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This page provides a very brief overview of campaigns carried out by Naturewatch and charitable projects undertaken by Naturewatch Foundation during the years 2000 - 2006.
2006
October – A touch of Eastern Promise! Lengthy discussions with Kyiv’s Vice Mayor result in a request for Naturewatch to nominate and appoint a ‘Special Advisor’ to the city to tackle its stray animal problem. A fantastic and long-awaited result!
March – President Yushchenko signs the country’s first Animal Protection Bill into law. Although the Bill was substantially watered down to get it through the Parliamentary process (since first being drafted), at least Ukraine does now have legislation in place to protect animals – an historical achievement and one for which Naturewatch Foundation can take a large amount of credit. This is the first animal welfare law ever to be put on the statute books in Ukraine and we are delighted with this historical achievement for Ukraine’s animals. More…
January – Meetings held with representatives from Marks and Spencer’s Corporate and Social Responsibility and Product Development teams. From then on, M&S makes impressive progress resulting in the announcement of a fixed cut-off date policy in early 2007. Naturewatch regularly works with companies both big and small who are seeking to improve their animal testing policies, offering advice and guidelines and moving them closer to implementing a strict fixed cut-off date.
2005
December - Ukraine’s Animal Welfare Bill fully passed by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s Parliament). Years of hard work finally pays off for Ukraine’s animals. All that’s needed now is for the President to sign if off!
November – Ukraine’s Draft Animal Protection Bill passes its second and final hearing, having gained the necessary support at each stage. However, this happened on the same day that President Viktor Yushchenko dissolved his cabinet, so we were concerned about whether the Bill would suffer in the aftermath of that. Disappointingly, President Yushchenko vetoed the Bill and sent it back to the Verkhovna Rada on the grounds that it was flawed. Apparently there were several disputed clauses: for instance, civic organisations opposed the proposed limit of 3 mature animals in an apartment!
New puppy enclosure and quarantine kennels opened at Kyiv SPA-SOS shelter in Ukraine. A new puppy enclosure, attached to the new cattery, is finished and open for business as are specially-built quarantine kennels for new arrivals. Both built using funds generously donated by supporters of Naturewatch Foundation. With grateful thanks to Mary Evans, who made a very generous donation towards the puppy accommodation.
October – World Animal Day, 4th October, in Lithuania. Funded by Naturewatch Foundation, the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy opens its modern library. The greatest influence for improving the future lives of animals and their welfare are today’s veterinary students so a modern library, specialising in improving the lives of both farm and domestic animals, is a huge asset. The Foundation also provided computer technology. Veterinary students now have access to the very latest techniques and ideas on enhancing and improving the lives of animals. In addition, subscriptions to international publications covering various aspects of animal welfare were sourced so that students and teaching professors can keep in touch with all developments.
World Animal Day in Ukraine. New heated cattery funded by Naturewatch Foundation officially opened at Kyiv SPA-SOS shelter in Ukraine. 40 TV crews and journalists attended the opening ceremony and met its residents enjoying their new, comfortable and peaceful surroundings. The story was broadcast by many TV channels that evening. The cattery was constructed using funds raised via our 2003 and 2004 World Animal Day celebrity online eBay auctions.
World Animal Day in the UK. 10th edition of the Naturewatch Compassionate Shopping Guide launched at Queens Hotel, Cheltenham, on World Animal Day. The event was attended by the press and representatives of many companies endorsed in the Guide.
February - Naturewatch visit to Romania 21st - 24th February. Upon return Naturewatch announced funding for The Association for the Protection of Animals in Romania (APAR). A Bucharest-based organisation founded by a group of young vets who are concerned about the low priority that animal welfare has in their country. The official opening of their new office in Bucharest took place on World Animal Day 2005.
Pioneer Training - Naturewatch was pleased to financially assist 'Pioneer Training' in its first residential training course for professional leadership in animal protection held in Italy. The six-week programme provides intensive and specific management skills for a carefully selected group of candidates who have been identified as having the potential to become 'leaders' of the animal protection movement in their respective countries. Delegates from China, Croatia, Greece, Indonesia, Nepal, Singapore, Spain, South Africa and Taiwan attended, representing some of the most difficult countries in the world with respect to animal cruelty.
2004
Ukraine – Ukraine’s first Animal Protection Bill passes its first reading. Ukraine's Draft Animal Protection Bill finally passes its first hearing with 242 MPs (300 present) voting in favour. The draft was originally created in 2000 by Naturewatch Foundation, Kyiv SPA-SOS, RSPCA, and with input from WSPA.
Turkey - Naturewatch Foundation sponsors pioneering stray animal control scheme in Turkey. The idea is simple – forget animal shelters; just neuter and release the strays back into their neighbourhoods. It’s not a concept that could work in many countries but it certainly works in Turkey, as the strays are seen as communal animals that live side by side with the residents. The scheme is run by the Fethiye Animal Welfare Society using mobile neutering clinics.
December - Naturewatch's Dr Richard Tweedy and Director John Ruane visit the newly opened NC3Rs centre, meet key staff and assess the possibilities this centre may create.
November - Meeting with Marks and Spencer, Corporate Social Responsibility and Product Development representatives. Successfully opened a channel of communication to help M&S overcome the difficulties they were having in regards to defining animal testing policy.
February - Naturewatch met with DEFRA Head of Wildlife Integration and Conservation Team in Bristol to discuss the major flaws that hinder police when trying to investigate alledged offences against badgers and how they might be overcome, including suggested lesiglation amendments to strengthen the enforcement of the Protection of Badgers Act.
2003
Ukraine - This year brought us glimmers of hope for Ukraine’s animals! It’s been an uphill battle all the way, and we acknowledge the fact that at every step our progress in Ukraine has been painfully slow. However, several significant things happened this year that brought glimmers of hope, proving that we were definitely winning the war but with many battles still to be fought! One example is that we persuaded ‘Our Ukraine’ (political party) to take the country’s first Animal Protection Bill on as a party project. This move helped tremendously to speed up its passage.
In September, after many years of working hard to change the management and criminal structure of the city-funded ‘Animals in the City’ organisation and humanise its stray control methods, we finally won! The numerous television and radio programmes, newspaper interviews, letters to those in authority including the President of Ukraine, MPs and the City Mayor, protests and demonstrations finally paid off. Nina Samofalova, Director, was dismissed along with her husband who was her deputy, her daughter and son, and many other staff. An investigation was launched to examine the financial activities of the Samofalova clan, who were protected by high-ranking city officials – in return for payment of course!
Lithuania - During the year 'Man and Animals', a guide to teaching animal welfare in Lithuanian schools is published. A generous financial contribution from Naturewatch made this teacher’s resource book a reality and is the first and only publication of its kind. The 60-page guide to teaching animal welfare to children in grades K-12 (primary age) was distributed to each of the 2100 schools in Lithuania. The ‘Man and Animals’ programme was officially presented at the opening of the ‘Kaunas Zoo School’ on World Animal Day 2002 when the Minister of Education ceremoniously signed its official endorsement. The teacher’s resource book was created by a volunteer team of teachers over a one year period. The teachers who contributed their countless hours of time and effort have not forgotten the importance of humane education and have volunteered to involve themselves in new projects. Their enthusiasm is indeed very welcomed.
We carried out a substantial amount of preparation work prior to Lithuania joining the European Union in May 2004. For example: assistance in implementing EU animal protection laws and training of veterinary inspectors. Ensuring all European Union Animal Welfare Directives put into place. With the continued support of Naturewatch Foundation, LiSPA is well placed to undertake a meaningful role in Europe. Finally, Naturewatch Foundation undertook a refurbishment programme at Kaunas Animal Shelter to improve facilities.
December - Naturewatch meets Home Office to advocate a strategic role for the National Centre for 3Rs.
November – Naturewatch launches the 9th edition of its Compassionate Shopping Guide. Giving the consumer the low-down on which manufacturers of cosmetics and household products have adopted a good animal testing policy (fixed cut-off date) and which ones still support the use of animals in testing.
October – For the very first time, the city of Kyiv officially celebrates World Animal Day on 4th October. During the festivities, Tamara Tarnawska, our representative in Ukraine and president of SPA-SOS, was presented with a medal, a watch and a certificate of appreciation by the Mayor of Kyiv in recognition of her contribution to raising animal welfare standards in Ukraine. This sparked off a huge amount of interest in the work of the society.
September - In the UK, Naturewatch meets the Minister of State (Hazel Blears) and three Home Office representatives to discuss offences against badgers and making badger crime a notifiable offence. The Minister of State agreed to meet with Richard Brunstrom who holds the ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) portfolio for this area, to discuss how matters might be taken forward.
2002
Lithuania - Naturewatch Foundation funds a new kennel roof at the LiSPA shelter in Siauliai, as well as extending the exercise area for the dogs. Amazingly, the re-homing record at this shelter is very close to 100% thanks to its dedicated staff.
During the Year Naturewatch provides financial support to various projects. For example:
- helps support printing and distribution costs to alert the public of the plans by Cambridge University to build a laboratory to conduct experiments on primates;
- provides surgical aid to the small animal clinic at the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy to help with operations. The clinic gives wonderful support and free assistance to the wildlife rehabilitation unit run by LiSPA;
- provides specialist veterinary equipment to the Lithuanian Zoo where we are working to improve conditions for the animals;
- sponsors two veterinarians and one veterinary student from Lithuania to attend a Companion Animal Welfare Conference in the Czech Republic;
- provides sponsorship to Baltic Conference on Animal Experiments by giving a presentation on the role of animal welfare organisations in working to reduce and stop animal experimentation. This led to an invitation to join the Lithuanian Ethics Committee on animal experiments.
October – World Animal Day. Funded by Naturewatch Foundation, the ‘Kaunas Zoo School’ is officially opened by Lithuania’s First Lady. Thousands of children participate in celebrations at the Zoo and the First Lady of Lithuania, Alma Adamkiene, formally opens the Education Centre where thousands of children will attend lessons every year to learn about animals and how to treat them with respect and love.
September - Naturewatch Foundation visits the Kyiv Society for the Protection of Animals "SOS" in Ukraine where we attend a conference on alternatives to the use of animals in education, meet with Kyiv Zoo Director to discuss the promised improvements, participate in a TV chat show and hold discussions with "SOS" President, Tamara Tarnawska, on a number of issues including:
- vivarium funding as the Foundation sent US$1,200 as a grant for the purpose of building outdoor kennels and runs for the dogs at Kyiv University;
- draft National Animal Protection Legislation;
- funding for neutering scheme;
- humane education,
- Schmeisser use of stray dogs to 'test' rubber bullets,
- shelter issues such as management, staff development, utilities, enclosures, rehoming programme, shelter support committee.
February – Mobile caravan purchased by Naturewatch, Animals Angels and Donkey Sanctuary to act as an information centre at livestock markets in Yugoslavia. This exciting project is being organised by the local welfare society ARKA who will set up the caravan at Ruma where a regular monthly market is held. The ‘Ani-Mobile’ and its team, including a qualified vet, are on hand all day to offer free aid and advice to both the farmers and the buyers of the animals.
January - Naturewatch meets Home Office and ASPA Chief Inspector (Animals Scientific Procedures Act) to discuss objectives and strategies to bring to effect the full implementation and realization of the 3Rs.
2001
November - Following undercover investigations, we expose the horrors of livestock markets in Europe. Welfare rules are non-existent and market employees untrained. Ironically, Belgium, a country at the heart of the EU, has livestock markets that can best be described as 'hell-holes'. But the cruelty in markets isn't just in Belgium, it's throughout Europe. We work in conjunction with other welfare organisations throughout Europe on this issue.
October – On World Animal Day, 4th October, LiSPA opens central office. With funding from Naturewatch Foundation and permission of the Lithuanian Veterinary Academy, LiSPA opens its Central Office with a great deal of fanfare on Compassion Day (as World Animal Day is known in Lithuania). Even though the country’s President was unable to attend due to other commitments, his German Shepherd puppy participated in the grand opening!
August - Animal Experiment is a very emotive issue that's always been high on the agenda of our supporters. Naturewatch sent an 'Animal Experiment Action Pack' to supporters to give them the tools they need to help make a difference. The pack included guidance notes on different types of animal experiments and examples of ways in which the public can voice their concern.
Also in August, we raise awareness to supporters about the various barbaric crimes against the badgers in our countryside. Despite widespread persecution of badgers, often by men involved in other criminal activity, the Home Office does not consider the crimes important enough to be recorded so, therefore, are not included in any Government statistics. We ask supporters to write to the Prime Minister (Tony Blair), Home Secretary (David Blunkett), Police Chief Constables and newspapers.
June - In Ukraine, stray animals continue to suffer barbaric treatment. Capture methods are gruesome - either poisoned darts are shot from blowpipes or poisoned meat is thrown from the back of trucks in the early hours. Later, the dogs are bludgeoned or gassed and then skinned - with many still conscious! Some dogs end up at experiment facilities and, recently, we know that a German weapons company has been using stray dogs to test rubber bullets. We ask supporters to write to Ukraine's President, Leonid Kuchma, asking him to take action on this issue and also to speed up the adoption of draft animal protection laws into Ukraine's national legislation. Naturewatch worked with colleagues in Ukraine, and other European societies, on drafting animal protection legislation.
March - In the UK. In 1996, New Labour made a pre-election pledge to form a Royal Commisssion to investigate animal experiments - but failed to keep its promise. Naturewatch supporters are asked to write to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair, prior to the general election in June 2001, and to Members of the European Parliament. The animal experiment industry is a law unto itself - no accountability - no justification for its torture of millions of animals each year.
In Lithuania - As a result of recent campaigns, Lithuania introduces animal welfare checklist for Border Inspection Officials; introduces mandatory training for all horse export drivers and attendants; tells horse exporters to adhere to rules or exports refused.
January - Naturewatch follows up on 'Help the Horses' campaign to tackle the inherently cruel trade of live horses being exported from Eastern Europe to Italy. For many horses it's a 4-day, 1,500 mile journey to the slaughterhouses of Sardinia where they arrive battered, exhausted, or even dead! The trade is driven by the Italian desire for 'fresh' horsemeat. Ultimately, these long distance journeys must end and to achieve this we must encourage the export of chilled/frozen meat instead. In the meantime, we must ensure that adequate welfare rules are in place and that they are being adhered to!
2000
Lithuania – After an almost 2-year long battle with bureaucrats, LiSPA finally receives permission fromt the Government to use premises on the Lithuania Veterinary Academy campus for the purpose of establishing LiSPA’s Central Office. Also this year, Naturewatch Foundation funds new Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Kaunas. Since 1994, many thousands of sick and injured animals and birds have been rescued, treated and released back into the wild.
In February, our ‘Help the Horses Campaign’ brings action and positive results vastly improving the conditions for horses exported from Lithuania to Italy for slaughter. In Autumn 1999, Naturewatch funded a major investigation into the export of live horses from Lithuania to Italy. Our investigations became front page news in the country's leading newspaper, Lietovos Rytas, and this was followed by a special 15-minute programme on prime time national televison. The Results:
- In Lithuania: After studying our reports, the Lithuanian State Veterinary Service called a press conference and, as a direct result of our findings, the government will be introducing strict new welfare measures for horses.
Ukraine - Naturewatch Foundation funds 10-day training visit to Kyiv SPA-SOS by Manager of Dogs Trust in West Calder, Scotland. In 1998, two key Kyiv SPA-SOS personnel undertook a 2-week shelter management training course at the Dogs Trust in West Calder. The visit to Kyiv was an opportunity to assess how successful the training had been.
Ukraine’s first Animal Protection bill drafted by Naturewatch and the RSPCA with input from WSPA. After extensive lobbying by Kyiv SPA-SOS of key MPs, a prominent young parliamentarian and politician, Andriy Derkach, agrees to introduce the national animal protection bill. Anxious to build his image as a progressive and European-minded politician, the animal welfare bill fits in very neatly. October - In response to an increase in the number of enquiries about L'Oreal, Naturewatch launched a Boycott Campaign against the biggest cosmetics company in the world. Despite knowing the overwhelming public revulsion, L'Oreal continues to use countless thousands of animals to test upon every year. We circulate information about the brand names of products made by L'Oreal and its subsidiary companies and supply a template letter for supporters to send to Tom Viner, Vice Chairman of L'Oreal UK. August - Launch of anti-cruelty campaign targetting cruel farming methods and weak animal protection legislation in Eastern Europe, with a particular focus on fur-farming and horse neglect.
June - Following the release of undercover video footage taken at an animal testing laboratory in the UK, where people charged with the welfare of the animals are seen punching, screaming and shaking the puppies (these particular incidents resulted in police prosecutions), Naturewatch pushed forward with its 'Royal Commission Campaign' into animal experiments. |