On Wednesday afternoon, the CDU organised an electoral campaign initiative in the Jardins de Santa Luzia, in Funchal, where the candidate for the next Legislative Elections, Sílvia Vasconcelos, presented proposals on the fulfillment of the State’s duties regarding animal welfare.
CDU press release:
“In her speech, Sílvia Vasconcelos said that “the CDU has been a pioneer in the initiative to present proposals for the animal cause in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, including the end of the discretionary slaughter of animals; the figure of Municipal Veterinarian (although we are still fighting for the creation of the municipal health authority of the “Municipal Veterinarian” for the municipalities of the Autonomous Region of Madeira) and for the creation of an Animal Ombudsman (although we argue that this figure should not be politically appointed but elected by ALRAM). Much has improved since a few years ago in our region in terms of awareness and awareness of this cause – sterilisations are massive and regular, civic care for animals has increased and the Associations, even with great efforts and sacrifices, have done a great job for this cause. But there is still a long way to go before the well-being and dignity of all animals are ensured, in the region and in the country, despite the great achievements that have been made.”
According to Sílvia Vasconcelos, within the scope of this candidacy for the AR, the CDU’s priority commitments in this matter are as follows:
“1) To fight for the creation of special careers for veterinary professionals; there are some professions that are becoming thin on the ground such as Sanitary Inspectors, and if we do not take adequate precautions there could be severe impacts on public health, food safety, and the fulfillment and implementation of the One Health concept that defends a single health for all, and for the planet;
2) Regulation of Animal-Assisted Interventions (which include Activities, Education, and Therapies) in order to protect both the clients – the target of these interventions and the animals used for these purposes, protecting them from possible abuse and exploitation;
3) Clarify in the CRP the State’s duty to protect the welfare, physical and emotional integrity of all animals so that they are protected from all types of unjustifiable suffering, chaining, and death:
(4) To clarify in national legislation, by addition, the abolition of life long chaining animals. This measure, also proposed at the initiative of CDU-Madeira, was shelved due to the inaction of the corresponding committee that did not follow up on its regulation.”
All these matters were presented by the CDU to the population and debated in a party political meeting.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
