Ricky Gervais Celebrates UK Ban of Wild Animals in Circuses (ECORAZZI)

British comedian Ricky Gervais has something new to smile about.

The U.K.’s Department for the Environment announced Thursday that it plans to implement laws within two years that will ban the use of wild animals in circuses. Gervais, a longtime animal rights activist, has been working to persuade government officials to outlaw the use of wild animals such as tigers, kangaroos, elephants, zebras, and camels in circus performances.

The ban follows a campaign by animal rights groups which helped draw attention to the abuse of elephant Anne, Europe’s oldest living elephant. On Thursday, Gervais tweeted, ”We won… Congrats Twonks (fans). A victory for compassion.” Gervais is joined in his support of this legislation by Sir Paul McCartney.


Read further:  http://www.ecorazzi.com/2012/03/04/ricky-gervais-celebrates-uk-ban-of-wild-animals-in-circuses/

Liam Neeson: 'The Grey' slammed for 'bloodthirsty' portrayal of wolves (LA Times)

January 28, 2012 | 7:02am

 

The Grey," the survival thriller starring Liam Neeson as a man who must battle bloodthirsty wolves to survive, is poised to reign at the box office this weekend.

But not if animal rights activists have anything to say about it.

The film stars Neeson as an oil refinery sharpshooter who finds himself fighting the elements and bloodthirsty wolves following a plane crash. As might be expected, harsh outcomes abound for man and beast.

But animal rights activists say the film is folly, and will only add to the persistent misrepresentation in TV, film and literature of the wolf as an aggressive, man-hunting creature. In fact, experts say, wolves fear humans and avoid interaction at all costs.

PETA, People for the Ethical Treament of Animals, is among those urging a boycott of the film: "The writers paint a pack of wolves living in the Alaskan wilderness as bloodthirsty monsters, intent on killing every survivor of a plane crash by tearing each person limb from limb."


Read more:  http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/nationnow/2012/01/the-grey-slammed-for-bloodthirsty-portrayal-of-wolves.html