RSPCA Welcomes First Global Agreement On Animal Welfare
Originally from: Farmtalking
RSPCA News from the press office
Wednesday 25 May 2005
RSPCA Welcomes First Global Agreement On Animal Welfare
The RSPCA has welcomed the first ever global standard for animal welfare, agreed today by the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
The landmark agreement between 167 member countries sets out minimum standards for live transport of animals by land and sea and the slaughter of animals for food or in cases of disease control.
It will specify the need for a responsible authority and acceptable methods of slaughter. Certain practices, such as the use of electronic goads will be banned.
David Bowles, head of External Affairs at the RSPCA, said: "This is a real step forward for animals world-wide, particularly in the many countries where no welfare standards or laws exist.
"It now sets a baseline for what is acceptable when killing or transporting animals and should see an end to cruel practices such as bulldozing live animals into pits for disease control or transporting animals in cruel conditions."
"The RSPCA has worked hard to agree world-wide standards for animal welfare and we have contributed to several technical working groups. The OIE will now focus on drawing up welfare standards in other farming areas, such rearing laying hens, pigs, chickens for meat and veal calves.
"The agreement across so many countries gives us an important opportunity to raise the profile of animal welfare with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Animal welfare is not just a developing country issue but one that affects all countries. We want to ensure improvements to animal welfare can be made without causing international trade disputes.
"I hope the agreement will encourage those counties without welfare laws to raise their standards to the baseline and areas like the European Union, with existing laws, to go further and continue to improve welfare across the board for all animals."
The OIE (Organisation International Des Epizooties) was set up in 1924 to agree and publish health standards for international trade in animals and animal products. It started to look at animal welfare standards in 2003. It provides expertise and encourages international co-operation in the control of animal diseases. It also helps safeguard world trade by publishing health standards for international trade in animals and animal products.
Originally from: coleen
I wonder what the RSPCA class as (acceptable methods of slaughter)? Bashing brains out on rocks, chasing and taking pot shots at sheep in a field with guns, likewise with cattle. Are they deemed acceptable?
I just cannot view this organisation with any credibility.
Coleen
Originally from: Pat Gardiner
Quite right. They have long lost touch with the reason for their existence. Too many big salaries at the top. Too keen on publicity.
They are junkies for TV. Show them the chance of a TV camera and they are off.
But they are very very vulnerable. They rely on wills for their income. Once the old lady next door gets the idea that they are not what they are cracked up to be, their income starts to contract. It contracts faster than they can cut costs.
The future of the RSPCA is in our hands. Every time I'm stopped for a donation, they get a lecture delivered at full volume...a crowd starts to gather and people start nodding their heads.
If you don't like what the RSPCA did during foot and mouth, just say so. Loudly, clearly, politely and often.
This exchange will be in front of the Chief Executive tomorrow.
We can bring them to heel. No problem. Those that live by publicity are vulnerable to bad publicity. They also know it.
Regards
Pat Gardiner
www.go-self-sufficient.com
Originally from: Farmtalking
I can sympathise with both Pat and Coleen's opinion of the R.S.P.C.A.
There is no doubt that much of the criticism levelled at the Society by many is justified.
However, they are the nationally recognized Animal Welfare Society and whatever we think of their policies there are many good men and women who work for them and do not forget that their aim is the 'PREVENTION' of cruelty to animals.
As is too often the case, large organizations can lose sight of their objectives and although our faith in them is diminished as a result, we should not lose sight of them too!
Many inspectors and unpaid volunteers throughout the country work tirelessly to prevent animals suffering hardship and actual cruelty and surely they deserve our congratulation if not support.
Drawing attention to new legislation and other matters of concern, Headquarters send their press releases to Farmtalking and I shall continue to publish them here if only to draw attention to them too!
Originally from: Hilary Peters
Good for you Pat.
I can offer you a bed, parking space, meal in Gloucestershire any time. I have just stopped travelling and started to suffer the regulations at first hand.
Do drop in.
All the best,
Hilary
Originally from: Pat Gardiner
Author wrote:
I can sympathise with both Pat and Coleen's opinion of the R.S.P.C.A.
snip<
I have no problem with that.
I believe in free speech even from the despised, publicity seeking, money grabbing and cowardly RSPCA, although I would be happier if the smartgroups page did not display an "advert" soliciting donations for them(it changes all the time you may not see it!)
Could someone complain to smartgroups? You can be judged by the company you keep and I would hate to think that any written contribution I make to this group might be taken to imply any respect or support for the RSPCA.
Anyway, the following was published today. I do not expect an invitation from either the RCVS or the RSPCA. I imagine that I will be talking about the "Freedom Foods" fund raising initiative (did I say scam?), the failure to prosecute obvious cruelty...the usual stuff.
Quote
The writer is increasing his efforts to force real reform of Britain's disastrous animal health services and will now begin travelling the UK and elsewhere seeking support and co-operation from others working in the field.
The loss of our livestock, the return of good health and a reorganisation at home mean that we can travel again after years spent "on duty."
Self-sufficiency is a barometer of true freedom. If officialdom stops citizens growing food and raising livestock to feed themselves, the officials responsible have to be named, shamed and fired.
Politicians, of all parties, have to be made to take proper democratic control and not allow unelected self regulated substandard "professionals" to harass the innocent in order to pander to unacceptable industrial scale commercial operations.
He will be happy to speak on this subject to organised groups or indeed will happily give talks restricted to the pleasanter and less controversial aspects of self-sufficiency.
No fee or expenses will be sought from any bona fide smallholder, agriculture, veterinary or gardening group.
Unquote
Dare I say Tally Ho! I will talk almost anywhere anytime.
They are not going to get away with what they did during CSF and FMD. It will dawn on them in the end. Already, some are now breaking ranks.
If I can help – email me. I'm actually quite house trained.
Originally from: Pat Gardiner
You are on Hilary! Mrs P will be in touch later.
We have been trying to deregister our former smallholding for the last six months...no commercial activity, no animals, no sales, but the control freaks at the State Veterinary Service just don't want to let us go.
Clearly like crawling about in our hedges looking for alleged infringements that carry a potential criminal charge.
Silly Billies! We now have absolutely no reason not to go after them hard.
Anyway, we will be travelling the country speaking up for those that are still vulnerable to harassment and frame-ups, collecting a few more deep throats (people will talk if you are known to be discrete) and generally forcing the pace of reform.
Some of the inside stories would turn your hair white. Most can't be told for fear of identifying the source.
Mrs P, now she has no straw in her hair, will be trying to put together a sensible itinerary.
My main concern is to get the senior people in the SVS replaced with someone half sensible, before we have another animal health disaster on our hands.
So, let's be having you!
Bookings now being taken.
Regards
Pat Gardiner
www.go-self-sufficient.com
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