World News Roundup: July 29, 2017

Zimbabwean Poacher Arrested After 4 Years on the Run (The Independent)

After killing scores of elephants using cyanide capsules at water points and in salt pans used by the animals, Tony Maphosa has been on the run since 2013. “Cyanide is becoming an increasingly used tactic of poachers operating in sub-Saharan Africa as it means they can kill more victims with less likelihood of getting caught by park rangers.” Maphosa was arrested this week in Hwange National Park by an anti-poaching team.

Brexit Poses Threat to UK Animal Welfare (Business Insider)

“Brexit risks triggering a fall in animal welfare standards as cheap imported food could force UK farmers to prioritize competitiveness over care for animals.” Officials believe Britain leaving the European Union would mean farmers could be pushed into “a race to the bottom for welfare standards.”

South Korean President Adopts Meat Farm Rescue Dog (BBC)

Moon Jae-in, South Korea’s new president, has made good on his election promise to adopt a dog from an animal sanctuary. He rescued a 4-year-old black mutt named Tory from the animal rights group Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth (CARE). “Among CARE's activities is campaigning against dog meat in Asia, and President Moon's adoption of Tory from the group is seen as sending a strong message against the trade.”

Turkey Evacuating Zoo Animals Trapped in Syria (Daily Sabah)

“Praised for its hospitality shown to the millions of refugees from Syria in the country, Turkey now extends a helping hand to zoo animals trapped in the conflict zone, evacuating them to shelters in Bursa.” Animal rights groups have already evacuated 3 lions, 2 tigers, 2 bears, and 2 hyenas from Aleppo, and plans are in motion to evacuate 2 more lions as well as 2 dogs from the Syrian city on Saturday.

Japanese Woman Succumbs to Tick-Borne Disease After Cat Bite (BBC)

According to Japan’s health ministry, a Japanese woman died last year after contracting severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) following a bite by a stray cat. There have been no reports to date of animal-to-human transmission of SFTS, which is carried by ticks. “It's still not confirmed the virus came from the cat, but it's possible that it is the first case.” SFTS has fatality rates of up to 30% and is especially severe in those over age 50.

Indian Government Advisory Body Pitches Complete Ban on Circus Animals (India.com)

“A government advisory body has pitched for a complete ban on animals in circuses and suitable changes in legislation, saying the existing regulations are ‘unworkable and ineffective.’” The Animal Welfare Board of India wrote to the Ministry of Environment recommending a ban on the use of animals in circuses. The recommendation also asked for suitable changes in legislation to prevent the use of animals in circuses.

30 New Army Dogs to Guard Delhi (India Today)

The Delhi Police Department is expecting to acquire 30 new sniffer and explosive-detection dogs next month from the Indian Army Veterinary Corps. These dogs will be used to “help the department deal with security challenges in the Capital that frequently receives threats from terrorist groups and has a large [very very important person] population.” These new additions would increase the number of sniffer and explosive-detection dogs on the squad, which currently has 60 dogs.