An eight-month old zebra loses her precious life as a result of being startled by loud fireworks

- England -

Fireworks made another victim!

The Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm has announced the passing of the baby zebra Hope.

In a press release the zoo said: “Hope was born at the start of the first lockdown in March 2020 and became a much-loved addition to our collection. She was named Hope by our keepers to symbolize a ray of light and hope at a time which felt so bleak. She became a symbol of positivity to our keepers and many of our visitors alike and she will be very much missed.”

The zoo also said that it is believed that Hope became spooked by the loud bangs of fireworks from several fireworks displays held locally on the evening of Wednesday, November 4, ahead of the UK annual celebration known as Guy Fawkes Night or Bonfire Night.

It appears that the fright caused Hope to bolt and she collided with the boundary of the enclosure.

A necropsy determined this sudden impact caused her immediate death.

Larry Bush, Managing Director of the Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, said: “We’re feeling devastated by the loss of our young zebra Hope. She was so full of energy and life and she was a very healthy young zebra. It is such a tragedy that she has lost her life, seemingly as a result of fireworks being set off at nearby events which were intended as a celebration. We know this was not the intention of local organizers and people letting off fireworks, but it does demonstrate in a tragic way the impact that fireworks can have on animals – whether this be zebras, horses, native wildlife or pets in our homes.”

The zoo said they would like to use this tragic event as an impetus for change and they “really hope that people will now think hard and adopt alternative arrangements like silent fireworks or other more animal-friendly options for their bonfire night celebrations.”

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Doorkins Magnificat, the Southwark Cathedral cat has passed away and a touching service was held

- London, England -

The Southwark Cathedral announced through a Facebook post the death of Doorkins Magnificat, the Cathedral cat.

Doorkins Magnificat passed away on September 30, in the arms of one of the Cathedral vergers, whom she has been living with since the end of 2019.

She died of a stroke.

The post reads: “Doorkins came to Southwark Cathedral in 2008 and made her home with us. She had been living wild until she saw a place of sanctuary at Southwark Cathedral, and she gradually began to trust those who fed and looked after her. She remained an active and fearless cat, wandering around the Cathedral and outside during her time with us, until the London Bridge terrorist attack in 2017. At that time she was shut out of the Cathedral for a number of days and once inside again she did not leave the warmth of the place which she had come to think of as home and where she knew she was safe. Doorkins went into retirement when she could no longer see and the Cathedral was then not a safe place for her, as she could not navigate it without mishap. Her last months were very happy and she was well loved in her place of retirement.”

The Verger said about the furbaby’s passing: “In the past couple of weeks her health declined rapidly and during the night of the 30th of September her health very suddenly and quickly deteriorated. She died in my arms to the sound of a familiar voice peacefully at 8.20pm. I miss her more than words can say such was the impact she had on me and all who loved her so dearly.”

Andrew Peter Nunn, the Dean of Southwark, said about Doorkins Magnificat: “The community at Southwark Cathedral is saddened by the death of Doorkins. Like many people before her she found her way to us and was welcomed and made us her family and this place her home. She brought us so much pleasure and much joy to her many fans and followers. She met Her Majesty The Queen and was present at more services than most of us. She was photographed by thousands of people and had a book written about her. She has been a blessing to us in so many ways. We will miss her.”

On October 28, Southwark Cathedral hosted an emotional thanksgiving service for Doorkins Magnificat.

The Indian EXPRESS reports that not everyone approved of the service and that several pastors and bishops criticized Nunn for hosting the service despite the pandemic.

Philip John North, the Bishop of Burnley, heartlessly and soullessly Tweeted: “Is this a joke? I do hope so. If not it’s grossly insensitive to bereaved families and those ministering to them in the NW under the regional coronavirus restrictions.”

People with a heart and soul on the other hand, thanked Nunn for the service!

Nunn told CNN he had “no regrets” about the service and said: “There’s such a lot of emotion around at the moment, and sometimes, something like that can just release it for people… It was heartwarming as well as emotional.”

New York Post

Greek parliament votes to make animal abuse a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison

- Greece -

Some of you may remember the story I posted on October 23, about a dog who had been tortured in Crete by his 55-year-old guardian.

The furbaby had been tied up in the backyard and was then castrated without anesthesia.

Many people, and NOT just animal activists, were rightfully and understandably outraged by that incident, yet another one has happened.

Days later, in Athens, a dog was repeatedly stabbed in the stomach and chest, piercing his lung.

Makis Voridis, the Minister of Rural Development and Food, vowed to introduce a stricter criminal system resulting in more effective prosecution and punishment of animal abusers.

Well, here we are.

Greece has passed a law which will make serious animal abuse a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison!!!

The law defines serious animal abuse as including poisoning, hanging, burning and mutilation.

The Greek parliament unanimously voted through the measure, which will see minimum one-year sentences and fines between €5,000 ($5,937) and €15,000 ($17,811).

Additionally, the new law aims to make it easier for authorities to prosecute animal abusers.

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Independent