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.
Go to the Change.org website to sign our petition asking the University of Wisconsin-Madison to Stop the Monkey Research! On the Change.org website, simply search for "monkeys Wisconsin" and select the petition which states: Stop the Monkey Research! The cute monkey photo is from Pixabay. (See more info below, under RECENT ACTION). (6-25-23).
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. An excellent website is the Food Revolution Network, (at foodrevoution.org).
ANIMAL NEWS.
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 Update.
The case was dismissed upon the prosecutor's Motion! (3-8-24).
RECENT ACTION
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).
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).
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).
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. (Nov. 6, 2023).
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.
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).
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 emplyee 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).
ZOONOTIC DISEASES
Monkeypox, COVID-19 and SARS. Lessons learned?
According to Tanya Sanerib, Legal Director and Senior Attorney, Environmental Health Program, Center for Biological Diversity, “More than 60% of emerging diseases are zoonotic. ‘Zoonoses’ are diseases that naturally reside in animals but can mutate and infect people.” She continued: “These mutations are increasing in number as more people take up more land, alter our climate and exploit animals....The United States consumes roughly 20% of global wildlife....We need to ban all wildlife trade and close wildlife markets as a first response.” (Endangered Earth, Summer 2020 issue).
Monkeypox is a zoonotic orthopoxvirus with symptoms that are similar to but less severe than small pox, according to the World Health Organization. The virus was named monkeypox after it was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research, the CDC said. It’s not clear what animal is the original source of the virus, but it is found in many species, particularly rodents, in Africa, the WHO said. The first case identified in humans was in 1970 in a child from the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2003, there were 47 confirmed and probable cases reported in six states, the CDC said. All of those cases were tied to pet prairie dogs, who were infected with the virus after being kept near small mammals that were imported to the U.S. from Ghana, the agency said.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 5-30-22). The 2003 outbreak, which lasted three to four weeks, came from exotic imported animals, including two African giant pouch rats, and spread to prairie dogs that were sold as pets. In 2003, Wisconsin was the epicenter of a monkeypox outbreak. The first human monkeypox cases were in 1970, according to Richard Kennedy, co-director of the vaccine research group at the Mayo Clinic. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 5-26-22).
An international team of scientists published two extensive papers online, offering the strongest evidence to date that the CODVID-19 pandemic originated in animals at a market in Wuhan, China. Specifically, they conclude that the coronavirus most likely jumped from a caged wild animal into people at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, where a huge COVID-19 outbreak began in December 2019. (NPR, 3-3-22). Analyzing a wide range of data, including virus gene, maps of market stalls and the social media activity of early COVID-19 patients across Wuhan. The scientists concluded that the coronavirus was very likely present in live mammals sold at the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in late 2019 and suggested that the virus spilled over into people working or shopping there on two separate occasions.The studies have not yet been published in a scientific journal. (The New York Times. 2-27-22. Carl Zimmer and Benjamin Mueller).
Animal markets were also found to be ground zero for the epidemic of severe acute respirator syndrome (SARS), in 2002-04, according to Kristian Andersen, a virologist at the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. (Nature, Amy Maxmen. 2-27-22).
DON'T SHOOT THE DEER!
Deer Removal from Boerner Botanical Gardens and Whitnall Park We learned, in 2020, that deer are being "removed" from the Boerner Botanical Gardens through the use of sharpshooters. The sharpshooters have a permit, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Information has been requested from the DNR and Milwaukee County as to the number of deer shot and whether alternatives to shooting were explored. (2-8-20). We obtained signatures on petitions requesting that the County and City of Milwaukee stop shooting deer in Whitnall Park, the Boerner Botanical Gardens and in Potter's Forest. We asked them to use other methods, such as live CWD testing and relocating, if the number of deer in these locations must be reduced. Another alternative to killing the deer would be fertilization control. (9-7-21). A letter was written and emailed (9-14-21) to the Milwaukee County Executive and to the Mayor of Milwaukee, with copies of the petitions.
UPDATE AND GREAT NEWS! We learned, from the Park Naturalist, that "Milwaukee County Parks is not conducting a deer removal program in Whitnall Park or Potter's Woods in the 21/22 winter period. Zero deer have been removed from December 2021 to January 2022." (1-27-22). According to the DNR, in 2020, 2 deer were "harvested" and in 2021, 6 deer have been harvested thus far, via nuisance deer permits, at the Boerner Botanical Gardens and Whitnall Park locations. A "nuisance deer permit" has been reissued for these locations, in 2021. In that permit up to 40 deer are authorized to be harvested. (3-6-21). Milwaukee County Parks has harvested 12 deer as of 3-31-21: 9 bucks and 3 does, of which 8 were adults and 4 were fawns. This information was obtained from the Wisconsin DNR. (6-18-21). We made another open records request with the DNR, requesting records of the number of deer living in Whitnall Park and in the Boerner Botanical Gardens, currently, as well as the maximum number of deer desired to inhabit these areas. The DNR has responded, informing us that: "The DNR does not generate deer population estimates for areas smaller than deer management units (DMUs) and in Milwaukee's case, the DMU is a county wide unit. Therefore, we do not have any sort of deer population estimates that are specific for these properties." The DNR referred us to websites to obtain population estimates for the Milwaukee DMU, as a county. Nor does the DNR have a desired population number. The response to our Milwaukee County open records request stated, in part, that Whitnall Park's deer population goal should be a maximum of 9 deer. (9-19-21). In October, Mark Silverman spoke to a Wehr Nature Center Interpretive Naturalist who is also a Park Naturalist with Milwaukee County, about alternatives to killing the deer as a population control technique. (10-29-21). He had corresponded with the Naturalist about this issue, previously, in 2020. (11-20-21). Mark Silverman made an Open Records Request, using the Milwaukee County Parks website, requesting a record or written answer as to the number of deer harvested in Whitnall Park, Wehr Nature Center, Potter's Forest, and Boerner Botanical Gardens, from December 1, 2021 through January 25, 2022. (1-25-22). Please contact us if you have information regarding the testing of live deer for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). Transferring deer to other locations would be better than killing them.
WOLVES
We emailed (4-20-22) each member of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, asking them to oppose Senate Bill 3738 which requires the removal of the gray wolf from federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. The bill was sponsored by Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson and has been referred to the above committee. We noted that wolves were nearly erased from the lower 48 states, by the 1930's, and then began a recovery, in the 1970's, under the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). In January of 2021, the gray wolf was removed from protection under the ESA. The following month, Wisconsin hunters killed an estimated 20% of the state's wolf population, 218 wolves, in 3 days. A Wisconsin court temporarily barred a Wisconsin wolf hunt, in an October, 2021, ruling. In February of 2022, a U.S. District Court judge, in California, restored federal protections of gray wolves across much of the U.S. The judge noted that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service had failed to show that wolf populations could be sustained in the Midwest and portions of the West without protection under the ESA. (AP News, 2-10-22). (4-21-22).
MIGRATORY BIRDS
We submitted a public comment (3-10-22) regarding the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Proposed Migratory Bird Season. Our comment stated: "The Wisconsin Animal Protection Society (WISAPS) opposes hunting, trapping and fishing. Therefore, as president of WISAPS, and as a longtime Wisconsin resident, my comment is that the migratory bird season should be zero days and the bag limits should be zero. We humans should respect wildlife. To hunters we say: "Carry a camera instead of a gun." To summarize, we request, in all zones and across all species: Season length: 0 days. Bag limit: 0. Again, thank you for receiving this public comment."
WALLEYE
We submitted public comments (3-3-22) to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the DNR's Draft Walley Management Plan. Our comments stated that we oppose the plan because it involves killing, "harvesting" of fish. We also expressed our concern with the removal of walleye eggs, pointing out that we humans would not want our babies taken from us. Finally, we noted that, according to scientific research, fish feel pain.
GREATER PRAIRIE-CHICKENS
We submitted written public comments (2-17-22) to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regarding the DNR's Draft Greater Prairie-chicken Management Plan. The plan involves the DNR's management of Greater Prairie-chickens (GRPC) in North-Central Wisconsin. The GRPC is a species of grouse native to the tallgrass prairies of North America. It is currently found in 11 states in the Upper Midwest and Great Plains, including Wisconsin. (See, DNR Draft Plan).
Our comments expressed concern with "translocation" of the GRPCs from other areas, such as Minnesota, which, according to research cited in the Draft Plan, creates a risk of mortality. We also opposed the planned "control" of the GRPC's natural predators, which include badgers, coyotes, hawks and owls. Lastly, we stated our concern with any increase in grassland habitat development involving prescribed fires and the application of herbicide. We chose Alternative 4 of the four alternatives described in the Draft Plan. (2-18-22).
TAR SANDS OIL PIPELINE
WISAPS president, Mark Silverman, provided pubic comments, at the Wisconsiin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) virtual Public hearing, on 2-2-22. Mark stated that WISAPS opposes the Enbridge Line 5 pipeline relocation project, noting that, according to the Sierra Club, tar sands pipelines, like Enbridge's Line 3 and Line 5, represent a tremendous threat to Wisconsin's natural resources and Indigenous communities. Enbridge is responsible for one of the largest pipeline spills in American history, dumping more than one million gallons of tar sands residue into the Kalamazoo River, in 2010. (Sierra Club). Since 1968, the sections of Line 5 which do not pass through the Straits of Mackinac have had 33 spills. A 2016 study found that a spill in the Straits, which connect Lake Michigan to Lake Huron, would threaten up to 700 miles of shoreline and the drinking water of millions of Americans. (Forbes, 5-6-21). Mark submitted six pages of written comments to the DNR, on 2-3-22, citing provisions of the DNR's Draft Environmental Impact Statement (on the Proposed Enbridge Line 5 Relocation Project) which note permanent impacts to animals and their habitat. Written comments may be submitted to the DNR by email or regular mail. The deadline was extended to April 15, 2022. The email address is: DNROEEACOMMENTS@WI.GOV.
BEARS
Mark Silverman provided public comments at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Bear Advisory Committee Meeting, held virtually, on 12-1-21. Mark informed the committee that the Wisconsin Animal Protection Society respects non-human animals, pointing out that there are 5.9 million people living in Wisconsin and approximately 24,000 black bears. He asked the committee to set its bear "harvest" quota as low as possible, and advised the committee that WISAPS wishes it could be zero.
MIGRATORY BIRDS
Mark Silverman submitted written comments and testified (virtually) at the Wisconsin Natural Resources Board public hearing (9-29-21) relating to Wisconsin regulations regarding the migratory bird hunting season. The comments were that we would like the "bag limits" to be as low as possible and the hunting seasons to be as short as possible because we do not believe in the killing of animals. We wish there would be no hunting or trapping.
Public Comment. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites public input regarding the policies it creates. Its website has a Hearings and Meetings Calendar. (See, dnr.wisconsin.gov).
The following websites have platforms which enable the public to take action, for example, by joining a petition. Feel free to use them.
Using the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine website, we urged Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Drs. Neilson, Alam and Halverson), to stop using live animals to train surgery residents. The message noted that there are many validated and widely available methods that allow trainees to repeat procedures and hone their skills -- without harming animals. Currently, 77% of surveyed general surgery programs in the U.S. use only human-relevant training methods, such as patient simulators, laparoscopic simulators, virtual reality simulators, human cadavers, and partial task trainers. At least 10 other surgery residency programs in the state (Illinois) exclusively use non-animal training methods. (1-21-22).
Using the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine website we asked Senator Tammy Baldwin to ensure that the next National Institutes of Health (NIH) director will prioritize cruelty-free research, to replace animal experiments with human-specific nonanimal studies and to prioritize their continued development. The PCRM website notes that the NIH director sets the direction of medical research and the prioritization of funds from the agency's $46 billion budget. Currently, about half of the NIH budget is spent on animal experiments resulting in an estimated 100 million animals used each year in research. It's bad science, says PCRM, that leaves animals suffering and patients waiting for scientific breakthroughs. PCRM explains that Senator Baldwin is on the committee that will vote on whether or not to advance the president's nominee for the next director of the NIH. (1-14-22).
Using the Center for Biological Diversity website we urged the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to stop allowing ultra dangerous pesticides, like atrazine, to kill endangered wildlife. (1-3-22).
Using the Friends of Earth website we told the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to ban brutal wolf hunting practices, to enact the necessary restrictions. (1-3-22)
Our president, Mark Silverman, electronically signed the Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) petition to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), as president of WISAPS and as a member of the ALDF, demanding that the USDA fulfill its legal obligation to fully inspect research facilities and protect animals under the Animal Welfare Act. USDA policy directs inspectors to conduct only partial inspections of some research facilities These partial inspections may disregard animal husbandry, record keeping or facility management, which impacts the animals' well-being. (8-21-21).
ANIMAL NEWS
Wolf Hunt
Dane County Judge Issues Preliminary Injunction To Block Wolf Hunt In Wisconsin This Year.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that two weeks before it was scheduled to begin, Judge Jacob Frost issued a preliminary injunction that effectively blocks the Fall 2021 Wisconsin Wolf hunting and trapping season. The judge said, on Friday, October 22nd, that the Department of Natural Resources failed for nine years to implement permanent rules for the state's wolf season and therefore violated state law. Plaintiffs in the case are: Animal Wellness Action, the Center for a Humane Economy, Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf and Wildlife, Project Coyote and state resident, Patrick Clark.
Ojibwe tribes in Wisconsin, which have a wolf lawsuit against the DNR and the Natural Resources Board pending in federal district court, applauded the Dane County decision. A hearing on a motion for a preliminary injunction by the tribes is scheduled for October 29th. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, October 23, 2021). (10-23-21).
We submitted written comments and testified at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wolf Harvest Advisory Committee meeting, April 8, 2021. Mark Silverman (WISAPS president) stated that wolves should not be hunted for sport and pointed out alternatives to killing them in order to protect cattle. Many others from the public commented that wolves should not be killed and voiced their opposition to an additional wolf hunt in the Fall of this year. This committee will meet again in May. (4-9-21).
The Natural Resources Board (NRB) Decided Against Wolf Hunt this Winter but a Court Ordered a Hunt to be Held
The NRB voted 4-3 against a wolf hunting season January and February. The NRB sets policy for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (Milwaukee Journal 1-23-21). We submitted a written letter to the Wis. DNR website, on 1-20-21, opposing the hunting of wolves. Also, Mark Silverman provided public testimony before the NRB, on Friday, January 22nd, in opposition to hunting the wolf.
Many others testified at the public meeting, held on Zoom, including representatives of various tribes.
However, a lawsuit was filed by the Wisconsin Institute of Law and Liberty on behalf of Hunter Nation, a Kansas-based hunting advocacy group. A Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge ordered the DNR to implement a Winter wolf season. Never before had the state held a hunting and trapping season during the wolves' breeding season. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2-28-21).
The rate of wolf kills was unprecedented. 86% of the wolves were killed by hunters with dogs, 9% were killed by hunters using other means such as calling or bait, and 5% were claimed by trappers. 216 wolves had been killed, 82% over the state-licensed quota. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2-28-21).
Some say that results from the rushed season will bolster efforts to place the wolf back under the protections of the Endangered Species Act. A lawsuit was filed by several environmental and animal protection groups in January in California against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 2-28-21).
Milwaukee County Grounds
We responded to a request that the Milwaukee County Supervisors be contacted with regard to a proposed developer's agreement. We emailed the Supervisors, urging them to vote "no" on the proposed developer's agreement that would replace the current (2011) UWM REF Innovation Campus agreement for the Northeast Quadrant of the County Grounds. We had been informed that the current agreement includes habitat protections. The matter was referred to Corporation Counsel. (11/24/20)
Fatal Experiments on Dogs
(Freedom of Information Act request made 2-23-19).
We received a response from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Chief Research and Development Officer, Rachel Ramoni, DMD, ScD, informing us that the "research work with dogs at the Milwaukee VA has concluded." The letter continued: "However, VA will continue to do research with dogs only if the research is important to the health of Veterans and there is no alternative to using dogs."
WISAPS made the open records request in response to the news, below, reported by USA Today.
(May 11, 2019).
Fatal experiments on dogs are moving ahead at the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA is pushing forward with invasive and ultimately fatal experiments on dogs as part of the VA's medical research program. (USA Today Nov. 2-4, 2018).
In Milwaukee the experiments called for researchers to remove sections of dogs' brains to test neurons that control breathing before the animals are killed by lethal injection, records show, according to USA Today. A group called the Paralyzed Veterans of America no longer opposes efforts to end VA fatal medical research on dogs, USA Today reports. The VA's position is unchanged under its new Secretary, Robert Wilkie.
(USA Today, Nov. 2-4, 2018).
WISAPS obtained signatures from Wisconsin residents in a Petition to be sent to Secretary Robert Wilkie, requesting that the VA discontinue the fatal dog research conducted in Milw
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