What's up, Doc?
21 April 2022
Or perhaps, "What's up, VAWA?" To which the answer is, "Quite a lot!" So thanks ever so much to those who have supported VAWA in the first quarter!
We've been really busy, including in the media as a factual voice for animals, with articles in the AgriBusiness magazine (March/April 2022), providing a number of pieces of feedback to various media outlets, including RNZ, and engaging in a number of podcasts such as the Rural Round Up and Paws, Claws & Wet Noses.
This week, Parliament's Primary Production Select Committee delivered a “hung verdict” on the ban on livestock exports, with National and Act pushing the economic agenda as a key reason for opposing the ban. This is a prime example of why we need VAWA - so thank you for helping make us happen!
This situation highlights how capitulation to economics, at the expense of animal welfare, is unacceptable. We simply must find alternate ways to have successful farming systems, that support genuinely acceptable animal welfare outcomes.
VAWA is all about tackling audacious issues that impact animals, particularly those that require a strategic approach to the solution. VAWA isn’t about tinkering around the edges of the animal welfare system and making incremental tweaks, whilst animals continue to lose out. Helping to create meaningful change is the basis of our advocacy.
We will also comment on specific issues such as greyhound racing, rodeo, cow-calf contact, bobby calves, brachycephalic animals, amongst other things. We are focused on all species, including natives and conservation, so that all animals benefit from our voice.
A good life for all is VAWA’s vision and something, we know you will all agree is worth fighting for. We can have profitable systems with alternate outcomes – that is VAWA’s vision!
We still need more support, so spread the word, jump on the bandwagon and get your friends on board too!