Campaigners are rejoicing at the news that the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of the European Community’s ‘Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals’. The vote was taken on 5 May after 12 months of intensive lobbying by a coalition of groups including International Animal Rescue, represented by Max Farrugia from Malta. The initiative will now ensure improved welfare standards for “all livestock and animals in captivity, such as food-producing animals, pets, circus animals and animals in zoos or stray animals” in Europe and beyond.
The ENDCAP¹ coalition has been working hard in Brussels and throughout Europe to win the support of European Members of Parliament. The vote is a clear indication that the desire throughout Europe is finally to see an end to the deplorable conditions some animals endure in zoos.
ENDCAP representatives continue to meet with Members of the European Parliament, the European Commission and representatives of the 27 European countries in Brussels to secure their commitment to the protection of wild animals in captivity, previously marginalised. It is evident from a recent major investigation of Europe’s zoos by the Born Free Foundation that many thousands of animals are still kept in sub-standard conditions.
¹ European Alliance to END the keeping of wild animals in CAPtivity, founded by the Born Free Foundation.