SAFE SUPPORTER BULLETIN
CAMPAIGNS X EVENTS X NEWS X ACTIONS X RESCUES X GIVEAWAYS

     

SAFE has received countless emails alerting us to a heartbreaking story of a dog in Nicaragua. An emaciated, starving dog has been taken from the streets and tethered to the corner of a local art gallery. The pitiful sight is showcased in an exhibition that includes messages on the gallery walls written with dog food. Signs displayed in the gallery state the dog will not be fed. No sooner does the local media highlight the plight of the little dog, named Nativity, the artist, Guillermo Habacuc Vargas, and the gallery owner are internationally condemned.

Adding insult to injury, a prestigious visual arts foundation decides the installation is worthy of merit and Vargas is selected to represent Costa Rica at an exhibition in Honduras later this year. Fearing that Vargas will replicate the same exhibition an online petition is launched demanding that Vargas not be allowed to exhibit. Nearly 3.5 million people have since signed the petition (2 versions) however this is where the issue gets clouded with speculation. It has since emerged that it was a stunt to show how a starving dog suddenly becomes the centre of attention in a gallery, but not on the street. According to the artist, the work was intended to expose people for what they really are - ”hypocritical sheep.“ Vargas said that in order for the work to be valid, he and the gallery had to give the impression that the dog was genuinely starving to death and that it had died. They have since claimed Nativity escaped while others maintain the dog died. The general opinion amongst leading animal advocacy groups is that it was a stupid yet tragic publicity stunt. Some have called it a hoax.

Some good has come from it however. The upcoming Honduras exhibition will no longer feature live animals. It has raised awareness of the plight of neglected dogs in Central America resulting in the authorities discussing animal welfare issues. We will probably never learn Nativity’s true fate but he was undeniably a sad case of human neglect. Whatever we think of Vargas he did achieve international media attention. In solidarity against animal abuse sign the petition. Out of respect for cases like Nativity, wherever he may be, get involved in helping animals in need in your area.

Anthony Terry
Director




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SAFE
PO Box 13 366
Christchurch, New Zealand
safe@safe.org.nz
 
 

BETTY ROWE
THE LOSS OF A CHAMPION
The New Zealand animal rights movement has lost one of its greatest members. Betty Rowe died in Blenheim on May 18th after suffering a stroke two weeks earlier. Born in the United States, Betty and husband Walt emigrated to New Zealand in the early seventies and settled to become sheep farmers on Arapawa Island in the Marlborough Sounds. Arapawa Island is also the home for the rare Arapawa goats, a species no longer found anywhere else in the world. More ...

EXPERT TALK SUCCESSFUL
The new Auckland SAFE office had its first public meeting on 27 May with over 20 people in attendance. Expert speakers Michael Bourke, a personal trainer, and Leila Masson, a pediatrician, covered ways to get the best out of a vegan diet, highlighting issues relating especially to children and fitness. More ...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT RADIO SHOW
Food for Thought is a community-based radio show broadcasting from Hamilton hosted by an awesome 12-year-old vegetarian called Sam. Sam is an inspiring young individual determined to promote vegetarianism and animal rights through interviews, music, news updates and interesting anecdotes. More ...

UNIVERSITY SAYS NO TO CAGED EGGS
Canterbury University has become the first New Zealand university to agree to use ethically produced supplies for on-campus catering. The new ethical policy voted for unanimously by students attending a recent AGM means UCSA cafes will no longer use battery eggs. More ...

WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE EXPO STALL
Last month our volunteers in Hawke’s Bay held a fantastic stall at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo. More ...

SPREADING THE MESSAGE, EARTHLINGS-STYLE!
For those brave enough to have seen the documentary Earthlings, narrated by Joaquin Phoenix, you will know how difficult it is to watch. At least being so powerful it is motivating. More ...

SAFE ON YOUTUBE
You can watch SAFE’s first-ever television advertisement, media stories, campaign actions and other events on YouTube. Check it out and become one of SAFE’s friends now. Visit SAFE YouTube

PROCTER & GAMBLE NATIONAL ACTIONS
Saturday 17th May marked the international day of action against Procter & Gamble, one of the largest animal testers in the world that produces household products, cosmetics and food items. SAFE staged successful nationwide actions and stalls in Whangarei, Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin to highlight P & G’s shameful animal-testing record. More ...

AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH TALK
Hawke’s Bay: Climate change is the biggest issue our generation has to face. Years of human population growth and changing technology mean that we are at a crossroads. Change the way we all live, now, or face massive upheaval. Climate. More ...

SAFE FILM NIGHTS
SAFE is hosting regular film screenings around the country, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch. This month we screen The Witness and A Cow at My Table. Refreshments served. All welcome. More ...

ANIMAL RIGHTS PODCAST
It’s called The V Word and each month four leading representatives from within the animal rights movement come together to chat, debate and inform listeners of their thoughts, ramblings and experiences of topical issues. Hosted by Aaron Koolen, co-founder of Meat Free Media, The V Word is New Zealand’s first animal rights podcast. More ...

A NOTICE TO SAFE MEMBERS
SAFE is calling for a Special Annual General Meeting. SAFE is applying for charitable status with the Charities Commission. One of New Zealand’s top law firms, Chapman Tripp, has kindly offered to assist SAFE with this process. Chapman Tripp has advised SAFE’s National Executive Committee that it is necessary for SAFE to include some additions to SAFE’s constitution to ensure our application is successful. More ...

  

5 JUNE 2008 #49



Ragamuffin Children. Brooke Singer and Anita Clark are the Ragamuffin Children, a folk/indie duo from Canterbury. Their music is whimsical, beautiful, and airy. The duo describes their sound as being reminiscent to “something written in a graveyard whilst holding a tea party and singing nursery rhymes.” Whether you are in the mood for starry night adventures or getting cosy by the fire and sipping tea with friends, Werecat Lullabies is your soundtrack. Visit their myspace for tour updates, latest blogs, music samples and their cute video clip!

SAFE has two copies of Werecat Lullabies to give away. If you would like the chance to win one of these CDs email us with your name and postal address.

Congratulations to Craig Rook for winning the fair-trade Peoples Coffee.

URGENT! DOG NEEDS A HOME
Spider is a cool dog with attitude and he is seeking a new home! Spider is great with kids and cats and is fabulous at his favourite game of Frisbee. He loves doggy ’tug-of-war’ and he loves to sleep in the cat’s bed, while the cat sleeps in his. Due to difficult circumstances however Spider needs a new home as soon as possible. He’s in Dunedin but he can be brought to you probably anywhere in the South Island. If you have room in your home for this lovely dog, please call Genevieve, 03 453 3332 or 021 411 066.

SNEAKY PEEKS FROM THE SHOP
It’s reeeally white!! “This is the response of our customers when they walk into the shop and discover our deliciously smooth dairy free white chocolate by Sweet William,” says shop manager Caro Warburton. More ...