NEW YORK, Jan.

Former movie star Brigitte Bardot, a well-known animal rights activist, has been fined $23,000 by a French court for inciting racial hatred.

By Robert McNeil ANIMALS. Where would we be without them? Down the fruit and vegetable section, no doubt, trying to find something for tea. Or we'd be walking round the park with a lead from which dangled a cuddly toy or teddy: no substitute for a real live mutt.

CHANNEL 4 has broadcast a Christmas message to rival the Queen's since 1993. Speakers have included Jamie Oliver, Ali G and Marge Simpson.

Canada's annual seal hunt, the focus of a major protest effort by animal activists, will start on Saturday and could last longer than usual because the ice floes on which the seals gather are in poor condition, officials said on Thursday.