A written declaration for Hounds all over Europe

Publié 26 Novembre 2012 par Collectif Européen pour la Protection des Lévriers

We have been quite busy this summer. Twice we have met with mrs. Michele Striffler, Member of the European Parliament and vice-president of the Eurogroup on the Welfare of Animals.

Last July, via their attachés, we presented Mrs.Striffler and Mrs Durant the two questions that we still see as an option after the questions posed by Mrs. Durant in 2010, on request of Galgos Ethique Europe, and the question posed in October 2011 by Mrs. Kartika Liotard, on request of Greyhounds Rescue Holland. The last request was supported by a number of European organisations. A complaint on behalf of citizens is premature, given the subsidiarity principle with regards to domestic animals, especially dogs and cats, and the obstacles found in the Spain on this matter. We therefore decided to initiate a collective of European organisations to have a more global approach and taking into account all the hounds in Europe, and thus approach this situation on a European level instead of only on a Spanish level.

Mrs. Striffler has declared to be willing to engage herself through a Written Declaration. We have informed her about our views with the documents that were published today as well as given this matter support by the petition that was sent to the European Parliament today.

The European Collectif for the Protection of Hounds launched the petition to request the status of companion animals for hound in Europe. This first direction has been accepted by Mrs. Striffler. Also, following the proposal of Greyhounds Rescue Holland, we have proposed the option of a Written Declaration requesting specific legislation for hounds in Europe, At this moment we await the reply from mrs Striffler as to which option she sees as most viable. We sincerely hope that Mrs. Durant will consider to co-sign such a Written Declaration.

We know that there is only one way forward. An EU in which the respect of animals as sentient beings are respected. This is a long and slow process that requires patience and perseverance, with the only goal a binding European animal welfare law. This would especially benefit the hounds, one of the most maltreated but neglected animals in Europe.

The petition received more than 20.000 signatures within one month, even with AVAAZ being down due to hurricane Sandy. The petition has been presented to the European Union. We will soon know if it will be officially admitted. Out of her own accord, Mrs Striffler offered to support this petition by a letter of support should a registration number be allocated. We once again thank her sincerely for all her efforts in the cause of the galgos and other hounds in Europe, next to the European Collectif for the Protection of Hounds. We invite all of you to thank her for all her efforts, not only in this matter, but also in many humanitarian areas.You can do this on her Facebook site.

https://www.facebook.com/michele.striffler

http://www.michele-striffler.fr/

A warm thank you to all,

On behalf of the Collectif,

Letty Ubbink and Joëlle Oldenbourg