Animals are living creatures, not gadgets, toys or accessories and no products or means to entertain people. Animals deserve proper protection. This starts with the recognition of their rights and respect for their own nature and needs. It defines the limits of the purposes for which animals may be used.
We want to move away from the automatic assumption that animals can be used for just any purpose. Entertainment, sports, advertising purposes and fashion are not good reasons to use, harm or kill animals.
The welfare of animals is in peril due to the manner in which they are bred, traded, held and slaughtered. Any abuse or neglect of animals by humans calls for immediate and strong action.
Last week, the European Parliament voted in favour of ambitious plans to protect and restore nature. To increase biodiversity, protect oceans and forests and recognize ecocide – the destruction or large-scale damaging of ecosystems – as an international crime. By 2030, 30% of all land and sea areas must be protected, according to Parliament. A vital step, says MEP Anja Hazekamp of the Dutch Party ...