Albert Schweitzer... January 14, 1875-September 4, 1965
Remembering Albert Schweitzer
Born on January 14, 1875 in a country village in Alsace (then part of Germany; later part of France), Albert Schweitzer was the son of a Lutheran pastor. Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) was an accomplished theologian, musicologist, organ technician, physician and surgeon, missionary, philosopher of ethics, lecturer, writer and the builder and chief force of the famous hospital at Lambarene, in Gabon, the former French Equatorial Africa.
He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1952. He is known for his compassion and respect for animals. During his life he stated, “We need a boundless ethic which will include the animals also. The ethics of respect for life makes us keep on the lookout together for opportunities of bringing some sort of help to animals, to make up for the great miseries men inflict on them.”
In 1949 Albert visited the United States and in 1952 he received the Nobel Peace Prize to add to such other recognitions as the Goethe prize of Frankfurt and numerous honorary doctorates awarded by many universities.
Another reflection from Schweitzer, "The time will come when public opinion will no longer tolerate amusements based on the mistreatment and killing of animals. The time will come, but when? When will we reach the point that hunting, the pleasure in killing animals for sport, will be regarded as a mental aberration?"
The monies associated with the Nobel Prize were expended towards the accomodation of persons afflicted with leprosy at Lambaréné.
Albert Schweitzer died September 4, 1965 and was buried in the grounds of the medical mission to which he had devoted his life. He was ninety years of age at the time and had remained actively involved in the medical mission at Lambaréné for almost fifty years.
There is a hospital in Haiti named after this incredible man: Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles, Haiti. Hospital Albert Schweitzer Haiti, founded by Larry Mellon and Gwen Grant Mellon in 1956, is an integrated rural health system that provides medical care and community health and development programs for 300,000 impoverished people in the Artibonite Valley of central Haiti. Larry Mellon was inspired by the life and philosophy of Albert Schweitzer to dedicate his life to the creation of this hospital.The hospital is located in Deschapelles. Email hopitalas@hashaiti.org Also visit http://www.friendsofhas.org/
There is also the Albert Schweitzer Hospital in Lambaréné, now in Gabon, west central Africa (then French Equatorial Africa.)
Schweitzer said, "As long as I can remember, I have suffered because of the great misery I saw in the world. I never really knew the artless, youthful joy of living, and I believe that many children feel this way, even when outwardly they seem to be wholly happy and without a single care.I used to suffer particularly because the poor animals must endure so much pain and want. The sight of an old, limping horse being dragged along by one man while another man struck him with a stick -- he was being driven to the Colmar slaughterhouse -- haunted me for weeks."
Albert Schweitzer wrote the following prayer for the animals he so loved:
Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends, the animals. Especially for animals who are suffering: for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them, we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful.
Albert Schweitzer quotes: http://www.unitedearth.com.au/schweitzer.html
Swiss Attorney Lends his Voice to the Animals
Attorney gives voice to Animals
Antoine Goetschel's job as animal welfare attorney in Zurich is not only unique in Switzerland – it's also a worldwide first. Zurich's pioneering work in this area could soon be adopted by other cantons. Goetschel tells swissinfo how Switzerland is among the most progressive countries when it comes to protecting our feathered and furry friends.
Working for the canton of Zurich, the lawyer acts in court cases and in criminal proceedings on behalf of abused animals. Discussions have recently been held by parliamentarians about introducing the Zurich idea into federal legislation.
Goetschel, a vegetarian, has held the part-time post since November 2007.
He is also one of the founders of the Zurich-based Foundation for the Animal in the Law, which has the largest public library of texts on animal welfare law and animal ethics in the German-speaking world.
swissinfo: What does the work of an animal welfare attorney involve?
Antoine Goetschel: I have about 150-180 cases per year. I'm informed from the start of the investigation into the case and I can see whether special exams, proofs and witnesses have been made or asked. If not, I can influence this procedure. When the case comes to court or to a decision I can suggest the punishment by comparing it with other cases.
As the animal welfare attorney, and in collaboration with the Foundation for the Animal in the Law, I have access to information on every court case and every criminal case decision concerning animal welfare and ethics in Switzerland.
This allows me to say a case looks similar to another one and there, the punishment was SFr800 ($715). This is a more serious case, so the punishment should not be under SFr2,000.
Working on this with a warm heart, but not showing too many emotions, we cooperate very well with state attorneys, the courts, police and other offices and I feel we are accepted as experts in the field.
swissinfo: Can you describe a typical case?
A.G.: Overall, 60-70 per cent of cases are of mistreated dogs - dog abuse cases are quite common, not always by the owners but also by third parties. I also have a case where a person was seen mistreating horses. We had four witnesses but the state attorney at first didn't want to listen to the witnesses because he thought the case was not proven. We won an opening of the investigation in court and these witnesses have now been questioned and the person has gone to court.
swissinfo: There are discussions about having animal welfare attorneys across the whole of Switzerland, but the government is not so keen. Why?
A.G.: The government is protecting the cantons which are each responsible for their own application of animal welfare legislation. So it is not being visionary at the moment. But there is some support in parliament and the move could still be implemented in Switzerland within the next few years.
swissinfo: Would you nevertheless describe Switzerland as being at the forefront of animal welfare legislation?
A.G.: It depends what you compare. We have just changed our animal welfare legislation and this could be said to be among the leading laws in Europe, with Germany and Austria and the Netherlands. We have changed the legal status of animals in Switzerland, as has also been done in Germany and Austria, and a bit in France.
The Swiss law goes a bit more into detail. For instance, it protects animals in divorce cases, meaning they cannot be seized. On the other hand, there's a legal right to keep animals in apartments in France, but not in Switzerland. If you compare this, then we have interesting aspects in Switzerland and interesting aspects in other legislations.
swissinfo: You have been researching the situation in other countries for a publication.
A.G.: We compared 18 legislations worldwide from Argentina, Japan and China to Britain, asking the same 18 questions. The goal is to motivate politicians and legislators interested in animal welfare in one country to adopt a good legislation from another country.
For example, it could be interesting for Britain to have animal welfare lawyers because it is where animal welfare legislation started in 1824 and it gives the impression of being very animal friendly.
swissinfo: Are the Swiss a nation of animal lovers?
A.G.: Looking back into Germanic history, before the 1930s and especially in the Middle Ages, people had a closer relationship to animals so it is not astonishing that Germany, Switzerland and Austria are progressive here and are pushing European legislation forward.
Through this Switzerland is becoming increasingly known as animal welfare friendly. I had the honour of helping change the Swiss constitution in 1992. Switzerland is now the only place worldwide which protects animals' dignity both in the constitution and in legislation. It encourages other states to look at Swiss solutions more closely.
swissinfo: What was your motivation for becoming involved in animal welfare?
A.G.: It started in 1986 quite by chance when I was asked to write on its legal aspects. I realised the importance of animal ethics as far as animal experiments were concerned, for vegetarianism, farm animals and so on.
During this time I was not allowed to speak for ten days because of an operation. For me it was deep personal experience, this deprivation of expression, because I like talking a lot! I felt solidarity to especially farm animals which are not able to express themselves and I looked at animal welfare with new eyes.
swissinfo: Animals are for you...?
A.G.: Animals for me have a soul and intelligence that is not being seen appropriately by human beings and are a special life form, just as humans are. For me it's a question of solidarity to protect their interests, lives and wellbeing just as it is important to protect the environment, abused children and so on.
He has also stated since taking on this role that the biggest challenges he faces are hard hearted judges and state attorneys, stubborn farmers, selfish pet owners. And politicians that lack vision.
Interview by Isobel Leybold-Johnson in Zurich
Visit http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/index.html
Name of Firm: Antoine F. Goetschel, Attorney-at-Law
City/Country: Zurich, Switzerland
Type of Practitioner: Sole, in fulfilling official duties.
1st Annual United Kingdom Week for the Animals Scheduled July 3-11, 2010!
United Kingdom Week for the Animals is an exciting week of events created to celebrate and joyfully build awareness for the animals.
January 27, 2010
(New York City, New York) Animal World USA-International is excited to announce the
1st United Kingdom Week for the Animals will be held July 3-11, 2010. This very special week, which will highlight the importance that animals play in our lives, will also joyfully bring communities together on behalf of the animals throughout the UK.
This first-ever week long series of events will span two weekends and is designed to celebrate and build awareness on behalf of all animals, as well as recognize the organizations and citizens who support them. UK Week for the Animals will bring together animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, businesses, students, musicians, artists, educators, community leaders, decision makers and caring citizens in an exciting week of community-building activities.
The fun-filled week will feature pet adoption events, animal-assisted therapy in hospitals, a salute to animals in law enforcement and the military, school/art displays and activities, pet awareness events at libraries, blessings of the animals, golf outings, art exhibits, low cost spay and neuter events, art gallery events, book signings, walks for farm animals, musical events and so much more! All these activities and events will shine the spotlight on the amazing animals and compassionate people who love them.
Precious lives which will be saved and communities will be transformed in this week with the variety of animal-related activities and events. Organizers expect scores of events to be created and scheduled for the calendar.
Animal World USA-Int'l Weeks for the Animals organizers released a statement saying, “We have seen a tremendous outpouring of compassion and history-making change for the animals in the U.S. Weeks campaign. We expect the UK to be an exceptionally dynamic week that will be filled with excitement as only the U.K. can bring to the international stage. We are extremely grateful to the generous response that the UK animal welfare organizations have shown. We will be working non-stop over the upcoming months to ensure success for this incredible 1st UK Week for the Animals. Together we all will help the animals and build wonderfully new and exciting relationships!”
If you would like to learn more, be involved or schedule an event, please email info@animalworldusa.org, call 877-454-0807 or visit the official website at http://ukanimals.org/
~Animal World USA-International's mission is inspiring, educating and empowering people to understand, love and protect the animals of our world.~
Do You Know Which Bird is Your State Bird?
Participate in the National Bird Day State Bird Count and make your state rate!
The count collection begins October 1, 2009, and ends January 31, 2010.
Beginning in 1927 the legislature of each state in the United States designated one bird species as the official "State Bird" for that state. Some states have two! Not sure what your State's official bird is? Visit the website to find out! Visit http://www.nationalbirdday.com/g_state_bird.php
Help Birds in Winter.
http://www.wbu.com/education/winterbirdfeeding.html
(See Virginia state bird pictured, the Cardinal. )
Celebrate "National Bird Day" January 5, 2010
Born Free USA in coordination with the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is calling on activists around the U.S. to take action on behalf of captive birds by drawing attention to the exploitation of other countries' native birds by the U.S. pet industry on January 5 — National Bird Day.
Visit http://www.nationalbirdday.com/ where you will find a host of activities and ways to become involved for the birds. There is some really cool stuff on the website including “Name that Tune.”
"National Bird Day" is not only a good day to take time to appreciate the native wild birds flying free outside our windows, it is also a perfect time to reflect on how we treat the native birds of other countries. While we have enacted laws to protect our native birds — such as blue jays, cardinals, and crows — from commercial exploitation, we fail to recognize the inconsistency in allowing the pet industry to exploit the birds of other countries.
As we do every year, we compile a list of events and participating artists, complete with contact information, that the public and other interested people can attend. If you plan such an activity, or know of one upcoming in your neighborhood, please let us know. Email info@bornfreeusa.org so we can add your action to our list of participants and activities.
Or write to us at:
National Bird Day
c/o Born Free USA
P.O. Box 22505
Sacramento, CA 95822
Visit animalworldusa.org for a list of bird adoption rescue organizations which can be found on the AWUSA shelter page.
“The Simpsons” Top 10 Animal Advocacy Episodes
by Mat Thomas, animalrighter.org
Encompassing 21 seasons and 450 episodes, “The Simpsons” is the longest-running sitcom in television history, and this January 10th, Fox will culminate its year-long celebration of the classic cartoon's 20th anniversary with a documentary special by Super Size Me director and star Morgan Spurlock.
Diehard fans already know that “The Simpsons” pioneered a subversive style of animal rights comedy never before seen on the small screen. So, at the dawn of a new decade deluged with Top 10 lists, I decided to pay the program tribute by showcasing the 10 best animal-centric “Simpsons” episodes (so far, in chronological order).
1. Episode 1: “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” – In the series premiere, Homer loses the family's Christmas money betting at the dog track, but then brings home the best present ever — a rescued racing greyhound named Santa's Little Helper.
2. Episode 29: “Bart's Dog Gets an F” – The family's misbehaving canine attends obedience school, where Bart refuses to implement the draconian instructor's pain-based training methods.
3. Episode 43: “Lisa's Pony” – Homer finally grants his 8-year-old daughter's wish for a pony, but she relinquishes her beloved horse after learning that dad must work nights to pay for expensive stabling.
4. Episode 54: “Dog of Death” – After Santa's Little Helper runs away from home, billionaire tyrant Mr. Burns plucks him from the pound and turns him into a vicious attack hound — but his love for Bart ultimately overcomes his killer conditioning.
5. Episode 79: “Whacking Day” – Each May, the town of Springfield observes a traditional holiday that entails beating snakes to a pulp with clubs, but Bart and Lisa save the serpents' lives with the help of soul crooner Barry White's earth-shaking basso profundo.
6. Episode 98: “Bart Gets an Elephant” – Bart wins a real live pachyderm from a radio call-in show, but “Stampy” proves a neighborhood hazard, so Bart and Lisa must persuade Homer to send his gargantuan pal to a sanctuary instead of selling him to an ivory dealer.
7. Episode 133: “Lisa the Vegetarian” – Lisa gives up eating meat, but almost cracks under constant ridicule at home and school — until a pep talk by Paul and Linda McCartney puts her back on the right path.
8. Episode 249: “Treehouse of Horror XI” – In a Free Willy parody, Lisa releases a captive bottlenose dolphin from a marine park where he was forced to perform demeaning tricks — but the deposed “King of the Dolphins” then enslaves humanity for banishing his kind to the sea eons ago.
9. Episode 252: “Lisa the Tree Hugger” – Trying to win the affections of activist (and “level-five vegan”) Jessie Grass, Lisa (channelling Julia Butterfly) refuses to disembark from an ancient redwood until it is spared from logging.
10. Episode 417: “Apocalypse Cow” – Bart joins 4H to drive cool combine harvesters, but winds up having to save the calf he raised from butchery — with a cow-costumed Homer nearly being killed in a fully-automated slaughterhouse.
Visit thesimpsons.com to learn more about “The Simpsons”! Learn more about Mat Thomas' wonderful work and writing at animalrighter.org. Mat Thomas is a contributing columnist for Animal World USA monthly publication.
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