective voices (and megaphones of course) to make sure that the message was heard loud and clear – the extremists in Oxford University’s employ are not wanted at the college. Just beyond the gates to the college some unpleasant looking thugs could be seen photographing protesters – these hired heavies have also been seen at the lab building site in Oxford and it is known that they come from a firm run by ex-special forces operatives based in Herefordshire. The activists eventually marched back to Moreton at the end of a very successful day vowing to be back again, no matter how long it takes to persuade the college to kick out the extremists in their midst!
left is to try to paint anyone who opposes them as fanatics in the vain hope that the real arguments about animal suffering and fraudulent science are lost.
ANIMAL welfare campaigners turned people away from historic Hoghton Tower as they staged a three hour protest against duck and pheasant shooting. More than fifty supporters of the North West League Against Cruel Sports (NWLACS) and other animal welfare groups turned up on Sunday for the first of a series of demonstrations.
The campaigners say they want the public to know the gruesome fate suffered by the Hoghton Tower ducks when the day-trippers and their children are not watching. They showed pictures and images to visitors arriving at the tourist attraction, which is still the family home of the de Hoghton line, and say that they succeeded in turning many of them away.
Jeanne Young of the NWLACS said: “It’s clear from the public reaction today that the barbaric duck and pheasant shoot is starting to damage the de Hoghton family name and Hoghton Tower in general. “Many people, not surprisingly, turned away from Hoghton Tower on seeing the images we have of ducks killed there whilst passing motorists also showed us their support for our campaign. The reality of Hoghton Tower is far from the picture postcard image that they would have you believe and finally the public is learning the grim truth.
Police deal quickly with Hoghton Tower staff
This was a very well supported and peaceful protest and we are grateful to the police for their protection. “
Unfortunately as event organisers were leaving police became concerned at the activity of Hoghton Tower staff and intervened to prevent them following organisers as has happened before.
The demo was featured on BBC North West Tonight (twice), BBC Radio Lancashire, Chorley Citizen, Lancashire Evening Post and the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.
Approximately 1200 animal rights campaigners massed in Oxford city centre as a part of the ongoing and successful campaign against Oxford University’s planned animal torture lab and to mark World Day for Laboratory Animals.
Oxford University friends in the media and had been confidently predicting all week that the demonstration would number only 500 to 600. As it turned out that number was easily doubled and far exceeded the march held by the pro-vivisectionists earlier on in the year, when no more than 600 people marched, many of them in full hunting regalia, which clearly illustrated that the march was more anti animal rights than a pro-vivisectionist.
The march of the pro vivisectionists of just a few hundred people, many who attended having a vested interest in the continuance of vivisection, paled in comparison to the sea of humanity that made its way through the streets of Oxford to protest against animal abuse. Compassionate people united, having made their way from all across the UK as well different parts of Europe–some from as far away as Germany, Belgium and Switzerland; determined not just to stop the Oxford animal lab but to expose the fraudulent scientific practice of vivisection.
The demonstration began in the very heart of historic Oxford in Broad St. The day’s events began with speeches from various representatives of the anti-vivisection movement, both campaigners and scientists alike. First to speak was the Director of Animal Aid, Andrew Tyler. Andrew spoke of the hypocrisy of a media that have become so obsessed with painting a picture of the animal rights movement as a fanatical lunatic fringe that they could no longer even report factually about the real issues that lie at the core of the very real arguments against vivisection. He also reminded us all of what it meant to be an animal locked up in a laboratory like the partially built Lab in South Parks Rd, should it ever be completed, the very real suffering that laboratory animals are forced to endure, and why we must continue to stand up and speak out.
Grand National Demo
8 April 2006
Members of MAP staged a successful public awareness day outside Ladbrokes bookmakers on Oxford Road, Manchester to highlight the true cost of placing a bet on the race.
MAP activists were very visible with a banner, placards and flyers to hand out to members of the public passing and those who may have been tempted to place a bet on the race.
Another successful day as many people took flyers and said they would instead bet on football once aware of the hundreds of horses that are run to death each year for the horse racing/betting industry.
During the demo betting shop staff were sent out in an attempt to get people to place bets by offering free bets and to try and scare MAP members by calling the police.
As we are a legal campaign group this never has the desired affect and indeed on this occasion the police themselves said they did not bet on the national because of concerns about cruelty!
Having failed in that betting shop staff proceed to litter the street by throwing their cigarette buts on the floor.
We stayed despite the cold, rain and strong winds until the close of bets, however we were then joined by anti-glazer Manchester United supporters who had their own bone to pick with this shop!….
For more information on the real cost of horse racing click here
MAP will campaign against all areas of animal abuse and will always seek to inform the public of how the money they spend and the lifestyle they live may be aiding and abetting in the abuse and murder of non human animals.
