Nature/Environment Politics World

Exception to animal welfare?

Breeding and “use” of houndogs in Spain under scrutinyl

Galgo ©quirbachdogs

The EU Commission is planning a regulation to improve the protection of dogs and cats as pets. Will houndogs like the Galgo in Spain benefit from this – or will these sensitive greyhounds continue to be exempt from animal protection? More here.

Nature/Environment Politics World

European resolution against deep sea mining

The EU Parliament backs conservationists’ demands.

Voting result EU-Resolution ©Environmental Justice Foundation

In a vote today, the Parliament of the European Union clearly opposed Norway’s plans for deep-sea mining in the Arctic. Scientists and nature conservation organizations warn of the enormous and incalculable risks that deep-sea mineral extraction poses to marine ecosystems, fish stocks and the ocean’s carbon cycle. More here.

Nature/Environment Politics World

Against the cruel killing of Spanish hunting dogs

February 1 is World Galgo Day. Appeal to humanity.

In Spain, it is not only bullfighting that is still a tradition. Greyhound races are also held extensively here. The animals are mercilessly exploited by their owners. And sorted out at the end. In February, after the hunting season, tens of thousands of the native galgos die an agonizing death every year. More here.

Nature/Environment USA

Note from the road

Somers, Montana: Flat can also be beautiful.

North shore of Flathead Lake. Surprisingly, a sandy beach spreads out in front of me, transporting me to the sea in my mind. The southern shore of the lake is not visible from here. Seagulls screech. If you have the stamina, you can walk six miles along the beach to the Flathead River. However, the season for this is short: only as long as the water level of the lake is low.

Nature/Environment Travel

Note from the road

Some thoughts on a peaceful walk about the gruelty of nature

Every time I walk across this 200 acre property, I see deer. They can jump so gracefully while zigzagging to escape hunters and predators.

Why then, it occurred to me today, did nature cheat them? And gave them the white fur on their tails making them easy targets and prey.

Deer_hunting_Belgrade_Montana_USA_Rebecca-Hillauer
Deer near Belgrade, Montana ©Rebecca Hillauer
Nature/Environment Travel

On the road: Montana, part 2

Columbia Falls, Glacier National Park and other treasures of the north

About 5300 inhabitants and 40 miles as the crow flies to the border with Canada and half an hour’s drive to Glacier National Park: that’s Columbia Falls. A tranquil small town on the Flathead River, with appealing stores, music concerts at the Gunsight Saloon and (still) not too much tourism. Still, I’m glad I live five miles outside, practically in the middle of the woods.

Nature/Environment Politics World

Spain: Green light for animal cruelty

Animal welfare amendment facilitates the killing of Spanish greyhounds.

As of September 29, 2023, a new legal regulation has come into force in Spain that exempts the galgo, the native greyhound, from animal protection. This will make the cruel killing of these dogs at the end of the hunting season even easier. This in a member state of the European Union, which supposedly upholds “Western values”.