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I love my four cats and I think they love me. At the very least they have learnt to trust me even when I have to restrain them to apply medication or inspect a wound. It's a mutually rewarding relationship and I am honoured they feel safe in my care. They're a playful lot. It's impossible to imagine their evolutionary cousins as wild cats. Until recently it was thought that our furry loved-ones descended from Egyptian cats that lived some 4,000 years ago. It was thought they were domesticated in various regions that spurred on the purrs globally. Now it seems, according to new DNA research, the domestication of wild cats began as the first humans settled into villages in the Middle East over 12,000 years ago. DNA from modern house cats links their feline ancestor to a native species that still lives in the region. While scientists have long debated the origins of our lovable moggies this new research supports a single-origin theory.

"Mankind settled down into agricultural villages for the first time about 12,000 years ago, developing many domestic cereals and plants. That's about the time and exact same place that cats walked out of woods and did something unusual: act friendly!" said study author Stephen O'Brien.

If legitimate, it demonstrates a remarkable long history of humans living with cats. I'm sure you'll agree they are worthy of our love and affection. During this winter be sure to provide them with extra comforts by offering them (or any other animal for that matter) a warm place to nestle. How about a new rug even!

Anthony Terry
Director










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CALL TO BAN CAT AND DOG FUR
The European Parliament's decision to ban the importation of products made from cat or dog fur is welcomed by SAFE but the organisation has red flagged the New Zealand government for lagging behind the EU. SAFE wants the New Zealand government to not only ban cat and dog fur but to also extend the ban to include the importation of all fur products. more...

SPIES WITHIN NGOS
SAFE has referred to the conduct of state-owned enterprise Solid Energy as 'morally repugnant' and sought an assurance from the Government that their involvement with a private investigation company be made unlawful. The Government is being urged to take immediate steps to prevent any further taxpayer funds being used to infiltrate and spy on environmental and animal rights organisations. more...

HUMAN ZOO
Students from Massey University's Department of Communication and Journalism's Public Relations course, with assistance from SAFE, have highlighted the negative implications of caging animals. The display, called the Human Zoo, was originally based on a SAFE campaign entitled 'Circuses and Zoos'. SAFE applauds those involved for their terrific effort. It looked fantastic! more...

SAFE CHALLENGES KFC CRUELTY
Claims made by KFC general manager Rod de Vries that chickens served at their restaurants are raised under high animal welfare standards has been rubbished by SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek. In a recent article published in the Nelson Mail, de Vries states that KFC has had a very close and long-term working relationship with Inghams and Tegel to ensure that welfare standards are maintained to the very highest levels. Mr de Vries does not elaborate what these high standards are and conveniently ignores the reality of meat chicken (broiler) farming in this country. more...

ELECTRIC COLLARS FOR CATTLE
Farmers fed up with building fences may soon resort to the use of electronic collars to restrict livestock within an unfenced area. Researchers at Australia's CSIRO have designed a hi-tech cow collar that 'zaps' the animal when it wanders over an invisible fence line. more...

UPCOMING
CHRISTCHURCH VOLUNTEER MEETING
7-9pm, Wednesday, 11 July at the SAFE office Environmental issues Part IV: SAFE volunteer Doug Hesp will lead a discussion session on the predicted effects of climate change and peak oil on farming and meat consumption. For more info email: sacha@safe.org.nz

TAKAPUNA MARKET
22 July - Testing, testing 1 2 3!! Our Auckland team is trying a new approach by taking their information and cruelty free merchandise to various local markets. They seek keen volunteers. The first is planned at Takapuna markets starting at the dreadful time of 5am! The second shift starts at 9am til 1pm. Call Lise at 09 361 5646 or email lise@safe.org.nz if you can help. Magic!

 

10 July 2007 #30



We have two bottles of cruelty-free cleaners (surface cleaner and dish wash) from Beauty Engineered forEver (B_E_E) to give away to one lucky winner. B_E_E do not test on animals or use harmful chemical ingredients. Simply enter by 13 July.

Congratulations to Elisabeth Moat and Rebecca South for winning the free annual SAFE memberships.

THE EMOTIONAL LIVES OF ANIMALS - NZ TOUR!
An international expert on the emotional lives of animals will speak to SAFE and Vegetarian Society members later this month. Dr Jonathan Balcombe is the author of Pleasurable Kingdom: Animals and the Nature of Feeling Good, the first book presenting evidence that animals experience pleasure. Balcombe is also a research scientist with Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (www.pcrm.org). He will give talks in Auckland and Christchurch. more...

SAFE VACANCY
CRUELTY FREE SHOP MANAGER
SAFE seeks a passionate, self-motivated individual to join the Auckland team to take responsibility of managing and promoting SAFE's cruelty-free shop and resource centre. The person will also support SAFE's campaign and marketing activities by supporting key personnel in their duties. The position is full time. Annual salary over $30,000. You must have previous retail experience and able to work autonomously. You must possess excellent customer service skills and have a good understanding of animal rights. more...