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.
The corona pandemic is causing mixed feelings: fear, but also solidarity. Many people are helping each other and are brave enough to do the most important jobs: in hospitals, supermarkets, homeless shelters, cleaning, and animal shelters. I sympathise with all those who have lost a loved one, those who are worried about the health or their next of kin, and those who are finding it hard to keep the...