Greek animal welfare organizations who are members of the Eurogroup for Animals today announced that they will be using this year’s elections for the European Parliament to make the case for improvements in the treatment of animals across Europe.
The Vote for Animals campaign, which is being rolled across Europe by the Eurogroup for Animals, aims to place animal welfare at the core of the upcoming EU Elections.
The four members of the Eurogroup for Animals in Greece, Animal Action Greece, the Hellenic Animal Welfare Federation, Dogs Voice and Ippothesis said that they will encourage candidates for election to the European Parliament to take a pledge for the animals.
The pledge, composed of ten asks, addresses live animal transports, imports of animal-based products, welfare of aquatic species, non-animal science and the conservation of wild animals, among others.
“The last Eurobarometer showed that nine in ten Greeks believed that the welfare of both farmed animals and companion animals should be better protected than it is now. Our elected representatives in Europe should reflect this and be leading the charge for animals in Brussels and beyond”, said Ms Serafina Avramidou, the Head of Animal Welfare at Animal Action Greece.
“We want MEPs representing Greece to ensure animal welfare remains a priority on the EU agenda, by being vocal on issues that need addressing and voting in the interest of animals,” said Irini Molfessi, the Chair of the Hellenic Animal Federation.
“By taking the pledge, candidates will be committing to represent Greek citizens’ demands for better animal welfare legislation” said Rosa Roussou, the Director of Ippothesis the Panhellenic Equine Welfare Society.
“The European Union has a key role to play in driving progress on animal welfare across Europe and Greek citizens demand that both Greece and Europe do more to improve the treatment and welfare of animals”, said Ms Elena Dede, the Founder and Director of Dogs Voice.
The CEO of the Eurogroup for Animals Reineke Hameleers welcomed the launch of the campaign in Greece.
“With so many EU citizens asking for more action on animal welfare, the European Parliament must be representative of these interests, to drive forward much-needed progress. This campaign provides both citizens in Greece and Greek MEPs the opportunity to shape an institution that keeps animals at the core of their work”.
The Greek members of the Eurogroup For Animals urge all Greek citizens who care about animals, to visit the Vote for Animals campaign, and take direct action themselves by calling on candidates to take the pledge for animals via the Vote for Animals Citizens Page”.
For further comment contact:
Irini Molfessi, Hellenic Animal Federation
Tel: 306945972727
Email: i.molfessi@hellenicanimalwelfare.org
Serafina Avrimidou, Animal Action greece
Tel: 6972861839
Email: serafina.avramidou@animalactiongreece.org
Eurogroup for Animals represents over ninety animal protection organisations in almost all EU Member States, the UK, Switzerland, Serbia, Norway, and Australia. Since its foundation in 1980, the organisation has succeeded in encouraging the EU to adopt higher legal standards for animal protection. Eurogroup for Animals reflects public opinion through its members and has both the scientific and technical expertise to provide authoritative advice on issues relating to animal protection. Eurogroup for Animals is a founding member of the World Federation for Animals which unites the animal protection movement at the global level.
