Author: Kristin Stone

GUÁPILES, Costa Rica—Humane Society International/Latin America, the National Coordination of Animal Welfare of the Ministry of the Presidency and the National Police Academy of the Ministry of Public Security conducted a course on animal welfare for Costa Rican police students. It covered the basic aspects that every police officer should consider as part of a first response institution, for animals in cases of cruelty, in emergencies and for the correct handling of these in their daily work.

The objective is for students to gain the necessary knowledge in the Costa Rican legal framework regarding animal welfare. They learned to identify abuse and cruelty as well as to recognize the connection between social violence and violence towards animals. It also covered topics such as the identification of evidence for the recognition of animal fights and the proper handling of cases involving wildlife.

Give now to support our lifesaving work.

The 16-hour modules were taught by experts from SENASA, SINAC, HSI LA and ASCR in a pilot project on May 21st, 22nd, 23rd at the facilities of the National Police Academy located in Guápiles, Limón.

Amanda Chaves, manager of the Companion Animal program for HSI Latin America, said: “Through this course we intend to generate sensitivity and raise awareness of the basic needs of animals in all Costa Rican police students, who must take this course obligatorily to be able to graduate. In addition, as always we reiterate our commitment to continue fighting and working for animals together with the government of the Republic of Costa Rica and all institutions involved in the animal welfare of the country.

Additionally, for the fulfillment of these objectives, HSI Latin America donated to the National Police School a basic animal welfare kit with instruments and tools to make a correct handling of the animals – kennels, gloves, belts, and cages, among others.

Media Contact: In Costa Rica: Amanda Chaves Alvarado, achaves@hsi.org, 506 2233 0303 / 506 7018 4621 .

WARNING: CONTAINS GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF THE KILLING OF DOGS

LONDON—Some of the biggest names in acting, music and sports from around the world have come together to sign a letter urging President Joko Widodo of Indonesia to end the brutal slaughter of millions of dogs and cats for the meat trade. More than 90 celebrities, including Keely & Pierce Brosnan, Cameron Diaz, Ellen DeGeneres, Simon Cowell, Kate Beckinsale, Elizabeth Hurley, Ricky Gervais, Moby, Leona Lewis, Courtney Cox, Alfie Boe, Lucy Lawless, Brian May, and Tyrese Gibson, are supporting the Dog Meat-Free Indonesia coalition after its investigation exposed horrific treatment of dogs and cats being bludgeoned and blow-torched to death in Indonesia’s gruesome markets. The DMFI coalition comprises Animal Friends Jogja, Change for Animals Foundation, Humane Society International, Jakarta Animal Aid Network and FOUR PAWS.

Beyond the cruelty and brutality, the trade poses a serious threat to the health and safety of Indonesian citizens, due to the spread of rabies and the violence that has sprung up around gangs that forcibly take the dogs from their owners to sell them into the trade.

In writing to President Widodo, the celebrities point to the damage the trade is doing to Indonesia’s international reputation as a popular tourist destination, and urge him to take action to join the growing number of countries across Asia that have banned the trade in and consumption of dog and cat meat.

As well as participation from global celebrities, the campaign has also garnered support from some of Indonesia’s biggest stars, including singers Anggun Cipta Sasmi, Gamaliel Tapiheru, Cakra Khan, Nina Tamam, Melanie Subono, and actors Sophia Latjuba, Sarah Sechan and Dimas Beck.

The letter to President Widodo reads: “We were horrified by the findings of nationwide investigations by the Dog Meat-Free Indonesia coalition, documenting the horrific reality of the trade: more than one million dogs and cats are transported throughout Indonesia to supply markets, slaughterhouses and restaurants. These animals, many of them stolen pets, are subjected to crude and brutal methods of capture, transport and slaughter, and the immense suffering and fear they must endure is heartbreaking and absolutely shocking.

The footage from markets in North Sulawesi is deplorable, and clearly documents the routine use of brutal handling and killing, including repeatedly bludgeoning animals over the head, killing animals in front of their terrified cage-mates, and blowtorching dogs whilst they are still alive. We are sure you will agree that the level of brutality towards these dogs and cats is shocking and demands your urgent attention.”

The footage that moved celebrities to join the campaign was filmed by the DMFI coalition during nationwide investigations, including earlier this year at two of North Sulawesi’s estimated 200 traditional animal markets. It documents the slaughter of dogs and cats for human consumption where, in full view of their terrified cage-mates, dogs and cats are seen yanked by the neck with a noose-stick, and repeatedly bludgeoned over the head. Some dogs are then filmed being blow-torched whilst clearly still alive, a process done to remove the hair before butchering.

Humane Society International President Kitty Block says: “The brutality of Indonesia’s dog and cat meat trade is utterly deplorable and it needs to stop, now. We are so grateful to these global and Indonesian superstars who have come together to support Dog Meat-Free Indonesia’s efforts to end this cruel and dangerous industry, and we respectfully urge President Widodo to work with us on a solution that protects not only Indonesia’s dogs and cats but also the health of its people.”

Lola Webber, Director of Change For Animals Foundation explains: “This year, 2018, marks the Year of the Dog, and we stand united in our call on the central and provincial governments of Indonesia to take action against the dog meat trade to show the world that animal cruelty will not be tolerated, and to safeguard both animal and human health and safety.”

With rabies endemic in 26 of the nation’s 34 provinces, not only is the dog meat trade unimaginably cruel, the dog meat trade poses a very real and grave health risk to all sectors of society. The trade sees millions of dogs caught and killed every year, but it only takes one infected dog to cause an outbreak, with devastating consequences for both animals and people. The World Health Organization has explicitly highlighted the trade in dogs for human consumption as a contributing factor to the spread of rabies in Indonesia.

Actor Goran Visnjic, one of the celebrity signatories, reflected on his beloved canine companions when supporting the Dog Meat-Free Indonesia campaign. He said: “Dogs are our companions, they are our family – we share our lives with them. These are thinking, feeling beings with a will to live. They deserve better than waiting to be slaughtered and eaten. We are asking President Widodo to do the right thing for these animals and make Indonesia dog meat-free.”

Karin Franken, Director of Jakarta Animal Aid Network says: “Most people in Indonesia don’t eat dog and cat meat; in fact, many Indonesians are highly critical of the trade because of the growing concerns for animal welfare, high incidence of dog theft and the fear created by the gangs who steal dogs from the streets and people’s homes.”

Bobby Fernando of Animal Friends Jogja says: “People are shocked by the brutality routinely used by those involved in the dog and cat meat trade. We need the world to join us in calling for an end to Indonesia’s dog and cat meat trade.”

Download broadcast-quality video footage and photos.

Download the celebrity letter.

Read a blog entry on this issue by HSI President Kitty Block.

The full alphabetical list of celebrity signers are: Global – Alfie Boe, Alicia Silverstone, Andrea Parker, Bellamy Young, Ben Stein, Brian May, Bryan Greenberg, Cameron Diaz, Chan Luu, Chelsea Handler, Claire Holt, Courtney Cox, Danielle Panabaker, David Boreanaz, David Duchovny, Denise Richards, Dwight Yorke, Elizabeth Hurley, Ellen DeGeneres, Emile Heskey, Erin Foster, Frank Leboeuf, Gabby Reece, Geoff Stults, Gianfranco Zola, Goran Visnjic, Helen Hunt, Holly Marie Combs, Jack Huston, Jai Courteney, Jane Fallon, Dame Jane Goodall, Jedediah Bila, Jennifer Morrison, Joanna Lumley, Joaquin Phoenix, Joely Fisher, Josh Peck, Dame Judi Dench, Kate Beckinsale, Katheryn Winnick, Katie Cleary, Keely & Pierce Brosnan, Kristin Bauer, Laird Hamilton, Leona Lewis, Lucy Lawless, Melissa Benoist, Michael Essien, Minka Kelly, Moby, Myles Kennedy, Natalie Dormer, Owen Wilson, Parker Young, Paul O’Grady, Peter Berg, Peter Egan, Rainn Wilson, Rick Wakeman, Ricky Gervais, Scott Eastwood, Shay Mitchell, Shepard Fairey, Simon Cowell, Tea Leoni, Thomas Sadoski, Tyrese Gibson, Uzo Aduba, Wendi McLendon Covey, Wendie Malick, Whitney Cummings, Wilmer Valderrama.

Indonesia: Ade Rai, Afgan, Anggun Cipta Sasmi, Ariel ‘Noah’, Cakra Khan, Dimas Beck, Gamaliel Tapiheru, Melanie Subono, Nina Tamam, Raphael Maitimo, Rossa, Sarah Sechan, Sophia Latjuba, Steve Lillywhite CBE.

ENDS

Media Contacts: United Kingdom: Humane Society International, Director International Media: Wendy Higgins (London, UK): whiggins@hsi.org

Indonesia/ Asia: Change For Animals Foundation Co-Founder & Programmes Director /Dog Meat-Free Indonesia Coalition Coordinator: Lola Webber (Bali, Indonesia) – Lolawebber@changeforanaimls.org; Tel. +62 813 3740 8768

MEDIA DOWNLOADS/WATCH THE VIDEO

India—Humane Society International/India and partner Action for Protection of Wild Animals, have released more than 5,000 olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings (and counting) this nesting season to the Bay of Bengal. The release is part of a conservation program aimed at recruiting local fishing communities in the area to create local leaders in conservation to help protect the vulnerable marine reptiles. The turtle conservation project is in its seventh year, the last two of which have been sponsored by Cox & Kings, a travel and tourism company, as a part of their social responsibility efforts.

Listed as a ‘vulnerable’ species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the turtles are recovering from a sharp decline in numbers a decade ago. Every year the state of Odisha on the eastern coast of India plays host to the largest gathering of olive ridleys in the world as the turtles come ashore for a mass nesting event known as ‘arribada’, derived from the Spanish word for arrival. For up to six months every year, fishing is suspended by law to prevent turtles becoming entangled and drowned in nets, a conservation necessity that risks fueling resentment from locals whose livelihoods are badly affected.

Donate to support our life-saving work.

Fishing entanglement is not the only threat to these turtles. The rapid pace of development in the state means that the shore of the Bay of Bengal includes several ports, shipbuilding yards and a petro-chemical manufacturing hub, which in turn have led to beach erosion and disturbance, driving some turtles to nest closer to the villages where they are vulnerable to predation. Their eggs are also at risk of depredation from both people and dogs for food while the tiny hatchlings running the gauntlet to the sea can also fall prey to feral dogs and pigs.

The turtles need all the help they can get, but ultimately their future depends on the local people embracing and adopting ownership of their conservation. To achieve that, HSI/India and APOWA work together on sustained direct intervention to train local people in safely relocating vulnerable turtle eggs and releasing hatchlings to the sea. It’s a model for change that gives the turtles a fighting chance while providing livelihoods at the same time. Since 2014, the program has artificially incubated and released more than 150,000 olive ridley hatchlings.

Sumanth Madhav, wildlife campaign manager for the animal welfare charity Humane Society International /India, said, “Our aim is to reduce the animosity of the local fishing community towards these turtles, and help them to realize that if they want healthy fish stocks, they should protect turtles as the fisherman’s friend. Since the beginning, our emphasis has been on creating a model where the onus is on the local people to save these beautiful creatures. They need to feel invested in protecting them otherwise the turtles will have no future here. We organize community beach clean ups to remove marine debris, and daily beach patrols during nesting season to deter predators and promote in-situ conservation. And every year in January we train local volunteers in how to relocate vulnerable turtle nests so that the eggs can hatch safely in the artificial hatcheries that we’ve built. After about 45 days, the eggs hatch and then the next phase of hands-on conservation comes into play when our volunteers work by moonlight to help the tiny hatchlings make it safely to the sea.”

“There is immense effort that has gone into moving the needle when it comes to saving the olive ridley turtles. We are now in such a critical phase where we are creating this model to benefit these local communities, so that they carry on the efforts sincerely, “ he added.

Media Contact: Neelam Naseeb| nnaseeb@hsi.org | 9205104695

HSI witnessed the abusive treatment of several horses firsthand and proceeded to document the injuries and the excessive workloads placed on the animals, infringing upon the Animal Protection and Welfare Law. HSI filed a cruelty complaint in Comayagua on April 20th. On April 27, the judge who heard the case issued a resolution imposing a fine of three minimum wages, plus the order to provide veterinary treatment to the horses and not subject them to work until they recover from their injuries. Among the evidence considered by the judge was a veterinary opinion by the Asociación Equina de Honduras.

Karla Duarte, director of HSI in Honduras, said: “I am extremely satisfied with the resolution issued in this case, and we will be monitoring the recovery of these animals very closely. Sadly, the cruel treatment of animals is still very common in Honduras; the guilty verdict and high sanction imposed set an important precedent for future cases against animal cruelty in the country.”

The Law on Animal Welfare and Protection of Honduras came into force on October 6, 2016. HSI in Honduras has been involved in providing training to law enforcement officials across the country about the animal welfare law and has provided donations of equipment and materials to support law enforcement efforts.

Humane Society International is one of the largest animal protection organizations worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, HSI has offices around the world, on almost every continent and in more than 35 countries, including Costa Rica. The organization works to reduce the suffering of all types of animals, from laboratory animals, farm animals, pets, to wildlife, in order to create a more sustainable and humanitarian world.

Media Contacts: In Honduras: Karla Duarte, kduarte@hsi.org, +504 9555-0050

IZAMAL, YUCATÁN, Mexico—The San Bartolo Festival in Izamal took place without cruelty to animals once again this year. It has been three years since Kots Kaal Pato, an event at which participants broke piñatas filled with live animals and slit the throats of ducks. These activities areno longer part of the festivities, thanks to the efforts of local authorities, working in cooperation with Humane Society International (HSI).

In 2016, HSI, together with authorities from the Catholic Church and local animal protection organizations, entered into an agreement with the mayor of Izamal, Warnel May Escobar, to hold these festivities without inflicting pain on animals.

This year, tribute was paid to San Bartolo once again with cruelty–free activities like traditional sports, games and competitions, with the winners taking home a small prize.

According to Felipe Márquez, manager of the HSI/Mexico program against animal cruelty, “We are extremely gratified that the people of Izamal have once again responded positively. This is the third year the event has been cruelty-free, which is a testament to the compassion of the community and shows that the work we have been doing to raise public awareness yields positive results. Festivals can be held without abuse.”

Local authorities and representatives of animal protection organization AFAD were also present at the event.

Media Contact: Magaly Garibay (+52 55) 5211 8731 ext. 104, mgaribay@idee.agency

BRASÍLIA—Senator Gleisi Hoffmann’s report on Federal Bill 70/2014 on cosmetic tests on animals published this week – the World Lab Animal Week – strongly supports a complete ban on testing cosmetic products and ingredients on animals, as well as the sales of cosmetics tested on animals. It proposes several amendments to Bill 70/2014, providing:

• An immediate ban on testing finished cosmetic products on animals;
• A prohibition on testing cosmetic ingredients within a three-years deadline;
• A prohibition on using data obtained from animal tests to authorize new cosmetics into the Brazilian market, even if these tests have been conducted abroad or for other purposes (except for “historical” tests conducted before the entry into force of the law).

If adopted by the Senate, the proposed changes would close major loopholes in the original version of the bill. The report is aligned with the amendments proposed by Senator Randolfe Rodrigues in Report (SF) 1/2017 adopted by the Commission of Science and Technology last year.

Join us: Take the pledge to #BeCrueltyFree.

The Collegial Directorate of the National Health Surveillance Agency has recently issued a positive assessment on these amendments, officially taking side for the first time in favour of a complete end to these tests. Senator Gleisi Hoffmann (PT-PR) declared: “It is unacceptable, in the middle of the 21st century, to cause pain and suffering to animals to produce cosmetics. We have examples of many companies, national and international, that demonstrate that it is possible to produce innovative cosmetics without testing on animals. I am in favor of a complete ban on these tests, because it’s more than time to eliminate this kind of cruelty from our society.”

Antoniana Ottoni, Humane Society International’s legislative officer, said: “The amendments to Bill 70/2014 proposed by Senator Hoffmann are essential to bring a complete end to cosmetic tests on animals, this is what the public is calling for. ANVISA’s approval to this policy makes clear that this compassionate legislation will not negatively impact consumer protection, as cosmetics can be tested with more efficient non-animal testing methods. HSI will now concentrate its efforts to obtain a swift and positive vote on the report in the Senate.”

Senator Gleisi Hoffmann’s report is available here.

Six Brazilian states have now banned the tests of cosmetic products and ingredients on animals: Paraná, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Mato Grosso do Sul, Pará and Amazonas, representing about 60 percent of all cosmetics companies established in Brazil.

Globally, cosmetic tests on animals have been banned in 37 countries, including the whole of the European Union, Israel, India, Norway, Switzerland, Taiwan, New Zealand and Guatemala. Similar legislation is being debated in the United States, Canada, Australia, Chile, South Africa and elsewhere. Take action and donate to help.

Media contact: Helder Constantino: +55 21 98342 4163, hconstantino@hsi.org

Mexico City/Brussels—Humane Society International has cautiously welcomed the conclusion of negotiations for the modernisation of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union (EU) and Mexico. A summary of the ‘agreement in principle’ has been released, but still requires additional fine-tuning, legal scrubbing and ratification by both parties.

The modernised agreement will include a trade and sustainable development (TSD) chapter with environmental provisions, including cooperation on issues ranging from tackling wildlife trafficking, Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and overfishing. Furthermore, the agreement will also seek to strengthen cooperation between parties with respect to farm animal welfare.

Anton Aguilar, executive director for Humane Society International/Mexico, said:

“We are delighted that this trade agreement will include commitments to sustainable development, particularly with regard to illegal wildlife trade. HSI has been pushing hard—from both sides of the Atlantic—for the negotiators to ensure the inclusion of strong provisions for the protection of animals in this trade deal. It is vital that both Mexico and the EU commit to working together to properly implement and enforce multilateral environmental agreements, such as CITES, and cooperate to combat wildlife trafficking. CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Mexico is a notorious hub for the export of illegal wildlife products, which are often shipped from other parts of Latin America and are destined primarily to the U.S., but also to the EU, which (alongside the U.S. and China) is the one of the top three destinations for illegal wildlife in the world.”

Joanna Swabe, HSI/Europe’s senior director for public affairs, added:

“While it is heartening to see both the EU and Mexico pursing a values-based trade agenda and making robust environmental commitments, particularly with regard to the protection of wildlife and biodiversity, the devil will, as ever, be in the details. It remains to be seen just how strong the provisions in the final text will actually be and how they will eventually be implemented. In this regard, HSI hopes to participate in the Domestic Advisory Groups that will be established in both the EU and Mexico to help civil society participate in and oversee this aspect of the agreement. Aside from the TSD chapter, it is great news that the modernised EU-Mexico Free Trade Agreement will now include provisions on animal welfare. The question is whether these will go beyond improving the implementation of the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) standards? Again, it is a case of waiting and watching for the text of the final agreement.”

The agreement reached between the EU and Mexico is part of a broader, modernised EU-Mexico Global Agreement. Practically all trade in goods between the EU and Mexico will now be duty-free, including in the agricultural sector. Since the previous EU-Mexico trade agreement came into force in 2000, trade between the EU and Mexico has risen at a rate of around 8 percent per year, resulting in an overall increase of 148 percent in trade in goods over the period. Despite these positive results, there was still a wide margin for improving the trade relationship. HSI, through its offices in Mexico and Brussels, worked with trade officials to advocate for animal protection language to be included in the agreement. While we expect the final text to be a significant step forward as compared to the previous version of the agreement, it remains to be seen if it will have a comparable level of ambition with other international treaties like the Trans Pacific Partnership, to which Mexico is a signatory.

Facts

According to the summary of the ‘agreement in principle’, some of the highlights of the agreement are:

Trade and Sustainable Development

• The TSD Chapter includes provisions on the fight against climate change and the transition to a sustainable low-carbon economy, referencing the Paris Agreement. It also identifies potential areas where trade and climate change agendas can reinforce each other such as: the conservation and sustainable management of the biological resources, forests and fisheries, the promotion of trade in legally harvested and sustainable products or promotion of low-carbon technologies and energy efficiency.
• Key relevant international instruments include the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, the Convention on Biological Diversity and fisheries instruments at global and regional level.
• Disagreements or controversies on any matters arising under the TSD chapter are solved by using the governmental bodies (Trade and Sustainable Development or the Trade Committees), government-to-government consultations and a mechanism for impartial assessment of serious issues through an independent Panel of Experts and the publication of a public report with recommendations. The report can serve as a catalyst for further dialogue between the Parties and for civil society to take up through their dialogue with the Parties.

Animal Welfare (AW) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• The Modernization of the agreement has led to a fully-fledged Chapter on AW/AMR, providing many specific commitments for enhanced cooperation. For AW, both sides agree to improve the implementation of the OIE standards. This is in line with EU policies of supporting the development and improved implementation of OIE AW standards.

Media contact: Magaly Garibay, mgaribay@idee.agency +52 55 38762199

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica—Humane Society International/Latin America in conjunction with the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), the National Coordination of Animal Welfare of the Ministry of the Presidency, the Program Tejiendo Desarrollo of The First Lady of the Republic of Costa Rica, the Institute of Municipal Development and Assistance and World Animal Protection successfully concluded the Local Government Animal Welfare Program of companion animals whose main objective is to integrate the municipalities to the development of animal welfare projects that can be implemented in their communities.

Seven municipalities were voluntarily enrolled in the six workshops, including the Municipality of Montes de Oca, Tibas, Heredia, Moravia, Santa Ana, Alajuelita and Desamparados. This Plan consisted of two introductory workshops and four thematic workshops that took place from October 2017 to April 2018. For this last workshop, the President of the Republic, Luis Guillermo Solís Rivera, was present.

During the planning, implementation and execution of each of the projects, the Municipalities received full support from the institutions and NGO partners in the program on issues such as: responsible ownership, dog and cat population management, training in prevention of animal fights, regulation of permits and patents for sale and breeding of dogs and cats, receiving complaints, among others. After each thematic workshop, the local governments will have a period of time to design and plan the execution of each project according to the needs of their city.

Amanda Chaves, Manager of the Companion Animal Program of HSI/Latin America, said: “We reiterate our commitment to continue fighting and working for animals together with the Government of the Republic of Costa Rica and all institutions involved in animal welfare. We are aware of the priority that this Government has given to animals and their welfare, so we continue to promote changes that can help achieve a culture of peace with our animals. It is very encouraging to see the positive response of the participating Municipalities in this Program, this shows once again that awareness of the importance of animal welfare continues to grow in the country and Costa Rican citizens can be sure that HSI Latin America is working hard to ensure more humane treatment for animals in the country. “

Humane Society International is one of the largest animal protection organizations worldwide. Headquartered in the United States, HSI has offices around the world, on almost every continent and in more than 35 countries, including Costa Rica. The organization works to reduce the suffering of all types of animals, from laboratory animals, farm animals, pets, to wildlife, in order to create a more sustainable and humanitarian world.

Media Contact: in Costa Rica: Amanda Chaves Alvarado, achaves@hsi.org, 506 2233 0303 / 506 7018 4621

SANTIAGO—Polling by Cadem consultancy showed that the vast majority of Chileans surveyed (78 percent) oppose animal testing for cosmetics, while 86 percent believe the country should follow the example set by 37 other nations that have enacted laws banning this practice. The poll, commissioned by Humane Society International and ONG Te Protejo, strongly bolsters the organizations’ #BeCrueltyFree campaign to modify Chile’s Health Code to prohibit cosmetic animal testing and trade nation-wide.

“It is heartening to see that the people of Chile share our belief that animal testing for cosmetic products and ingredients is cruel, archaic and should be outlawed,” said Camila Cortínez, NGO Te Protejo General Director. “Our findings should serve as a wake-up call to our government and beauty industry that it’s time for Chile to #BeCrueltyFree.”

Join us: Take the pledge to #BeCrueltyFree

Since the European Union became the world’s first and largest cruelty-free marketplace in 2013, a wave of similar laws have been enacted across the globe, including Israel, India and New Zealand, with others in development in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and here in Chile. Bill No 10514-11, introduced in 2016 by the bipartisan group PARDA (Parlamentarios por la dignidad animal en Chile) and currently …, would modify the Health Code to prohibit the use of animals in toxicity testing of cosmetic products or their individual ingredients in Chile, as well as the sale of cosmetics that been tested on animals abroad after the law change takes effect.

TV host and singer Jennifer Boldt recently joined #BeCrueltyFree Chile campaigners to encourage citizens to show their support by signing our petition in person at public events and online at www.becrueltyfreechile.org.

Key results of the Cadem public opinion survey:

• Nearly 7 out of 10 people know that the ingredients used in the manufacture of products in the cosmetics industry are previously tested on animals before going on sale.
• In this context, a 78 percent majority disagrees with the performance of tests on animals in the cosmetic industry vs 19 percent that agree.
• In this same line, 86 percent believe that Chile, like other countries, should join the regulation in this area, while only 12 percent affirm the contrary.

The Chilean cosmetic market is growing at a compound annual rate of 8 percent, with annual sales of US$2.8 billion. However, Chilean law does not currently regulate animal testing for cosmetics.

Media contact: Nicole Valdebenito, +56 9 8937 6741, nicole@teprotejo.cl

Seoul—Animal protection groups in South Korea have come together to support an historic bill by President Moon Jae-in to revise the country’s constitution including recognition of animal protection for the first time. Eight animal groups, including Humane Society International/Korea, have formed the Korea Animal Rights Coalition for Constitution Reform. The president’s bill announced on March 20 is the first time in history, since the very establishment of the Republic of Korea, that a president has shown a determination for the nation to protect animals.

President Moon Jae-in’s proposal for a revised Constitution stipulates in Article 38 (3) that “the nation must implement a policy for the protection of animals” thereby declaring that animal protection is the responsibility of the nation. The amendments must be agreed by the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority and then voted on in a public referendum scheduled for 13 June. If the amendment passes, it will make it possible for animal advocates to pursue fundamental reform in the way that animals are treated under the law in South Korea. Despite the existence of the Animal Protection Act, animals in South Korea are still treated terribly and not provided the protections they should be given.

The Korean coalition is urging the National Assembly to engage in proactive discussions about amending the constitution. Despite agreeing for the past 30 years with the need for changes to the constitution, the National Assembly has neglected to take action.

Public support is strong in South Korea for amending the constitution. An opinion poll conducted by research organization RealMeter on 23 March found that 64.3 percent of people agree with the president’s amendment bill. A national petition supporting the bill has gathered more than 200,000 signatures. Despite this powerful public mandate, advocates are concerned that politicians from both the ruling and opposition parties may squander the opportunity to reflect the hopes of the public, and engage in political point scoring instead.

The process is further complicated by the fact that the National Assembly must revise the Referendum Act in sufficient time for a referendum to be held during June’s regional elections. The Constitutional Court of Korea ruled that the Referendum Act is incompatible with the Constitution and so without this necessary revision, the entire process could stall.

Borami Seo for Humane Society International/Korea says: “As a proud member of the Korean Coalition, we believe that the president’s bill which stipulates our nation’s responsibility to protect animals, is the best solution for amending South Korea’s constitution. As President Moon Jae-in himself stated, the constitution is the face of the nation, meaning it belongs to the people. And as such, the time is right for the constitution to reflect our nation’s growing concern for animal welfare. For too long, animals in South Korea have been left to suffer with very little legal protection.”

Seo notes that the public’s concern for animals has already led to the birth of animal advocacy in South Korea, with some meaningful but limited advances.

Seo continues, “But as long as Korean laws and institutions aren’t required to include protections for animals, the animals suffering in our laboratories, pet shops, meat farms, and fur industry will continue to suffer, and it will be impossible for our country to develop world-class animal protection policies fit for the twenty-first century.

If the president’s bill passes, animal protection will be formally stipulated in the constitution, meaning that the government must draft relevant policies to protect animals, thereby paving a new path for animal rights.

The Members of the Korea Animal Rights Coalition for Constitution Reform are: Animal Welfare Awareness Research and Education, Change2020, Hot Pink Dolphins, Humane Society International, Korea Animal Rights Advocates, Korean Organization for the Protection of Cats, Lawyers for Animal Rights and People for Non-Human Rights.

ENDS

Media contacts: South Korea – Borami Seo, bseo@hsi.org; United Kingdom – Wendy Higgins, whiggins@hsi.org