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Kennel
Club joins in Euro exhibition
on positive role of pets in society
On
Tuesday, 1st October 2002, Kennel Club representatives travelled
to the European Parliament, Brussels, to attend the European
Pet Night 2002, which highlights the positive role that animals
play in the lives of thousands of EU citizens.
Pet Night is part of a week-long exhibition in the European
Parliament aimed at informing Euro-politicians about the wonderful
benefits that animals bring, and is always well attended by
Members of the European Parliament.
As part of the visit, the Kennel Club took the opportunity to
speak with MEPs regarding the continuing ‘dangerous dogs’
issue in Europe, particularly with reference to the possible
further adoption of breed specific legislation in Norway. A
private meeting was also arranged with two MEPs now well known
for their support of the Domino campaign – Theresa Villiers
and Roger Helmer - who were, once again, sympathetic to the
campaign call of ‘Punish The Deed Not The Breed’ and
eager to assist.
Said Theresa Villiers MEP, "We were dismayed to learn from
the Kennel Club that the German situation is still on-going
and that hundreds of dogs are incarcerated in German kennels
waiting to be put to sleep, with their only crime being that
they were born the wrong breed or type! This is a desperately
sad state of affairs and it is our intention to find out exactly
what is happening to these poor animals. We intend to focus
our efforts on highlighting their plight in conjunction with
the Kennel Club."
Representation
Roger Helmer MEP continued, "As well as Germany and other
countries in Europe, we have now learnt that Norway is considering
adopting similar breed specific legislation. Whilst Norway is
not part of the EU, we will be making representations to see
exactly what can be done to prevent ‘man’s best friend’
being further persecuted in Europe, as the current ‘dangerous
dog’ laws clearly do not work."
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club concluded, "Once
again we have had a very positive trip to meet with MEPs. It
is quite clear to us that, with the recent announcement of a
further ten countries joining the EU in the next few years,
it is imperative that MEPs are fully aware of the spread of
this anti-dog legislation, so that they can continue to be an
active voice for dogs in Europe. We were also delighted with
the assistance given to us by Pets As Therapy (PAT dogs), who
kindly displayed Domino posters, leaflets and prints on their
stand within the European Parliament for the entire week, further
spreading the message."
The Kennel Club continues to receive a large postbag regarding
the current situation in Norway and is liaising with relevant
Norwegian parties and assisting them with their internal campaign.
They request that all UK canine enthusiasts lobby the Norwegian
Government to bring pressure to bear. In the first instance
write to the Norwegian Ambassador, Mr Tarald O Brautaset, The
Norwegian Embassy, 25 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8QD, tel:
020 7591 5500.
For further information on the Domino campaign please go to
www.dominodogs.org,
or telephone 020-7518 1008.
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