Stop European Union agricultural subsidies for bullfighting: Every year 200 million euros goes to breeders of bulls for bullfighting ( Petition )

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Stop European agricultural subsidies for bullfighting.

European Agricultural Subsidies

We believe this must stop. That’s why we at CAS International, with the support of the animal rights organizations AnimaNaturalis (Spain) and ANIMAL (Portugal), have started a petition to end European agricultural subsidies for bull breeders. In the coming years, the new agricultural policy after 2027 will be determined, making this the perfect moment for European citizens to show that we do not want EU money supporting these cruel practices.

By signing the petition, you show the European Parliament that there is broad public support to stop these subsidies. We will submit the petition to the European Parliament, ensuring that MEPs permanently end subsidies for bull breeders.

Sign the petition here!

Majority of people in European bullfighting countries against the harmful tradition

The majority of people in Spain, France and Portugal is against bullfighting and think the harmful tradition causes too much suffering to bulls, a survey shows. The survey among 7500 people carried out by Ipsos I&O Public on behalf of the Dutch animal protection Ngo CAS International shows furthermore that a great majority of the inhabitants of the three European countries where bullfighting still takes place think that public money should not be spent to support bullfighting and that the European Union should protect the welfare of animals within cultural traditions.  

Stop European agricultural subsidies for bullfighting.

Bullfighting in Europe still takes place in Spain, France, and Portugal. Every year, thousands of bulls die in the arena, and tens of thousands of other bulls and cows are used in cruel traditional festivals, such as bull runs.

What many people don’t know is that this is partly made possible by the European Union (EU). And every EU citizen contributes to this.

How does that work?

Every year, the EU provides agricultural subsidies to farmers. This is done through a scheme called the Common Agricultural Policy. A portion of this money, an estimated 200 million euros per year, goes to breeders of bulls used for bullfighting.

Many people in Spain, France, Portugal, and the rest of the EU disagree with this. They believe their tax money should not be used for these practices.

But we can do something about it!

In the coming years, the European Commission, EU Member States, and the European Parliament will decide on a new Common Agricultural Policy for after 2027. This is the perfect time to show that we want an end to these subsidies for bull breeders.

Public Opinion

In 2024, we commissioned a public survey on opinions regarding bullfighting in Spain, France, and Portugal. A majority of the population in these countries is against bullfighting and believes that no public funds should be spent on facilitating it. Read all the survey results here.

Want to know more?

You can find more information about all things related to bullfighting and recent updates on our website, www.cas-international.org.

If you’d like to learn more about what bullfighting involves, check out this page.

If you want to know more about the cruel bull fiestas and sign a petition against them, visit www.bloodfiestas.org.

About this petition and CAS International

This petition is an initiative of CAS International and is supported by the animal rights organizations AnimaNaturalis (Spain) and ANIMAL (Portugal). Data originating from this petition will only be shared with the European Parliament in line with our privacy statement and not with AnimaNaturalis or other organizations that support this petition.

CAS International is a Dutch NGO committed to end bullfighting, cruel patron festivals with bulls and cows and other cultural events that cause animal suffering. We advocate for a compassionate culture in which no harm is inflicted on animals or humans. We are member and co-founder of the International Anti-Bullfighting Network. Together we fight for a bullfighting free world.

 

Lady Freethinker and ‘The Bachelorette’ Star Blake Moynes Expose Rampant Animal Cruelty in Thai Zoos ( PETITION )

https://ladyfreethinker.org/category/speakout-petitions

LFT Investigation/Blake Moynes & Scott Bradley of SOSA

PETITION TARGET: Thai Authorities

Tigers pulled by their tails, elephants struck with bullhooks, and crocodiles with handlers’ fists jammed down their throats: these are the cruelties Lady Freethinker recently uncovered when investigators visited five wildlife facilities in Thailand that use animals to entertain and interact with tourists.

Across the parks, lions, tigers, elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, and other animals were confined in barren cages — some isolated and others crammed together — suffering from insufficient nutrition, visible stress, and constant abuse.

LFT Investigation/Blake Moynes & Scott Bradley of SOSA

LFT Investigation/Blake Moynes & Scott Bradley of SOSA

Tigers were found on chains so short they couldn’t even stand upright, while lion cubs were dragged by their tails and struck so tourists could pose with them. A white tiger chained for photos appeared exhausted and was constantly sleeping. Another tiger flinched and retreated when a man lifted his hand in a threatening gesture. Big cats at these facilities were noticeably underweight, some with visible wounds.

Elephants were kept on chains so restrictive that they could only shuffle miserably in tiny circles, and were forced to give rides and perform in endless shows — all under the constant threat of bullhooks.

LFT Investigation/Blake Moynes & Scott Bradley of SOSA

Orangutans were forced into costumes, paraded before crowds, and degraded in humiliating performances. A distressed hyena was spotted pacing back and forth in her enclosure, consistently returning to an adjacent separate pen where her young were kept.

Crocodiles were seen piled on top of each other in their tiny enclosures, yanked by their tails, struck with sticks, and forced to endure handlers shoving their fists, heads, or cash from tourists into their mouths. At one facility, crocodile heads, purses, belts, and keychains made from their feet were openly sold — an on-site restaurant even served dishes made with crocodile meat.

LFT Investigation/Blake Moynes & Scott Bradley of SOSA

Disturbingly, children on school trips were often brought to these facilities, normalizing animal cruelty and exploitation for the next generation.

These innocent animals are denied every natural instinct and forced into submission through violence and fear — all for fleeting tourist entertainment. Their dignity, autonomy, and lives are destroyed so visitors can take selfies, watch shows, or buy trinkets made from their body parts.

Thailand’s leaders must act now to end this cruelty.

Sign our petition urging Thai authorities to ban cruel exotic animal selfies and performances at wildlife facilities in their country, and protect animals from being abused and exploited to amuse tourists.

Every year Kaziranga National Park India floods: Each time Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation arrives to rescue wildlife in 23 years 9,500 animals, 63% released back to the wild

Every year, Kaziranga National Park in Assam, India, floods. Each time, the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) arrives on the scene to rescue animals in peril. 

A rhino calf swept away by flooding. Photo: Amitabha Choudhury

Since its founding in 2002, the Centre has taken in more than 9,500 animals—63% of which have been released back to the wild. This astounding success rate is thanks to the joint support of IFAW, Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), and the Assam Forest Department.  

It’s the first rescue and rehabilitation center of its kind in the country, and its dedicated veterinarians, keepers, and volunteers have helped more 357 different species, including rhinos, elephants, clouded leopards, hog deer, and otters—but the Centre’s work doesn’t end at rescue. 

Duli and Atsu the Asiatic black bear cubs rehabilitating at Wildlife Trust of India’s CWRC. Photo: © Donal Boyd

Animal rescue helps entire species—not just individual animals 

Elephant rides with very many tourists on the back of the elephants. Elephants have a weak back. 

https://www.ifaw.org/journal/habitat-restoration-crucial-wildlife-rescue

Animal rescue is an important but often underappreciated element of wildlife conservation. Large-scale traditional conservation campaigns—like those advocating policy changes to protect endangered species and promote sustainable practices—make waves from a distance. But it’s a mistake to overlook the lasting ripples that rescuing individual animals can achieve.  

Wonderful news from the American animal welfare organisation 'Harmony Fund': Thank you for the 12 rescue photos of animals

 

https://harmonyfund.org/videos/ amazing  video's 

We are so blessed to have such a devoted group of supporters who are the HEART of Harmony Fund. Together, we've been helping bring food, shelter, veterinary care and healing to animals across the planet.

#1. Bears Thank You for Restoring Their Habitats!

Three senior bears are sending a great big thank you to everyone who helped them return to their naturalistic enclosures. Last year, we reached out for help for these bears at the ARKA rescue center in Serbia. Earthquakes and storms had severely damaged their outdoor spaces, forcing them to live in caged quarantine areas while ARKA struggled to afford the repairs needed for safe, natural habitats. Thanks to your generosity—especially our monthly donors—the bears have had a wonderful year. They swim, rub against trees, and sleep under the stars. They are free to be bears again. Rescued as orphaned cubs from the cruel "dancing bear" trade, they’ve been lovingly cared for by ARKA ever since. When ARKA lost its government subsidy last year, Harmony Fund stepped in to send $1,000 a month for their fruit and vegetable supply. Thanks to you, these bears are not just surviving—they’re thriving.

It's never too late. Harmony Fund believes in bettering the lives of senior animals like these bears. Every day is precious, and their days are now filled with wonder and contentment thanks to all of you.

#2. Road Rescues Going Strong!

Street rescues across the globe have been non-stop lately. We're talking about a rapid fire series of roundups of cats and dogs left in grave danger. The rescue squads in Harmony Fund's league are outdoing themselves right now, and we hardly know how to keep up!

As you see in these snapshots taken in Romania this week, many of the dogs being rescued have clearly been on their own for a very long time. While most people cross the street when they see these dogs, there are others who bend to their knees and offer a soft pair of hands for these poor souls.

Below you see Gulcin, a volunteer for our street cat project in Turkey. Gulcin is one of the most kind hearted people you could ever meet and she is deeply devoted to helping the 800+ cats who receive food and care from Harmony Fund daily.

Ukrainian Heroes Say Thank You!

In Ukraine, we continue to sponsor as much support as we can for the rescue and care of the animal victims of war. This work includes: 1. Funding the expansion of shelters to take in more animals 2. Providing monthly food, flea/tick treatments, spay/neuter and vet care for shelters caring for animals who have nowhere else to go 3. Support for senior citizen volunteers who are feeding packs of homeless animals and offering shelter to as many as they can

Last month many of you made donations for the emergency relocation of Yulia's shelter in Ukraine. We will provide an update on that soon.

A Simple Request

We’re facing a $19,000 deficit for September and have just a few days to raise the funds needed to make grants to all our rescue partners by October 1st. We're trying new fundraising methods and continuing to innovate to meet the animals' needs—but we do need help. While we try not to ask every month, it’s sometimes necessary. We are deeply grateful to our incredible monthly donors—your support is the lifeblood of Harmony Fund. Any additional gift today will help us keep our promises to the many rescue teams counting on us.

PLEASE DONATE

Wildlife detection dogs in Indonesia and South Africa ( K9 sniffers ) have saved thousands of animals which were destined for illegal wildlife trade

Link :Stories of the dogs that didn't survive :

https://www.scentimprintconservationdogs.com/in-memoriam/

 Stopping and prosecuting smugglers is a first important step in stopping illegal wildlife trade.

Sniffer Dog Bailey The first trained dog in Indonesia

We currently have 10 wildlife detection dogs, who have been specially trained to detect wildlife hidden in cargo and transport. Each dog has two handlers, working in pairs for safety reasons and working alongside the National Police of Indonesia.

The love between the sniffer dog and the trainer , both having a rest

Together with their trained handlers, the dogs patrol several harbors and airports which are known for being main smuggling routes between islands. Over the years, they have saved thousands of animals which were destined for the illegal wildlife trade.

Their jobs are not without risks, as the sniffer dogs have earned the reputation of being very successful during raids at the Indonesian harbors and airports. The illegal wildlife trade continues to thrive in Indonesia…

Baily at work. 

Regular exchange of knowledge to discuss new K9 sniffer methods with their Dutch partners, Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs, has made this small and committed Indonesian team a force to be reckoned with.

They have the full assistance of the different local authorities in Indonesia. Together we continue to rescue smuggled wildlife at several of the most trafficked routes in Asia - every single week!

A short summary of this program's activities

Training Bailey and other K9 dogs

Bailey is our first wildlife detection dog and a pure superpower. She has proven that the patrols produce great results: with her on board we are able to find many smuggled animals.

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That is why we have extended the team with five more K9 dogs. Just like Bailey, they were trained by the Dutch Scent Imprint Conservation Dogs. Puppies learn detection and follow-up work in their training center. Dutch zoos donated scent prints so that they can track not only monkeys, but also bears, gibbons, sloths, reptiles and birds.

Patrolling boat routes

The boat routes between the islands are ideal for smugglers for trading young wild animals that have recently been caught in the jungle. We can release animals found on this route directly on Sumatra. Once they have arrived in Java, a lot of bureaucracy is involved. For example, it could take months before an animal is able to return to nature. Moreover, the suffering at the end of the journey is much greater: the animals are sick, their teeth are pulled out and their eyes are damaged.

Local K9 officers

In Indonesia the dogs are accompanied by locals who have been trained by JAAN Wildlife. They recognize the dogs’ signals and the ways smugglers use to hide odors. Before the 5 new dogs can get started, we first take the time to let them get used their handlers. A bond of trust must be established before they tackle the smugglers together.