Green Party chides government on World Animal Day
ON THE occasion of World Animal Day, which falls today, the Green Party has said that not enough is being done on the island to safeguard animal welfare.
“We believe that 12 years following the implementation of law for the protection of animals, the government and animal welfare authorities have failed to apply the legislation to a satisfactory degree,” a press release stated.
“The Veterinary Services have not done enough to convince us that the right steps have been taken in the way we look at animal welfare and we will undertake a campaign to educate the public on animal rights under EU law. Everybody should know the law and it is the government’s responsibility to inform the public.”
In particular, the Party states that birds must be protected from hunters and the uncontrolled use of pesticides and that the cat and dog population must be controlled under an EU Treaty signed in 1993.
“We also need more licensed dog shelters with up-to-date databases.”
Every October 4, World Animal Day is marked across the world celebrating animal life in all its forms and mankind’s relationship with the animal kingdom.
According to the official website, “the Day also acknowledges the diverse roles that animals play in our lives – from providing food, through being our companions, to supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives.
“Animal welfare groups, sanctuaries and individuals throughout the world hold special events to heighten public awareness of animal issues and to encourage people to think about how we as humans relate to animals.”
October 4 was originally chosen for World Animal Day because it is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, a nature lover and patron saint of animals and the environment. Numerous churches throughout the world observe the Sunday closest to 4 October with a Blessing for the Animals.
However, World Animal Day has now gone beyond being the celebration of a Christian saint and is today observed by animal lovers of all beliefs, nationalities and backgrounds. Animal rescue shelters hold fundraising events and open days, wildlife groups organise information displays, schools undertake animal-related project work and individuals and groups of friends or co-workers donate to animal charities or pledge to sponsor a shelter animal.
