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Have GSPCA no views on Animal Cruelty?
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by PANORAMA reporterThey have been conspicuous by their Silence! How an Organisation like the ‘Gibraltar Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ has kept quiet and avoided making any comment on the bullfighting issue, which has been one that has practically dominated large parts of local news for well over a week!
As an overseas branch of the UK’s RSPCA one of the world's most powerful and recognised animal welfare organisations you would imagine, that the local branch of the GSPCA goes about life implementing and adhering to the same principles, vision and mission statement of the headquarters in the United Kingdom.
In the latest UK RSPCA policies on animal welfare this document only revised in 2010, the organisation came out strongly on the issue of bullfighting - even including a specific section against Bullfighting within the context of the policy document with reads:
The RSPCA is Opposed to Bullfighting.
The bull is encouraged to charge the horse and rider so that a pica may be driven into its withers, thereby damaging the muscles and ligaments, weakening the bull and reducing its ability to move its head. In the Spanish style bullfight many horses suffer extensive injuries and some are killed.
Although padded, the horse is often lifted bodily and then thrown on the ground. Four horses are usually used, often repeatedly, having to be blindfolded and temporarily deafened prior to entering the ring.
All the bulls are killed after suffering extensive injuries from the picas, banderillas and the matador’s sword.
It adds: From endangered whales to fairground goldfish, from pet cats to circus lions, we are on a mission to promote compassion for all creatures. Kindness to animals can make life better, not just for the animals, but also for people. Whatever animals mean to you – a treasured companion, a wild marvel, a working animal, or food produce – treating all living creatures with compassion has benefits for you too.
The RSPCA, as a Charity, will by all Lawful Means…Prevent Cruelty, Promote Kindness to and Alleviate Suffering of all Animals.
WHY THE SILENCE?
Many people have said that they find it more than strange that unlike other similar local bodies who have already voiced an opinion regarding these conferences, why the self-enforced silence by the local GSPCA?
It could be seen as a stand or position which is not in keeping with the philosophy of this major animal welfare organisation…It’s not as if the local GSPCA are constantly rushed off their feet with issues relating to animal cruelty of this nature, or even asked by the public for an opinion regarding animal cruelty!
16-05-12
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