Local politicians doing good work for animal welfare

Wednesday, 27th June 2012

Dear Editor

Well done to Cllr. Sean Reinhardt and Cllr. John Ahern for bring animal welfare issues to the political floor at Waterford City Council.

Their work in helping to ban live animals from circuses held within Waterford city is a step in the right direction towards creating a climate of respect toward animals.

It is only through political means that we can achieve a society where the rights and the welfare of the non-human members of our society are accepted, protected and defended.

Irish politicians both at local and national level have not exactly covered themselves in political glory when it comes to dealing with animal rights/welfare issues.

However the winds of change are blowing in political corridors.

Politicians are well aware of the general public's rejection of animal abuse in all its forms and as such it is a fertile vote harvesting ground. So losing the animal abusers vote won't cause them too much worry.

The only cloud on the good work of these local politicians was the quoted comments of Cllr. Ahern who said he was not against hunting. It is common currency that live hunting be it with dogs/weapons is a cruel and unnecessary activity and is carried out by those with a need to inflict recreational suffering and death. It is an activity that should be banned and removed from a humane society.

You cannot tolerate a certain level of animal abuse any more than you can tolerate a certain level of human abuse. Abuse is abuse and there is no acceptable limit. In a sense by objecting to some forms of animal abuse and not its entire evil entity one can dilute your argument. I am sure Cllr. Ryan is aware that there are humane non-kill methods of hunting and overtime one hopes he can see that the case for the retention of live animal hunting is built on a foundation of lies and ignorance.

The work of Cllrs. Reinhardt and Ahern on animal welfare issues is a beacon of light on a political landscape that needs politicians to act on issues that matter to people. Animals matter and those of us trying to give a voice to the voiceless are not going to let up our campaign to end animal abuse. For how we treat the non-human members of our society is a reflection on how we treat each other.

Yours etc,

John Tierney

Chairperson

Waterford

Animal Concern