Animals Asia

Our thanks to Chris Packham for his support to strengthen UK legislation for animals abused abroad for 'entertainment' in holiday attractions. Animals Asia's collated reports show animals will continue to suffer and Brits will continue to unwittingly witness distressing cruelty on their holidays until UK law is strengthened. The dossier of evidence that we compiled has been delivered to the government calling for it to fully implement the new Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act with a list of banned activities. Chris says: “Every year the animal-loving British public is witnessing shocking animal cruelty on holiday, leaving people with profound feelings of sadness, anger and helplessness. Holidays are ruined by the sight of dolphins baking on hot concrete for photos, animals forced to perform in humiliating shows, or chained elephants swaying in distress. These barbaric practices leave scars that last a lifetime for the abused animals, and haunting memories for the people exposed to them.” “It is clear from these reports that people want to put an immediate stop to animals being exploited for entertainment. It’s a huge step forward for this legislation to have been passed but as long as there is no list of activities banned under it, unwitting tourists will keep buying tickets which fund animal suffering at attractions. The previous government failed to make this law fit for purpose - it's time for this one to act.” Read more in recent Daily Mirror article https://lnkd.in/eVtGwS2K #AnimalWelfare #TravelWithKindness #EthicalTravel #KindnessInAction

📣We’re incredibly proud of Animals Asia's Vietnam Country Director Heidi Quine, MSc, MBA, FlOL and Vietnam Head of Communications and Public Awareness Trinh Thuy Phan for their inspiring presentation at the Journey to Compassion - Support for Dog and Cat Welfare in Vietnam Summit. 🌍This impactful event brought together stakeholders from the Vietnamese government, diplomatic missions, the tourism sector, and NGOs to address Vietnam’s progress in phasing out the dog and cat meat trade. It also celebrated the successes of neighbouring countries and highlighted the trade’s impact on public health, public sentiment, and Vietnam’s reputation as a global tourism destination. Animals Asia is deeply committed to protecting animals and creating safe, compassionate communities. Our initiatives include:  🔴Working to eliminate the dog and cat meat trade, fostering a culture of kindness and respect.  🔴Strengthening the capacity of local shelters to provide quality care, especially after natural disasters.  🔴Supporting vaccination campaigns in rabies-affected provinces to help achieve Vietnam’s goal of eradicating rabies. We’re proud to stand alongside partners and advocates in this important work. Thanks to FOUR PAWS for organising this wonderful event! 👉Check out our post from September to read about our disaster relief efforts for local shelters affected by Typhoon Yagi, Vietnam’s most powerful storm in decades last September. Together, we’re making a difference. https://lnkd.in/eMRcVgKQ"

💫 It is truly inspiring to witness two extraordinary women leaders supporting each other in their shared mission to create a better world for animals.  Dr Jane Goodall DBE and Jill Robinson MBE have dedicated decades to advocating for animal rights and fostering a deeper understanding of the animals with whom we share this planet. 🦧 Their work has transformed countless lives, creating ripple effects of change across the globe. 🌍During Dr Goodall’s recent visit to Hong Kong, where she delivered a series of impactful talks, the two trailblazers found time to reconnect. The events brought together conservationists, educators, and advocates for a meaningful exchange of ideas and collaborations. 📣In a touching moment, Jane invited Jill to share her incredible journey of improving animal welfare and ending bear bile farming in Vietnam with the audience. 🐻After the event, these longtime friends caught up, exchanging updates on their future projects and plans. Continuing their tradition of exchanging thoughtful gifts during these reunions, Jill surprised Jane with a truly unique token of their friendship—one that brought a big smile to Jane’s face. ✨We can’t wait to share more about this special moment and the remarkable friendship between these two inspiring leaders. Thank you The Jane Goodall Institute and The Jane Goodall Institute Hong Kong for making this happen! For more about the institute's work and events, visit www.janegoodall.global #animalrights #womenleaders #thoughtleadership

Boiling crabs is a widely used cooking method, unfortunately often performed while the animals are still alive. Scientists call for an immediate ban on boiling crabs alive after a ground-breaking discovery: The researchers have proven that crabs can feel pain just like any other animal, meaning that being boiled is likely to be an excruciatingly painful death. In a landmark study, researchers from the University of Gothenburg used brain scans to analyse how crabs’ nervous systems respond to painful stimuli. They provided the first evidence that crabs process pain in a way strikingly similar to humans. David Neale, Animals Asia's Director of Animal Sentience and Welfare, emphasises the growing body of scientific evidence that crabs experience pain, urging reconsideration of such practices: "This research adds further physiological evidence of pain perception in crabs, to add to the wealth of behavioural data documented over the past two decades that crabs and other crustaceans experience pain. This includes evidence of crabs learning to avoid painful situations, exhibiting protective behaviours towards injured body parts, and exhibiting motivational trade-offs such as tolerating mild painful stimuli in order to keep a valuable resource. In 2021, the London School of Economics declared crustaceans are sentient following an evaluation of over 300 scientific studies, leading to their inclusion in the 'Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022' in the UK. This new evidence provides further justification for practices that cause crabs and other crustaceans pain and suffering to be banned and for the welfare of crustaceans to be protected by law." Choose to stand with kindness toward all animals and living beings. As scientific evidence continues to reveal how animals experience pain, stress, and anxiety, let our shared humanity be reason enough to respect and value every life. #animalsentience #animalwelfare #animalrights For more about the study 👉 https://lnkd.in/e_RfRMEE 

🐻 In today’s fast-paced, polarised world, the fight against misinformation, disinformation, and sensationalism is more critical than ever, especially in the realm of animal-related content. These manipulative tactics not only distort facts but also have tangible, often devastating consequences for animal welfare, public perceptions, and policy decisions 🐆In this article, Nez Sevim Lawrence, Animals Asia's Global Head of PR and Media, explores the damaging effects of misinformation, disinformation, and sensationalism on animal protection efforts. She highlights actionable strategies for organisations, communications professionals, and social media audiences to combat these challenges, promote accurate information, and educate one another to prevent the spread of false narratives. #misinformation #fakenews #animalprotection #animalsasia #socialmedia

Last week Dr Mandala Hunter-Ishikawa our Senior Veterinary Trainer and Wen Yan 文严 our Vet Welfare Training Program Manager attended the London Vet Show & BVA Live 2024. 🎤 During the event Dr Mandala presented alongside the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management (IVAPM) to promote the WSAVA (World Small Animal Veterinary Association) Pain Certificate program. She encouraged veterinarians to consider advanced training in pain management through the certification. 🐾 The WSAVA Pain Certificate is designed to enhance global knowledge and practical skills in pain management for veterinary professionals, a mission that aligns closely with Dr Mandala’s ongoing work with the WSAVA Global Pain Council (GPC) of which she is a member. As part of her involvement with the GPC, she is actively planning collaborations between Animals Asia’s Vet Welfare Training Program and the council, with a 2025 China-based pain management summit in the works. ✨ Dr Mandala, a veterinarian with nearly 20 years of experience working with companion, large, and wild animals, leads our Vet Welfare Training Program in China and her attendance at the London Vet Show provided a unique opportunity to network with international veterinary professionals and raise awareness of Animals Asia’s programs. She said: “Our mission at Animals Asia is to build awareness around animal pain recognition and welfare. At the London Vet Show, we connected with professionals who are passionate about making a difference in pain management and animal welfare. Together, we can provide veterinary education that will improve the lives of animals across Asia.” 🌏 The duo was also able to showcase Animals Asia's wider work in animal welfare, connecting with potential volunteers and supporters interested in veterinary welfare training and education across the continent. 💉 Animals Asia’s Vet Welfare Training Program supports veterinarians in recognising, assessing, and treating pain in animals. Dr Mandala, Wen Yan and the team regularly conduct workshops and training programs, equipping veterinary professionals with essential skills to better the lives of animals across Asia.

📣We are thrilled to announce that two inspiring women, Priscilla Presley and Animals Asia’s Founder and CEO Jill Robinson MBE have joined forces, united by their shared passion for animals and commitment to making a difference. 🐻In their meeting, they connected over their love for animals and discussed how they could work together to raise awareness of critical animal issues and advocate for a better world for animals everywhere. As seen in the photo, Jill gifted Priscilla with a necklace featuring a silver pendant of Jasper, one of nearly 700 bears rescued by Animals Asia, a matching piece to the one Jill wore herself. 💫Reflecting on the meeting, Jill described it as deeply inspirational and encouraging—a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when passionate individuals unite for a common cause: “She is as kind as she is beautiful. Priscilla Presley's work in the animal welfare arena is legendary as she commits tirelessly to giving so many animals an important and compassionate voice. And now she loves our bears. As we chatted over dinner after being introduced to each other by our wonderful supporter Bruce Krider, the conversation flowed as if we'd known each other for years. She already knew so much about our work, and now she was pledging to do anything she could to help the bears within a few minutes after we met.  As a thank you at the end of a wonderful dinner, I gave her a memento of our 26 years of ending bear bile farming in the form of a silver Jasper on a chain - and she immediately put it on around her neck. My heart burst for such a kind gesture, in memory of a bear who had suffered behind bars for 15 years of his life, before becoming one of our charismatic and forgiving sanctuary ambassadors for the next 15 years before he sadly passed. Now we were both wearing matching necklaces and sharing a bond for the hundreds of Jaspers still waiting for rescue and their day in the sun.   Priscilla thank you, so deeply from us all, for joining us in the final hurdle of ending bear bile farming in Vietnam. This is our most critical time as we build the last sanctuary that will peacefully house the remaining caged and suffering souls of an industry that has held them for 20 years or more. As you stand by our side with encouragement and kindness, we can be even more confident that soon, increasingly soon, no bear is left behind. “ 🌍 Stay tuned for exciting news from this powerful duo as they take action to drive real change. #animalsasia #celebrityambassadors #animallovers #animalrights

🌍 As COP29 Azerbaijan kicks off this week, Animals Asia's Global Director of Animal Sentience & Welfare David Neale underlines the importance of the global recognition of our food systems' significant role in driving greenhouse gas emissions —and their potential to offer solutions. 🌱 David warns that rising global temperatures will have catastrophic consequences, triggering more extreme weather events such as heatwaves and floods, further jeopardising billions of people's lives and livelihoods. #cop29 #foodsystems #agriculture #farming #climatechange

On October 19, the State Food and Drug Administration and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine issued a groundbreaking joint statement, advocating for the development of sustainable substitutes for rare and endangered wildlife in Chinese medicinal materials. Endangered species including pangolins and bears were cited as examples of traditional ingredients to be re-evaluated in this initiative - a world-first effort to protect vulnerable species while advancing traditional medicine. Animals Asia commends the National Medical Products Administration and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for their progressive initiative to promote sustainable and ethical alternatives to rare and endangered traditional Chinese medicinal materials. This commitment represents a significant step towards protecting vulnerable wildlife, preserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable practices within traditional Chinese medicine. At Animals Asia, we have long advocated for humane and effective solutions that respect both cultural traditions and animal welfare. This policy aligns closely with our work to encourage synthetic alternatives, reduce reliance on animal-derived ingredients, and foster a more compassionate approach to traditional medicine. We remain committed to working alongside stakeholders, practitioners, and regulatory bodies to support these goals. Together, we can advance a future where traditional medicine thrives harmoniously with ecological preservation and animal welfare. Animals Asia looks forward to contributing expertise and supporting the implementation of this policy to ensure it is a success. We are eager to collaborate with researchers and manufacturers to promote alternatives that safeguard animal welfare, protect endangered species, and support the continued growth of traditional Chinese medicine in a sustainable, ethical manner. For more about the statement please visit: https://lnkd.in/ef-8pnz5 #wildlifeprotection #animalprotection #animalsasia

📑 Misinformation isn’t new, but it’s more pervasive than ever. 🌍 In today’s polarised world, fighting falsehoods has never been more urgent. Social media has blurred the lines between truth and falsehood, leaving millions exposed to misleading or sensationalised content. 🐻 Animals, in particular, are frequent targets of sensationalism and misinformation due to the strong emotional reactions they evoke. Misleading animal stories drive high engagement, yet they risk overshadowing genuine issues in animal protection. 📣Join us at the AfA CONNECT event on November 13 and 14, where Animals Asia's Global Head of PR and Media Nez Sevim Lawrence will address the dangers of sensationalism, misinformation and disinformation in animal protection. Register here to catch her talk and gain insights from other experts on today’s most pressing issues in animal protection and advocacy. 👉https://lnkd.in/duUX8Vaa #animalsasia #animalwelfare #animalprotection