In 2021, the deer population in the United Kingdom has exploded. With the pandemic, deer hunting decreased and the market for venison reduced thanks to pandemic-induced restaurant closures. Now experts are debating a cull of the deer, the New York Times reported. Scientists note that deer are decimating plant life that other species eat. “Heavy browsing […]
Category: Polls

POLL: Should experimental coronavirus vaccine be tested on zoo animals?
According to the New York Times, in early July an experimental coronavirus vaccine for animals began making its rounds at the Oakland Zoo in California. During the course of the summer, about 100 zoo animals are going to receive the vaccine, including mountain lions, ferrets, bears, and tigers. The veterinary pharmaceutical company Zoetis is donating […]

POLL: Animals are sentient beings. Should the boiling of live lobsters be banned?
Boiling lobsters alive will be banned under plans being drawn up by the government. Ministers are planning to strengthen the welfare rights of crustaceans and molluscs in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which is currently making its way through the House of Lords. The Bill only covers vertebrates – animals with a backbone – but, […]

POLL: Badgers are on the verge of local extinction. Should the culling of badgers be permanently banned?
Trials are underway of a skin test and cattle vaccine which could finally end the controversial badger cull, Britain’s top vets announced today. A pilot has begun on a farm in Hertfordshire which wildlife campaigners hope will save tens of thousands of badgers every year. In a world first, field trials for a cattle jab […]

POLL: Fur farming has lost its social license due to the cruelty and health risks. Should it be banned?
IN THE WILD, MINK HAVE A NATURAL TERRITORY of up to 2,500 hectares, where they swim, run, hunt and socialize. In BC’s mink farms, they live their whole lives in small cages which many British Columbians view as inhumane. In the past year, health experts have raised alarms about the spread of viruses, including COVID-19. […]

POLL: Should pet cats be banned from going out to protect wildlife?
A council in Australia has introduced a 24-hour “cat curfew” in a bid to protect wildlife. The controversial move from Knox City Council in Melbourne has been criticised by some local residents who believe the rule is unfair. Under the regulations – which are coming into effect on October 1 – pet owners in the […]

POLL: Elk were hunted to extinction during the late 1800’s. Should elk hunting be banned?
Conservation officials have announced the five Missourians who were drawn for the 2021 elk hunting season slated for this fall and winter. Of the 9,714 permit applications, including one drawn from 84 resident landowners, the five people who will receive a permit to harvest one antlered elk in Missouri include: Michael Duncan, of Lesterville, who […]

POLL: Should there be a permanent ban on the shooting of at-risk turtle doves?
Nearly 1 million migrating turtle doves will be spared after Spanish authorities agreed a one-year ban on the shooting of the bird. The turtle dove is a globally threatened species and is Britain’s most endangered breeding bird, with populations having halved in just five years and possibly fewer than 2,000 pairs left. Population modelling has […]