Dear Readers,

The new Animal Care and Protection Policy document (that will eventually become new  legislation for the protection of South Africa’s animals), falls short of the mark. It does not acknowledge ‘Animal Sentience’ and it does not phase out cruel restraining devices like sow stalls for pigs, nor does it phase-out battery cages for laying hens.

There seems to be a fear in government about acknowledging animal sentience. Animal sentience is a scientific fact that the Department of Agriculture needs to affirm and embrace. Inherent in this fact is the understanding that animals are not products or commodities to be treated with callous disregard and disrespect, but are sentient and therefore, are to be treated with care. This understanding will only filter through to the nation when it is acknowledged at the top, by government, and incorporated in the ethos of our South African mindset.

We, as humans, will only benefit from this understanding and in the process, free ourselves from age-old prejudices against beings that do not look like we do.  Sexism, racism and speciesism - they all come from the same root of prejudice, power and exploitation.
  
The justification for factory farming by government - that it has to continue in order to provide food security for the hungry and impoverished in our country, is an antiquated notion. Please see page 7 to see what factory farming has done to increase poverty in Brazil.
  
Now, as never before, we need to use our voices to ensure that the new Animal Care and Protection Policy document does not come in carrying antiquated baggage. It needs to meet our expectations. Please fill in our postcard petitions enclosed and send them off, as a matter of urgency.
  
With appreciation for all your support,
Louise van der Merwe (pictured above)
Editor

This issue of Animal Voice is dedicated to Peter Roberts MBE (7.6.1924-15.11.2006) - a dairy farmer in England who founded Compassion in World Farming in 1967.

A lone voice at the time, Peter's campaign slowly but surely sparked a global response that is now regarded by many as one of the great movements for justice.

Peter said: “When the individuality of the animal ends, factory farming begins.”