Viva!

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Web: www.viva.org.uk <http://www.viva.org.uk/> www.savethekangaroo.com





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CAMPAIGNS UPDATE: APRIL 2004



Viva! Duck Exposé in National Press

Marks & Spencer continue to deny the facts



The Daily Mail has featured Viva!'s investigation of conditions on duck factory
farms in a half-page article today (March 30th). The article, entitled
"Revealed, the miserable lives of the factory farm ducklings", details the
deeply disturbing scenes we found when we investigated Manor Farm Ducklings, a
supplier to Iceland, Safeway and Marks & Spencer. The article describes
"shocking states of disability and distress" and how "other ducks, barely alive,
jerk and nod uncontrollably" while others have sores and "wings dripping with
blood".



In the article, Manor Farm's managing director described the footage as
"disturbing" but told the Mail he "questioned its authenticity". As the Daily
Mail pointed out, we supplied them with satellite GPS readings and further proof
that the video was shot on Manor Farm sites but still both Manor Farm and M&S
are claiming that the footage we shot at the Cherry Dene site - which M&S have
admitted supplies them - is not genuine. Needless to say, it is completely
authentic and it is interesting to note how M&S's statements have softened over
the last few days from a "categorical denial" to stating that our evidence is
"inconclusive". We are dismayed that they continue to deny something which we
can prove and have proved.



We are also dismayed that Marks & Spencer's response has been essentially to
deny the existence of any welfare problems. They admit that Manor Farm supplies
them but their response has shown virtually no sign that they are concerned
about ducks, only their reputation as a business.











For this reason, we believe that M&S will be very sensitive to the exposure of
conditions on their suppliers' farms and we have now organised over 150 protests
nationwide on our Day of the Ducks, Saturday April 3rd. On that day, shoppers in
high streets throughout the UK will learn the truth about what takes place on
factory farms and how Marks & Spencer profit from their involvement in this
cruel business. If you are free for an hour or so on Saturday and would like to
take part, get in touch with us here <mailto:justin@...> or phone us on
the number above and we'll let you know if something is taking place in your
area.



Send our e-postcard to Marks & Spencer



You can now get in touch with M&S directly with our e-postcard. Click here
<http://www.viva.org.uk/Viva!%20Campaigns/Ducks/dotd.html> to get to our
campaign page and then click on the "Virtual Postcard" button on the right side
of the page.





Religious Slaughter: Government Statement Expected on Thursday



The Government's response to the Farm Animal Welfare Council report which called
for a ban on slaughter without prestunning is expected on Thursday. This will be
an initial statement of their position on this and other welfare issues at
slaughter and they will then "consult" on the matter for several months before
finalising the policy. It is rare for significant changes to arise after the
consultation process but this period will be our best opportunity to apply more
pressure to the Government in the hope that some progress will be made. Keep an
eye on the media for more information and we will be in touch again once we have
had time to assess their position.





As ever, if you would like any more information about any of our campaigns,
check out our website www.viva.org.uk <http://www.viva.org.uk/> or get in touch
with us directly - contact details at the top of this email.



Thanks again for all your support.





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