NEWS

Breaking News Nine Charged Over Tanzania Murder Of British Conservationist

Nine Tanzanians have been charged in connection with the murder of a British conservationist whose helicopter was shot down while he chased suspected poachers, a senior prosecutor has said.

Roger Gower, 37, died when suspected poachers gunned down his helicopter during a patrol of the Maswa game reserve in northern Tanzania, close to the Serengeti national park, on 29 January.

Photographs of the crashed helicopter show twisted metal, apparent bullet holes in the fuselage and smears of blood on the pilot’s seat.

Without a solution to the poaching crisis, the death of conservationists will continue
Ben Fogle

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“Four of them are charged with murder, while others face charges of economic sabotage and unlawful possession of firearms,” senior government prosecutor Yamiko Mlekana told AFP by phone on Thursday.

The four men charged with murder have not yet entered any plea, as their case will be tried in the high court. The other five will be tried in a lower court.

“Some of the accused pleaded guilty to being in unlawful possession of firearms and elephant tusks, while others denied the charge,” Mlekana said.

Gower, who worked for the Friedkin Conservation Fund, had been tracking poachers after spotting the carcasses of recently killed elephants.


It is estimated that more than 30,000 elephants are killed for their tusks every year across Africa.

Their ivory is prized for jewellery and decorative objects and much of it is smuggled to China, where many increasingly wealthy shoppers are buying ivory trinkets as a sign of financial success.

Tanzania’s natural resources and tourism minister, Jumanne Maghembe, this week announced the government would set up a special task force for anti-poaching operations.

“Poaching is now done using sophisticated machinery and heavy weapons including AK-47s,” Maghembe said. “We are going to set up a force comprising different security forces and the army.”

NEWS

The 10 Best Dog Breeds

So you want a dog? Don’t know which kind to get? Look no further! Every dog breed has its own unique biological and behavioral characteristics. Do you have kids? Do you live in a big house or small apartment? Depending on your lifestyle, schedule and preferences, certain types of dogs will fit you and your family better than others. Here is a list of the 10 best dog breeds for homes of all kinds:

10. Bulldog

Bulldogs are built tough but have dispositions of gold – making them perfect for a house full of playful, mischievous kids. Requiring minimal grooming and exercise – they’re also one of most low-maintenance breeds around. This slightly lazy dog can easily live in a small apartment or large house. If you live in a warm climate however, be careful about the dog’s exposure to sun and heat (mostly in the summer) – they’re very sensitive to both.

9. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These dogs, of the spaniel family, are extremely loyal and love to please. Therefore, they’re easy to train and mild-natured – perfect for a first time owner. Keep in mind that this breed loves attention and companionship and has quite a bit of energy, as well. So, if you plan to leave your dog at home alone for long periods of time – this might not be the best breed choice.

8. Collie

Celebrity dog trainer Cesar Milan credits the collie as the breed of dog that inspired him to devote his life to working with canines. While they require a bit more serious grooming because of their long coats, collies are tremendous people-pleasers with very strong capacities for training and agility exercises. Because of this innate energy, they will do better in a house with a yard.

7. Newfoundland

The Newfoundland, originally bred as a fishing and rescue dog, is well-known as the best breed for children – it is a natural caretaker and nurturer. Their personalities are big and loving, but so are their bodies! Be prepared for a lot of shedding and drool with this breed. Because of their large size, an apartment might not be the best setting for a Newfoundland.

6. Pug

While pugs will not score big points in training or intelligence, they make up for it in devotion and sweetness. Their size and minimal energy levels make them great for apartment life. Like bulldogs, their respiratory systems are encumbered and they will do best with small amounts of exercise and cooler temperatures. They’ll be happiest relaxing on the sofa with their owners.

5. Irish Setter

The Irish setter has a gorgeous, deep-red coat that requires a decent amount of attention. It is also a high-energy dog that will need to get plenty of exercise every day – lest it become bored and start exhibiting unwanted destructiveness at home. These dogs are great with kids and do well with training

4. Poodle

Poodles consistently rank as the smartest dogs in the world. This makes them great for anyone who enjoys training dogs for obedience and/or tricks. There are two general types of poodles: standard and miniature. While the bigger standard poodle is a good family dog, miniature poodles sometimes suffer from “small dog syndrome” if not properly trained and socialized. Both types are loving and gentle and shed little to no hair. If you love dogs but want to keep a meticulously clean house – this is your breed!

3. Shih Tzu

This beautiful breed, with its history in the imperial courts of China, is small, non-shedding and very warm-hearted. Perfect in an apartment, a shih-tzu is a lap dog that wants to be with its owners as much as possible. With low to moderate energy levels, all they need is a few walks per day to stay healthy and fit. Their gorgeous coat deserves weekly care and like many small dogs, they need some basic socialization and training, in order to avoid “small dog syndrome.”

2. Labrador Retriever

There’s a reason why this breed is the most popular around the world. Labs are the all-around greatest dog in existence! They make great pets, therapy dogs, police dogs and seeing-eye dogs for the blind. They’re energetic, loving and wired to please their owners; they LOVE to be trained! A lab is the perfect dog for a first-time owner. While their shedding and grooming requirements are average – they do have a tendency to chew on everything in sight when young, so keep an eye on them!

1. Golden Retriever

This is the classic American family dog. A close relative of the Labrador retriever, the golden is equally as loving, loyal and eager to learn. Great with children, they are also frequently used as therapy and service dogs, helping disabled and blind people around the world. One disclaimer: goldens shed A LOT! They will require regular grooming. Also, make sure that you don’t mind a bit of “doggy smell” in the house, as this breed tends to have more of a scent than others.