RSPCA seeks animal welfare summit debate
April 18th, 2008 Posted in Pets GuideWelfare rights of animals raised for commercial slaughter should be firmly on the agenda of this weekend’s 2020 summit, the RSPCA says.
Consumers are becoming increasingly intolerant of cruel and intensive farming practices - such as sow stalls and battery cages - as well as the live export of animals for slaughter, RSPCA Australia chief executive Heather Neil says.
Animal welfare, including its commercial benefits, must be a key consideration when delegates gather to discuss the future directions for rural industries at the summit.
“Around 25 per cent of eggs retailed in Australia are barn-laid or free-range and this is growing every year,” Ms Neil said in a statement.
“In the UK, major retailers recognise consumer concerns and now 59 per cent of eggs sold are free range, barn laid or organic.
“This is a worldwide trend that is only going to grow and Australian farmers should adjust their production systems to take advantage of these changes in consumer and corporate social responsibility.”
The RSPCA wants debate at the summit to turn to action and a commitment to ban battery farming all together.
In its summit submission the RSPCA also calls for the Rudd government’s new social inclusion agenda to promote a culture of integrating rather than separating animals from daily life.
“All available evidence shows that the presence of animals in people’s lives has a positive influence on their social, emotional and physical wellbeing but few people are aware of the economic benefits,” Ms Neil said.
“One study found that, over one year, Australian ownership of cats and dogs saved more than $2.2 billion in health expenditure. Despite this, companion animals are often excluded from so many facets of our daily lives.
“The Rudd government must work with states and territories to invest in and facilitate initiatives to promote pet ownership and pets as therapy for the most needy and vulnerable in our society.”
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