Animal Equality, with State Undersecretary Carlos Giannazi, recently held a public hearing at the Legislative Assembly of the State of São Paulo to discuss four important animal protection bills. The proposed bill aims to put an end to some of the most heinous practices that domestic animals have to endure.
If these bills are passed, they would have the following effects:
- Live animal exports from São Paulo by ship will be stopped.
- The bulls in the state of São Paulo, often killed for not producing milk for the dairy industry, will be protected.
- Roosters in São Paulo, who are subjected to cruel and inhuman acts such as tearing, strangling, drowning, crushing or burning because they cannot lay eggs, will be protected.
- Companies will be required to correctly label foods made from animal products so that consumers are informed of the cruel practices involved in their production.
This law could dramatically change the situation for Brazilian animals, who suffer during transport and in the dairy and egg industry. While Animal Equality supports all of the major proposed bills, the organization is focusing its efforts on ending the transportation of live animals:
Animal rights organizations, such as Animal Equality, have documented and denounced various animal welfare issues related to animals. [live transport]. We have found long trips sometimes lasting several weeks. [The animals suffer from] lack of adequate veterinary care, inadequate or inadequate feeding and watering, excessive confinement, and extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures, poor ventilation, and accumulation of waste inside the vessel , which was not designed for this purpose.
Carla Lettieri, Executive Director of Animal Equality (Brazil)
Risks of transporting animals at sea
During a public hearing, George Sturaro, Chief Investigative Officer of Mercy for animals (MFA), has shared alarming information about the risks associated with transporting animals by ship. According to Sturaro, ships carrying animals are twice as likely to sink as other ships, resulting in the death of all the animals on board. In fact, there have been several serious incidents in recent years, such as the shipwreck Queen Hind in Romania in 2019resulted in the death of more than 14,000 sheep.
Shipping subject animals to extreme and prolonged conditions that are harmful to their physical and mental health. During these journeys, animals are often crammed in overcrowded boats without proper ventilation, making it difficult for them to breathe. The lack of space also means that animals are forced to stand in their own feces for days or even weeks.
The constant swaying of the vessel can aggravate an animal’s discomfort, leaving many seasick and unable to eat or drink. This can lead to dehydration, malnutrition and even death. Without proper veterinary care, sick animals cannot receive the medical care they need, and many die before they reach their destination.
Another significant danger of sea freight is the lack of time limits for voyages. Animals can be stranded on ships for weeks or even months, without access to fresh air, clean water or food. If there is a change of plans or a refusal to anchor in the destination country, animals may be trapped on board indefinitely.
In addition to these risks, animals are often loaded onto trucks that do not comply with EU legislation upon arrival at the port of destination. This means they continue to suffer on land, adding to their misery and stress.
Empowering individuals to create positive change
While changing the law is an essential part of the puzzle, changing our own habits is the most powerful thing we can do for animals. Millions of people around the world are choosing cruelty-free alternatives to meat, dairy and eggs to protect animals from certain cruelty. These plant-based proteins are delicious, varied, and packed with nutrients.
LIVE HAPPILY
With a rich love life and unbreakable family ties, pets deserve protection. You can build a kinder world by replacing animal food products with plant-based products.
By signing the End Factory Farming Petition today, you can make a difference in the lives of animals. Your actions can help create a more humane and sustainable future for all animals, as every voice goes out in favor of animal protection legislation around the world. With your support, we can work together towards a world where animals are treated with compassion and respect. Take action now to help end the cruel practices of industrial farming.
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