The Wisconsin Animal Protection Society (WISAPS) opposes animal exploitation in any form. WISAPS was incorporated in 1990 as a non-stock corporation under Wisconsin law. We are a Wisconsin organization encouraging a humane attitude towards all living creatures through direct action and education. One of our major accomplishments was the transfer of two elephants from the Milwaukee County Zoo to a sanctuary in California.
JOIN US! MEMBERSHIP IS FREE!
Please contact us for more information and to become involved. Mark Silverman, President. wisaps7@gmail.com.
ACTION YOU CAN TAKE.
Contact your legislators in the Wisconsin State Assembly and Senate to urge them to vote NO to a Sandhill Crane hunting season and that they, instead, support real options to farmers, such as funding to offset the cost of Avipel, which is, according to the International Crane Foundation, a known seed treatment effective at deterring crop damage. (See, Sandhill Crane Hunt, below). (For more information and help in contacting your Wisconsin legislator, visit the International Crane Foundation website, at savingcranes.org, and select "About," and then "News.").
Returning wildlife to their natural environment. Help us find an organization with experience in the transfer of research animals from the laboratory to their natural habitat. In some cases, the animals have never lived outside of a laboratory! (See Nurse Sharks, below).
Learn how to be a vegan, if you are not already, by eating a plant-based diet, instead of meat and dairy. Excellent websites are those of the Food Revolution Network, (at foodrevoution.org), and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, (at pcrm.org). The Milwaukee Area Vegans is a supportive community of people in the Milwaukee area interested in a vegan lifestyle. (Visit their Facebook page).
ANIMAL NEWS.
Rats and rabbits. An article appeared in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Public Investigator, (9-23), about the use of rat poison (rodenticide), in Milwaukee. Dead wildlife are turning up, including rabbits in Bay View. Also, there was a discussion about rats on Wisconsin Public Radio, 1A (9-25). Our president emailed 1A: “ Thank you for the discussion, today, about rats! We humans need to learn how to live with nonhuman animals, including rats. Leaving less food outside is just one example. Rodenticide kills other animals like rabbits and raccoons. Not a solution!” - Mark Silverman, President, Wisconsin Animal Protection Society. (10-9-24).
Sandhill Crane Hunt being considered. The Legislative Committee on Sandhill Cranes is considering a crane hunt. (Milwaukee JS article, 10-3). The committee held its third and final informational meeting Tuesday (10-1) and will meet Nov 13th to begin proposing legislation on crane management in Wisconsin, including measures to help farmers with crane-caused crop damage. (The committee has 12 members: 4 are legislators and 8 are public members). The issue is controversial: Two previous crane-hunting bills failed to pass. Under current state law, farmers are not compensated for their crane-caused crop losses because the species is not open to hunting. There are concerns regarding Whooping Cranes. About 65 endangered Whooping Cranes live in Wisconsin. (10-9-24).
According to he International Crane Foundation (ICF), the Foundation has worked in Wisconsin's agricultural communities for three decades to resolve the issue of crop damage by cranes. In partnership with Arkion LLC, the Foundation helped develop Avipel seed treatment. ICF notes, on its website, that Avipel is a harmless, non-toxic substance, originally derived from plants, that is applied to corn seeds before they are planted. Cranes avoid feeding on the treated, planted seed but remain in the field to feed on worms, insects, waste grains, and other food items. (International Crane Foundation, savingcranes.org). (11-12-24).
Animals to be hunted in Wisconsin. Some of the animals soon to be hunted in Wisconsin, when the hunting seasons open this month (September), include:
Bears, Mourning doves, Cottontail rabbits (Northern Zone), Deer (archery and crossbow), Squirrels, Turkeys, Canada geese, Woodcocks, Ducks (Southern Zone), and more. How sad! (9-4-24).
Cattle. The U.S. bird-flu outbreak in dairy cattle is much larger than official figures suggest due to farmers’ reluctance to test their animals and risk the economic consequences of a positive result, according to Reuters interviews with dairy experts, veterinarians, and farmers in six states with known cases, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. Wisconsin, the No. 2 milk-producing and top cheese-producing state, has not reported any bird-flu cases in cattle. (MJS, 8-16-24). (8-20-24).
Wolves. The U.S. House of Representatives passed, (4-30-24), a bill, H.R. 764, to require the Secretary of the Interior to reissue regulations removing the gray wolf from the list of endangered and threatened wildlife under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Wisconsin Democrats Rep. Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore voted against the proposal, according to WPR. The Biden administration opposes the bill, issuing a statement that the bill would "override and short-circuit" development of science-based rulemaking and recovery planning by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Wisconsin Public Radio News, 5-1-24). (7-22-24).
Wild Turkeys. Hunters registered 50,435 wild turkeys "harvested" in the 2024 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season, 22% higher than the five-year average and fourth highest in state history, reported the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, (June 23, 2024), citing the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (6-30-24).
Wisconsin Dog Rescue Cases
Ridglan Farms is a dog breeder and research facility located near Mt. Horeb, in Dane County, Wisconsin. According to the Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) website, DxE investigators entered the Ridglan Farms facility and rescued three beagles, a few years ago. The three people are now facing felony burglary and felony theft charges. (DxE website, 12-15-23). The cases are scheduled for a status conference, 1-16-24, jury selection, 3-18-24, and jury trial, from 3-18-24 until 3-22-24, in Dane County Circuit Court. (The Case numbers are 2021CF1837, 2021CF1838 and 2021CF1839). On its website, DxE notes that: “This Right to Rescue case is an important opportunity to show the world the horrors inflicted on humankind’s supposed best friend and to move toward ending experimentation on dogs and other animals.”). (DxE website, 12-15-23). (12-16-23).
Case Updates.
The case was dismissed upon the prosecutor's Motion! (3-8-24).
Former defendant Wayne Hsiung and local organization, Dane4Dogs filed a motion to appoint a special prosecutor to prosecute Ridglan Farms for animal cruelty. An evidentiary hearing was held 10-23-24. (10-28-24).
SCARY NUMBERS
Americans eat more than one million cows, pigs and chickens every hour. More than 2.8 million cows, 10 million pigs and 9 billion chickens are slaughtered over the course of a year in the United States. (PCRM, citing the USDA, pcrm.org, 9-19-24).
Each year, more than 650,000 whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals are killed or seriously injured by fishing gear, the number one threat these animals face. (Nature’s Voice, NRDC, Spring ‘24).
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world's largest funder of medical research, is contributing to more than 100 million dogs, cats, monkeys, mice, rats, and other animals killed in U.S laboratories each year, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine . (10-21-24).
RECENT ACTION
Wood Turtle. We submitted a public comment to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (10-23-24), with regard to a Proposed Incidental Take Permit for the Bad River Meander Stabilization Project (ITP 418).
Species: Wood Turtle
Location: Ashland County
We stated, in part, that we were happy to see, in the Conservation Measures section, that Enbridge will transport any eggs found to a wildlife rehabilitator to continue incubation. Further, we were glad to read that location and movement of any wood turtle nests will occur on a dry day, with moderate temperatures, and that staff will use their hands to dig. (10-28-24).
Porcupine Mountains. We provided a Position Statement to a representative of the movement, Protect the Porkies. Our statement began: “This document reflects the concerns of the Wisconsin Animal Protection Society, Inc., as of August 7, 2024, regarding the Copperwood Project, proposed by Highland Copper Company, Inc., to be in Gogebic County, in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We support protection of Lake Superior and the Porcupine Mountains.” The three-page Statement expressed our concerns with habitat loss and habitat destruction. We pointed out that, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than one-third of the U.S. federally threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands, and nearly half use wetlands at some point in their lives. According to the National Geographic Society, the clearing of land for farming, grazing, mining, drilling and urbanization impact the 80 percent of global species who call the forest home. (8-14-24).
Frogs. We submitted public comments to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, (7-11-24), with regard to a project which may affect the Blanchard’s Cricket Frog, listed as Endangered in Wisconsin. (The Northern Natural Gas proposed project for replacement of the WIB11901 Tomah Branch Line). We stated that, assuming the project will proceed, we are happy to see the proposed conservation measures contained in the Jeopardy Assessment. However, we had concerns regarding:
1.Eggs
2.Larvae
3.Tadpoles
We suggested that the phrase: “including their eggs, larvae and tadpoles,” be added to the minimization measures.
The DNR responded quickly, the next day, (7-12-24), thanking us for our comment and explaining that the reason the frogs’ eggs, larvae and tadpoles were not included was that the project is all land based - not water based - so there shouldn’t be any of these life stages present. But, a note will be made to include these, if they are not included already, in water based activities. (7-15-24).
Line 5 Wisconsin Segment Relocation Public Comment.
We submitted (4-25-24) a Public Comment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding Enbridge Energy’s application for a permit to relocate a segment of its oil pipeline. According to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Line 5 pipeline transports 545,000 barrels a day of light crude oil, light synthetic crude oil and natural gas liquids from western Canada through Wisconsin and Michigan and into eastern Canada. The relocated pipeline portion would: “... cross 186 waterways and requires the conversion of some wetlands, as well as the permanent and temporary fill of other wetlands along the route.” (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 6-4-24).
In our public comment, we voiced our concern with particular preliminary findings and determinations made by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps). For example:
●“The effects of blasting on aquatic biota varies by species, but generally small motile organisms and those close to the blast or near the sediment surface are expected to experience higher mortality.” (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Paul District, Draft Environmental Assessment, Clean Water Act Section 404(b)(1) Guidelines Evaluation, and Public Interest Review, Section 6.4.2, p. 62, emphasis supplied).
●“The clearing of woody wetland vegetation for the proposed new pipeline right-of-way would permanently fragment forested, shrub and riparian habitats.” (Id., Section 6.4.3, p. 63. Emphasis supplied).
● “Once construction activities resulting in temporary discharges into wetlands are completed, 33.92 acres of wetlands would be permanently maintained clear of woody vegetation within the 50-foot-wide permanent maintenance corridor and within the 30-foot-wide corridor over the centerline of the pipeline at HDD crossings for operational maintenance and aerial inspection purposes.” (Id.,Section 1.3, p.11. Emphasis supplied).
We asked the Corps to reject Enbridge’s application for the Line 5 Wisconsin segment relocation project permit, based upon its preliminary findings and determinations. (7-2-24).
CARGO Act. We wrote a letter to Congressional leaders in support of the Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas (CARGO) Act of 2023. The letter began: "Dear House Speaker, Johnson, Majority Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, and Leader McConnell:
On behalf of the Wisconsin Animal Protection Society, I am writing in support of H.R.4757, the Cease Animal Research Grants Overseas (CARGO) Act of 2023, introduced by U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Troy Nehls (R-TX). The CARGO Act would: “...amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) from awarding any support for an activity or program that uses live animals in research unless the research occurs in the United States, and for other purposes.” (congress.gov, 6-13-25). We concluded our letter by expressing our hope that these Congressional leaders join the 37 national organizations, the 33 state and local organizations , and the 22 cosponsors in support of the CARGO Act. (6-18-24).
Canada Geese. We submitted a letter to the editor of the Ladysmith News (5-15-24) urging the Ladysmith Common Council to reconsider its decision to roundup and euthanize park geese. (Printed in the May 22nd issue).
These are the same two parks that were targeted to remove geese in 2020. (Ladysmith News). The Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS), notes that: “Killing geese is inhumane, ineffective and unnecessary.” Furthermore, “Besides being inhumane, this also leaves room for a new flock to just move right in.” (HSUS website, What to do about Canada geese). This seems to be exactly what has happened, in Ladysmith. Since the 2020 removal, a new flock has moved in.
The best geese control programs, according to HSUS, combine three methods: limiting flock growth, frightening geese (humanely) so they decide to leave on their own, and changing the habitat so it isn’t attractive to geese. Most roundups to kill geese occur during the birds’ annual molt when they are growing new flight feathers and can’t fly – from mid-June through July. (HSUS). The Ladysmith roundup and killing is to take place during the week of June 24th. (5-27-24).
Beagle living outside, alone.
We were contacted (4-5-24) by a La Crosse resident concerned about a beagle that has been “ living outside for three years, no matter what the weather conditions” are: cold, windy, pouring rain, snow, no shade in the summer. The person noted that the owner does not want it inside. It is considered an “outside dog.” It is “tied up outside and gets no exercise.” Animal Control was informed.
We contacted the owners of the beagle, by letter, dated April 22, 2024, explaining that beagles are really indoor dogs, if not living in a group. Our four-page letter referred to two helpful websites: beaglepro.com and PetGuide.com.
According to beaglepro.com (4-19-24): Can a Beagle Do Okay Living Outside?:
There’s lots of myths about a dog’s ability to live outside, and the health and well-being of your Beagle puppy or dog depends on understanding what makes this breed happy, and what sort of outdoor elements this breed can safely endure.
The hunting Beagles of the past, when they slept outside, they did so in groups, so they could cuddle together and keep each other warm. Today’s Beagle has a personality trait that makes it exceedingly difficult to be happy outside alone. During centuries of refined breeding, very strong bonding was an important personality trait that was cultivated. Today’s Beagle wants to be with his or her owner. His human family is his ‘pack’. There is nothing quite comparable to how this breed soaks in love from his family and how he feels secure inside the home, which is his ‘den’ that holds his ‘pack’. (beaglepro.com).
The other website points out that: Among the top breeds for indoor living is the Beagle. This breed's small size makes it well-suited for apartment life, and Beagles are known for their strong bonds with family members. Their moderate energy levels and intelligence mean they require mental stimulation through interactive toys to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. (Quiet, and Friendly: The Beagle as an Ideal Indoor Dog), Story by PetGuide Staff, msn.com (4-20). (5-30-24).
Update. The beagle is still living outside, alone. (5-31-24).
MeatOut Day Proclamation Request. We requested (1-18-24) a MeatOut Day proclamation from the Mayor of Milwaukee, asking that Mayor Johnson proclaim March 20, 2024, as MeatOut Day for the City of Milwaukee. We noted that MeatOut Day, developed and promoted by the Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM), would be an excellent way for Milwaukee citizens to learn the benefits of a plant-based diet. The City of Madison has proclaimed a MeatOut Day, as have other cities. Voluntarily not eating meat for one day would, hopefully, convince people to consider a dietary change. The environment, our health and the animals around us, all stand to gain. (1-22-24).
Update. Our request was denied. Email from the Staff Assistant to the Mayor (3-19-24): "Our office will not be issuing a proclamation as requested." (5-27-24).
PAST ACTION
Animal Welfare Complaint. We filed an Animal Welfare Complaint with the federal, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, USDA Animal Care, on September 24, 2023, regarding the treatment of animals by a wildlife park. The Wisconsin Animal Protection Society was contacted by a person who had visited the wildlife park, in Wisconsin, on August 17, 2023. The visitor noted: “There were a few especially concerning situations there. The red fox looked miserable in a very small cage. The badger, also an animal that likes lots of room to roam, was simply pacing back and forth in the small area. And the crows, kookaburras, and vultures meant to fly, were stuck in small cages. " (10-1-23).
Bears. Our president, Mark Silverman, appeared, virtually, at the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Bear Advisory Committee Meeting , on November 29th, and offered public comment, stating that we do not believe in hunting or the intentional killing of animals for population control. We should treat animals as we would ourselves. Mark noted that we like the Program Goal of the Wisconsin Black Bear Management Plan 2019-2029: "The program goal for black bear management is to: Maintain a healthy and sustainable black bear population that fulfills the numerous ecological, social, and cultural benefits of bears while minimizing
bear–human conflicts in order to promote and maintain a positive public image of black bears in Wisconsin." (11-30-23).
Lizards and Turtles. We submitted public comments to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, (12-5-23), with regard to a project which may affect the Ornate Box Turtle and Slender Glass Lizard, listed as Endangered in Wisconsin. (The US 51 – Tomlinson to Ontario WisDOT project). We stated that, assuming that the project will proceed, we are happy to see the proposed conservation measures contained in the Jeopardy Assessment. However, we had concerns with regard to the lizard and turtle eggs and as to the location of the lizards and turtles once removed from the site. (12-6-23).
The DNR responded quickly, (12-7-23), advising that both concerns: "... will be addressed in the authorization when it gets finalized by adding in a location for where to put the herps as well as adding in language about what to do if eggs are found onsite (removal to a wildlife rehabilitation center)." (12-7-23).
Lizards. We submitted a public comment, (12-2-23), to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), regarding the Sand Valley Trail and Overlook Hill Road project. We stated that we were happy to see the proposed conservation measures contained in the Jeopardy Assessment with respect to any Slender Glass Lizards observed in the disturbance area. However, we expressed our concerns for the lizards’ eggs. The DNR Conservation Biologist thanked us for our comment and let us know that they have added information to their standard template language (used for all slender glass lizard ITP/As) and added these additions for the projects that were in public notice (e.g., Sand Valley ITP 424): “Nests and eggs of the slender glass lizard are extremely difficult to survey for and locate, however if any eggs are found during the course of the project, the eggs will be carefully removed, maintained at 55° - 75° F, and immediately transferred to a wildlife rehabilitator.” (12-18-23).
Frogs. We submitted public comments to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources with regard to a project in Lafayette County which may affect the Blanchard's Cricket Frog, a species listed as endangered in Wisconsin. Our comments were favorable, regarding the protective measures to be taken, assuming the project would go forward:
Re: Proposed Incidental Take Permit, Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County, (ITP423). Species: Blanchard's Cricket Frog, listed as Endangered in Wisconsin.
From: Wisconsin Animal Protection Society
Date: September 21, 2023
Dear Mr. Paloski,
Thank you for reviewing public comments related to the Proposed Incidental Take Permit for the Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County sewer main extension project. Assuming that the project will proceed, we are happy to see the following proposed conservation measures, contained in the Jeopardy Assessment:
*Vegetation maintained at 3-6 inches throughout the length of the project...2.
*All project activities will be completed before October 15th, .......to avoid the overwintering and breeding seasons of cricket frogs. 3.a.
*All Blanchard’s Cricket Frogs (and preferably other amphibians and reptiles) found will be immediately removed from the disturbance area and relocated to suitable habitat at least 100 meters downstream from the project site. 3.d.i.
*Any frogs or other amphibians or reptiles observed in the disturbance footprint will immediately be removed from the area and relocated to suitable habitat at least 100 meters downstream from the project site. 3.d.ii.
*Upon completion of the project, all areas of temporary disturbance will be restored to pre-existing (or better) conditions. 6.
*All individuals working on the project site (eg., engineers, construction crew, biologists) will be briefly trained on how to identify cricket frogs ..... 8.
Thank you for doing all that is legally permissible, within the scope of your position at the DNR, to protect the endangered, Blanchard’s Cricket Frog. (10-1-23).
Frogs. We also submitted public comments to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, on November 2, 2023, relating to the Trempealeau National Wildlife Refuge Entrance Road project, and its affect on the Blanchard's Cricket Frog. We noted that we were happy to see the proposed conservation measures contained in the Jeopardy Assessment. (11-6-23).
Turtles. We submitted public comments to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, on November 21, 2023, relating to the Sauk County, WIS 23, WisDOT project, and its affect on the Ornate Box Turtle. We stated that we were happy to see the proposed conservation measures contained in the Jeopardy Assessment, but noted that the portion referring to the turtles' removal did not indicate the location to which they would be removed. The DNR responded quickly, explaining that the location will be clarified. They will be remaining on the state natural area, but away from the project area. (11-21-23).
Wolves. We submitted written comments (9-10-23) to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the DNR's Proposed Wolf Management Rule relating to gray wolf "harvest" regulations. (CR 23-047). Our comments made it clear that: "We at the Wisconsin Animal Protection Society do not believe in hunting. We wish that any quotas set by the DNR be as low as possible. Like the Wisconsin Conservation Voters, we support the move away from a specific population goal, toward outcomes-based/adaptive management, with the goal being a healthy wolf population." Mark Silverman reiterated the above, as a public comment, at the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board meeting, October 25, 2023. A new Wolf Management Plan was approved by the Board, with no population goal. (10-26-23).
Monkeys Used in Research. Our president, Mark Silverman, launched a petition drive, using Change.org., asking for signatures calling on the University of Wisconsin-Madison to Stop the Monkey Research! For many years the University of Wisconsin-Madison has conducted research on monkeys, specifically, rhesus macaques and cynomolgus macaques. Research protocols, from just the past few years, reveal the conditions these monkeys must endure. For example, one of the protocols states: Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) is very closely related to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The animals will remain in SIV housing up to a year after SIV infection at which point they will be euthanized. Protocol # 6118. (6-6-23)
Migratory game birds. We provided input, 3-8-23, on the Wisconsin proposed migratory game bird hunting seasons. Public meetings were hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Our input was that the Wisconsin Animal Protection Society opposes hunting. (3-10-23).
Wolves. We submitted Public Comments (2-16-23) to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the draft Wisconsin DNR 2022 Wolf Management Plan. In the comments, we noted which sections of the Plan we liked, and disliked, and stated, initially, that WISAPS opposes the intentional killing of wildlife by humans. (2-22-23).
Deer. We contacted the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR),
noting the large number of deer that had been hit by automobiles, lying alongside
Hwy I-94, between Milwaukee and Madison. We asked whether the DNR, or any other agency, had explored the construction of additional fencing along I-94, in Waukesha and Dane counties. (11-10-22).
Fireworks. WISAPS President, Mark Silverman, contacted his City of Milwaukee alderperson to request that the City and/or its contractor move the location of its Wilson Park 4th of July fireworks to a location away from the pond where ducks and geese live. He noted his concern that the noise of the explosions are harming their hearing, citing the Animal Ethics website. (8-10-22).
Update. Our request was denied, based upon a determination that: "...relocation of the launch site would not be possible from a crew safety standpoint while also being able to effectively keep spectators at a safe distance. Alternate locations would also create new concerns from residents near the park who would be impacted by the change." It was also felt that relocation of the launch site within the park "...would have minimal impact on effects to wildlife...." (From an email May 17, 2023). (6-26-23).
Meat and poultry. Mark Silverman wrote to Governor Evers, (6-24-22), supporting the Petition filed by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine requesting a discontinuation of two meat and poultry grant programs.
Free the Nurse Sharks! We circulated a petition to free the nurse sharks from the research being conducted upon them by the University of Wisconsin - Madison. The petition states:
To: Office of the Chancellor, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 163 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Drive, Madison, WI 53706 . WE, the undersigned Wisconsin residents, request that the University of Wisconsin-Madison discontinue its research using Nurse Sharks and return them to the ocean. Nurse Sharks’ natural ecosystem/habitat is the coral and rocky reefs, in the tropical to warm temperate latitudes of the Eastern Pacific and Western Atlantic Oceans. That is where they belong – not in a small tank in Wisconsin! Please use other research methods. We forwarded the petition, with sixty signatures, to the Chancellor, on June 10, 2022, along with a cover letter explaining our position..
Update. Our request was denied. A letter from the UW-Madison Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education stated, in part: "As you anticipated, those researchers and veterinarians consider the idea of releasing these mature animals into the ocean to be cruel and unethical. These sharks would not flourish in an environment they have never known. " (Letter dated July 5, 2022). (We have been contacting organizations in an attempt to find one which could introduce the nurse sharks to their natural environment. 6-26-23).
Shark research. WISAPS president, Mark Silverman, made an Open Records request for information pertaining to research being conducted on nurse sharks at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. on 12-20-21: Dear Custodian: I am making a request for the following records, pursuant to Wis. Stat. Sec. 19.35, as well as pursuant to the United States Freedom of Information Act: 1. A description of research currently being conducted on sharks at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 2. Any completed Animal Care and Use Protocol related to the above-mentioned shark research. (1-3-22).
Research protocol portions. Mark received a response to his Open Records request. The University of Wisconsin is using up to 4 nurse sharks for its research, which may last three years. They are kept in a tank. Here are portions of its research protocol: "The goal of this research is to use nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) to generate antibodies against cancer antigens and coronavirus antigens. . . .Though not planned, it is possible sharks may require humane euthanasia. Animals are anesthetized with MS-222 as described on the Anesthesia/Analgesia/Sedation page. When fully anesthetized (immobile and non-responsive to stimuli) sharks are decapitated. . . . At the end of their assignment in this protocol, animals will be:....made available to other investigators. . . .[Other Describe other disposition arrangements and justify below]. . . . . .Donated to an aquarium, zoo, with appropriate aquatic habitat, or other appropriate aquatic display
entity. "(2-10-22).
Second open records request. Mark made a second Open Records request, 2-22-22, seeking: 1. Records indicating the dimensions of the tank or tanks housing the nurse sharks being used for the above-mentioned research, including length, width, height, gallons of water. 2. Records in any form, including digital, including emails, relating to any incident or incidents in which a nurse shark was: a. Involved in an animal emergency; b. Observed to be in pain or distress; c. Administered an analgesic, anesthetic and/or sedative; d. Observed to have a change in behavior; e. Observed to have a localized lesion or lesions; f. Exhibiting complications from CFA (Complete Freund’s Adjuvant) administration; g. Not eating, not swimming, showing poor growth or poor body condition, or weight loss; h. Administered euthanasia; i. Decapitated; k. Donated to an aquarium, zoo, aquatic display entity, or other facility; l. Made available to other investigators. 3. Photographs and videos of a nurse shark or sharks in the above-mentioned research tank or tanks. These may be in digital form. No more than three photographs and one video are being requested. (2-23-22). We received a response, on 4-8-22, to our second request, which we are now reviewing. (4-8-22).
Dimensions of tank. From the response to our second open records request: "However, in the interest of transparency, the university is providing the dimension here: approximately 19ft x 12ft x 5ft. The tank holds up to 5,000 - 7,000 gallons of water. "
ANIMAL NEWS (Past Years)
Animal Rights Activists. The Washington D.C. Superior Court ruled in favor of three animal rights activists sued by a restaurant owner attempting to stop anti-foie gras protests and online speech, reports Change.org in its update of FARM (Farm Animal Rights Movement) petitions. The activists' lawyers, from the University of Denver Animal Activist Defense Project, won the case by filing anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) motions. The motions argued that the restaurant owner was attempting to silence the activists by burdening them with legal costs. The D.C. Coalition Against Foie Gras says it will continue protesting at Washington D.C. restaurants until the city is foie gras free. (See, Their Turn, 6-29-23, posted by Change.org). (7-4-23).
Farmed Animal Law is Upheld. As reported by the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF), by declining to review the appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld, on May 22, 2023, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that California's foie gras ban is constitutional. Foie gras - French for "fatty liver" - is produced by force-feeding ducks or geese until their livers swell to many times their natural size, inducing a painful disease, ALDF explains. The birds are then slaughtered so their diseased livers can be eaten. ALDF notes that the the ban - California's Proposition 12 - is the "strongest farmed animal law in the country." (See ALDF's website, at aldf.org). (6-30-23).
Big Win for Big Cats. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) reports, in its Spring 2023 issue of The Animals' Advocate, that, after a multi-year, multi-pronged advocacy effort from the ALDF, the bipartisan Big Cat Public Safety Act has been signed into law. The ALDF notes that: "Now, federal law bans private individuals from acquiring, breeding, or selling big cats, and requires individuals who currently possess them to register them with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service no later than June 18, 2023." For more info. about the law, go to aldf.org/bigcats. (6-15-23).
California Spotted Owls Will Finally Win Protection. The Center for Biological Diversity reported, on its website: "More than two decades after a petition by the Center for Biological Diversity and allies, on Wednesday the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service finally announced it will protect California spotted owls. These iconic, white-spotted owls make their home in old-growth forests. Their classic four-note call was once a common melody among the big trees of the Sierra Nevada and Southern California ranges. But logging, climate change and other threats have sent their numbers plummeting." (2-23-23).
Strangulation Snares. As reported by the Center for Biological Diversity: "After a lawsuit by the Center, a federal judge has ordered Minnesota to ban most uses of strangulation snares which have accidentally killed lynx -- in the northeastern part of the state. The state’s lynx population may be as low as 50." (See, Center for Biological Diversity website). (2-23-23).
Animal testing. As reported in Nature, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed to explore alternative methods to replace laboratory animals in developing new drugs and products. According to the Nature article: "Last June, the FDA set out proposals for the New Alternative Methods Program that will focus on replacing, reducing and refining the use of laboratory animals through the adoption of cutting-edge alternative methods. The aim is to produce findings that are more relevant to humans, streamline product development and reduce costs." (See, Nature Index, 11-4-22, Rachel Nuwer, nature.com). (11-14-22).
Northern long-eared bats have won "endangered" status, reports the Center for Biological Diversity, reversing a previous "threatened" listing. The Center for Biological Diversity noted the years of legal work by the Center and its allies. (Endangered Earth, 12-1-22). The bats are suffering from "White-nose syndrome," a fungal disease. According to the Associated Press, the disease has infected 12 types of bats and killed millions. The northern long-eared bat is among the hardest hit. The bat is found in 37 eastern and north-central states, plus Washington D.C. and much of Canada. (AP News, 11-29-22). Northern long-eared bats are found throughout Wisconsin but they are never abundant. (Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, dnr.wi.gov, 12-2-22). (12-4-22).
Primate research labs. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) filed a notice of appeal with the federal Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (12-2-22) challenging the dismissal of a lawsuit filed on behalf of a former employee of the University of Wisconsin-Madison's primate research labs (ALDF.org, 12-2-22). ALDF reports that the lawsuit, filed in February of 2022, alleges the University silenced the employee from advocating against animal testing on the University of Wisconsin's social media. (ALDF.org, 12-2-22). The employee viewed a monkey who'd been subjected to an invasive cranial procedure that left an opening in his skull. The monkey shook his cage bars and reached out his hands to grab in vain at passing humans. She witnessed a mother monkey and her newborn who screamed as they were separated so the newborn could be tattooed, an infant monkey who died in the employee's hands during a seizure, and a mother monkey who clutched her dead newborn for more than a full day until she and a coworker were directed to separate the mother from her baby. The mother pressed her lips to the baby's head before retreating into a transport cage. (ALDF.org, 12-2-22). ). ALDF notes that primate research at the university's Harlow Lab and Wisconsin National Primate Research Center has long been the subject of controversy. ALDF cites a lawsuit it filed, in 2014, and points out that, in 2020, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cited the University of Wisconsin for serial Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations, including improper handling, resulting in at least 20 incidents of nonhuman primates requiring amputation of body parts such as hands, feet, digits, and tongues. According to the USDA inspection reports, ALDF states, similar AWA violations have persisted at the university even after the citation. (ALDF.org, 12-2-22) . (12-8-22).
SCARY NUMBERS
Americans eat more than one million cows, pigs and chickens every hour. More than 2.8 million cows, 10 million pigs and 9 billion chickens are slaughtered over the course of a year in the United States. (PCRM, citing the USDA, pcrm.org, 9-19-24).
Each year, more than 650,000 whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals are killed or seriously injured by fishing gear, the number one threat these animals face. (Nature’s Voice, NRDC, Spring ‘24).
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the world's largest funder of medical research, is contributing to more than 100 million dogs, cats, monkeys, mice, rats, and other animals killed in U.S laboratories each year, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine . (10-21-24).