tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80272932192652332192024-03-19T03:10:56.834-07:00The Victoria Vegan BlogThe blog edition of The Victoria Vegan newsletter!Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-32500808625912036492022-02-26T21:21:00.002-08:002022-02-26T21:21:49.090-08:00Back Online & Updated Domain Name!<div>Hello Victoria, just a quick update, that the website is now back!</div><div><br /></div><div>The ".com" domain name was stolen (<i>domain registrar didn't alert that it was expiring, then was bought by another entity, I suspect in cahoots, who now wants hundreds for it</i>), but I picked up the ".ca" domain name instead, and have finally gotten around to setting up the new domain and revising a bunch of the pages. (<i>Apologies that older posts still have the ".com", am planning to update as well!</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div>Head over to <a href="http://TheVictoriaVegan.ca">TheVictoriaVegan.ca</a> and enjoy all the original content (<i>going back as far as 2006, it's a bit of a history of veganism and animal rights in Victoria!</i>), and I'm planning to continue to update in the coming weeks, thanks for sticking with us. =)</div><div><br /></div>
<div>Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div><a href="http://www.TheVictoriaVegan.ca">www.TheVictoriaVegan.ca</a></div>
<div> </div>
<div>Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan/">Facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>Facebook Discussion Group: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0Victoria, BC, Canada48.4284207 -123.365644420.118186863821151 -158.5218944 76.738654536178842 -88.2093944tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-66201383011911800152018-10-10T15:45:00.001-07:002018-10-10T15:50:16.104-07:00Save-A-Turkey Trot 2018<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxhPVkGyaqeVevTohnhGjH_lKq7E4sw4liUO45cF4MUh62HNIgqOBX5oe7b9Db-IPb1O_BC8zBXVcyE1T-giN_hOzVluXQIGStVPrxsKnw9ei5nIfT98EFK3SGHdBRbxglHILFqzrWMw/s1600/save-a-turkey-trot-2018-poster.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="705" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxhPVkGyaqeVevTohnhGjH_lKq7E4sw4liUO45cF4MUh62HNIgqOBX5oe7b9Db-IPb1O_BC8zBXVcyE1T-giN_hOzVluXQIGStVPrxsKnw9ei5nIfT98EFK3SGHdBRbxglHILFqzrWMw/s320/save-a-turkey-trot-2018-poster.png" width="246" /></a></div>
It's been a few years, but the <a href="http://victoria.organicathlete.org/turkeytrot" target="_blank">OrganicAthlete Victoria Save-A-Turkey Trot</a> is back for the fifth Trot!<br />
<br />
It's a fun 5k run/walk/trot and this year it's also a fundraiser for <a href="http://ahomeforhoovesfarmsanctuary.com/" target="_blank">A Home for Hooves</a> and <a href="https://rastarescue.org/" target="_blank">RASTA</a> animal sanctuaries. <i>(It's so nice to have animal sanctuaries on the island now, this wasn't the case when we started this event several years ago.</i>) Our goal is to get people to consider their Thanksgiving meal and especially the turkeys, and consider all the amazing vegan options we have now - <a href="https://vegansupply.ca/collections/thanksgiving" target="_blank">here's a sample of offerings from VeganSupply.ca</a>!<br />
<br />
It turned out to be a beautiful day on October 6th, and we were happy to welcome 29 people to the event!<br />
<br />
About half joined in the walk, the other half ran for a time, and all had a great time! We also held a little trivia game for participants to win an extra prize, but a tricky question foiled the final two people in the quiz. 😉</div>
<div>
<br />
Following the quiz was the prize draw, and thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, everyone got to take home a prize!<br />
<br />
We're thankful for our main event sponsors, <a href="http://greencuisine.com/" target="_blank">Green Cuisine</a>, <a href="http://www.verygoodbutchers.com/" target="_blank">Very Good Butchers</a> and <a href="http://vegansupply.ca/">VeganSupply.ca</a>, plus <a href="http://equinoxhealthclinic.ca/" target="_blank">Equinox Health Clinic</a>, <a href="http://www.purelovinchocolate.com/" target="_blank">Pure Lovin' Chocolate</a> and <a href="https://www.veganhippiechick.com/" target="_blank">Vegan Hippie Chick Cafe</a>. Also, a big thank-you to Monica from Acosta who arranged for a huge <a href="https://dermae.com/" target="_blank">Derma E</a> gift basket, as well as <a href="http://eatbobos.com/" target="_blank">Bobo's energy bars</a> and everyone also received coupons for <a href="http://gardein.com/" target="_blank">Gardein</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN_dG97c-eIUTTYADB4fQiY3rBlrRvQisG0w5uQ35i8AjSHD334hxEPP_tPa61y0BsC9-1g24MwkrZi760Ou4hMXBc3bhMThLZVlaWp8mexo8w5SAYxdJf6qLMJnWnPLvYGZCLU7eHA0/s1600/oavic-trotprizes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN_dG97c-eIUTTYADB4fQiY3rBlrRvQisG0w5uQ35i8AjSHD334hxEPP_tPa61y0BsC9-1g24MwkrZi760Ou4hMXBc3bhMThLZVlaWp8mexo8w5SAYxdJf6qLMJnWnPLvYGZCLU7eHA0/s400/oavic-trotprizes.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many goodies for our participants, there was also over a dozen gift cards!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here are the times from the run, unfortunately I didn't catch everyone's name, please get in touch and I'll be happy to update!<br />
<ol>
<li><i>20:17 - Karen W</i></li>
<li><i>22:41 - Adam L</i></li>
<li><i>25:49 - Aubri M</i></li>
<li><i>25:51 - Rob M</i></li>
<li><i>25:56 - Jessie S</i></li>
<li><i>27:33 - Monica A</i></li>
<li><i>28:55 - Elan K</i></li>
<li><i>28:56 - ??</i></li>
<li><i>28:56 - ??</i></li>
<li><i>21:09 - ??</i></li>
<li><i>29:17 - Mia K</i></li>
<li><i>29:29 - Sam P</i></li>
<li><i>30:49 - ??</i></li>
<li><i>30:51 - Laura S</i></li>
<li><i>31:14 - Shelby C</i></li>
</ol>
1/2 of the $5 entry fees went to the two sanctuaries, plus $68 was donated directly as well, so a total of $168 was raised for donations to A Home for Hooves and RASTA!<br />
<br />
CTV also came by, scoll ahead to 8:21 to see the clip about Gertie the turkey and the Trot:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://webapps.9c9media.com/vidi-player/1.5.2/share/iframe.html?currentId=1508709&config=ctvnews/share.json&kruxId=ImoeZsch&cid=%5B%7B%22contentId%22%3A1508709%2C%22ad%22%3A%7B%22adsite%22%3A%22ctv.ctvnews%22%2C%22adzone%22%3A%22embed%22%7D%7D%5D" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
Thanks again to all who joined us, as well as our sponsors and supporters, we'll be back in 2019 for another Trot, be sure to get in touch with <a href="http://victoria.organicathlete.org/" target="_blank">OrganicAthlete Victoria</a> if you want to get on their email list, and there may be another fun run in the spring!<br />
<br />
A couple quick photos, unfortunately I forgot to take a group shot!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s-geatdR-mSLaIL72UYGq0RmuOjl7SD-Gchmjurlz2zuPIv3uOggmaz5EzPeczmOQwNvxNUr9341_DrLZQQKBIEevThSKxkCDjNIuJ7n-Q4YQnoNTrIuzt7gnuAft71ULJBgh1hUQR0/s1600/oavic-trotbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4s-geatdR-mSLaIL72UYGq0RmuOjl7SD-Gchmjurlz2zuPIv3uOggmaz5EzPeczmOQwNvxNUr9341_DrLZQQKBIEevThSKxkCDjNIuJ7n-Q4YQnoNTrIuzt7gnuAft71ULJBgh1hUQR0/s400/oavic-trotbike.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprised myself being able to load everything into my bike cart!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii17EJz7KEVcjg-TrzP4z2wWOz7Er0r0upRfzfcW5biVdMZfkboQE5k2bCJWcsx_S6S2FVwiMVZKqcJp2e2wa_4tQhLsjU-Yc3sYHZhZkF0NE0h6haGaDTqA70MDacaBK3nKWpZnL9vXc/s1600/oavic-trotstart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii17EJz7KEVcjg-TrzP4z2wWOz7Er0r0upRfzfcW5biVdMZfkboQE5k2bCJWcsx_S6S2FVwiMVZKqcJp2e2wa_4tQhLsjU-Yc3sYHZhZkF0NE0h6haGaDTqA70MDacaBK3nKWpZnL9vXc/s400/oavic-trotstart.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let's hope it's this nice again in 2019!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
See you next time!<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
NEW: Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan/">Facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
Facebook Discussion Group: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-57386408409177376752014-12-07T13:14:00.000-08:002014-12-07T13:14:10.069-08:00A New Project: VeganStart.org!<div>
I'm very excited to announce a new project to promote veganism:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdl5deBJWnSsVW0k18RhEZTbuM3rPrQLbl3Ed6abFTnK8sxiwW2sk77Rx2LM9ELJfdPbNwN3jlYs5O6UfXjdWNDUiFB6ps3OOspVRpEnzZOeR7crQqirV5iTQYzK0y57Fog1bANuwaUc/s1600/vs-sunrays-heading-short-940.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdl5deBJWnSsVW0k18RhEZTbuM3rPrQLbl3Ed6abFTnK8sxiwW2sk77Rx2LM9ELJfdPbNwN3jlYs5O6UfXjdWNDUiFB6ps3OOspVRpEnzZOeR7crQqirV5iTQYzK0y57Fog1bANuwaUc/s1600/vs-sunrays-heading-short-940.png" height="83" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://veganstart.org/" target="_blank">VeganStart.org</a> is <b>accessible and practical</b>, and offers an<b> introduction and stepping stone to veganism</b>. For those who might find it challenging to commit fully to a vegan diet, or a 7 day 'kickstart', this could be what's needed to give veganism a try.<br />
<br />
The program is focused on the start of the day for many people: <b>breakfast</b>. And with a relatively small range of foods most have for breakfast, it's a much easier change. <b>It will also influence the rest of the day</b>: if someone uses a non-dairy milk in their coffee in the morning, chances are they'll reach for something similar later in the day. <i>And what's more, when ready to commit fully to veganism, good habits will have been established, and the transition will be significantly easier, having already experienced vegan meals regularly.</i><br />
<br />
The other side of this is the <b>benefit to activists</b> - a <b>VeganStart leaflet</b> can be included with just about any other advocacy materials. When activists are at events, this will be a handy way to encourage people who are interested in helping animals, the planet and their health to <b>start their journey</b>. Our goal is through donations and fundraising to be able to <b>supply our materials to activists for free</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2OLDDOEqNdT4t8cnxpMCDu3qQ6lsYRquly22O_bLnKxDhBaCVLIk6uF3hJx_2DB_i7m2Now8PKvasBBx8Kd2Le1hqKnEqRd-GmBdyt-qVkVjH0GOf_wF_z70jy44Mh8ggFqgJzt_JKM/s1600/vs-heading-square-profile-300-300x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2OLDDOEqNdT4t8cnxpMCDu3qQ6lsYRquly22O_bLnKxDhBaCVLIk6uF3hJx_2DB_i7m2Now8PKvasBBx8Kd2Le1hqKnEqRd-GmBdyt-qVkVjH0GOf_wF_z70jy44Mh8ggFqgJzt_JKM/s1600/vs-heading-square-profile-300-300x300.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
The website is currently being populated with info, and will feature tons of <b>tips </b>and <b>help</b>, and even our own vegan <b>breakfast recipe board</b>!<br />
<br />
While we're getting started, please join our social media communities, and help get the word out:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/VeganStart/814757515230159" target="_blank">Facebook</a></li>
<li><a href="http://twitter.com/veganstart" target="_blank">Twitter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://plus.google.com/112589837964537562232" rel="publisher">Google+</a></li>
<li><a href="http://instagram.com/veganstartorg">Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
If you're on Twitter or Instagram, share your vegan breakfasts with the hashtag <b>#VeganStart</b>! The website, <a href="http://veganstart.org/" target="_blank">VeganStart.org</a>, will also <b>host an informative blog, polls, featured vegan cookbook authors and new products, coupons, giveaways and more</b>! Be sure to <b>join the email list</b> so you don't miss anything.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping <b>every day we'll see more and more vegan starts;</b> help get the word out, and encourage everyone to <b>start their day the vegan way</b>!<br />
</div>
<div>
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
NEW: Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan/">Facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
Facebook Discussion Group: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-91464944516841912402014-11-25T21:53:00.000-08:002014-11-30T18:32:01.822-08:00Does Anyone Go Vegan After Being Yelled At?<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Does Anyone Go Vegan After Being Yelled At?</span><br /><i>Considering Why We Need To Be More Mindful With How We Protest</i></b><br />
<br />
Last weekend, Vancouver-based activists from <a href="http://directactioneverywhere.com/" target="_blank">Direct Action Everywhere</a> (DxE) and new Victoria group <a href="http://www.thecriticalcat.com/" target="_blank">The Critical Cat</a> (formerly The Raging Kucing) allied for a number of actions, including a protest of the downtown restaurant 'pig'.<br />
<br />
You can view the 'viral video' from the perspective of a 'pig' patron:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdexwwpBD8Y" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdexwwpBD8Y</a><br />
<br />
CTV's report:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=498026" target="_blank">http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=498026</a><br />
<br />
Jordan from The Critical Cat also produced a video from his perspective:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjmzg1e27Bg" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjmzg1e27Bg</a><br />
<br />
For some, this might be an upsetting or frustrating article. For others (likely more introverted), this could be a more refreshing perspective.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXjCfsnhd2FKbdwMa8bKmWilcv1UjTCNYj63Ufx8Ak2wfMIVuAffcDgYxFZoK9E1Afjzrzd5sUtnemfWCVWhDb7V4DFt6P9_SW20unU-yTvn6NLaAecMaw2oBE6oK58p0cdDzqTnI4LQ/s1600/megaphone-700x1008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYXjCfsnhd2FKbdwMa8bKmWilcv1UjTCNYj63Ufx8Ak2wfMIVuAffcDgYxFZoK9E1Afjzrzd5sUtnemfWCVWhDb7V4DFt6P9_SW20unU-yTvn6NLaAecMaw2oBE6oK58p0cdDzqTnI4LQ/s1600/megaphone-700x1008.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bridgetteraes.com/2011/12/01/tell-your-own-style-story/megaphone/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let's begin with the title: <i>does anyone go vegan after being yelled at</i>?<br />
<br />
Has anyone gone vegan after finding themselves in a situation like this? Anyone at all? Alternatively, has anyone gone vegan after seeing footage like this? <i>(Part of the goal of the action is to have it 'go viral' on social media, which is unreliable, but in this instance succeeded locally.)</i><br />
<br />
I've been an activist for a fairly long time - since 1996. In that time, I've coordinated and seen numerous people in Victoria participate in demonstrations similar to this, and after a few events end their public activism, or switch to different methods of activism. Very few people spend more than a few months or sometimes years participating in activities like this. Fewer still continue on this path for an extended period, and perhaps there's something we can learn from this.<br />
<br />
Carol Adams addresses this form of activism in her book '<a href="http://caroljadams.com/book_livingamong.html" target="_blank">Living Among Meat Eaters</a>'. Carol describes how a meal or restaurant setting is just about the worst time to address the issue. When someone is sitting with animal flesh in their hands and mouths, they aren't really in a position where they can be open to this topic. Take a moment to think about it - if you were eating a vegan chocolate treat, and someone told you that this particular <a href="http://www.foodispower.org/slavery-chocolate/" target="_blank">chocolate is made with human slavery</a>, are you really going to be in a mindset to be receptive to that message? Or if you're snacking on some So Delicious ice cream, would you want - at that moment - to learn the company was <a href="http://www.whitewave.com/news/north-america/the-whitewave-foods-company-announces-agreement-to-acquire-so-delicious-dai" target="_blank">bought in September by WhiteWave, who owns a massive organic dairy company</a>? It's probably not the time you're going to want to hear about this, and it's no different when someone is consuming animal products.<br />
<br />
This approach, while proper in fact, is poor in timing. It creates an environment of polarization and judgement. From the perspective of the patron, it's awkward and leaves them defensive. This situation is not conducive to compassion and education, which is what is needed to be effective in outreach.<br />
<br />
The media fall-out from these PETA-esque actions are also often unhelpful to our goals, here's a Facebook posting from Victoria Buzz Media:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaBCBuzz/posts/405205696293626" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaBCBuzz/posts/405205696293626</a><br />
<br />
It's overwhelmingly negative. To vegan readers, the comments are abhorrent. They're grating, ignorant, hurtful and insulting. The commenters are empathizing with the restaurant patrons, not enslaved livestock. There is a young girl in the first video who appears traumatized by the event. I don't believe any of this is helpful in getting people to reconsider what they're eating.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhyphenhyphenm1Ha_hH3Anafc_Qh0nDY7XdyLZQea0HGNKYrd6wATOkGJPR2ASIbB6dm_qGaROcC1TeyJ51uFpMh84WUAMpP0EITjh7EZfcFiy9A5HpSIUKQSDuY2wDd8B0B8iPIFmnDxUHRoh8Kw/s1600/JMcArthur_Nov2010_-5288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFhyphenhyphenm1Ha_hH3Anafc_Qh0nDY7XdyLZQea0HGNKYrd6wATOkGJPR2ASIbB6dm_qGaROcC1TeyJ51uFpMh84WUAMpP0EITjh7EZfcFiy9A5HpSIUKQSDuY2wDd8B0B8iPIFmnDxUHRoh8Kw/s1600/JMcArthur_Nov2010_-5288.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: <a href="http://weanimals.org/" target="_blank">Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I would implore groups to reconsider these actions. There are times and places vocal protest is appropriate and necessary, but it is a tool that should be used with consideration. Outside the Vancouver Aquarium or across from the downtown horse-drawn carriages would be better received and considered by passers-by. They are not yet committed to the concerned practice, have a choice to opt out, and can reasonably approach the activists for more information. A peaceful, non-aggressive demonstration outside the restaurant would be an improvement. Activists could present thoughtful messages on signs that people can consider in that moment. Gently offer literature. Become a kind representative of other species that restaurant patrons will want to approach.<br />
<br />
Also worth considering: signs like "It's Not Food, It's Violence" might be too abstract. Many vegans understand what it means, but most will be unsure what it is referring to. Patrons will be asking themselves: what is 'pig' doing that's violent, did they have some kind of animal abuse event here? Is there a patron in the restaurant who has done something? Is it violence to vegetables too? Is a lion violent, and do they need to be stopped too?<br />
<br />
We need to consider that to the uninitiated, 'violence' is obviously not an association with 'hamburger'. Yelling it doesn't help with this comprehension either. And perhaps even further out of the realm of their understanding is a sanctuary rescue. It is unlikely any patrons will be familiar with what an animal sanctuary is, or the life of a sanctuary pig. Further, they won't even know what a non-sanctuary pig has gone through. There is no point of reference for most, short of fantasies like 'Old MacDonald's Farm'.<br />
<br />
This begs the question: is the demonstration an effort to educate, or vent? What draws people to these actions? Activists are upset that this injustice is occurring in several buildings (restaurants) on nearly every block downtown. And that is a justified feeling! But is the action for the activists to blow off steam and satisfy their catharsis, or to try and create dialogue and understanding? Is activism an outlet for our frustrations, or a means to effectively inform the ignorant of a hugely important issue?<br />
<br />
Please know: I am not trying to paralyze, stifle or stagnate activism. In my experience it's relatively easy to embolden a group and participate in something like this. Yelling is easy and lazy - at least, it was for me and many I know. What's not easy is devising effective ways to garner attention that is actually well-received. It is not so easy to offer a digestible message that is contrary to the upbringing of most people in a way they can consider. It is hard work, but our movement deserves it.<br />
<br />
'pig' is a horrible restaurant. Not only do they celebrate and glorify the murder and consumption of animals, they do so unashamedly, and smash you in the face with it. It reduces a smart, sensitive being into a fleeting fancy (unnecessary food). It's easy enough for a vegan to walk by McDonald's and not blink, but 'pig' is obtrusive and combative. I would ride my bike up Johnson several times a week, and even after a year I couldn't help but feel ill seeing their sign on the corner. It's a despicable sight.<br />
<br />
I want to see it go away as much as the next vegan. But if we're going to target it or their cohorts, please, let's do it in a way that will actually result in patrons changing their minds, not provide them with fuel to denigrate veganism.<br />
<br />
==<br />
<br />
I want to give credit to Almira Tanner of DxE for her participation on CFAX Radio this morning (<a href="https://soundcloud.com/frank-stanford-cfax/november-25-9am?in=frank-stanford-cfax/sets/frank-stanford#t=7:00" target="_blank">podcast link</a>.) She was very well spoken, and had the savvy to return the conversation to the topic of animal rights and veganism when it was derailed by aggressive callers. She did a great job of representing vegan and animal rights values, and I hope we get to hear more from her in less hostile settings, where she can converse rather than defend.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE #1 (11/27)</b> - Here's the November 25th CFAX Terry Moore radio show featuring Almira from DxE, Corie from The Critical Cat, and myself to hear different angles on the issue: <a href="https://soundcloud.com/terry-moore-cfax/november-26th-4pm#t=7:05">https://soundcloud.com/terry-moore-cfax/november-26th-4pm#t=7:05</a><br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE #2 (11/30)</b> - Almira from DxE has kindly responded, please scroll down to the Comment section. Thank you, Almira, for continuing this discussion, I will respond shortly as well.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
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Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-25094713971500493362014-10-22T15:55:00.001-07:002014-10-22T15:55:32.174-07:00Victoria Election 2014: Help Make the Carriage Horses an Issue<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-iWtBEz14Y5TgDF28B1n9spGHapcosR9NaP3S8tFRJYTSXAdfBGrRp5jCSrKTN9GzvhXMgyvbZQlyWhZdKFADM7qJqfYSV4pXlDQgrnzfW3bF00IZAuqjP-zrcXLC1mdR-mMjq8qdH8/s1600/hdc-election2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-iWtBEz14Y5TgDF28B1n9spGHapcosR9NaP3S8tFRJYTSXAdfBGrRp5jCSrKTN9GzvhXMgyvbZQlyWhZdKFADM7qJqfYSV4pXlDQgrnzfW3bF00IZAuqjP-zrcXLC1mdR-mMjq8qdH8/s1600/hdc-election2014.jpg" height="400" width="307" /></a></div>
Please help make it clear to candidates this is an election issue for you, and you're interested in their position so you can make an informed choice at the polls on November 15th.<br />
<br />
You can simply ask: "What is your position on the horse-drawn carriages?" or ask for more specifics. Please take a minute to write and ask, so that they're aware the public are interested in this issue. The horses need your voice.<br />
<br />
Here is a listing of Mayoral candidates:<br />
<br />
media@stephenandrew.ca; rmduncan2@outlook.com; idachongvictoria@gmail.com; campaign@deanfortin.ca; rgodron@uvic.ca; lisa@lisahelpsvictoria.ca; jasondeanross@gmail.com; shebibd@yahoo.ca<br />
<br />
Here is a listing of the City Council candidates:<br />
<br />
candidate@mariannealto.ca; voteforsaul@gmail.com; jonathan.carroll.jc@gmail.com; thecmcs@telus.net; greens@stevefilipovic.ca; hilarygroos55@gmail.com; citycouncillorjames@gmail.com; info@votehoar.com; ben@isitt.ca; e.kaye@shaw.ca; loveday.jeremy@gmail.com; margaret@margaretlucas.ca; johnluton@shaw.ca; gord@gmackinnon.ca; pmadoff@shaw.ca; ryanmoen@hotmail.com; smurray521@gmail.com; jeffrey.olafson@gmail.com; andrewreeve@gmail.com; pservos@shaw.ca; campaign@justinstephenson.ca; propagander@hotmail.com; thorntonjoe@shaw.ca; geoffyoung@dec.dc.ca<br />
<br />
Thank you for writing, and please help get word out by sharing this photo and info!<br />
<br />
(<i>Source for email addresses: <a href="http://www.victoria.ca/assets/Departments/Legislative~Services/candidate_profile_guide_2014.pdf">http://www.victoria.ca/assets/Departments/Legislative~Services/candidate_profile_guide_2014.pdf</a> </i>)<br />
</div>
<div>
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
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Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-81118192778264008222014-10-16T17:21:00.000-07:002014-10-24T13:08:44.261-07:00Humane Meat: It's Not Humane for Nature<div>
On Wednesday, October 15th I attended the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/753993977994836" target="_blank">Wildlife Co-Existence</a> Event organized by the <a href="http://blogs.eciad.ca/vegancongress/" target="_blank">Vegan Congress</a> at Emily Carr University in Vancouver. I was flattered to be included (with a vastly more knowledgeable panel) featuring Dan Straker, Urban Wildlife Coordinator of the <a href="http://stanleyparkecology.ca/conservation/co-existing-with-coyotes/" target="_blank">Stanley Park Ecology Society</a>, Dr. Sara Dubois, Chief Scientific Officer from the <a href="http://spca.bc.ca/" target="_blank">BC SPCA</a> and <a href="http://www.wildarc.com/" target="_blank">WildARC</a>, and Marcy Potter from <a href="http://furbearerdefenders.com/" target="_blank">the Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals</a>.<br />
<br />
Dan spoke about coyotes in Vancouver (did you know they're relatively new to the Vancouver area, and there are about 3,000 living in Greater Vancouver? Oh, and none on Vancouver Island!), Sara focused on the problems with feeding wildlife, and offered a great sentiment: <i><b>feeding wildlife ought to have the same stigma as polluting - it's harmful, and just not cool or acceptable</b></i>. Marcy spoke primarily about APFA's programs on beavers, which I've also had the pleasure of helping with. (See post on <a href="http://blog.thevictoriavegan.com/2014/05/catching-up-living-with-beavers-tree.html" target="_blank">tree wrapping here</a>, and <a href="http://blog.thevictoriavegan.com/2013/08/saving-beavers-on-sunshine-coast.html" target="_blank">building a flow device here</a>.)<br />
<br />
My own presentation was more general, and half was focused on how wildlife need to be given much more consideration for vegan activists. It's featured below; note that it's been edited slightly for more clarity in print.<br />
<br />
===<br />
<br />
<b>Why Wildlife Should Be Important to Vegans</b><br />
<br />
As vegans, we're concerned about the well-being of other animals, but often the vegan movement appears as the 'anti-factory farming' movement, which is troubling to me. <b><i>That is not to say there is a lot wrong with factory farms, but on deeper thought, some of the alternatives, are actually even more harmful and destructive.</i></b><br />
<br />
A major focus of reforming livestock agribusiness is providing animals with more space. Bigger cages, no cages, or more movement. But space doesn't come without a cost. <b><i>The universe may still be expanding, but planet Earth isn't.</i></b><br />
<br />
A chicken farm with 50,000 hens stacked on top of each other is a horrible and tragic feat of efficiency. There are more birds than nature ever intended compressed into a relatively small space. And it's not a space any sane person would want to find themselves; inside or even outside of those cages.<br />
<br />
But what happens when farming laws change, and these methods are no longer allowed, and cages are eliminated? If this 50,000 hen factory farm is stacking cages 10 high, that means there's 5,000 hens per layer. The foundation of the building fills the space of approximately 5,000 birds.<br />
<br />
With a cage-free law enacted, it means this farmer can only keep about 5,000 (or less) hens in the same barn. Who believes that a farmer with 50,000 hens is going to be content with 1/10th the number (and income) of 5,000 hens?<br />
<br />
They are going to try to maintain that number, or close to it..and so the addition of more barns, and to sustain the same number, we're looking at 9 more barns. Suddenly they're taking up a lot more space, and that space will most likely have been wildlife habitat.<br />
<br />
Simply put, <b><i>improving conditions for hens means denying habitat for wildlife, and destroying their homes and communities</i></b> - it's pretty much a death sentence.<br />
<br />
I don't want to come off as a heartless brute - it's extremely upsetting to me that these hens are living in such awful conditions, but <b><i>we've got an equally upsetting conundrum: is giving hens more space worth wiping out the lives and communities of wildlife from that area?</i></b> It's a hard question, and sadly few (vegan or not) have asked it.<br />
<br />
Keep in mind this is just one farm. There are nearly 10 billion hens raised in Canada and the US each year. You can't even begin to conceptualize how much space that is.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, the new film <a href="http://cowspiracy.com/" target="_blank">Cowspiracy</a> helps with this, with some helpful graphics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMqQnwsy2d8lxJfu7webf6lZBazV2xC-eDgiPGzZ58t9bKb9gNQy33ty5s2Is0_-7CtY0MHNlCeE78V8Js7Z3r8aqvfmmgOkaOJ3qgFD4L9fl2XUSHC8pauT8bRKrBYwMiWMM4KOXB8Q/s1600/cowspiracy+-+1-2+US+used+for+agriculture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNMqQnwsy2d8lxJfu7webf6lZBazV2xC-eDgiPGzZ58t9bKb9gNQy33ty5s2Is0_-7CtY0MHNlCeE78V8Js7Z3r8aqvfmmgOkaOJ3qgFD4L9fl2XUSHC8pauT8bRKrBYwMiWMM4KOXB8Q/s1600/cowspiracy+-+1-2+US+used+for+agriculture.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Right now in the US, fully <b><i>1/2 of all land use is for livestock</i></b>. That's producing food for them, and the space these cows, pigs, chickens and others take up.<br />
<br />
The vast majority, about 98% of livestock, are factory farmed. Remember: this compact method is already using 50% of the land in the US.<br />
<br />
Try for a moment to imagine what would happen if the space we give them is increased. Again, Cowspiracy helps:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-GCwDskIiWrKyJ6NiYRxte9k1WRJrG174F5I97FvcXCLJAAYumzWtpixs1KeAhycsy8TdgMAloW0XWTvUdRxpe-lqqZn1FGHCEYSdqSAh4a60rhnj4SooRNNOSlFwp9f7goPUMFjaBU/s1600/Cowspiracy+-+cow+space.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii-GCwDskIiWrKyJ6NiYRxte9k1WRJrG174F5I97FvcXCLJAAYumzWtpixs1KeAhycsy8TdgMAloW0XWTvUdRxpe-lqqZn1FGHCEYSdqSAh4a60rhnj4SooRNNOSlFwp9f7goPUMFjaBU/s1600/Cowspiracy+-+cow+space.png" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
According to the film, this is what land-use in the US would look like if they switched cattle to pasture-fed. (Just cattle, not chickens or other livestock.) They would need nearly 4 billion acres of land, and the entire US is only 1.9 billion acres. <b><i>To replace the demand of meat in the US with pasture-raised cattle, we would have to convert large portions of Canada, all of Central America and another huge portion of South America into pasture land in order to swap factory farmed with pasture-raised beef.</i></b><br />
<br />
I imagine in this scenario the rest of the planet would be transformed to supply the US with 'humane' eggs, chicken, dairy and pork.<br />
<br />
To conclude, we would have to convert the entire planet to livestock grazing land, just to supply the US with their current usage if we were to go with 'humane' animal products. <b><i>It seems to me that 'humane meat' is not humane for the rest of the planet.</i></b><br />
<br />
I'll wrap this portion of my talk up with two more illustrations that I've found really helpful. If you're doubting the legitimacy of the previous statistics because it comes from a 'vegan' film, then these two sources ought to dash that thought.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMREhFamfT7Tv9g0r3y8NdQhKfy2jQmoFSSTmlB1UCniqZ39O15WblACyviBkdQ3fyQpiUBGDWhmfCRkB4xRk6biar4Ny3U0MUjRKxkDXDMbPgJ6tA4wq7IT4VYXnz5sgHOzF71mFbvOA/s1600/xkcd-land_mammals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMREhFamfT7Tv9g0r3y8NdQhKfy2jQmoFSSTmlB1UCniqZ39O15WblACyviBkdQ3fyQpiUBGDWhmfCRkB4xRk6biar4Ny3U0MUjRKxkDXDMbPgJ6tA4wq7IT4VYXnz5sgHOzF71mFbvOA/s1600/xkcd-land_mammals.png" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
First, is a graphic from <a href="http://xkcd.com/1338/" target="_blank">XKCD.com</a><span id="goog_951226219"></span><span id="goog_951226220"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> - it's a bit of an activist website, but definitely not a 'vegan' website.<br />
<br />
They've broken down how much mass all land mammals on earth make up.<br />
<br />
The dark grey in the middle are us humans. There's 7 billion of us, so it's quite a lot of mass. Making up an even larger portion of the mass is the world's cattle. It's the lighter grey on the left. Around the other side, are our other livestock and pets, also in light grey.<br />
<br />
Now this is where it gets scary. The green squares represent wildlife. One, single square represents all the elephants in the world. The other 34 green squares are the rest of the planets wild mammals. From squirrels to deer, lions to zebras, kangaroos to panda bears. <b><i>All mammalian wildlife on planet Earth only matches the mass of humanity's goats.</i></b><br />
<br />
And that's just mammals, the vast majority of livestock are birds.<br />
<br />
The other graphic I'll show came out in <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/feeding-9-billion/" target="_blank">National Geographic magazine</a> earlier this year, and is similar to the Cowspiracy graphic. Here's our planet broken down by land use:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH0FBcd5nKjVWZVAUvUGxe55JGjvVhdu0J36AC9N19UMp_3i8bmBskL3oRTndme_z1TZzERULieKVfYmcFn2z4LuybW-ESwAb_Oa35IgxbUKUsCB7r1AFRWQZWAkg3NbvwuOH_hY4pE4/s1600/natgeo-footprint_710.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYH0FBcd5nKjVWZVAUvUGxe55JGjvVhdu0J36AC9N19UMp_3i8bmBskL3oRTndme_z1TZzERULieKVfYmcFn2z4LuybW-ESwAb_Oa35IgxbUKUsCB7r1AFRWQZWAkg3NbvwuOH_hY4pE4/s1600/natgeo-footprint_710.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't know if I should be grateful or concerned, but 46.5% of the land on the earth is considered undeveloped. We've taken over or influenced the other 53.5%.<br />
<br />
Agriculture takes up another whopping 38.6%. It's primarily pastureland, and includes human crops as well. <b><i>To give it a bit more context, livestock take up about the same space as all of Africa. South America would approximate how much space all the cropland is taking.</i></b><br />
<br />
<b><i>We are out of control! We don't have land to spare, and wildlife are paying the price for it.</i></b> Just a few hundred years ago, these charts would have looked very different! 10,000 years ago, even more-so. We would be a tiny blip.<br />
<br />
We need to stop our invasion of wild spaces, and begin to return these spaces to nature. So-called humane and pasture-fed meat, and <b><i>campaigns for bigger cages shouldn't be our focus; it's not fair to nature.</i></b> We need to encourage vegan living (and not industry reform) if we really want to see this turn around.<br />
<br />
There are plenty of other non-vegan groups, and even the industry itself, who are pushing for reforms like bigger cages. Yes, <b><i>farm animals need representation, but even more desperate are wildlife</i></b>.<br />
<br />
When you stop and think about it, who's going to be here when the rest of the world goes vegan? There will be very few cows, pigs and chickens. We're vegan for all animals, so let's ensure that our efforts are effective, and we leave space for the ones who will be here.<br />
<br />
<b>UPDATE (Oct 24)</b>: Came across this interactive piece from NatGeo illustrating the different foods people have been eating for the last 50 years, some interesting insights: <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/what-the-world-eats/">http://www.nationalgeographic.com/what-the-world-eats/</a><br /><br />Also, from The Atlantic, a clunky but informative interactive comparing various resource use for 'conventional' to 'free range' chicken, also demonstrating that it's actually more demanding: <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/10/what-it-takes-to-produce-one-ton-of-chicken/381568/">http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/10/what-it-takes-to-produce-one-ton-of-chicken/381568/</a><br />
<br />
===<br />
<br />
Thank you again, Vegan Congress, for organising this, and including me, it's a very important topic, and I look forward to your future events!<br />
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
NEW: Facebook Page: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan/">Facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
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Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-38616659002383461822014-10-07T15:17:00.001-07:002014-10-07T15:17:11.432-07:00Our New Facebook Page<div>
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Just a quick update for our friends on Facebook, we now have our own page! Be sure to 'Like' us, you can already see that news stories, events and more are posted regularly! We'll still post bigger features here of course, but for smaller updates, join us over there:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan">https://www.facebook.com/TheVictoriaVegan</a><br />
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(Our large discussion group is still there as well, see my signature below for the link to join our community!)<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
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<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
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Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-15001222107310592802014-07-31T15:51:00.003-07:002014-08-07T16:07:02.492-07:00Vancouver Aquarium Demonstrates its Corrupt Values<div>
Now that I'm in Vancouver (<i>just for a couple years - yuck, I miss Victoria!</i>), I'm involving myself in some of the local activism.<br />
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A current urgency is the dealings with the Vancouver Aquarium. They have plans to expand their facility, and opposition has increased significantly since the release of the <a href="http://blackfishmovie.com/" target="_blank">documentary Blackfish</a>, campaigns and groups like <a href="http://www.vcn.bc.ca/cmeps/" target="_blank">No Whales in Captivity</a> have really picked up steam, including a protest I attended on May 24th that attracted dozens of activists outside the front gate of the Vancouver Aquarium:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFtpOEV1W-gTHZdBynYrt6dlMJjhsVrF0J22xUGGs3enbnL1zsusQSMmwpiv_m3wisiUabGJiX3QbM95JRTDk5fh2hlrbrb_JWiJth41CiGqCk19rNL7Yp0sVWM-FWxpUBzMT2Xx1CTU/s1600/IMAG0501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFtpOEV1W-gTHZdBynYrt6dlMJjhsVrF0J22xUGGs3enbnL1zsusQSMmwpiv_m3wisiUabGJiX3QbM95JRTDk5fh2hlrbrb_JWiJth41CiGqCk19rNL7Yp0sVWM-FWxpUBzMT2Xx1CTU/s1600/IMAG0501.jpg" height="82" width="400" /></a></div>
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The <a href="http://vancouver.ca/your-government/vancouver-board-of-parks-and-recreation.aspx" target="_blank">Vancouver Parks Board</a> oversees aspects of the Vancouver Aquarium, including their plans for expansion, and on Saturday, June 26th held a public forum for aquarium representatives to present their case to continue, as well as hear from public Delegates, initially given 5 minutes each.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl53XJDSjRjQR4FymJLfUwKwzj5DLE9PtW_JDx9YHXUYtW6DqmeK8zskQZHVcMuNpKvUokiDTLrxL9-C2dgrAloL9ys19YDbGdy8sn1bwfmG4WOZYEmU-sNxIzLLMmhPbKdIM8X1rcrq0/s1600/IMAG0503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl53XJDSjRjQR4FymJLfUwKwzj5DLE9PtW_JDx9YHXUYtW6DqmeK8zskQZHVcMuNpKvUokiDTLrxL9-C2dgrAloL9ys19YDbGdy8sn1bwfmG4WOZYEmU-sNxIzLLMmhPbKdIM8X1rcrq0/s1600/IMAG0503.jpg" height="200" width="139" /></a></div>
133 people signed up to present, which was unexpected by the Parks Board. We were informed that our time would be reduced to 3 minutes, due to the numbers.<br />
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The Aquarium reps took much longer than expected, and delegates didn't get to begin to present until nearly 4pm (and the day was planned to end at 5pm.)<br />
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Delegates #1 - #48 had opportunities to present on Saturday, although about half had left; waiting 6hrs+ was a very unfair and unreasonable expectation.<br />
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The majority of presentations from the pro-Aquarium crowd were shallow at best, and full of contempt for 'activists'. A number of times, they would start with 'I'm going to stick to the facts', but then tell stories about their dogs or children or other distractions. Emotional blackmail was a primary strategy: "<b><i>what about the children?</i></b>" Or "<b><i>they can't learn about cetaceans without seeing them.</i></b>"<br />
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To which I would respond: how many days a year does a typical Vancouver child attend the Vancouver Aquarium? I would imagine less than one. Especially weighted over several years.<br />
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As for seeing dolphins or whales - I guess this explains why dinosaurs are so unpopular amongst children, and why the films about them have been such box office flops. <i>/sarcasm</i><br />
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My own story is probably typical - I learned about animals through documentaries and reading. As a kid, I loved Lorne Green's New Wilderness, and could not get enough of 'Fact Books' on animals and nature. Despite almost no personal interactions with wildlife (especially captive), I grew up to become an animal advocate. <b><i>My idea of protecting cetaceans involves opposing their captivity, and leaving other animals in the ocean alone by not eating them. I wonder how many Aquarium supporters have gone 20+ years without consuming a single sea animal, the capture of which disturbs wild cetacean activities, and compromises their environment and food supply?</i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweVrkWLqEUjO6T9_jx5iIqa6yAzD44IAlmN0_-El5cTo7rhh_TIJUqB-BugXuL4cZVFVJfBWkXUqns-9dTVTRj3c0aN8CyhP8DrRTilr8D48F5NgTp2z3cGql-ilDWHo_kJ4oDioR5jA/s1600/vanaqua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweVrkWLqEUjO6T9_jx5iIqa6yAzD44IAlmN0_-El5cTo7rhh_TIJUqB-BugXuL4cZVFVJfBWkXUqns-9dTVTRj3c0aN8CyhP8DrRTilr8D48F5NgTp2z3cGql-ilDWHo_kJ4oDioR5jA/s1600/vanaqua.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
At the meeting, my sweetie Lesley and I waited for our opportunity to speak - we were right in the middle, with #64 & #65. The majority of Delegates on Saturday were opponents of captivity, and gave heartfelt and informative speeches in their reduced timeframes. The day went until 5:15pm, and Delegates were told they would continue Monday evening. (Not what people signed up for, but at least it wasn't just terminated.)<br />
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In defense of the Parks Board, they did ask good, critical questions of the Vancouver Aquarium proponents, who often flubbed their answers and were an embarrassment to their cause.<br />
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The meeting continued Monday at 6pm with Delegate #49. Of the remaining 85 people who signed up, less than half were evidently in attendance - likely unable to schedule more time for this. That night, the Parks Boardroom was full of unfamiliar faces, most of whom I did not recognize from Saturday. After a few presenters, it was clear the majority of them were pro-Aquarium (and affiliated with the Aquarium, as staff.)<br />
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I don't want to sound conspirational, but it seems suspicious to me that they knew they wouldn't have time to present on Saturday, and would instead have to attend a follow-up meeting - thus their lack of attendance on Saturday.<br />
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For your interest, here is my presentation:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I’m not a scientist, but an activist, and was disappointed that our positions were condescendingly dismissed by the panel. Most social progress has occurred because of activists. Many, including minorities, people of other ethnicities, sexualities and gender found their freedoms and rights not because of scientists, but activists. It’s a position of gross ignorance that denigrates and dismisses discussion because it’s ‘from activists’. Further, they’re activists as well. They’re advocating for the captivity of other species, and advocating for their own jobs.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>The actual revelation of animal captivity is just how cruel people can be. We’re confining animals for our entertainment, and some call this ‘science’. These scientists are doing the field a disservice. Over and over on Saturday were remarks like ‘i’m going to talk about the facts’, but most of what we heard were stories. The facts were few and far between, which further weakens their position, and is intellectually dishonest and disrespectful of the process.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>We must ask ‘who is this issue motivating?’ Yes, Vancouver Aquarium representatives and staff are here, but don’t forget most of them have an invested interest. Their animal testing at this facility pays their bills. The head of the aquarium reportedly earns $300,000. Historically, people who have no invested interest are better representatives of captives. Many volunteers who turned out are in opposition, and very few defenders from the public made the effort.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>One of the only moving points i heard was that the Board committed to this expansion. Yes, they did, but don’t they also reserve the right to change their minds in light of new information, and a shift in public awareness? If the science proved undoubtedly these animals were suffering tremendously, wouldn't they want the opportunity to re-evaluate their position? We need much more than a juvenile ‘because you said so’.</i> </blockquote>
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<i>Finally, the aquarium provides lazy research. If we want to learn about cetaceans and other species, we need to observe them in their own environment. Over and over, across a wide variety of species, including great apes, we’ve learned this. What we learn from captive animals is artificial, and primarily applies only to other captive animals. The Vancouver Aquarium is way behind the curve, and rejecting established scientific findings to defend activities here.</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I’m opposed to the captivity and public display of animals in this prison. What i support is the rescue and rehab aspects, and the conversion of the facility to a non-public sanctuary with open-water pens. Please help move the facility in this direction.</i></blockquote>
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We left after our presentations, which was about 7pm - it continued until after 10pm. This increased our total time investment to over 10hrs each...to speak for 3 minutes. Vancouver Parks Board: this was an unfair process.</div>
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You can read quick summaries of Monday's presentations from a <a href="http://vanaquafriends.org/2014/07/vancouver-park-board-special-meeting/" target="_blank">pro-Aquarium website</a>, as well as <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/vancouver-aquarium-s-whale-program-provokes-more-debate-1.2720274" target="_blank">Richard Zussman from CBC</a> (scroll down). <a href="http://www.theweathernetwork.com/videos/Gallery/all/video_gallery/cruelty-to-animals-or-pivotal-research/sharevideo/3704907000001" target="_blank">Here's a short video news clip as well (with me in a cameo!)</a></div>
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Adding to the frustration, there is no opportunity for 'the other side' to have a similar presentation. There are plenty of scientists who oppose captivity, and argue that it's harmful to individual animals, and supports the breeding, trading and capture of them as well. There are many reasons for phasing out the public display of captive animals, and this should have been welcomed as well. The BC SPCA isn't even being consulted.</div>
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And this is where it gets worse.</div>
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<b><i>Aquarium CEO John Nightingale is threatening to sue the Parks Board if they don't get their way.</i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Further, the Aquarium is <a href="http://www.straight.com/news/697736/npa-runs-former-vancouver-aquarium-marketing-and-communications-vice-president-park-board" target="_blank">planning to stack the Parks Board with their supporters</a>, as an election is coming up, and three Parks Board commissioners are not planning to return to their position.</i></b></div>
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<b><i>This is a pathetic and self-serving way to abuse a democratic process. Shame on the Vancouver Aquarium. This further exemplifies their corrupt and juvenile ideologies.</i></b></div>
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Please considering <b>writing the Parks Board</b> on this, and tell them you're alarmed by the plans of Aquarium advocates to stack the Parks Board with single-interest parties, giving them the freedom to do nearly anything they want, and potentially jeopardize all other park facilities. This is deeply disturbing. Perhaps there is something they can do to prevent this before the end of their term. Send your emails to: <a href="mailto:pbcomments@vancouver.ca">pbcomments@vancouver.ca</a> - if you're not a Vancouver resident, please indicate it, as a potential tourist.<br />
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The list against the Vancouver Aquarium goes on and on. For example, their behaviour is pushing all the boundaries of what a non-profit is. They run like a business, with all the benefits of a non-profit, and continue to blackmail the public with emotional pleas like 'think of the animals'. Well, we are thinking of the animals, and the Vancouver Aquarium needs to refocus their energies on rescue and rehab, and get out of the business of displaying imprisoned animals.<br />
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<b>UPDATES</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Aug 7th: It's A Fact: Vancouver Aquarium annual budget: $30,000,000. Annual budget of their Marine Mammal Rescue centre: $400,000. Just over 1% of their annual budget goes towards rescue and rehab.</li>
<li>Aug 6th: Story in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/sandy-garossino/vancouver-aquarium-seaworld-beluga-whales_b_5653612.html?utm_hp_ref=tw" target="_blank">HuffPost highlighting all the belugas VanAqua 'owns' and breeding programs</a></li>
<li>Aug 6th: Story in the <a href="http://www.straight.com/news/700456/vancouver-aquarium-beluga-whales-used-cross-continent-breeding" target="_blank">Straight highlighting the breeding issues, as well as issues with a Park Board takeover</a> </li>
</ul>
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<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor<br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
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Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-90645178283311106542014-05-30T12:41:00.000-07:002014-05-30T12:41:02.213-07:00Feeding the World? More Like Devouring the Planet.<div>
A recent <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/feeding-9-billion/" target="_blank">National Geographic Magazine features food, and feeding the predicted 9 billion people that are expected to be on planet Earth for 2050</a>.<br />
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While lacking in conviction, Jonathan Foley does suggest eating less meat and animal products. Like the majority of writers wishing to remain popular, he doesn't push for eliminating what is a cruel, unnecessary and inefficient choice for food. It would be helpful for him to remind us that no human needs to consume animal products; and this message would go a long way to helping feed people, reduce greenhouse emissions and ecological destruction, and curb exploitative attitudes.<br />
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Here is an important and revealing graphic from the article; it's an impactful revelation of what we're doing to the planet with livestock:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9axDSkaP8VijoYsNeuXm8Lc4LrhpyZmKpKkkuEuM0o7YAPYDjM_mbrMB8z8yvI8CtyWMQzTjuSDCHs3PXOv8MneKiO38MWyULTTjmBD7Uzd8PLIK9DNr03OxYg-duuqbI1Z4vr3lJRs8/s1600/natgeo-footprint_710.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9axDSkaP8VijoYsNeuXm8Lc4LrhpyZmKpKkkuEuM0o7YAPYDjM_mbrMB8z8yvI8CtyWMQzTjuSDCHs3PXOv8MneKiO38MWyULTTjmBD7Uzd8PLIK9DNr03OxYg-duuqbI1Z4vr3lJRs8/s1600/natgeo-footprint_710.png" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/foodfeatures/feeding-9-billion/" target="_blank">National Geographic</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
According to this, 46.5% of the world's land remains undeveloped - a bit reassuring as I expected a much smaller percentage. This means the other 53.5% of all land on the planet has been developed - meaning people have altered the landscape for various purposes.<br />
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By and far, most land on Earth is utilized by agriculture. A staggering <b>38.6% of all land on the planet is devoted to raising livestock and growing crops</b>. Most of it is for livestock. Foley puts it this way: "<i>an area roughly the size of Africa</i>" is how much land livestock occupies (and the area of South America for all crops.)<br />
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Just think about that a moment - <b>if we were to raise all livestock in one place, it would fill up Africa</b>. And a lot of the cropland is also used to feed livestock, increasing their total footprint.<br />
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Clearly, the solution to our problem is not more livestock. We just don't have the space for it.<br />
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Some might ask: is organic livestock a better option? Almost no one dares to breach this uncomfortable topic, but one of the 'perks' claimed by organic animal agribusiness is these animals are given significantly more space.<br />
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Given what we've just learned, space is one thing we don't have to spare. Organic practices demand even more land, further shrinking remaining habitat for wild species. It becomes a battle between livestock, and wild animals. I shudder to think how little space would be left were organic livestock practices to increase significantly.<br />
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Here's another related graphic, courtesy of <a href="http://xkcd.com/1338/" target="_blank">XKCD</a>:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsTfT4WCDdcQ7DdshhcaSut47CfH-r0nxRjtzBhA5BY_8bby9s2dvr4cYWFUWUIpINMC5mWkcAyuzRTb2uF6EJLRErGrkWvajgFJxmgG0_CzZ2vUFollbeEwgDUplq96w37HxGznjMDg/s1600/xkcd-land_mammals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNsTfT4WCDdcQ7DdshhcaSut47CfH-r0nxRjtzBhA5BY_8bby9s2dvr4cYWFUWUIpINMC5mWkcAyuzRTb2uF6EJLRErGrkWvajgFJxmgG0_CzZ2vUFollbeEwgDUplq96w37HxGznjMDg/s1600/xkcd-land_mammals.png" height="318" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the mass of all land mammals on the planet. Humans are the dark blocks in the middle, livestock (cows, pigs, sheep) and pets are light grey, and a total of 35 of remaining blocks are wild mammals.<br />
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Once again, a tiny percentage of mammals (the green blocks) on land are wild. If you were to put all our goats on one side of a giant scale, and *every wild mammal* on the other side, goats would tip the scale.<br />
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What about hunting for meat? For me, this really puts into perspective the claim 'things would be better if everyone hunted!' If a majority of people switched to hunting, I expect nearly every remaining mammal would be killed in less than a week. (Where do we go from there?)<br />
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We really need to consider the the effects of livestock, and how we're going to feed imminent generations without ruining more of the planet.<br />
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No matter how you look at it, we need to change how we eat.<br />
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A couple more relative facts from the Nat Geo piece:<br />
<ul>
<li>"Only 55 percent of food-crop calories directly nourish people. Meat, dairy, and eggs from animals raised on feed supply another 4 percent."</li>
<li>"For every 100 calories of grain we feed animals, we get only about 40 new calories of milk, 22 calories of eggs, 12 of chicken, 10 of pork, or 3 of beef."</li>
</ul>
Be the change we need: go vegan, and get your family and friends to switch!<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
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Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
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Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
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Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-32844073353056249892014-05-23T22:10:00.001-07:002014-05-27T12:31:38.763-07:00Media Release & Action: Accident Renews Call for Horse Carriage Ban<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazWyzMhshe6H4YinJrMZ8X2egFuDlqRbMwCxjuLNvaE4nN00za1UM__04eRZUC_9cTDullBHB-L8D37AEaeP_KA9tchYUUQCm7UeinSInEMfmphuST6kP5dxYr6YMs_mTdImKYZ_rCHU/s1600/hdc-2014-govtaccidentcheknews.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazWyzMhshe6H4YinJrMZ8X2egFuDlqRbMwCxjuLNvaE4nN00za1UM__04eRZUC_9cTDullBHB-L8D37AEaeP_KA9tchYUUQCm7UeinSInEMfmphuST6kP5dxYr6YMs_mTdImKYZ_rCHU/s1600/hdc-2014-govtaccidentcheknews.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Credit: CHEK News footage.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Accident
Renews Call for Horse Carriage Ban</strong><br /><br />Victoria, BC - <span class="aBn" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">May 23,
2014</span></span> - After confirmed reports of a carriage horse throwing and
injuring its driver and colliding with two cars and a motorcycle this
evening, local activist group Carriage-Free Victoria is renewing their call on
council to ban this industry. <br /><br />Victoria-based animal activist Dave
Shishkoff has been campaigning against Victoria’s horse carriage trade for over
8 years. He believes horse drawn carriages are cruel, out-dated and dangerous.
“Tonight was extremely unfortunate, but it also was 100% preventable. With
tourist season fast approaching, traffic levels are only going to increase. City
council needs to take immediate action and pass a bylaw to prohibit horse-drawn
carriages.”<br /><br />Over the next few weeks, Shishkoff vows to expand his
campaign to ban the horse drawn carriages in Victoria. “Social media, protests
and filling City Council’s mailboxes with signed postcards from residents urging
council to ban the horses will be priority number one. There are clearly safer
and more humane ways to entertain tourists in our city”, Shishkoff adds. Over
500 post cards have already been sent to City Hall.<br /><br />Currently there are
only two horse-drawn carriage companies that operate in the City of Victoria,
after a third was shuttered last year for not paying
taxes.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">-30-</span></span><br />
<br />
<b>Action: WRITE CITY HALL IMMEDIATELY!</b><br />
<br />
Demand they take steps to ban the carriages before even more people or horses are hurt. Some suggested talking points:<br />
<ul>
<li>It's an outdated and cruel industry.</li>
<li>It's hard on horses: walking all day on hard concrete is harmful for their bodies, as is breathing in traffic fumes, and the traffic is an obvious danger.</li>
<li>Too many accidents already have happened, and there's no system in place requiring accident reports, meaning the only accidents we hear about are the ones the media reports on.</li>
<li>Traffic downtown will only intensify as the tourist season progresses, increasing the potential danger of these incidents.</li>
<li>New York City is about to ban their carriages, and Victoria needs to follow suit.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Read more at: <a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/foa" target="_blank">TheVictoriaVegan.com/foa</a></div>
<br />
Carriage-Free Victoria on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BanVictoriaCarriages">Facebook.com/BanVictoriaCarriages</a><br />
<br />
Finally, remind them that there is an election this November, and you expect to see them address this issue as well.<br />
<br />
Send your emails to:<br />
<br />
mayor@victoria.ca;<br />
ccoleman@victoria.ca;<br />
sgudgeon@victoria.ca;<br />
lhelps@victoria.ca;<br />
bisitt@victoria.ca;<br />
pmadoff@victoria.ca;<br />
cthornton-joe@victoria.ca;<br />
gyoung@victoria.ca;<br />
malto@victoria.ca;<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABvU8SYQ6oJBmIA5-s0OIQiueWPpAH91LhA_FxhzW4ybqZPZUnZ3KMs4KtmPFjTdXn0louXil4sUzHqZczpArQAMTQmQMklPrrb3i1Sr-1BrMMnYcJxelqTzmYQD8fJSC4zSM8_JbV6I/s1600/hdc-2014-govtaccidentcheknews2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABvU8SYQ6oJBmIA5-s0OIQiueWPpAH91LhA_FxhzW4ybqZPZUnZ3KMs4KtmPFjTdXn0louXil4sUzHqZczpArQAMTQmQMklPrrb3i1Sr-1BrMMnYcJxelqTzmYQD8fJSC4zSM8_JbV6I/s1600/hdc-2014-govtaccidentcheknews2.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Credit: CHEK News</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>MEDIA COVERAGE (Check back for updates.)</b><br />
<ul>
<li><b>05/27 - CFAX 1070 Radio:</b> On On-Air with Pamela McCall, taking some calls, plus interview with Larry Friedland from Tally Ho Carriages (30mins). <a href="https://soundcloud.com/pamela-mccall-cfax/may-27-10am#t=7:45">https://soundcloud.com/pamela-mccall-cfax/may-27-10am#t=7:45</a></li>
<li><b>05/26 - CFAX 1070 Radio:</b> On Mornings with Al Ferraby to discuss the carriages (10mins). <a href="https://soundcloud.com/al-ferraby-cfax/may-26-8am#t=20:40">https://soundcloud.com/al-ferraby-cfax/may-26-8am#t=20:40</a></li>
<li><b>05/25 - Times Colonist: </b>"Crash renews call for ban on horse-drawn carriages" <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/crash-renews-call-for-ban-on-horse-drawn-carriages-1.1074330">http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/crash-renews-call-for-ban-on-horse-drawn-carriages-1.1074330</a></li>
<li><b>05/24 - CTV News: </b><a href="http://bc.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=369768&binId=1.1184694&playlistPageNum=1">http://bc.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=369768&binId=1.1184694&playlistPageNum=1</a></li>
<li><b>05/24 - CHEK News follow-up: </b><a href="http://www.cheknews.ca/?bckey=AQ~~,AAAA4mHNTzE~,ejlzBnGUUKY1gXVPwEwEepl35Y795rND&bclid=975107450001&bctid=3586594466001">http://www.cheknews.ca/?bckey=AQ~~,AAAA4mHNTzE~,ejlzBnGUUKY1gXVPwEwEepl35Y795rND&bclid=975107450001&bctid=3586594466001</a></li>
<li><b>05/23 - CHEK News Video:</b> <a href="http://www.cheknews.ca/index.php?bckey=AQ~~%2CAAAA4mHNTzE~%2CejlzBnGUUKY1gXVPwEwEepl35Y795rND&bclid=975107450001&bctid=3585398902001">http://www.cheknews.ca/index.php?bckey=AQ~~%2CAAAA4mHNTzE~%2CejlzBnGUUKY1gXVPwEwEepl35Y795rND&bclid=975107450001&bctid=3585398902001</a></li>
<li><b>05/23 - Times Colonist:</b> "Carriage horse bolts in downtown Victoria, collides with vehicles" <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/carriage-horse-bolts-in-downtown-victoria-collides-with-vehicles-1.1073566#sthash.AmxTCOOf.dpuf">http://www.timescolonist.com/entertainment/carriage-horse-bolts-in-downtown-victoria-collides-with-vehicles-1.1073566#sthash.AmxTCOOf.dpuf</a></li>
<li><b>05/23 - CFAX:</b> Three vehicles damaged, one person injured by runaway horse downtown <a href="http://www.cfax1070.com/News/Top-Stories/Three-vehicles-damaged-one-person-injured-by-runaw">http://www.cfax1070.com/News/Top-Stories/Three-vehicles-damaged-one-person-injured-by-runaw</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you for helping make Victoria a carriage-free city,<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-44187678717508314982014-05-21T14:12:00.001-07:002014-05-21T14:12:27.086-07:00Catching Up: Victoria Screening of The Ghosts in Our MachineBack on April 23rd, I participated in the <a href="http://www.opencinema.ca/fortheghosts/" target="_blank">Open Cinema 'Connecting The Docs'</a> feature screening of Canadian documentary <a href="http://www.theghostsinourmachine.com/" target="_blank">The Ghosts in Our Machine</a>, which tracks photographer Jo-Anne McArthur as she investigates a fur farm, livestock farms, and animal laboratories and the animals used in these exploitative industries.<br />
<br />
The event itself had a big social media tie-in, and our volunteers Mike N and Diana H were representing us (the <a href="http://victoriaveganfest.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Vegan Fest</a> and The Victoria Vegan) on Facebook and Twitter respectively. I was also active on social media during showing, and joined the discussion panel afterwards along with Lesley Fox of the <a href="http://furbearerdefenders.com/" target="_blank">Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals</a>, and Maneesha Deckha, UVic Associate Professor, Faculty of Law.<br />
<br />
It was a great experience, lots of people I haven't met before attended the film and participated in the discussion afterwards, discussing issues from the film as well as Canadian and local animal issues.<br />
<br />
Check out their <a href="https://storify.com/mandyleith/fortheghosts" target="_blank">Storify archive of the event</a>, featuring video, photos and tweets.<br />
<br />
<div>
Here is the trailer to The Ghosts in Our Machine:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/59741668" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
And here is the video to the post-film discussion:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/VNi6lvRAZf4" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
A big thank-you to Mandy and Open Cinema for having us, and we hope to see more animal films in the future!<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-22848850878484319092014-05-16T15:01:00.000-07:002014-05-16T15:06:18.774-07:00Catching Up: Living With Beavers, Tree-Wrapping with APFA<div>
On Thursday, May 1st, I joined Adrian Nelson from the <a href="http://furbearerdefenders.com/" target="_blank">Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals (APFA)</a> on a trip to a rural Langley residence that was getting visits from beavers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocw7e51K2VzLd5SiiiqA9hull2yStDof9ChYKopjgVq2AEqwh4JEX99bqILuWyQHiFXfWL3z0_wV6tZz08Z67NKKO2r6xO2NiVLLgT_C1B0KrK1eLhyphenhyphenZWuJJ182dHZJ_h3l4o6mw3hZc/s1600/IMAG0402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjocw7e51K2VzLd5SiiiqA9hull2yStDof9ChYKopjgVq2AEqwh4JEX99bqILuWyQHiFXfWL3z0_wV6tZz08Z67NKKO2r6xO2NiVLLgT_C1B0KrK1eLhyphenhyphenZWuJJ182dHZJ_h3l4o6mw3hZc/s1600/IMAG0402.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
You can see in the photo above this beaver's been busy! He'd already munched on a few trees before. Instead of trapping the beavers, the homeowner looked into coexistence options, and found APFA. A few weeks earlier, on his initial visit and consultation, Adrian wrapped what was remaining of this tree and set a future date to complete the work on the yard.<br />
<br />
Returning on this sunny, spring day, there were a few dozen more trees along the stream which we also 'wrapped'. You may have already read our previous posting on beavers when we <a href="http://blog.thevictoriavegan.com/2013/08/saving-beavers-on-sunshine-coast.html" target="_blank">joined APFA in building a beaver deceiver on the Sunshine Coast last summer</a>. Flooding wasn't an issue in this case; Adrian determined this beaver is just looking for a snack.<br />
<br />
Tree wrapping is another simple but elegant solution to competing interests. It's not more than trimmed wire fencing and zip ties, preventing beavers from chewing select trees.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYhlJ5VaopZMcyultR6ieBkdXbZ3n_gbtqYAGLvLCbxPCnjKURpKPUeLoLXaksWWPOH1wBpOeVzkagvxhYeRcNC1XRzQs1rusJPb0YGAqs2PZYs-kpU2N5mclrNtcDM8qZ3Oel81itQA/s1600/IMAG0403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYhlJ5VaopZMcyultR6ieBkdXbZ3n_gbtqYAGLvLCbxPCnjKURpKPUeLoLXaksWWPOH1wBpOeVzkagvxhYeRcNC1XRzQs1rusJPb0YGAqs2PZYs-kpU2N5mclrNtcDM8qZ3Oel81itQA/s1600/IMAG0403.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Above is another tree our furry buddy chose on the opposite side of the stream, and behind are a couple freshly-wrapped trees. Each tree takes 3 - 10 minutes to wrap, and we quickly took care of a couple dozen in a few hours. It's encouraging there are easy and effective options like this available.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtH4YNBNro45g3iYG9ojMYxeDT7wDfCTQ7B3dTgtGvFIQclHYKXSf-e04Xx2QeK06oSFfZ69xFBmqutU75g_62xpAsFHCddS_OT_aY38c9PewIeJy5xQkkSvX1HNkW8ENbR4SqyleV0g/s1600/IMAG0404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtH4YNBNro45g3iYG9ojMYxeDT7wDfCTQ7B3dTgtGvFIQclHYKXSf-e04Xx2QeK06oSFfZ69xFBmqutU75g_62xpAsFHCddS_OT_aY38c9PewIeJy5xQkkSvX1HNkW8ENbR4SqyleV0g/s1600/IMAG0404.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Trees closer to the water were prioritized. It's interesting to note there was no discernable pattern to which trees the beaver chose - he went for different species, and in one case travelled over 100 meters from the stream to get at a tree (passing many others, which appeared equally delectable to us!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVhD_5mrVPtuU_EeUWk97ll8M3oXMJvLwpDJLQCPzPtOzrGnI8T_hCF4PNlpBOnE-LgOMCXk6wkhOdOeCZmC0Lo4Q0KyTaa1_wCVfPJ9SEzXJDFnS4EEmakfNDVcCHPje_otlZW2gDoU/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVhD_5mrVPtuU_EeUWk97ll8M3oXMJvLwpDJLQCPzPtOzrGnI8T_hCF4PNlpBOnE-LgOMCXk6wkhOdOeCZmC0Lo4Q0KyTaa1_wCVfPJ9SEzXJDFnS4EEmakfNDVcCHPje_otlZW2gDoU/s1600/IMAG0405.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div>
<br />
Above is Adrian taking care of a cedar a bit further up from the stream.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DKolrk8wpqulXOyvtwSzgqVK9i9cXjuxS8mS2pu22P0xqdRHLSNDzkFngu9-R99dPTG5sXI-VVU5ldMJG3qRonR-Kj0inExceTR8mybXXuTEHJx4IcEc6-Fl3tbkEwJZzxZLjTZRTSg/s1600/damit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0DKolrk8wpqulXOyvtwSzgqVK9i9cXjuxS8mS2pu22P0xqdRHLSNDzkFngu9-R99dPTG5sXI-VVU5ldMJG3qRonR-Kj0inExceTR8mybXXuTEHJx4IcEc6-Fl3tbkEwJZzxZLjTZRTSg/s1600/damit.jpg" height="168" width="200" /></a>If you've got beavers visiting your property, rather than trapping and killing them (<i>relocation in BC is often not an option, and nearly always harmful to the animal and their families and communities</i>), be encouraged and aware that we have options like this, making living with wildlife and peaceful coexistence a cinch. <a href="http://furbearerdefenders.com/" target="_blank">Contact APFA if you've got issues with beavers or other wildlife</a>, and let's continue making the world more livable for all.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-48710462889185734862014-04-30T14:44:00.000-07:002014-05-16T15:07:17.589-07:00Oak Bay & CRD Deer Updates<div>
A few days ago, the <a href="http://www.vicnews.com/opinion/letters/257186221.html" target="_blank">Oak Bay News published a letter from Nils Jensen & the Oak Bay Council on the deer</a>. (<i><a href="https://www.oakbay.ca/sites/default/files/Urban%20Deer%20-%20Message%20from%20the%20Mayor%20and%20Council.pdf" target="_blank">Original PDF can be found here, a bit better formatting</a>, from the City of Oak Bay website.</i>)<br />
<br />
It's great they're increasing feeding fines and allowing taller fences (there was a 6' height restriction, which is insufficient from keeping our bounding buddies out.) And they're mirroring our efforts by sending out two new CRD deer leaflets (which we link to on our <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/deer" target="_blank">Greater Victoria Deer Advocates</a> site) in this week's Oak Bay News. Education is key to this issue.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XOIEEB-ig2tcbKXiEWUXd-htNwhCEunhsjKmudvJmKv_FXapGZOznTQOcl6y7iPWgGDq3hQuYSXeKoeiyvW0WZtvxBbomHZzXjhMPbebDgR0TbTh-CTWSvchxDwQcBOR1xHO7R1KxYI/s1600/deer-howmany.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9XOIEEB-ig2tcbKXiEWUXd-htNwhCEunhsjKmudvJmKv_FXapGZOznTQOcl6y7iPWgGDq3hQuYSXeKoeiyvW0WZtvxBbomHZzXjhMPbebDgR0TbTh-CTWSvchxDwQcBOR1xHO7R1KxYI/s1600/deer-howmany.png" height="198" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An excerpt from our <br />
<b>Living With Deer</b> booklet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the letter, Mayor Jensen writes "<i>[in] the absence of any natural predation, the deer population has increased dramatically, and as a consequence, so are the incidents of deer/human conflict on the rise." </i>While we know there is a raise in conflict, it's inaccurate and contentious to insist the "population has increased dramatically". We really don't know what the population is, as there have been no counts performed - either recently, or in the past. Mayor Jensen is pushing his <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/c/confirmation_bias.htm" target="_blank">confirmation bias</a>, which doesn't progress situations like this.<br />
<br />
For example, as people talk about deer more and more, and we see them highlighted in the media, you start to notice them more, and leaves more of an impression. Their population may or may not be increasing, but attention to them most certainly does.<br />
<br />
Pick a number between 10 and 50. Now watch for it. Suddenly you're seeing it *everywhere*. It's on road signs. You're seeing it whenever you look at the clock. It's appearing on household addresses and phone numbers. Is that number really 'more popular' and on the increase, or are you just paying more attention to it?<br />
<br />
Normally we don't see ants much. However, if you stop and look at the ground outside, you'll suddenly spot one. Then more. Then realize the ground is crawling with them. Are there more ants, now that you're watching for them? Or were they always there?<br />
<br />
This is a type of confirmation bias, and the Mayor is perpetuating his own bias, but no real facts.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmNFNrZ8Rbd-ccSkAsR_8jt9cxJQdRIrEa5qatzxmGcWOJINDyDiD9cxCvZrGVv_b48wagyUxRPEcFrFXkUO2h7GGtxkZDmmD6ScoYisQsouluTZ6CmpFSxw3ojJM7nQG-73V_C3rJ8c/s1600/deer-collisions-map-crd-oakbay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKmNFNrZ8Rbd-ccSkAsR_8jt9cxJQdRIrEa5qatzxmGcWOJINDyDiD9cxCvZrGVv_b48wagyUxRPEcFrFXkUO2h7GGtxkZDmmD6ScoYisQsouluTZ6CmpFSxw3ojJM7nQG-73V_C3rJ8c/s1600/deer-collisions-map-crd-oakbay.png" height="200" width="135" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excerpt from CRD<br />
Deer Management<br />
Strategy map.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The increase in deer collisions very well could be for other reasons. We know for a fact that nearly all deer being hit are on Cadboro Bay Road across from the Uplands Golf Course. (<i>Mayor Jensen insists deer collisions occur in other areas, and has promised a map, but this has yet to materialize.</i>) Perhaps someone in the area has been feeding deer, drawing them to that area. Perhaps there are disturbances (like construction) in other areas, influencing their movements to this area of Oak Bay. Maybe people are speeding more, and using less care. There are a number of reasons beyond population increase that could influence collision rates.<br />
<br />
Speaking of Cadboro Bay Road, we've been criticising Mayor and Council for not dealing with the speeding on this stretch, which is the #1 spot for collisions, according to the CRD. Thankfully, this has changed.<br />
<br />
We have reports that a number of people have been pulled over and ticketed on this stretch. Speeders have been caught exceeding 70kph, and apparently even a motorcycle travelling at 90kph. Is it any wonder that accidents are occurring here? The 50kph speed limit is already much too generous for the conditions, and our own testing shows that people speed here regularly.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZZwc4jSCyRC5Ds0MwlbbmWi2ptZay4VA82Pozoo8ObOAOkEKCljfkig_u5styMcmXmGNV8SdUjIB3Q15oOqvKR-U9o16pn-ibwHE6nxNpzVm8WkYpcQ__S0I2DiTqSciC0D9_QwZFwE/s1600/deer-speedsensor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZZwc4jSCyRC5Ds0MwlbbmWi2ptZay4VA82Pozoo8ObOAOkEKCljfkig_u5styMcmXmGNV8SdUjIB3Q15oOqvKR-U9o16pn-ibwHE6nxNpzVm8WkYpcQ__S0I2DiTqSciC0D9_QwZFwE/s1600/deer-speedsensor.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We purchased our own speed radar,<br />
and found people speeding along this stretch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They've also set up counters, which count the number of cars and their speed, so we can see that they're starting to take this section seriously (although we've been pointing this out since December, and is painfully obvious with the CRD map.)<br />
<br />
Mayor Jensen insists that safety is his number one concern, so reducing collisions should be at the top of that list. This is easily accomplished given what we already know, by dealing with this stretch of Cadboro Bay Road. <a href="http://blog.thevictoriavegan.com/2014/01/oak-bay-slow-down-for-deer.html" target="_blank">We've been demonstrating on this section, reminding drivers this section is active with deer, and to slow down</a>, and it's good to see Oak Bay taking steps in this direction as well. An easy install would be a flashing speed sign for this stretch.<br />
<br />
On another note of interest, <a href="https://www.oakbay.ca/our-community/pets-animals/deer" target="_blank">the Oak Bay City Hall website has been updated</a>, and they state "<i>while deer have inhabited Oak Bay for centuries[..]</i>" - which I've personally had Oak Bay resident hollering at me over, claiming that deer have only been here recently; only for the last 20 years. Despite biologists insisting that deer have been here millenium longer than humans, and that other Oak Bay residents insist on seeing deer for decades, these people continue to yell that deer are new and don't belong here. I hope they read this and reconsider their argument.<br />
<br />
Mayor Jensen concludes the letter with "<i>[t]he burgeoning population of deer in our community means there will be more deer on our roads, so please take particular care when driving</i>."<br />
<br />
He's right that we need to take care when driving, but the only burgeoning population in Oak Bay is the human population. Remember: it's much easier to manage our own behaviours, and if we're sincere about safety, we'll act accordingly.<br />
<br />
For more on the Oak Bay and CRD deer issue (including links to the two new CRD brochures), visit the <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/deer" target="_blank">Greater Victoria Deer Advocates information page</a>, and join our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/133471023429190/" target="_blank">Facebook discussion group</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-41278216434170642412014-04-29T13:27:00.000-07:002014-05-16T15:08:43.600-07:005th Annual World Wide Vegan Bake Sale Day<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeY61l51ldwOyFvLshzmpVpuVpsd1gk8-O6ZXU_VHfdTJUwBFFRKt9wQeATHkBsbNkz81tm-zJo4VkjgH7LxV__9iNFibfXRmccgVZsRcNgAeZQzFi6Onl9wUp0ICQpEtijGuduor59E/s1600/2014-wwvbsd_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpeY61l51ldwOyFvLshzmpVpuVpsd1gk8-O6ZXU_VHfdTJUwBFFRKt9wQeATHkBsbNkz81tm-zJo4VkjgH7LxV__9iNFibfXRmccgVZsRcNgAeZQzFi6Onl9wUp0ICQpEtijGuduor59E/s1600/2014-wwvbsd_web.jpg" height="200" width="154" /></a></div>
Saturday, April 26th was the 5th year we've participated in the <a href="http://veganbakesale.org/" target="_blank">World Wide Vegan Bake Sale Day</a> event, which is a grass roots international initiative encouraging vegan bake sales around the world to raise funds for vegan and animal activism.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.victoriaveganfest.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Vegan Fest</a> was our fundraiser target once again, and if you're not familiar it's a big celebration and promotion of the vegan lifestyle coming up on Canada Day (July 1st) in Market Square (downtown Victoria)! This year's venue was <a href="http://greencuisine.com/" target="_blank">Green Cuisine</a> once again, and we're very fortunate and grateful to have their support. We had many contributors donate over 20 different sweets; a wide variety of goodies for just about any taste!<br />
<br />
We had the standards like cupcakes and brownies, a wide selection of cookies and other goodies, and some surprises like toffees, caramels, and vanilla rooibos fig newtons (which were quite possibly the author's top choice!) All were vegan, and nearly half were gluten-free as well.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1niHt1XAtWnTPq-4biCk3daHCm4SmP2NrX3rhHvDDTguBANCojrok3OnS-7-ieE878MBvw7AnCFlxtiGb6N6fa5oZc24ZPq6M-33hzNI_VKEZFpPmb17IE0BYUYQpCmYN6JUSNnks64/s1600/IMAG0389%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1niHt1XAtWnTPq-4biCk3daHCm4SmP2NrX3rhHvDDTguBANCojrok3OnS-7-ieE878MBvw7AnCFlxtiGb6N6fa5oZc24ZPq6M-33hzNI_VKEZFpPmb17IE0BYUYQpCmYN6JUSNnks64/s1600/IMAG0389%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodies with gluten.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDl3jYqivXH9GGBU2DYBdYwrjm4kblCI-kgPiw2UeapZkSBxnq6h1AnT3GYGqPILZ7JjI1S8t5xYW3TxCDsfsMpZO8Duk4c9iAEB7HPxFRt0yXQqlw0YPML9AcPnRvYSe6lM6fAwW19k/s1600/IMAG0390%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDl3jYqivXH9GGBU2DYBdYwrjm4kblCI-kgPiw2UeapZkSBxnq6h1AnT3GYGqPILZ7JjI1S8t5xYW3TxCDsfsMpZO8Duk4c9iAEB7HPxFRt0yXQqlw0YPML9AcPnRvYSe6lM6fAwW19k/s1600/IMAG0390%5B1%5D.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodies without gluten.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We nudged ahead of <a href="http://www.victoriaveganfest.com/wwvbsd-report/" target="_blank">last year's bake sale</a>, raising about $570. Thanks to all who came and filled their bellies with goodies, let us know what your favourites were in the comments section!<br />
<br />
A HUGE thank-you to all our superstar bakers: Cadence, Colleen, Corie, Cristina, Diana, Hayley, Jordan, Kiley and her mom, Krista, Michelle, Paulina & Mike, Sandra and Tlell! You were all critical in this, and we really appreciate all your delicious and inspired contributions!! Also, another thank-you to Green Cuisine for lending us their space, it's a big ask given they've got their own baked goods to sell! Thank you for being such a big supporter of the Victoria Vegan Fest!<br />
<br />
We also got some media coverage, check out this <a href="http://www.cheknews.ca/?bckey=AQ~~,AAAA4mHNTzE~,ejlzBnGUUKY1gXVPwEwEepl35Y795rND&bclid=975107450001&bctid=3511505380001" target="_blank">Chek News video</a>.<br />
<br />
We'll likely organize another event or two for the Vegan Fest, watch this space or the <a href="http://victoriaveganfest.com/" target="_blank">VVF site</a>, or <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/victoria-vegan-news" target="_blank">join our email announcement list</a> to make sure you don't miss a thing!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTxwJ-OjY-6P6-ZL0qJRYAbw3f_NG1STslI39OpQATFiBb-H2KMFL7fqKbqm9o9bnu94K9o2s47RoxExrXHrPx-sN1Am0BlEWLiAWvCbrR9zaJjjMjZhndsrPy4tPFrM1-uBnsHJK0eI/s1600/IMAG0388%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTxwJ-OjY-6P6-ZL0qJRYAbw3f_NG1STslI39OpQATFiBb-H2KMFL7fqKbqm9o9bnu94K9o2s47RoxExrXHrPx-sN1Am0BlEWLiAWvCbrR9zaJjjMjZhndsrPy4tPFrM1-uBnsHJK0eI/s1600/IMAG0388%5B1%5D.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's a lot of yum going on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-30415086511391432012014-04-25T15:59:00.000-07:002014-05-16T15:08:28.889-07:00Bryan Adams: Killing Seals Wrong, but Rodeo Okay?<div>
Hello readers!<br />
<br />
Earlier today I spotted this tweet from Lori, <a href="http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/04/22/bryan-adams-to-headline-stampede-roundup-at-fort-calgary" target="_blank">an article on Bryan Adams, who's sometimes described as vegan, playing at the Calgary Stampede</a>.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23calgarystampede&src=hash">#calgarystampede</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23AnimalCruelty&src=hash">#AnimalCruelty</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/bryanadams">@bryanadams</a> so disappointed :( <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23notvegan&src=hash">#notvegan</a><br />
— Lori Wheeler (@lorijwheeler) <a href="https://twitter.com/lorijwheeler/statuses/459750959590019072">April 25, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXe52zOg1YyiM_50hC1G3gQ_QWwvqoBzh6QSwV9sm_4hflXyiKZJROHuhgappQudFsLN0WSZ4ZIjwBZAQj5vHubST-Ct__3x17cIq1WK5Yg0fWUHsXmw8aWUM_scdfh-2ub5NkTuxnQE/s1600/RODEO+CRUELTY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXe52zOg1YyiM_50hC1G3gQ_QWwvqoBzh6QSwV9sm_4hflXyiKZJROHuhgappQudFsLN0WSZ4ZIjwBZAQj5vHubST-Ct__3x17cIq1WK5Yg0fWUHsXmw8aWUM_scdfh-2ub5NkTuxnQE/s1600/RODEO+CRUELTY.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
Disappointing to say the least, the rodeo is a monstrous event, torturing hundreds of animals for the entertainment of others. Not only is this a rodeo, but it's some kind of burger event.<br />
<br />
Oddly, Adams is also in the news about his upcoming show in Newfoundland, <a href="http://www.thetelegram.com/section/2014-04-24/article-3701144/Trip-about-the-music,-not-beliefs/1" target="_blank">who are calling him a hypocrite for playing there while they're out on the ice slaughtering seals</a>. (Although it'd be fine if it was another time of the year?) To this, Adams is quoted as saying:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Last time I checked, it was OK in this country to have an opinion on what goes on in the world.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Either way, I’m coming to Newfoundland for my fans and to play music, not to get drawn into a debate with the seal killing industry.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>However, for the record, I’m a veggie and against the deliberate killing of ALL animals, not just seals, so for those people that want to protest about my coming to play a gig, make sure to get all the chicken farmers, cow farmers and fishermen to march in unity at my presence.</i></blockquote>
</blockquote>
Those are strong words we vegans can get behind...maybe it's not too late for him to back out of this show?<br />
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Here are some contact options:<br />
<br />
Contact form on his website: <a href="http://www.bryanadams.com/index.php?target=contact">http://www.bryanadams.com/index.php?target=contact</a> (Also note several email addresses and phone numbers.)<br />
<br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/bryanadams">http://twitter.com/bryanadams</a><br />
<br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/bryanadamsofficial">http://www.facebook.com/bryanadamsofficial</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QAnwbc0ibHndE9C0SaWrVQ5EaG-4vlwB6p8e6c1KxIfYK7b8aghFTA89d6qjeK-eTzSWMw40w7l6OH28aJsEdMalIYYH8e6Zd6unhsPasg_kKNt0_Pqo36qn94LzGgXU5B6WwI8Om4U/s1600/HarpSeal09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QAnwbc0ibHndE9C0SaWrVQ5EaG-4vlwB6p8e6c1KxIfYK7b8aghFTA89d6qjeK-eTzSWMw40w7l6OH28aJsEdMalIYYH8e6Zd6unhsPasg_kKNt0_Pqo36qn94LzGgXU5B6WwI8Om4U/s1600/HarpSeal09.jpg" height="125" width="200" /></a></div>
Fingers crossed things change, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Email: <a href="mailto:Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com">Dave@TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
</div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-75480178267852982842014-04-23T14:44:00.000-07:002014-05-16T15:08:13.475-07:00Update on The Victoria Vegan<div>
Greetings readers,<br />
<br />
Just a quick update that I'm no longer with Friends of Animals, and this blog and website are currently an independent project. Hopefully we'll continue with the projects we're running, like the Greater Victoria Deer Advocates group and Carriage-Free Victoria.<br />
<br />
Let us know if you have any inspirations for activism! In the meantime, we'll still be putting on the <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Vegan Fest</a> (and a <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/veganbakesale/" target="_blank">bake sale this Saturday, Apr 26th</a>) which should have a third amazing year!<br />
<br />
Eat your veggies,<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Dave Shishkoff, Editor</div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.thevictoriavegan.com/">www.TheVictoriaVegan.com</a></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/victoria_vegan">@Victoria_Vegan</a>
& <a href="http://twitter.com/VeganCyclist">@VeganCyclist</a>
(personal)</div>
<div>
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/TheVictoriaVegan/">/groups/TheVictoriaVegan</a></div>
<div>
GooglePlus: <a href="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546" title="http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546">http://plus.google.com/104803339434214178546</a></div>
Dave Shishkoffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04719853875299944751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-23860874913676765072014-02-04T11:57:00.001-08:002014-02-24T12:38:08.276-08:00Oak Bay Deer Booklet Distribution!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2avMTj6yq-DMPKKdiyBu9-oCJNzc653O5i62xI_UuUTKOq8Iga1MI7LD4Kgxsfbzk6DXYg2i4oiZl_oygefLZmNS2Y4eO9j3l16e1gg86hnbW3Q9KHZs2Zakn0hqq9z1waMzSX7Z3sQ/s1600/booklet-distro-fb-event-header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2avMTj6yq-DMPKKdiyBu9-oCJNzc653O5i62xI_UuUTKOq8Iga1MI7LD4Kgxsfbzk6DXYg2i4oiZl_oygefLZmNS2Y4eO9j3l16e1gg86hnbW3Q9KHZs2Zakn0hqq9z1waMzSX7Z3sQ/s1600/booklet-distro-fb-event-header.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>UPDATE:</b> 2nd distribution session on <b>Saturday, March 1st from 12-4pm</b> - come to our table in front of Oak Bay City Hall to get booklets, and select your neighborhood for dropping booklets in mailboxes - we need bodies to complete this project!</div>
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<b>NEW FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/248398695332897/"></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/248398695332897/">https://www.facebook.com/events/248398695332897/</a></div>
<br />
Photos: from our first session in February, where our volunteers gave out 2,500 booklets to north Oak Bay: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.499395750170047&type=1">https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.499395750170047&type=1</a><br />
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Media coverage from first session:<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.bcdailybuzz.com/media/15030/Living_with_deer/" target="_blank">Video: Living With Deer (Oak Bay News)</a></span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/business/co-existence-with-deer-possible-anti-cull-group-tells-oak-bay-1.844027" target="_blank">Co-existence with deer possible, anti-cull group tells Oak Bay (Times Colonist)</a></li>
</ul>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0__JUDvEZGN0cyeiuqruUV2ihwe3O-kn8xKP1sewxSR1f-JQmGioq0jtmtRlYUe_TZpo1rEvRi0clUDYaFXFZQAD-UpUl7Va8Tj0gp_XF2hLyAONfZ21CJH6eEgC-L19REU7aZro8dk/s1600/booklets-boxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0__JUDvEZGN0cyeiuqruUV2ihwe3O-kn8xKP1sewxSR1f-JQmGioq0jtmtRlYUe_TZpo1rEvRi0clUDYaFXFZQAD-UpUl7Va8Tj0gp_XF2hLyAONfZ21CJH6eEgC-L19REU7aZro8dk/s1600/booklets-boxes.jpg" height="320" width="179" /></a></div>
This Saturday & Sunday (Feb 8th & 9th), we'll be distributing the 5,000 <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/deer/" target="_blank">Living With Deer booklets</a> we've just had printed!<br />
<br />
We'll have maps, and you can pick a neighborhood in Oak Bay, or get assigned one, and help ensure every home has one! It'll be a fun wander around the streets, bring your family and dogs! This will go a long way to helping people understand how we can coexist with deer, and prevent the proposed deer slaughter.<br />
<br />
Our meeting locations each day will be:<br />
<br />
* Saturday, 1-4pm, meet on Cadboro Bay Rd north of Lansdowne (note: corrected)<br />
* Sunday, 1-4pm, meet at Oak Bay City Hall<br />
<br />
We'll be distributing around 'north' Oak Bay neighborhoods on Saturday, and the southern half on Sunday.<br />
<br />
Please dress for the weather and bring water and snacks, and post below if you have any questions, or email Dave: <a href="mailto:dave@friendsofanimals.org">dave@friendsofanimals.org</a><br />
<br />
Thanks so much for helping; we can stop the deer kill, and education is the first step!<br />
<br />
UPDATE: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/deer/booklet-distro-media-release.pdf" target="_blank">Media release</a> (PDF, 101kb)<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff<br />
Canadian Correspondent<br />
<b>Friends of Animals</b> <br />
<a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><i>Web Site: <a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/">http://FriendsofAnimals.org</a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FoA_Victoria">http://Twitter.com/FoA_Victoria</a><br />
FoA Vegan Starter Guide PDF: <a href="http://bit.ly/foa-vsg">http://bit.ly/foa-vsg</a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-81283933471979518822014-01-31T13:32:00.000-08:002014-01-31T13:35:42.404-08:00Oak Bay: Are Deer the Problem, or is it Speeding?On Thursday, January 30th, an elderly man was struck by a vehicle at a crosswalk on Cadboro Bay Rd in Oak Bay, according to this <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/man-taken-to-hospital-after-being-struck-in-oak-bay-crosswalk-1.808846" target="_blank">Times Colonist news story</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlo7Gj5-W38dE9y2TodNRJF4YdrOzZoKltViq-LqkjwFzZvj0OBxxkkBe9FQZPncej97DrAqjI6HJ0ZBc8JVNqc_HZqRtUz7xcFknIhfVChtauZ6lDIkwhS2kfdwkVQK5DXAiZi9uZXM/s1600/deer-collisions-map-crd-oakbay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghlo7Gj5-W38dE9y2TodNRJF4YdrOzZoKltViq-LqkjwFzZvj0OBxxkkBe9FQZPncej97DrAqjI6HJ0ZBc8JVNqc_HZqRtUz7xcFknIhfVChtauZ6lDIkwhS2kfdwkVQK5DXAiZi9uZXM/s1600/deer-collisions-map-crd-oakbay.png" height="200" width="135" /></a></div>
<a href="http://blog.thevictoriavegan.com/2014/01/oak-bay-slow-down-for-deer.html" target="_blank">Friends of Animals has been targeting Cadboro Bay Rd for speeding and dangerous driving, but on behalf of deer</a>. According to the <a href="https://www.crd.bc.ca/plan/planning-other-initiatives/regional-deer-management-strategy" target="_blank">CRD Regional Deer Management Strategy</a> collision map, nearly all Oak Bay accidents with deer occur on Cadboro Bay Rd across from the Uplands golf course. We’ve even held a demonstration on the road, encouraging people to slow down, and <b>speeding was still evident</b>.<br />
<br />
While this accident occurred a few blocks south of the main ‘Deer Accident’ corridor, it’s still indicative of attitudes on this stretch of road – <b>that speeding is somehow okay</b>. This needs to be addressed, for the safety of people and deer. Furthermore, there needs to be more lighting.<br />
<br />
Something needs to be done about this stretch of road, and we’ll continue to demonstrate here – if you’d like to get updates on our activities, <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/foa-victoria-news" target="_blank">please join our email list</a>.<br />
<br />
Also, visit our <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/deer/" target="_blank">Greater Victoria Deer Advocates page</a>, with a digital copy of our new <b>Living With Deer booklet</b>, to be distributed to Oak Bay households in early February.<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff<br />
Canadian Correspondent<br />
<b>Friends of Animals</b> <br />
<a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><i>Web Site: <a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/">http://FriendsofAnimals.org</a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FoA_Victoria">http://Twitter.com/FoA_Victoria</a><br />
FoA Vegan Starter Guide PDF: <a href="http://bit.ly/foa-vsg">http://bit.ly/foa-vsg</a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-37951159310899632592014-01-02T17:04:00.000-08:002014-01-02T17:05:11.394-08:00Oak Bay: Slow Down for Deer!On Friday, December 20th, from 4-5pm, seven other deer activists joined me on Cadboro Bay Road across from the Uplands Golf Course on a frigid, rainy night holding bright signs to persuade drivers to slow down. <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/foa-victoria-news/fbpIU4p7BVk" target="_blank">Our media release can be read here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HNqPiC0frNlrO3HS1fiVWRt6JfK3IuY_HNv09U4gGsT22jyOGGd9dDPmdgVr3gIEkDgdMB7jnyqFQYD6O6JUOTUhC2sMK1B8RC2-WJgVIISnVgpxhvafBOUiec7kQAUk4k5PTxOEApE/s1600/deer-collisions-map-crd-oakbay.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8HNqPiC0frNlrO3HS1fiVWRt6JfK3IuY_HNv09U4gGsT22jyOGGd9dDPmdgVr3gIEkDgdMB7jnyqFQYD6O6JUOTUhC2sMK1B8RC2-WJgVIISnVgpxhvafBOUiec7kQAUk4k5PTxOEApE/s200/deer-collisions-map-crd-oakbay.png" width="135" /></a></div>
This section of road is the <b><i>#1 site for deer fatalities in Oak Bay</i></b>, according to the <a href="https://www.crd.bc.ca/docs/default-source/regional-planning-pdf/Regional-Deer-Management/deercollisionmap.pdf?sfvrsn=2" target="_blank">CRD Deer Management Strategy Map</a> (see graphic to the right).<br />
<br />
It's no coincidence, given the factors that make up this stretch: it's the only road in Oak Bay with a 50kph speed limit (and many speed here.) The road is poorly lit, and trees along the west side of the road make it hard to see if there are deer, and they can easily step out on the road and get hit.<br />
<br />
You can see on the map there are almost no other areas that accidents have occurred. This is why we targeted this area: this is solvable.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9mWMhZ2uCFSXk7xL-Xly6oKsTdX-LQZWddTQhB0JHUcJi1wszKitIXYam-TMgR35RQsyxhznwSPAFmHEF-BvPtNYaP2zjaUi9Jpw5EyODMc0BG9GcsZrD0fZKpOIXg-c-87omC5nU-Q/s1600/speedsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9mWMhZ2uCFSXk7xL-Xly6oKsTdX-LQZWddTQhB0JHUcJi1wszKitIXYam-TMgR35RQsyxhznwSPAFmHEF-BvPtNYaP2zjaUi9Jpw5EyODMc0BG9GcsZrD0fZKpOIXg-c-87omC5nU-Q/s200/speedsign.jpg" width="115" /></a>We definitely had an impact - most cars slowed when they spotted us. Several drove by dangerously, clearly above the marked speed limit. It would be helpful if Oak Bay Council installed flashing speed signs in this spot, to remind drivers that they need to obey speed limits.<br />
<br />
Much needs to be done, and it is achievable and could significantly reduce accidents. Lighting can be improved, speeds can be controlled, which would have the most impact. A full fence will be unpopular with the Uplands Golf Course, but other solutions exist: there could be more shrubs grown, motion-sensor lights and radios could be installed, and roadside reflector technology which lights up the road when a car passes could also be helpful in keeping deer away from the trees and road.<br />
<br />
Come on, Oak Bay - let's do it!<br />
<br />
Media:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>CTV covered our demonstration, <a href="http://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=264373" target="_blank">scroll to 1:30 to view</a>.</li>
<li>View our photos <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/108711347570417853017/albums/5964443607334105185" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AAPjay965o/UsX182Q_zJI/AAAAAAAACE0/BHxwBQurJXs/s1600/IMG_8715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9AAPjay965o/UsX182Q_zJI/AAAAAAAACE0/BHxwBQurJXs/s400/IMG_8715.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks to our volunteers for braving the elements!<br />
<br />
If you're on Facebook, join our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/133471023429190/" target="_blank">Greater Victoria Deer Advocates group</a>, otherwise <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/foa-victoria-news" target="_blank">sign-up to our email list</a> to get updates on deer and more.<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff<br />
Canadian Correspondent<br />
<b>Friends of Animals</b> <br />
<a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><i>Web Site: <a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/">http://FriendsofAnimals.org</a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FoA_Victoria">http://Twitter.com/FoA_Victoria</a><br />
FoA Vegan Starter Guide PDF: <a href="http://bit.ly/foa-vsg">http://bit.ly/foa-vsg</a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-7774259431211292012013-11-18T11:50:00.000-08:002013-11-18T11:59:06.972-08:00ACTION NEEDED: 25 Deer Sentenced to Death in Oak Bay – Write City Hall Now!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcmXkg4lu_W0bFMfgjT1sSmjZuC_fmpqQiLrxd3CiYYErEL8ueP2NOxf5ncpryKk09A7cTvlADCK5di26KqcSsEiPr_D5R_iMIT92oGHB2EfkRzcFK1kAUN9vXp55JGczMqazxpmusfI/s1600/deer-street-2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcmXkg4lu_W0bFMfgjT1sSmjZuC_fmpqQiLrxd3CiYYErEL8ueP2NOxf5ncpryKk09A7cTvlADCK5di26KqcSsEiPr_D5R_iMIT92oGHB2EfkRzcFK1kAUN9vXp55JGczMqazxpmusfI/s320/deer-street-2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A deer spotted on Richardson Street.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oak Bay City Hall has announced that they’re planning to exterminate
25 deer over the next year (see <a href="http://www.timescolonist.com/news/local/oak-bay-oks-plan-to-kill-25-deer-animals-regarded-as-a-nuisance-1.695869" target="_blank">Times Colonist article here</a>). Killing animals is a brutal and barbaric decision, and is rarely effective
in reducing their numbers long-term. Nature is resilient, and often even more
animals return due to the upset of their settlement – “nature abhors a vacuum”.
The same elements that are attracting deer now remain, and will only continue
to draw in more deer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Additionally, this thinking only institutes a costly and
never-ending bloodbath. What happens in 2015? Another deer kill at $12,500? And
the year after – another $12,500? How many years along do we overspend the
amount it would take to make happy the few who complain? If the money were
invested in deer-proofing their yards instead, we could all get along.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are ways to resolve the problems people have without
killing, and we must look into these options – deer deserve our respect, not
captive bolt-gun shots to the head.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>ACTION: PLEASE WRITE OAK BAY MAYOR NILS JENSEN AND CITY
COUNCIL, AND TELL THEM KILLING DEER IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND THAT BETTER OPTIONS
EXIST.</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VdoK-gGm4PgJwG7jLsurgQnkpbKs3uA9rcLzJUP9AqOdBcyoh6yxLVyAKs9yMJ_yZE4ajqRnWGONCc-0g2yQ8dY7xZRESyoQr0kGY3n8dl9bJ6rKy64GKzgCzvVkfBlJV7XFPFR0RYY/s1600/deer-cemetery2-2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VdoK-gGm4PgJwG7jLsurgQnkpbKs3uA9rcLzJUP9AqOdBcyoh6yxLVyAKs9yMJ_yZE4ajqRnWGONCc-0g2yQ8dY7xZRESyoQr0kGY3n8dl9bJ6rKy64GKzgCzvVkfBlJV7XFPFR0RYY/s320/deer-cemetery2-2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Deer snacking in the Ross Bay Cemetery.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You can write to:</div>
Oak Bay Municipal Hall<br />
2167 Oak Bay Ave<br />
Victoria, BC V8R 1G2<br />
Fax: (250) 598-9108 <br />
<br />
<div>
Or email: <br />
<a href="mailto:oakbaymayor@oakbay.ca">oakbaymayor@oakbay.ca</a><br />
<a href="mailto:obcouncil@oakbay.ca">obcouncil@oakbay.ca</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
In addition to the points described above, some topics to
consider including in your letter:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">There is a bylaw against feeding wildlife, but
it is poorly enforced. Between 2007 & 2012 there were only 5 tickets
issued. Plenty of people grow plants that attract deer, and are breaking the
bylaw, yet Oak Bay does nothing about it.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The number 25 is totally arbitrary, no one knows
what kind of impact this will have and is literally a shot in the dark.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The total cost of the project is $12,500 or
$500/deer. If they’re planning to implement this over 10 years, that’s $125,000.
This money could be used to help people who are having problems instead.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">We need to change our own behavior. Managing
deer is near-impossible. We have total control over ourselves, and can grow
plants that deer are less interested in. We can adapt our behaviours in other
ways that would allow for co-existence with deer.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Deer were here first – we’re filling up and
denying them what was originally their space. Deer belong here, and that is the
attitude we must adopt.</span></li>
</ul>
Thank-you for speaking up for deer, and please share this action - let’s work together to
find a peaceful solution!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOf3lvjfP0zkuoIqU3MG85Q8KReNE3TggPVa9ij8qqJUtTKLaE-6RlUa7Yb-ArRcGgDt9j833SAUeSN09STsOY409YZtg0LLtDS6z2gh8yOpP_aoEvFvyInqFc9OmunUfFwpzkjRIsk0/s1600/deer-window-2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOf3lvjfP0zkuoIqU3MG85Q8KReNE3TggPVa9ij8qqJUtTKLaE-6RlUa7Yb-ArRcGgDt9j833SAUeSN09STsOY409YZtg0LLtDS6z2gh8yOpP_aoEvFvyInqFc9OmunUfFwpzkjRIsk0/s320/deer-window-2013.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A deer visiting a Fairfield home.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dave Shishkoff<br />
Canadian Correspondent<br />
<b>Friends of Animals</b> <br />
<a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><i>Web Site: <a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/">http://FriendsofAnimals.org</a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FoA_Victoria">http://Twitter.com/FoA_Victoria</a><br />
FoA Vegan Starter Guide PDF: <a href="http://bit.ly/foa-vsg">http://bit.ly/foa-vsg</a></i></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-1222403293970162342013-10-09T16:51:00.003-07:002018-09-27T16:43:16.943-07:00Save-A-Turkey Trot 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz4B-nUpR9bojVCrFG0M61_79apSQg8cdp7Wpq3ukH-1qrMAu7mnGLPZV7gjafGmdbMGO5Mn0_20tNFPANPeh-MTU4Gc0PqXNuK9tLOdr84BYTRI6pcydXlJ9z48vNFmcH7lKHucNsa0/s1600/turkey-trot-poster-heading-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFz4B-nUpR9bojVCrFG0M61_79apSQg8cdp7Wpq3ukH-1qrMAu7mnGLPZV7gjafGmdbMGO5Mn0_20tNFPANPeh-MTU4Gc0PqXNuK9tLOdr84BYTRI6pcydXlJ9z48vNFmcH7lKHucNsa0/s400/turkey-trot-poster-heading-2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Last Saturday, October 5th was the <a href="http://victoria.organicathlete.org/turkeytrot" target="_blank">4th Annual Save-A-Turkey Trot</a>! It's a fun 5k walk/trot/run along the scenic, seaside trails at Clover Point.<br />
<br />
It was a cool, slightly overcast day, and a record number of Trotters gathered around the <a href="http://purica.com/" target="_blank">Purica</a> tent to sign up and help us celebrate and promote an animal-friendly Thanksgiving. This year we welcomed 60 people, including 25 runners!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJxRdFhEeEcpWUNKy8a5eZBsOxuQD6ZmJAvAzTnsAPSlX4IQQ6YxPYgMNM-B8wHAFIi4iH4fepE10Ir8gNLrrlR4afF5K7eD1uI5wufx5lxMvOJDiicpQVb4L1sy-m2ls5PCOmbIIzxo/s1600/IMG_1412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoJxRdFhEeEcpWUNKy8a5eZBsOxuQD6ZmJAvAzTnsAPSlX4IQQ6YxPYgMNM-B8wHAFIi4iH4fepE10Ir8gNLrrlR4afF5K7eD1uI5wufx5lxMvOJDiicpQVb4L1sy-m2ls5PCOmbIIzxo/s320/IMG_1412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We have lots of great vegan literature to give out, online you can check out our <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/foa/files/foa-thanksgivingleaflet.pdf" target="_blank">Thanksgiving: A Celebration For All</a> leaflet. Also at the table was helpful info from some of our our event sponsors:<br />
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Shortly after 11am, we sent out the walkers and their dogs, and at about 11:20, the runners were off!<br />
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The course was marked with chalk, and we once again set out our distance markers, with facts about turkeys:<br />
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It turned out to be a perfect day! While everyone was out, we set out the draw-prizes. As we do for all OrganicAthlete Victoria events, we distributed nearly all the prizes through the draw - all names go into a hat, and when we draw a name, they simply get to choose which prize they want - and we aim to ensure everyone walks off with something! In addition, Purica offered a sample pack of their <a href="http://www.purica.com/cordyceps.htm" target="_blank">Cordyceps</a> and Vega sent us packs of <a href="http://vegasport.com/product/pre-workout-energizer/" target="_blank">Pre-Workout Energizer</a> as samples to give to the first 40 people to sign up - bonus!<br />
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The table was PACKED with an amazing number of prizes, valued over $1000! (Click here for the <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ofL5kKedfzVZAaHQLP5jZfy-ifikWwC3iRb0gKoM-14/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">detailed list</a>.)<br />
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We had barely set things out when the runners started to return! Darren Tannas was back first, covering the 5k in a blistering 17 minutes and 56 seconds! The sixth runner to appear was Leah Stott, in 20'21, our fastest female for the day.<br />
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There was an extra contest for the runners, our '<b><i>Are You Faster Than A Vegan</i></b>' challenge! We had two OA representatives, Nick Patenaude and Sandra Hardy, out to set the bar. Any who beat them would win an <a href="http://edgefoodenergy.com/" target="_blank">Edge Food Energy Bar</a> - so an extra congrats to Darren, Ryan Heffernan, Glenn Jasechko and Leah for keeping ahead of our team members and taking home an extra prize, and being our speediest runners!<br />
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Here are the full results:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Runners - Male</b><br />
Darren Tannas 17'56<br />
Ryan Heffernan 18'21<br />
Glenn Jasechko 18'28<br />
Nick Patenaude 18'29<br />
Brent Hall 19'51<br />
Ibraham Vanjgel-Shedid 22'15<br />
Jesse Crawford 24'21<br />
Karsten Provan 24'38<br />
Magnus McElroy 25'01<br />
Graeme Stewart 26'13<br />
Phil Cottrell 27'08<br />
Eric Hallman 34'38<br />
Bruce Hardy 36'03</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>Runners - Female</b><br />
Leah Stott 20'21<br />
Sandra Hardy 21'38<br />
Anika Sander 25'40<br />
Chris Cox 26'06<br />
Line Marie St Jacques 27'08<br />
Sarah Kwak 27'34<br />
Missy Morrison 29'17<br />
Stephanie Lockett 31'59<br />
Cynthia Barker 33'40<br />
Jess Moreland 34'38<br />
Laura Hardy 36'03<br />
Elaine Taylor 36'23</blockquote>
<b>Trotters:</b> Veronica Patenaude, Toryn Patenaude, Kieran Patenaude, Chris Beese, Sarah Beese, Brenda Macevicius, Celeste Macevicius, Daniel Pfeifer, Marg Rothery, Linnea Comolli, Melanie Hudson, Dana Quantz, Maria Fedrigo, Christine Lee, Jade Carter, Nina Carter, Kayle Cheeke, Zareef Houston, Marni Springer, Simon Springer, Soli Springer, Oden Springer, Laura Taves, Adam Pilling, Scott Beck, Haley Lonsdale, Linda Copping, Dee Dee Winger, Dell McLean, Kathleen Garvi, Jacqueline Eluic, Karen Hartley, Rob Kreiser and Colleen Northmark - thank you all for attending!!<br />
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We'll be back next October for the 5th Annual Save-A-Turkey Trot, and will likely have a similar event in the Spring; <a href="https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/foa-victoria-news" target="_blank">join our email list</a> to get updates on this, and other activities! Also check out our local website: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/" target="_blank">The Victoria Vegan</a>.<br />
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If you'd like to get involved with OrganicAthlete Victoria, <a href="http://victoria.organicathlete.org/" target="_blank">visit our website</a> for more info on joining our team (mainly runners, cyclists and triathletes), and getting discounts on Vega, Purica and The Edge Food Energy Bar products!<br />
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Thanks to all who helped with set-up and take-down, and especially the lovely Lesley Fox for support. Much gratitude is also owed to our event sponsors, who donated prizes and helped promote the event:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://purica.com/" target="_blank">Purica </a>- from Duncan, lots of great recovery and health products (plus they loaned us their tent once again!)</li>
<li><a href="http://myvega.com/" target="_blank">Vega </a>- from the mainland, lots of great nutritional supplements, including athletes</li>
<li><a href="http://veganessentials.com/" target="_blank">Vegan Essentials</a> - an amazing US-based online vegan emporium</li>
<li><a href="http://www.saanichtonphysio.com/" target="_blank">Saanichton Physio</a> - the excellent Sandra Hardy has the distinction of being one of the few vegan physios in Victoria</li>
<li><a href="http://furbearerdefenders.com/" target="_blank">APFA</a> - The Association for the Protection of Fur-Bearing Animals, based out of Vancouver, speaking up for wildlife</li>
<li><a href="http://purelovinchocolate.com/" target="_blank">Pure Lovin' Chocolate</a> - a local purveyor of organic, fair-trade and vegan goodies</li>
<li><a href="http://greencuisine.com/" target="_blank">Green Cuisine</a> - our favorite vegan restaurant, and long-time title sponsor of the OA Victoria team!</li>
<li><a href="http://www.equinoxhealthclinic.ca/" target="_blank">Equinox Health Clinic</a> - one of the top sports massage clinics on the island!</li>
<li><a href="http://victoriaveganfest.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Vegan Fest</a> - our annual vegan celebration!!</li>
<li><a href="http://oakbaybikes.com/" target="_blank">Oak Bay Bikes</a> - the best bike shop in town</li>
<li><a href="http://benjaminsbites.com/" target="_blank">Benjamin's Bites</a> - Victoria-made vegan, gluten-free cookies, check out the double-chocolate chip!</li>
<li><a href="http://edgefoodenergy.com/" target="_blank">The Edge Food Energy</a> - from Qualicum Beach, vegan and organic bars in compostable packaging</li>
<li><a href="http://fieldroast.com/" target="_blank">Field Roast</a> - from Seattle, some of the best meat alternatives out there!</li>
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Once more, thanks to all participants and supporters, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!</div>
<br />
Dave Shishkoff<br />
<i><a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-3777573249936270322013-08-26T14:03:00.000-07:002013-09-05T12:49:31.417-07:00Fundraiser for New Anti-Carriage Postcard Campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFAfgj2u4mmc6bd1BSI1lzJ97vpZgwV-Nq-DuxEESEbEw-wb1j-7YUeuKcsLmirXGpG3T0PIb29utsFGezIzg4dztR_hcUqhx9sLsGCiQ9cLUhSWjyq0cXDIOys879Q4_lOBHHNFYMEU/s1600/bumper-sticker-graphic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFAfgj2u4mmc6bd1BSI1lzJ97vpZgwV-Nq-DuxEESEbEw-wb1j-7YUeuKcsLmirXGpG3T0PIb29utsFGezIzg4dztR_hcUqhx9sLsGCiQ9cLUhSWjyq0cXDIOys879Q4_lOBHHNFYMEU/s400/bumper-sticker-graphic.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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We're excited to launch a new campaign to ban the horse-drawn carriages in Victoria!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRil68WNG6-9loHnvmLOdjnLXU2pNjpAl2oNe2ZizCbR134yaxOjo96HEMKqQN7XN0SdILigtoonFUDKPhDEoyCJWHsQIKOOn0Ywg2XS4hB86J1WuoKYrqaDvG63JJjtnkuRirwJ-FwRw/s1600/foa-hdc-postcard-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRil68WNG6-9loHnvmLOdjnLXU2pNjpAl2oNe2ZizCbR134yaxOjo96HEMKqQN7XN0SdILigtoonFUDKPhDEoyCJWHsQIKOOn0Ywg2XS4hB86J1WuoKYrqaDvG63JJjtnkuRirwJ-FwRw/s200/foa-hdc-postcard-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Our new <b>postcard</b> is targeted at City Hall, and asks Mayor Fortin and City Council to ban the horse-drawn carriages. City bylaws have a ban on all animal acts in Victoria, but there are exemptions for dogs and horses. We're asking City Council to update this, and remove horses from the exemption.<br />
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Life in the city is neither decent nor safe for horses, who when released, should reside in sanctuaries. Please help educate City Council – pressing them to end this antiquated commercial industry.<br />
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<a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/9aUC1" target="_blank">We hope to raise $400 with our Fundrazr </a>effort to cover costs for printing postcards, other promotional materials and postage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6bER5gKOOBP8YpCxFiIcLK2I0I0paqWb7KFWdls2gsnZlG2hhxkW8MimvULQJ8i4TcKPHIIEwfK1ZXPqD-vTX1ZrzmD4RbBWT3XuC3mPkd13Nn4HHiKDQErDoqybi_BTCegQ1gUAFoQ/s1600/postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht6bER5gKOOBP8YpCxFiIcLK2I0I0paqWb7KFWdls2gsnZlG2hhxkW8MimvULQJ8i4TcKPHIIEwfK1ZXPqD-vTX1ZrzmD4RbBWT3XuC3mPkd13Nn4HHiKDQErDoqybi_BTCegQ1gUAFoQ/s200/postcard.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>
You can view a PDF of our postcard: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/foa/files/foa-hdc-postcard-1.pdf" target="_blank">http://thevictoriavegan.com/foa/files/foa-hdc-postcard-1.pdf</a><br />
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<b>NEW!</b> Our poster, to promote the cards, is here: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/foa/files/foa-hdc-postcard-poster.pdf">http://thevictoriavegan.com/foa/files/foa-hdc-postcard-poster.pdf</a><br />
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Information on our carriage campaign, including our new FAQ leaflet is available here: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/foa/" target="_blank">http://thevictoriavegan.com/foa/</a><br />
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<b><i>Your donation is appreciated, even if it's just $2 or $5</i></b> - any amount helps us print up more cards! Click here to support our Carriage-Free Victoria page: <a href="https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/9aUC1" target="_blank">https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/9aUC1</a><br />
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Finally, if you'd like some of our postcards to distribute in your area, please <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/contact" target="_blank">contact us</a>, and we'll get some of our new cards to you!<br />
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Thanks kindly,<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff<br />
Canadian Correspondent<br />
<b>Friends of Animals</b> <br />
<a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><i>Web Site: <a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/">http://FriendsofAnimals.org</a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FoA_Victoria">http://Twitter.com/FoA_Victoria</a><br />
FoA Vegan Starter Guide PDF: <a href="http://bit.ly/foa-vsg">http://bit.ly/foa-vsg</a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-32424994971352684302013-08-08T15:04:00.002-07:002014-05-16T14:10:55.778-07:00Saving Beavers on the Sunshine Coast!These last two Wednesdays I had the pleasure to join the <a href="http://furbearerdefenders.com/" target="_blank">Fur Bearer Defenders</a> crew in going to the Sunshine Coast to help build and install a few 'beaver flow devices' (see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_device" target="_blank">Wikipedia entry and description here</a>.)<br />
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It's a pretty neat concept: instead of tearing down the beaver dam, or trapping and killing the resident beavers when a dam becomes an inconvenience for humans, flow devices can be installed which maintain the water levels of their ponds, and barely disrupts the beaver family.<br />
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There are a number of designs and ways to install these devices. In this instance a culvert had been blocked decades ago by sediment build-up (and a pretty impressive amount, as we discovered! About half a meter deep, and a couple meters out from the end of the culvert!)<br />
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The device prevents culverts from being re-blocked, so water can continue to drain. It's a pretty simple solution that costs very little, but has been very effective in numerous areas in allowing us to live peacefully with beavers with minimal disruption to either.<br />
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Check out our two galleries below, and contact the <a href="http://furbearerdefenders.com/" target="_blank">Fur Bearers</a> if you'd be interested in installing one of these in your community!<br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F108711347570417853017%2Falbumid%2F5907584102235172913%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108711347570417853017/2013BeaverFlowDevice" target="_blank">Direct link to Gallery #1.</a><br />
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<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F108711347570417853017%2Falbumid%2F5909848884332799793%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://static.googleusercontent.com/external_content/picasaweb.googleusercontent.com/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108711347570417853017/2013BeaverFlowDevice2" target="_blank">Direct link to Gallery #2.</a><br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">UPDATE:</span></b> Story on the build in the Coast Reporter: <a href="http://www.coastreporter.net/article/20130819/SECHELT0101/308199998/-1/sechelt/volunteer-help-saves-beavers-and-highway">http://www.coastreporter.net/article/20130819/SECHELT0101/308199998/-1/sechelt/volunteer-help-saves-beavers-and-highway</a><br />
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Second story: <a href="http://www.martinezbeavers.org/wordpress/2013/08/20/did-you-know-the-cavalry-is-in-vancouver/">http://www.martinezbeavers.org/wordpress/2013/08/20/did-you-know-the-cavalry-is-in-vancouver/</a><br />
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Dave Shishkoff<br />
<i><a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-38518146936770019882013-07-30T11:18:00.000-07:002013-07-30T11:35:53.112-07:00Action: Letters Needed for Oak Bay Deer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Action: Letters Needed for Oak Bay Deer</b></div>
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Monday’s Province features a story covering a collision between a cyclist and a deer (see <a href="http://www.theprovince.com/life/Urban+deer+population+causes+Victoria+politicians+animal+rights/8714670/story.html" target="_blank">http://www.theprovince.com/life/Urban+deer+population+causes+Victoria+politicians+animal+rights/8714670/story.html</a> ). Oak Bay Mayor Nils Jensen expects their community deer kill plan to work in deterring other deer from entering Oak Bay. One simply needs to ask if the deer even realize there’s a danger? How can others possibly know when one is trapped and killed with a bolt gun? It’s foolish and short-sighted. Killing deer and other steps like hazing and contraception will ultimately fail to reduce numbers. Deer will simply move to other areas, returning when ‘safe’.</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqRYyCdjwG72NNsHsn31WqPbIuTmtneO7hxLGZyMuzgwawxq0QX1vi__lESmErQOvmCCoEMNulPIqZfFrsV7MhAJdzxg9RJjzUYhTREWniCcdMoNB5n0jkxXuc3y8YWAWR3f46UN59sM/s1600/deerinwindow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRqRYyCdjwG72NNsHsn31WqPbIuTmtneO7hxLGZyMuzgwawxq0QX1vi__lESmErQOvmCCoEMNulPIqZfFrsV7MhAJdzxg9RJjzUYhTREWniCcdMoNB5n0jkxXuc3y8YWAWR3f46UN59sM/s320/deerinwindow.jpg" width="238" /></a><br />
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Many people are excited and enjoy seeing deer, and this should be considered by decision-makers as well. But if we’re collectively unwilling to adapt our lives to living with deer, then we need to take steps in eliminating what attracts them: the veritable buffet we’re offering with careless growing of plants and easily accessed gardens - it's literally candy for deer. Nearly all wildlife ‘issues’ are due to humans providing food. It’s no different from bears to skunks to deer. So long as we’re giving them something to fill their bellies, more will always return. As we eliminate food sources, deer numbers will reduce. <br />
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Please take a minute to write the Honourable Stephen Thomson, Forestry Minister, who has the final say on deer kills in BC, and let him know that killing deer in Oak Bay (and elsewhere) is an unacceptable option for you. Instead of managing deer we need to act responsibly and manage our own behaviours. And if having deer in your neighbourhood is something special, be sure to highlight this fact: no doubt they get complaints, but let’s send compliments as well. <br />
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Thank-you for speaking up for deer, here is Minister Stephen Thomson’s contact info:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Email<br /> <a href="mailto:FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca">FLNR.Minister@gov.bc.ca</a></blockquote>
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Post<br />PO BOX 9049<br />STN PROV GOVT<br />VICTORIA, BC<br />V8W 9E2<br />Telephone: 250 387-6240<br /> Fax: 250 387-1040</blockquote>
<br />
Dave Shishkoff<br />
Canadian Correspondent<br />
<b>Friends of Animals</b> <br />
<a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><i>Web Site: <a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/">http://FriendsofAnimals.org</a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FoA_Victoria">http://Twitter.com/FoA_Victoria</a><br />
FoA Vegan Starter Guide PDF: <a href="http://bit.ly/foa-vsg">http://bit.ly/foa-vsg</a></i></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8027293219265233219.post-41974161898571636622013-03-25T12:48:00.001-07:002013-03-25T12:48:04.993-07:00Event Report: Save Our Seals Sprint<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnFEdHD6bzY/UVCTespPf9I/AAAAAAAABaE/oy6SAuD6-hQ/s1600/2013-sosspringposterondallas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UnFEdHD6bzY/UVCTespPf9I/AAAAAAAABaE/oy6SAuD6-hQ/s200/2013-sosspringposterondallas.jpg" width="149" /></a></div>
It was a grey, cool day, one I'm sure seals could appreciate for the '<a href="http://blog.thevictoriavegan.com/2013/03/sossprint.html" target="_blank">Save Our Seals Sprint</a>' 5km fun walk/run, co-organized by Friends of Animals and <a href="http://victoria.organicathlete.org/" target="_blank">OrganicAthlete Victoria</a>.<br />
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The event is modeled slightly after a 'zombie run', where runners are 'humans', and out on the course are 'zombies'. In this case, our runners are seals, and out on the course we had a couple seal 'clubbers', who would chase and harass the seals as they were out for a 5 kilometer 'swim' around the scenic paths along Dallas Road to raise awareness about the awful seal slaughter on the East Coast that occurs this time of the year each year.<br />
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We had 7 walkers (thanks for coming out Steph, Sara, Kelly, Donald, Todd, Dee Dee and Linda), and 10 runners (listed below in the results). There were also at least five dogs out as well! Each participant also received a 'Save Our Seals' event headband:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGFt8Cz-CJ0/UVCTfTCrfJI/AAAAAAAABaM/0fjwO_y7U3A/s1600/2013-sos-headbandsarehere.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGFt8Cz-CJ0/UVCTfTCrfJI/AAAAAAAABaM/0fjwO_y7U3A/s320/2013-sos-headbandsarehere.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGvJXGZLWuk/UVCTleAg6NI/AAAAAAAABbA/B4XBqBSLrrE/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGvJXGZLWuk/UVCTleAg6NI/AAAAAAAABbA/B4XBqBSLrrE/s320/IMG_0392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The runners line up!</td></tr>
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Just after 11am we sent the walkers off, and kept the runners back until 11:15 (so all would arrive much closer to the same time for the draw prizes.)<br />
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Out on the course were volunteers Al and Jason, who would chase and yell at the seals, holding signs like 'WEAR SEAL FUR' and 'WE HATE SEALS'. They were piloting the SS Harper and SS Hakapik.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOUC3ZMfVRc/UVCTxoaJiUI/AAAAAAAABcY/vQ4C0JMAeI8/s1600/156062_10151808391054838_1240743840_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOUC3ZMfVRc/UVCTxoaJiUI/AAAAAAAABcY/vQ4C0JMAeI8/s320/156062_10151808391054838_1240743840_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here comes Callym, he was 10 and the fastest runner!<br />It was also his birthday!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXoVnYxE4KM/UVCT0kwPttI/AAAAAAAABc4/cmTy_QlrfS8/s1600/299103_10151808391294838_484236374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BXoVnYxE4KM/UVCT0kwPttI/AAAAAAAABc4/cmTy_QlrfS8/s320/299103_10151808391294838_484236374_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the seals fought back, here's Lysanne, Dianne and Mirth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lszE76c6nSw/UVCT2UPrknI/AAAAAAAABdI/tEFylaTT-uo/s1600/156068_10151808392034838_1997822589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lszE76c6nSw/UVCT2UPrknI/AAAAAAAABdI/tEFylaTT-uo/s320/156068_10151808392034838_1997822589_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oscar and Chris dodge the grumpy clubbers!</td></tr>
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Back at the table, I actually had people stopping by, to let me know that there were 'protesters' out there, yelling at our runners - hilarious!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S__x5-A7AEY/UVCTzG8KRhI/AAAAAAAABco/-CkOWsGILec/s1600/532930_10151808390969838_926016446_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S__x5-A7AEY/UVCTzG8KRhI/AAAAAAAABco/-CkOWsGILec/s400/532930_10151808390969838_926016446_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The walkers also carried signs, and were often stopped along the course to talk to other walkers about seals.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1RgSuU6778/UVCTnDyD5yI/AAAAAAAABbI/g34fV7VFR-k/s1600/IMG_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1RgSuU6778/UVCTnDyD5yI/AAAAAAAABbI/g34fV7VFR-k/s320/IMG_0393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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We also had 9 'course marker' signs along the route, with facts about the seal slaughter.<br />
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Our runner finishing times are:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Callym - 28:52 (10yrs old!)<br />Tamara - 29:27 (Callym's mom)<br />Lysanne - 30:03<br />Diane - 30:03<br />Maria - 35:19<br />Krista - 35:19<br />Tom - 35:19<br />Hannah - 35:19<br />Oscar - 38:44 (8yrs old!)<br />Chris - 38:44</blockquote>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdE1btrmm5w/UVCTwNzoU-I/AAAAAAAABcI/owZDDJyWHZo/s1600/P3240823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HdE1btrmm5w/UVCTwNzoU-I/AAAAAAAABcI/owZDDJyWHZo/s320/P3240823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next up were the prizes, we had over $500 in prizes (<a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mDpneSeIL8dqsCOz7wpORPAwtS-vBNzg8Tvq7lKubWc/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">see here</a>) - a huge thank-you to Lysanne Lavigne of <a href="http://equinoxhealthclinic.ca/" target="_blank">Equinox Health Clinic</a>, who offered all entrants $20 off a massage. A big thank-you to all of our other supporters who contributed prizes: <a href="http://viparagliding.com/" target="_blank">Vancouver Island Paragliding</a>, <a href="http://purica.com/" target="_blank">Purica</a>, <a href="http://greencuisine.com/" target="_blank">Green Cuisine</a>, <a href="http://govegan.net/" target="_blank">Sarah's Place</a> and the <a href="http://victoriaveganfest.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Vegan Festival Society</a>. There were just the right number of prizes, as all participants and volunteers left with something in hand. Another thank you to Al and Jason for being our 'clubbers', a big thank you to Ailsa and Carolyn for helping set up, and another thank you to Lysanne, Todd and Diane for helping take everything down (and Todd for the photos!)<br />
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Click here to enjoy the full <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108711347570417853017/2013SOSSprintPhotos" target="_blank">gallery of photos</a>, and below is one last shot, thanks to Chris, of a seal on a rock who was hanging out near the turn-around point on the course!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ei38ic-_jA/UVCT5c235TI/AAAAAAAABdo/n2howsAE5j0/s1600/SealOnRock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Ei38ic-_jA/UVCT5c235TI/AAAAAAAABdo/n2howsAE5j0/s320/SealOnRock.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hopefully we won't have to do this next year, and the seal slaughter will have ground to a halt, but we'll be back if we have to!<br />
<br />
Dave Shishkoff<br />
Canadian Correspondent<br />
<b>Friends of Animals</b> <br />
<a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/"></a><i>Web Site: <a href="http://friendsofanimals.org/">http://FriendsofAnimals.org</a><br />
Victoria: <a href="http://thevictoriavegan.com/">http://TheVictoriaVegan.com</a><br />
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922">http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2496490922</a><br />
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/FoA_Victoria">http://Twitter.com/FoA_Victoria</a><br />
FoA Vegan Starter Guide PDF: <a href="http://bit.ly/foa-vsg">http://bit.ly/foa-vsg</a></i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3