Report on terrible treatment of Chinese circus monkeys by trainer in Daily Mail

Report on terrible treatment of Chinese circus monkeys by trainer in Daily Mail

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2857216/Cowering-fear-Heartbreaking-pictures-terrified-circus-monkey-lay-bare-China-s-problem-animal-cruelty.html#ixzz3OViOQiTR

Personal reply to distressed IFAW supporter who wrote in after reading the Daily Mail article:

Thank you for your letter regarding the poor performing monkeys in China. I too share your utter disgust and shock at their treatment.

In regards to your question about what IFAW can do; we believe a social change in attitude by the Chinese people towards animals is necessary to end such cruelty and that it is best generated through promotion of good animal welfare, education, and legislation from within the communities where the problems exist.

It is in that capacity that IFAW are working with the Chinese government to draft up and introduce their first ever animal welfare legislation, which is the only way we can ensure the humane treatment of animals for the long term. 

Through our office in Beijing and with the amazing response of our supporters, we are continuing to lobby and work with the government to ensure that the draft law stipulates welfare requirements for animals; outlines guidelines for disease prevention and medical care; and covers wildlife, farm animals, companion animals, lab animals and work animals.

We also actively support the many Chinese citizens who are trying to address issues surrounding animal welfare. We have a strong presence in the country and have helped establish schemes and projects aimed at educating the public about welfare, and ultimately changing attitudes towards both companion animals, wild animals and farm animals.

I hope this is helpful in understanding what we are doing in China, to find out more info on our great work go to our website at: http://www.ifaw.org/united-kingdom

Kind regards

Colin

Information officer 

When Green Lanes Said No To War

 

AN antiwar rally which took place on the same spot 100 years ago has been recreated by local actors to commemorate the outbreak of World War One.

About 150 people turned up for the performance outside The Salisbury pub in Harringay to witness a conscientious objector, a Suffragette and a vicar dressed in period clothes, deliver speeches to demand an end to hostilities.

 

The impassioned pleas were acted out by members of Haringey First World War Peace and were interspersed with antiwar anthems sung by a duo of professional musicians.

Peace Forum and Hornsey Historical Society member Jennifer Bell, said: “A great number of men refused to fight on grounds of conscience. They were in no way cowards, but strong men who felt they must act according to their beliefs no matter what the personal consequences, which included abuse, imprisonment, appalling conditions, ill-health and sometimes death.” 

Local resident, Jonathan Gibbs, said: “I really enjoyed the performances, especially the attention to detail; how often do you see someone dressed in early 20th century evening dress regaling us with period pop music! Also, the actors represented an interesting cross section of wartime British people, creating authentic voices with good characterisation.”

The venue was selected as it was on the same spot 100 years ago that the original meeting took place.