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Paws for Action protest in support of Clover Moore's Bill
A protest took place between midday and 2pm yesterday outside Parliament House Steps, in the hopes of getting Members of Parliament to support the introduction of Clover Moore’s Animals (Regulation of Sale) Bill.
The event was organised by Kelly Lachman and Derek Knox from Paws For Action, and approximately 60 people attended at the peak of the protest.
The protesters held signs calling to “Ban sale of pets in Pet Shops” and “Stop Backyard Breeders”. During the protest, organisers took down names for their petition.
In an invitation sent out prior to the protest, the organisers state: “During the past few months the Bill has gained widespread public support, with MPs receiving thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from their constituents asking them to vote 'yes'. “The key opposition to the bill comes from the Veterinary and Pet Industry associations, keen to continue profiting at the expense of the treatment of animals.
“Pet shops source animals from puppy farms or backyard breeders where animals are kept in appalling conditions. They then suffer in the hands of the pet shops who often mistreat, neglect or abuse them in an attempt to increase their profit margins.”
PIAA’s CEO, Joanne Sillince, and three directors attended the protest as observers.
The association has been fighting against the introduction of Bill since it was presented to Parliament late last year, and has been appealing to pet shop owners to join as members and commit to a Code of Practice so that animal welfare is kept at the forefront of the industry.
Those opposing the bill walked through the crowd of protesters and clarified the role of pet shops, shedding light on some misconceptions, and explaining that the protest effort should be directed towards sources other than supply.
Only 5-10% of dogs & cats are bought from pet shops and
if
the
Bill is passed it will punish those who are doing the right
thing
without solving the problem of high euthanasia rates in NSW. |
