Vegan News 5.22.13

World record price paid for Belgian racing pigeon Bolt. “A Belgian racing pigeon called Bolt has been sold to a Chinese businessman for a world record price of 310,000 euros (£260,000: $400,000). It is expected that the new owner will use Bolt for breeding more birds. The buyers of nine of the ten most expensive pigeons sold at the auction were from China or Taiwan. Bolt was bred by celebrated Belgian pigeon fancier Leo Heremans, who sold his entire collection at the same auction.”

Texas bans shelter animal gas chambers for euthanasia. “Texas has joined 19 other states in banning the use of gas chambers to kill unwanted shelter dogs, cats, puppies and kittens. The gas chambers are considered an inhumane method of euthanasia by many animal welfare organizations and veterinary professionals.”

Man cannonballs manatees on video, prompting investigation. “Three men could face charges after a year-old video of a diver jumping into a canal onto two manatees surfaced on Facebook and YouTube Monday. The video — recorded in a residential Cocoa Beach neighborhood — shows the most egregious of three acts of manatee abuse reported across the state in the past year that drew media attention. A Clearwater woman rode a sea cow in November. Then a Fort Pierce man’s photos surfaced in February showing him holding a manatee calf and allowing his young daughters to sit on the animal.”

Wildlife officers kill bear at Eben G. Fine Park, say it entered 2 Boulder homes. “Wildlife officers killed a 2-year-old bear that climbed a tree in Eben G Fine Park on Tuesday afternoon, saying the animal broke into two Boulder homes earlier in the day looking for food.”

US Fish and Wildlife Service sued by Western Watersheds over the legal implication of grizzly bear disappearance. “Boise, ID.  On May 17, 2013 the Western Watersheds Project, Cottonwood Environmental Law Center, Native Ecosystems Council and Yellowstone Buffalo Foundation filed a suit in federal district court to challenge domestic sheep grazing that has been ‘jeopardizing the continued existence of the protected Greater Yellowstone grizzly bear population.’”

Photo credit: fabbio via Flickr