Many of you, our regular readers, are aware that we have, since our foundation, tirelessly campaigned for the introduction of up-to-date animal welfare legislation. Ireland's almost obscenely outdated 1911 Protection of Animals Act was never designed to cope with what we have to deal with in 2009. Even though there are some signs that the frontal assault by many welfare groups is finally wearing our government down, we have seen nothing concrete as yet, and the opposing farming and business lobbies are stronger and better financed than we are.

In many cases, far reaching legislation has been introduced because of pressure by the EU. Well, here is another chance. Please write to or email your MEP (European Member of Parliament) and ask them to vote in favour of the declaration by Alain Hutchinson, David Hammerstein and Neil Parish on the welfare of pets and stray animals.  PLEASE NOTE THAT IRELAND HAS NEVER RATIFIED THE 1987 European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals. Shame on us! And this partially explains the state we now find ourselves in. For those of you who want to read the 1987 convention text, you will find it here.
 
PLEASE ACT NOW ... or forever hold your peace. Do not think that 'somebody else' will or should do this. If YOU care about animals and their wellbeing, make YOUR voice heard; or lose your right to complain. Five minutes of your time can save countless lives. You'll find more details on our website. The European Parliament will decide about animal welfare in Europe in May 2009. Next week, next month, whenever, is not good enough. Please do this TODAY.

Thank you.
Albert A Kleyn, ACS Chairman