While the Australian community’s commitment to animal welfare continues to grow sadly their views on the issue aren’t being reflected by those governing the nation.
For the first time in nearly thirty years there no formal process for animal welfare NGOs to provide advice to the Australian Government exists, no committees or roundtable processes, nor is there a dedicated branch in the Department of Agriculture that leads national animal welfare initiatives. Animal welfare has sunk into relative obscurity in the committee system that sits under the Council of Australian Governments.
“We know the Australian public care about animal welfare; it’s time for the Government to start making decisions that reflect community sentiment and expectations,” said Ms Heather Neil, CEO RSPCA Australia.
“Today national and international leaders from a variety of areas will converge on Canberra to highlight why animal welfare matters to them and their industries at the annual RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar,” said Ms Neil.
Presentations will include:
• Why animal welfare matters in veterinary education - Professor Paul McGreevy, University of Sydney
• Hard choices, culling feral camels or inhumane death for all - Jan Ferguson – Former Managing Director, Ninti One
• Do New Zealanders really care about animal welfare? - John Hellstrom ONZM – Chair, National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee
• Why animal welfare matters - Terry Nolan – Chair, Australian Meat Industry Council
• Animal welfare – is it just a “nice” to do? A retailers perspective - Jackie Healing – General Manager: Coles Brand and Quality
• Protecting paws with open alms - Prue Gillies AM – Educator and philanthropist
• Why animal welfare matters to me - Andrew Wilkie MP – Independent Member for Denison
See here for more information on the seminar, speakers and presentations.
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