Deleted
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 8:01:52 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2007 8:01:52 GMT 1
You know, something that's been bothering me for a while is that I think we're dealing with the wrong end here. Not, I stress, that we shouldn't be dealing with this end of things, but that this end shouldn't be here to deal with. These horses quite simply should be better respected, so that they don't end up in this situation to start off with.
I know that's stating the obvious. I also know that it's flippin' hard to do anything to change it. Even more than the French, the Spanish don't have the greatest reputation in the world for caring about animals. Of course, there are people in Spain and France who care passionately about animals. In fact, one of my friends here who I met through the horse she rescued from the meat man is Spanish. There is, though, a mountain to climb to adjust the additude towards respect and away from expendability. However, just because it's hard doesn't mean we shouldn't try.
So, firstly, does anyone know if there are organisations already in Spain, preferably run by Spanish citizens, that we could support? There are a couple of people I can contact. Although I don't personally know her, I'm happy to email Tracey, the RA in Spain. I've also got a friend from the IH courses (Bev) who lives out there. And there is my friend Mara who lives here. Does anyone else have any contacts that we could persue?
As I said, the ideal would be to find a Spanish organisation we could support. The effect of being told how to do something by your own is much greater than being told to do by a load of foreigners.
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Lucy
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 9:04:05 GMT 1
Post by Lucy on Aug 11, 2007 9:04:05 GMT 1
You're right Liz in that Spain is even futher away from understanding what animals feel etc. However I would say you need to start where it is possible to make even a small change.
I found myself thinking about this the other day; to drive horses to anywhere else in europe, from Spain you need to come through France, which is why I feel France is the major issue here. Also, because I sense that things are changing, I don't know how others feel about this? I've always lived here and certainly in the horse world people are starting to consider that there might be another way.
I'm not saying we musn't support poganisations in Spain, but I think you'll find it's bulding for a probably distant future - necessary but you also need some response for people to 'carry on'.
We're talking about a country where bullfighting is the norm, and where greyhounds meet the most cruel ends (used to practice shooting or they hang them in the sun and bet on which body will break off first...)... I had a rescue greyhound from the French branch of greyhounds in distress.
This might be a lead for starting somewhere, at the time a lady called Ann Finch represented greyhounds in distress and she used to rescue donkeys also I believe.
Sorry, a bit of 'thinking aloud' here.
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debutante
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 9:31:07 GMT 1
Post by debutante on Aug 11, 2007 9:31:07 GMT 1
Ahh i have never heard of the greyhound bit - that is totally terrible.
liz i have had a reply from tracy in spain about the rescue side of things she was really interested and supportive i cant remember which post it was in so ive added it below incase you havent seen it yet, i understand where your coming fro trying to tackle the root of the problem if you will no offence to the french but from what i have heard they also dont value there horses the same way we do (obviousley there are people like us there) but i have heard that if the horse cant be ridden etc they feel it has no use so they also go for meat.
Hi there, Just received your e-mail and i am currently forwarding it on to everybody on my mailing list, approx 300. If you ever need a place in southern spain to re-direct the horses to as a safe house or for temporay accommodation then please contact me i will help in anyway i can. I think you are doing a marvelous job and you have my full support. Warm regards, Tracy James
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Deleted
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 12:13:28 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2007 12:13:28 GMT 1
I guess the reason I'm wondering about Spain is that yes, you do get the feeling that France might be changing. Just the website shows that. And yes, the horses do need to come up through France, so France is important. However, I believe you can only really solve a problem at its source. If the Spanish (as well as other countries) continue to have this attitude towards horses but also continue to breed them, then there will be a problem.
Here's a far and distant dream for you, an animal welfare bill in the EU that covers all countries and all animals, regardless of their use or their worth. An animal welfare bill that would be enforced is probably even more distant. In the meantime, though, I believe we should be looking at all links in the chain, with Spain being a key one.
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Lucy
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 14:15:14 GMT 1
Post by Lucy on Aug 11, 2007 14:15:14 GMT 1
You're right liz, of course, but then we need Italy too :-) only joking, but in a way it's sadly true
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EMW-UK
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 14:16:35 GMT 1
Post by EMW-UK on Aug 11, 2007 14:16:35 GMT 1
and Poland :-( and bulgaria :-(
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Deleted
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 17:59:17 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Aug 11, 2007 17:59:17 GMT 1
Oh, absolutely, EMW. My reasoning behind Spain, though, is that there are already contacts there. And it is still one of the most popular destinations for not only UK holidaymakers but also second home owners, retirees, etc. I'm sure there would be many Brits out there who would be disgusted to know that this sort of practice is common in their adopted country. And if they're not, they should be. I had a trawl on google and came across this site: www.sepeonline.net/_content/News.php?language=english. I've sent an email and will let you know what they say. I don't know if the ILPH already liaises with organisations like this but surely a joint concerted effort makes sense.
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Spain
Aug 11, 2007 18:56:31 GMT 1
Post by hollowmoorstud on Aug 11, 2007 18:56:31 GMT 1
LizP ....... there are also some interesting links to what looks like other welfare organisations that may be of use.
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