WITH a reach of hundreds of thousands, the masses are uniting around the world on September 13 – Stop Live Transport: International Day of Awareness – to call for an end to the long-distance transportation of animals.
Events will take place across the globe and the campaign boasts ever-growing numbers, with over 100 actions by organisations, groups and individuals taking place in over 30 countries to raise awareness of this cruel trade.
The Scottish group of leading farm animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming, Compassion in Edinburgh, are holding a rally outside the Scottish Parliament from 11am to 3pm. Compassion’s director of campaigns, Emma Slawinski, will be speaking about the horrors of live transport and people will have the opportunity to sign petitions to share their support for this campaign. Compassion warmly welcomes anybody interested in supporting this event to join them on the day.
Many high-profile individuals have spoken up about the need to end this horrendous trade such as Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch, Born Free Foundation founder and wildlife campaigner Virginia McKenna OBE and Coronation Street’s resident bad girl Kate Ford.
Business tycoon and Dragon’s Den favourite Deborah Meaden, who also supports this campaign, said: “The long-distance transportation of animals to slaughter is completely inhumane and unnecessary. Britain prides itself as a nation of animal lovers yet we allow this horrific practice to continue. Animals must not be treated in such a sub-standard manner, viewed solely as commodities for profit.
“A better business model to explore would be to replace live transport with a trade in meat carcasses. This also avoids the outrageous animal welfare implications that come from sending animals on often excruciatingly long journeys without the necessary care in place – causing unthinkable suffering. To end live transport globally makes sense from every angle.”
Around the world millions of animals are transported long distances in cramped conditions every year, causing horrific levels of suffering as they often have no adequate access to rest, food or water. Many will die before the end of the journey, or face cruel slaughter methods at their destination. Compassion in World Farming is calling for this outdated and unnecessary trade of live animals to be replaced with a trade in meat.
Philip Lymbery, Compassion in World Farming’s CEO, said: “It is so fantastic to see such widespread support to Stop Live Transport. This International Day of Awareness is truly that – international. This shocking trade is outdated and has no place in today’s world. United we can force change.”
Telsha Arora
Compassion in World Farming
IN the first week of the new parliamentary session, both at Holyrood and Westminster, it was interesting that the Westminster government’s welfare policies affecting millions should come under scrutiny with immediate effect.
The Scottish Parliament held a debate supporting a call by Citizens Advice Scotland to stop the accelerated roll-out of Universal Credit across Scotland, a policy which is harming so many vulnerable in society. This call secured cross-party support, with the exception of the Conservatives, whose Scottish spokesman on social security, Adam Tomkins MSP, was absent from the chamber. Surely a case of action speaks louder than words – unable to come to the debating chamber and defend his party’s record on Universal Credit.
Catriona C Clark
Falkirk
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel