Activities / News

NGO ADDA´s new campaign to save the Red Tuna.

Barcelona, June 2010. – Faced with the urgent need to save the Red Tuna from extinction, NGO ADDA has launched a new campaign.

The case of the Red Tuna is extraordinary because it once was one of the most abundant fish in the seas, yet now it is on the point of extinction. This is due to several causes:

wide net fishing, or ´purse seining’ the most common method in which the Red Tuna is fished,
the fact that it is hunted during the spawning period,
above all, illegal fishing, which constitutes an act of pure piracy.

Together these factors have brought this species to the edge of extinction. It is calculated that 80% of the population has gone.

The European Union has officially closed fishing for Red Tuna in the Mediterranean Sea after the official quota had been met. This is set at 29,000 tons per annum, even though scientists recommend a maximum annual quota of 10,000 tons if the population is to recover.

However the most serious problem is that of illegal fishing of the Tuna, estimated at 61,000 tons per year.

Although the European Union was in favor of a total prohibition on the trade in Red Tuna, no action was taken at the last meeting in March 2010 to impose a total ban after Japan applied pressure on CITES, the body that regulates the commerce in endangered species.

New gastronomy imported from Japan, sushi and sashimi, has triggered an increase of the consumption of this fish, resulting also in a sharp increase in its price.

NGO ADDA has sent a letter to the Minister of the Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Doña Elena Espinosa, to ask that she exercises rigorous control to ensure that all Red Tuna meat that comes onto the market comes from only from authorized and controlled sources.

SAVE THE RED TUNA! NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.

Sign our petition and support our campaign. You can add your signature at the website: http://www.addaong.org/pdf/Firmasatunrojo.pdf and buy tee shirts supporting the cause and spreading the message at our online shop at www.addaong.org/shop

Dalai Lama's Birthday

Barcelona, July 6, 2010 .- On the occasion of the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, NGO ADDA, which is very grateful for his support of the ban on bullfighting in Catalonia, sent a congratulatory letter, on behalf of all members and supporters.

His Holiness has graciously thanked us for our “warm greetings” saying that our support encourages him in his effort to promote human values, to foster inter-religious harmony and to work for the just aspirations of the Tibetan people.

The new European Directive of Animal Experimentation goes into reverse

You will not find this information in the media

Bruxelles, May 2010. The current law, Directive 86/609, is being revised and it is at the end of the process, on 11 may 2010, the EU Council of Ministers issued a statement claiming that there will be greater protection to animals used in experimentation.

ONG ADDA wants to emphasise that the rethoric does not match the reality and that millions of animals will continue to suffer and die in European laboratories under the new Directive.

Last march, Barcelona hosted the ECEAE – European Coalition to End Animal Experiments - meeting, a Coalition which is represented in Spain by ONG ADDA. During the meeting, it was made clear that, according to the drafs of the new Directive, not only the situation of animals used in experiments will not be improvedi but in some issues it will be made worse.

In the issued statement, the Council of Ministers has made several inaccurate claims:

•       The statement says under the new laws animal experiments will have to be replaced wherever possible, with numbers and suffering reduced to a minimum. In fact, there is nothing new about this – this is already the law. Worse, the new law would allow animals to be used even where there is an adequate replacement where the replacement is not listed in European legislation. Based on the latest EU statistics, this would account for around 78% of all experiments (such as those conducted for basic research)

•       It is claimed that the use of non-human primates (NHPs) will be subject to tight restrictions. This is untrue. Although there are such restrictions on the use of great apes (which account for a tiny proportion of NHP use), researchers will be able to use other NHPs even for very minor human ailments (as the Dutch Government has been honest enough to acknowledge), and in basic research without any special protection at all

•       The statement claims that only the offspring of NHPs bred in captivity or sourced from self-sustaining colonies can be used. This is also untrue. This is merely a long-term aspiration, contingent on researchers’ supply needs.

•       The statement talks about the fight against diseases but says nothing about the fact that animals will continue to be experimented on, in large numbers, for reasons which have nothing to do with finding cures for diseases – such as the safety testing of inessential products, curiosity-driven research and education (where there are already alternatives available).

•       It is claimed that projects will have to be authorised by governments in advance. In fact, for very large numbers of experiments (for safety testing), governmental involvement will be minimal

•       The statement says that the new directive is a step towards the ultimate goal of achieving the full replacement of experiments on animals when scientifically possible, but the Council position contains no mechanisms for achieving the goal. In particular, ministers have rejected the use of targets and frequent reviews to reflect public opinion and evolving science

This disappointing Directive is soon to pass through its final stage in the European Parliament . It has made patently clear the enormous power of the lobbies that support and make profit from animal experimentation.

Brigitte Bardot asks for the abolition of bullfighting in Catalonia

Barcelona, June 3, 2010 .- At the request of NGO ADDA, the French actress Brigitte Bardot, a tireless defender of animals, has signed, on June 2, 2010, the declaration against bullfighting, which urges the Catalan Parliament to amend the Animal Protection Law.

Her support is to be added to that of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Honorary Member of the Bardot Foundation, and the famous Catalan painter Antoni Tàpies.

ONG ADDA presents to the press its Pigeon Report “Barcelona 2010”

Barcelona, on April 28 of 2010 - Following the worrying news recently announced in the press of the call by the City Council of Barcelona for bids to exterminate 64.700 pigeons, ONG ADDA has prepared an exhaustive report detailing more effective and bloodless methods of control and the benefits that they bring both to the pigeons and to the urban environment. The report addresses the root problems, those of uncontrolled feeding and the negative consequences of previous contentious campaigns against pigeons.

This Report presents the current reality, based upon the examples and experiences of other cities and upon the expertise of European specialists with whom we have consulted. It outlines strategies that can and must be applied. Barcelona must continue to promote itself as a city that is advanced on the subject of animal well-being as was demonstrated with the “Municipal Declaration for the Coexistence and the Rights of the Animals”, approved in 1998, as well as the many initiatives for the protection of animals.

The project of extermination proposed by the City Council, in addition to being cruel, is useless and counter-productive because it actually results in a rapid increase in the pigeon population as the report demonstrates. In addition the cost is extremely high and unjustifiable.

These are the proposals that have been submitted by ADDA to the City Council:

As a first measure, we call for the suspension of the call for bids and the proposed action for the capture and slaughter of 64.700 pigeons.
To commission a study to be carried out by independent specialists who are not trying to sell any product or generic solution.
To design a detailed results focused program, based on experience, that concentrates on the origin and causes of the problem and not simply on its consequences.

The program would involve bloodless interventions. The program to be adapted to specific conditions in Barcelona but would be based on the following suggested interventions:

Reduction of the spaces available where pigeons can nest and sleep.
Installation of a suitable number of ecological pigeon lofts where pigeons can be encouraged to nest and lay eggs, giving the opportunity to carry out actions that will control reproduction. These lofts to be maintained by qualified personnel.
That the location of pigeon lofts is considered in each district of Barcelona for maximum effectiveness, working on the example set by Paris.
To begin with a study on the viability of a pilot pigeon loft placed in the Plaza de Catalonia, a well known location where there is a large pigeon population.
Information displays for the public in the proximity of the locations of pigeon lofts.
To limit the locations where pigeon feeding is allowed.
To recognize that there exist persons who devote themselves to feeding pigeons and to enlist the support of these people, give them recognition, encourage them to provide food to the pigeons in specific and appropriate places and to support the program.
Information campaigns that are designed with the collaboration of animal defense organizations, focused in the benefits of a better quality of life for the pigeons themselves as well as an improvement of the environment.
To realize an educational study that brings an end to the stigmatization of pigeons, that is one does not use terms such as "plagues" or “flying rats” which distort and confuse the reality and pervert the truth about these animals.
To turn the campaign into an educational event, motivating the citizenship to participate and become involved in the project.
To organize educational visits of schools to the parks and places in which the pigeon lofts are located.

ONG ADDA has sent his Report Pigeon “Barcelona 2010” to those responsible in the Barcelona City Council.

Antoni Tàpies supports the abolition of bullfighting in Catalonia

Barcelona, April 21, 2010 .- At the request of NGO ADDA, the renowned essayist and painter Antoni Tàpies, signed, on April 19, 2010, the declaration against bullfighting, in which he affirms that he considers that bulls are creatures endowed with mental and physical sensitivity and that the practice of bullfighting inflicts terrible suffering to animals.

Therefore he urges the Catalan Parliament to amend the Law on Protection of Animals of Catalonia 22/2003 removing the exception that allows the practice of bullfighting in Catalonia.

On behalf of all animals, we thank and welcome Antoni Tàpies commitment to animal welfare.

ADDA delivers 16,810 signatures against the sale of animals on Barcelona´s Las Ramblas.

Barcelona, 19th April 2010. – NGO ADDA has delivered to the Deputy Mayor of the Environment, Imma Mayol, 16,810 signatures against the sale of animals in the kiosks of the Ramblas in Barcelona. The signatures are the result of a campaign jointly undertaken with FEDAN (Federation of Entities for the Rights of Animals and Nature) and Ecologists in Action of Catalonia and demand the enforcement of the protection of animals as laid down in the Law for the Protection of Animals of Catalonia and Municipal bylaws on the protection, keeping and sale of animals in Barcelona.

NGO ADDA wishes to show, through these signatures, the extent of public support for the decision taken by the Environment department of the Barcelona Council to ban the sale of animals on Las Ramblas, a matter that has been pending for many years.

The sale of animals in the kiosks of Las Ramblas has been under consideration for years by the Council and is a continuing object of disgust and condemnation for the millions of tourists who visit the city each year. Citizens of Barcelona and of Catalonia do not understand how these kiosks can still exist and want the phasing out of these places where animals are caged night and day, enduring cold and heat, the noises of the city and the frequent celebrations that take place on Las Ramblas.

MADRID AGAINST THE BULLFIGHTS.

The anti bullfighting demonstration on March 28 (2010) in Madrid had the air of a fiesta. Thousands of people answered the call to a protest against bullfighting. In an organized and peaceful event demonstrators carried a multitude of pennants adorned with clever and witty slogans. At the head the main banner carried the direct and simple statement: TORTURE IS NOT CULTURE. Following were thousands of banners and pennants of all kinds and sizes from the many organisations and individual participants.

The foreign presence in this, the capital city, has ensured that news correspondents have spread the news all over the world: Euronews, BBC World, and other agencies have widely reported the event.

The news has spread throughout the world because in many countries there is enormous interest and a hope that Spain will decide to finally put an end to this public spectacle based on the atrocious torture of an animal.

The aim of journalism should be to report the news truthfully and to reliably inform the public, who should be able to trust in what they read, or see or hear. Regrettably, some of the national media have attempted to conceal the news or to deny the size and importance of this huge act of protest.

But the truth, as it turns out, is too clear to be thus concealed. The images spread across the world, give testimony of the need to eradicate a spectacle so anachronistic and cruel that it is impossible to justify and has no place in the XXIst century.

Source: Adda March 29th, 2010

Barcelona hosts the meeting of ECEAE

Barcelona. - On The 24th, March 25 and 26, 2010 in Barcelona the meeting took place of the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, ECEAE. Barcelona was chosen as the venue for the meeting due to the fact that Spain holds, during this first semester, the Presidency of the European Union.

ECEAE is the leader in Europe in the movement against the use, every year, of millions of animals in experimentation and other scientific practices including: medical and pharmacological tests, testing of chemical products used in cosmetics, domestic and many other products under the European REACH program for chemical testing. At present a new Directive on experimentation on animals is in the final phase of approval and, sadly and surprisingly, the Directive represents a worsening of the situation of the animals used in experimentation. The new Directive allows less transparency, it allows experimentation with primates and it does not permit member states to pass laws that go further to limit animal experiments, or legislate to ameliorate or reduce animal suffering to an extent more than is laid down by the Directive.
It is expected that this unfortunate Directive, which has been pushed for by the lobbyists situated in Brussels who represent the economic interests of industry, will be definitively approved before next June, or, during the Spanish presidency.

Es por ello que resultaría de vital importancia, que España, se mostrase favorable a un mejor trato con los animales. Por esto se han dirigidos escritos al José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero y Elena Espinosa para que trasmitan a la U.E. un manifiesto interés en mejorar su contenido a favor del bienestar animal.
It is for this reason that it is of vital importance that Spain shows itself favourable to the better treatment of animals. To this letters have been sent to the José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero y Elena Espinosa, for them to transmit to the European Union, a manifesto in the interests of improving the content of the Directive in favor of animal well-being.
The ECEAE, founded in 1990, is composed of representatives from Spain (ONG ADDA), Portugal, Croatia, Sweden, Finland, United Kingdom, Germany, Norway, Holland, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, France, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.

Action

Your help is very important. The topic has already been aired at a press conference on 25th March, 2010 and was distributed by EFE and Europe Press. The government cannot ignore it.
We request you to write letters (not e-mails, nor faxes) to:

Excmo. Sr. José Luís Rodríguez Zapatero.
Presidente del Gobierno.
Complejo de la Moncloa.
28071 MADRID.

Suggested wording:

‘I am writing to request that Spain, during its presidency of the E.U., ensure that the Directive on Animal Experimentation, does indeed become a text that advances the cause of animal well-being as it is claimed and as is wished for by the majority of European citizens. Opinion polls show that 82 % of European citizens want a reduction in the use of animals in laboratories and an increase in the use of alternative methods.’

If we do not make a small personal effort our friends, the animals, will suffer. Don´t wait for tomorrow, do it now! Thank you

*For further information please go to adda@addaong.org

Imposing the Continuation of bullfights

Madrid, March 2010. –As an answer to the democratic debate that is unfolding in the Parliament of Catalonia regarding bullfights, Esperanza Aguirre, a declared bullfighting supporter and president of the Community of Madrid, CAM, has hurried through an announcement that bullfights will be declared regional cultural heritage. Demonstrating an unusual exercise of unilateral power this declaration represents a serious act of irresponsibility. It is unknown in any other country of the world that the maltreatment and public sacrifice of a living being is considered to be a part of institutionally recognized values and much less do they qualify as part of the culture. Neither, in any modern and civilized country, is it allowed that cruelty toward animals is encouraged and imparted to children within the school system. This measure is to promote financing of the most subsidized private industry that has ever existed. The Community of Madrid, with public money, was one of the patrons of the ‘Mesa del Toro’, a one day exposition in support of bullfighting presented to the European Parliament in 2008. If, in addition, the claims that schools should teach bullfighting classes and that children have free access to the bullfight arenas are upheld, the result could be a social crisis and consequences of dimensions hard to predict.

Those citizens who reject or who have no interest in the cruelty of the bullfights are in the majority in Madrid, as they are in many other cities and in especially in regard to the education and protection of children this is a delicate and sensitive issue.

As one of the most recurrent arguments of the bullfight supporters has been that the bullfights would end when the public stopped attending, then those in public office have now exceeded their remit in giving more financial support than ever to bullfights and in involving children in order to perpetuate and impose its continuation on the people. To add to this uproar the pro bullfight demonstrations in the communities of Valencia and Murcia have added to Aquirre´s proposition.

The deplorable image that this projects of Spain to the European Community is of a country that is very backward. However, as a member country, it has its European tribunals and there is no choice but to come into line with Europe on the rights of the child as well as the rights of parents and citizens and the defense of those ethical values that define a modern society.

ILP (People´s Legislative Initiative): ONG´s ADDA and FLAC denounce deceitful maneuvering by pro bullfighting lobby.

Barcelona 3rd March 2010. -The Federation to Fight for the Abolition of Bullfighting (FLAC) – a French association with its headquarters in Toulouse, of which ADDA forms a part of the board of directors has written to the President of the Parliament of Catalonia. In the letter they expose a series of glaring irregularities present in a letter from a so called ´Collective´ of French elected representatives that was sent, on 30th November, 2009, to the deputies of the Parliament of Catalonia, a letter that supported the continuation of bullfights in Catalonia.

Examination of the list of French elected representatives included in the ´Collective’, who supposedly signed the letter, reveals that:

3 were dead (in 2007 and 2009),
1 is a noted opponent of bullfighting
6 of the mayors no longer hold office.
The representative for Fenouillet was never consulted and in fact has banned bullfights in his constituency.
7 politicians appear on the list 2 or 3 times
19 of the deputies are no longer in office.

FLAC wanted to express its indignation that the politicians who instigated this ‘Collective’ have presumed to interfere in Catalan politics with the objective of putting pressure on the deputies. These tactless meddlers, who have not even consulted their own electorate, are attempting to undermine the process of the new law to end the exception of the bullfight in existing animal protection legislation. This initiative which, if successful, will end bullfighting in the Catalan region was solicited democratically by the people of Catalonia by means of the 180,000 signatures collected for the People´s Legislative Initiative.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama supports the ILP

Barcelona, February 2010.- After a request by Ong ADDA, the Dalai Lama has signed a statement of support for the ILP.

In the declaration, the Dalai Lama denounces bullfighting as a cruel practice and asks the Catalan Parliament to modify the Animal Protection Law to remove the exemption that allows bullfights.

ADDA delivers 127,500 signatures against bullfighting in Catalunia, bringing the total to 676,500.

Barcelona, 14th December 2009. On this day a delivery was made to the President of the Catalan Parliament, Sr. Ernest Benach, 127,500 signatures calling for the suppression of bullfighting in Catalonia. The signatures are the result of the joint anti-bullfighting campaign conducted by ADDA and WSPA, (World Society for the Protection of Animals) that was started in 2005.

These signatures are independent of those collected by the People´s Legislative Initiative (ILP).

453,000 signatures were delivered to the Parliament on 6th June, 2005 and 96,000 more in February 2006. Those signatures delivered today represent the remainder of those collected in 2006 before a temporary suspension of the campaign in order not to interfere with the efforts of those who worked so hard on, and contributed to the success of the ILP initiative. The 127,500 signatures delivered today bring the total to 676,500.

ADDA wished to remind the deputies that more than 70% of Catalan citizens reject the cruel and anachronistic spectacle of bullfighting and that the vote, expected to take place on Friday 18th December 2009, must give a result that will reflect the feelings and wishes of this majority

The 5th ANIMALADDA a big success with a great turnout and over 200 adoptions

Barcelona, October 2009. On Sunday 26th October the fifth ANIMALADDA, came to an end. This annual event run by ADDA for the Defence and Welfare of Abandoned Animals was celebrated from 23rd to 25th October at the annexe to the Palau Saint Jordi in Barcelona.

The number of dogs and cats adopted, around 200, was similar to numbers in previous years. To this number we expect further adoptions directly from the shelters and kennels and foresee that the final number of adoptions will come to 300 or more in the days following the event.

Taking part, among others, were 25 animal refuge and rescue centres, as well as the Department of the Environment of the Generality of Catalonia, the Public Health Agency, Environment Department of Barcelona and the Public Health agency of Barcelona.

In 2008 the number of cats adopted was greater than the number of dogs, however this year saw the reverse with more dogs adopted than cats. As in previous years there was great public interest in the event which attracted around 10,000 visitors.

There was a Solidarity Collection stand to collect medicines and basic essentials for the animal shelters. This material had been previously donated by various firms and was distributed amongst those shelters in need of such materials at the end of the event.

This fifth ANIMALADDA event re-enforced the solidarity of this Fair on behalf of abandoned animals and raises consciousness of the issue in the citizens of Barcelona.

The event also saw the presence of the Valencia Society for the Protection of Animals and Plants (SVPAP) and of numerous visitors from other Spanish regions who are interested in the problems of abandoned pets and the struggle against abandonment.

As every year, the Salon was complemented with activities organised throughout the three days: a children’s educational workshop, demonstrations of Agility, demonstrations by rescue dogs and dogs of the Civil Guard trained in the detection of drugs and explosives, and demonstration of the training of dogs in the refuges. Also there were round table discussions and conferences that dealt with many issues associated with pets.

Media coverage of the event has been outstanding, with reports on RTVE (programme, ‘Spain Direct’) that may be seen on the internet, Barcelona TV, TV3, Telecinco, Antena 3 (´programme, ‘Public Space’). On the radio there were reports on Compadio and Onda Rambla. The event was covered in the press in El Punt, La Vanguardia, el Periodico de Catalunya, 20 minutos , AND, Qué, Linea Sants and in other local free daily papers.

Protest before the British Consulate in Barcelona

Barcelona, July 23, 2009. -Activists of NGO ADDA demonstrated before the British Consulate to register their rejection of, and objection to, the use of the skins of black bears hunted in Canada to make the well known ‘busby’ hats of the Royal Guard of her Majesty Elizabeth II.

In the above mentioned action, ADDA'S President delivered to the Consul general attaché, a letter outlining the motivations for the protest. The letter emphasised that ADDA does not ask that the real bear skin should be replaced with an imitation, but for a complete move away from the use of fur, whether real or imitation as the use of faux fur gives tacit assent to the use of real animal fur not only for the guards’ hats but as an aceptable form of clothing. Additionally the use of any fur, real or fake causes confusion, since the majority of the British citizens and the million tourists who visit Great Britain, believe that these emblematic caps are already made from synthetic material, and are horrified at finding out that bears are being massacred to create these hats.

This same argument and protest was relayed to her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in a letter from NGO ADDA sent in March, 2009.

The fifth ANIMALADDA, October 2009.

Barcelona, June 2009. - The 23rd, 24th and 25th October (Friday to Sunday) have already been fixed for the fifth ANIMALADDA event for the Well-being and Defense of Abandoned Animals.

The pioneering idea has already become a part of the Barcelona autumn, especially for all those who respect and love animals.

The event will include lively and creative activities for old and young. There will be demonstrations of many types of activities with dogs, including the famous Walkway where dogs and cats seeking responsible adoption will be presented. There will also be storytellers and educational workshops for children.

Each year sees a development of a wide programme of activities, covering all three days of the event, dedicated to the issues of pet owning given by specialists and experts in the subject. It is therefore a dynamic event that offers up to date, practical information and knowledge..

By agreement with the “Gremio de Hosteleria” (Hotel Guild) of Barcelona and the organizers of the event, various establishments have been selected, from four star to hostels, that offer advantageous accommodation deals for visitors to the event. There will be opportunities for those who visit the event and wish to stay on for a city tour.

http://www.salonanimaladda.org

ADDA in a fortnightly programme on Barcelona Television BTV

Barcelona, May 2009. – Within the midday programme “Connexio Barcelona” (Connecting Barcelona), presented by Joseph M Bachs, a well known and prestigious presenter on Catalan television, ADDA has been given space every 15 days to promote the adoption of pets and to raise awareness about the abandonment of animals. Refuges and local pet rescue centres are invited to present the pets whom they have in their care, both dogs and cats, explaining the characteristics and circumstances of each animal presented. They also explain the care that the animals need and deserve and give information on how best to treat them to coexist happily with them. Sharing the programme are Marta Casals of BTV and Carmen Mendez representing ADDA.

BTV is the municipal broadcasting station of Barcelona and forms part of the network of local television around Barcelona reaching a population of 4 million. Time of the programme – alternate Thursdays at 13.45. Programmes may be accessed online on the BTV website.

Spanish zoos and the European directive.

Brussels, November 2008 – The Director General for the Environment for the European Commission has given a warning to Spain by means of a ´Reasoned Opinion´ (prior to sending the dossier to the Luxemburg Tribunal) for non-compliance with European Directive22/1999 concerning the keeping of wild animals in zoos.

it is known well that, save for some honourable exceptions, the situation in many of the zoological parks (if they can be so called) in Spain is as if time had stood still. Rather than zoological parks they constitute a system of unsavoury and sordid jails where the animals languish, denied their natural habits. Not only do they do they lack any educative aspect but they offer to the children who visit a misleading and counterproductive view of the animals, denying the true richness of learning about the loves of wild animals in their natural environment.

The application of the National Law on Zoos to the communities is varied, from the more advanced of Andalucia, Madrid, Catalunya and Navarre. In others, such as Murcia, Asturias, Castille-Leon and Cantabria there is no compliance with the law, nor are inspections carried out.

InfoZoos considers it a matter of urgency that the Minister of the Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries takes steps to enforce the Zoological Law across all the Spanish territories, carrying out regular inspections by properly trained personnel.

Spain has 2 months to respond to the European Commission.

´Souvenir´ animals on the Barcelona Ramblas

Barcelona, December 2008. On the 12th, ADDA, denounced once more, via a campaign of press announcements, the extreme conditions in which the animals that are displayed and sold in several booths in the Ramblas of Barcelona. This time the Barcelona edition of El Punt carried a full page colour article. For many years ADDA has pressed the Barcelona local authority to apply the existing legislation, both of the Catalan Law and of the Ordinances that prohibit the selling of animals on a public street and their display in shop windows.

In this report, we wanted to show the lamentable conditions that the animals exposed for sale endure in Barcelona, a city that receives more than 6 million tourists a year many of whom visit his memorable place, the Ramblas. It is astonishing the authorities cannot understand how this may be viewed by all those visitors who are sensitive to the suffering of animals.

In May of this year ADDA already communicated, in a press release its criticism of the violation of the Regulation against the selling of these animals. Our position is supported by the Report of the Veterinarians' School of Barcelona, carried out at the request of that same city council authority, where it is made clear that there is a lack of concern for the welfare of the animals, an absence of proper hygiene and a very real public health risk associated with the sale of these animals at these booths.

ADDA initiated in October 2006 a campaign to collect signatures to protest this situation. We are continuing to collect signatures. To access the petition go to

http://www.addaong.org/pdf/campana_cast.pdf

FEBA and Baroness Thyssen unite to protect the greyhounds

Madrid, March 2009.- Considered as a mere piece of hardware, a tool in the so-called ´chase of the greyhound, ´ it is suspected that more than 50,000 greyhounds are destroyed at the end of their period of usefulness or when they begin to weaken. Images of greyhounds dying slowly by hanging, beaten around the head with clubs, or thrown to wells, have been seen in the media in recent years.

The large scale breeding of greyhounds, kept in miserable conditions and badly fed is a situation that occurs every year. Every year the majority of Spanish people knows about and condemns it. Every year the administrations, who should be acting as the guardians of the regional laws, take no effective action to resolve this situation, one that is inexcusable in a civilised country.

The Spanish Federation for Animal Welfare (Federation Espanola para el Bienestar Animal, FEBA) founded 10 years ago through its associations in all Spain, initiated a collection of signatures, cards and other communications directed at the authorities of Castilla-La Mancha, that they take measures to enforce the protective laws so that:

Greyhounds are identified.
Breeding centres are controlled and illegal sites closed.
The records of the breeding centres are examined.
The levels of cleanliness, care, condition of the animals and the transportation of the greyhounds are controlled.

Additionally to initiate and realize appropriate information campaigns, especially directed towards the local administrations, to underline the importance of the problem of those unfeeling persons who cause these cruelties. Together with the implementation of existing measures it is the only feasible form to bring an end to these sad, cruel and shameful actions.

22580 signatures were delivered in Toledo on March 24, 2009, along with a statement signed by the Baronessa Thyssen to the Presidency of the Government of Castilla-La Mancha.
In a subsequent meeting, the Director General of Agricultural Production announced that ´control will become more strict and there is a project to review the Law of Protection that he considers to be outdated, (some sanctions are still expressed in pesetas!) “ridiculous and old fashioned.”

At the press conference at which they were present were also, in addition to local press, representatives of some of the most important nationals both from the press and television, making for a wide diffusion of information on the situation of greyhounds in Spain.

The campaign to collect signatures continues and petition forms are available on request at the following address, either by ordinary mail or by e-mail:
FEBA. c/Costanilla de los Ángeles, 13, 3ª G. -28013 Madrid
E-mail: fedes.bienestaranimal@gmail.com

Spain gives support to the protection of seals.

Brussels, the 27th March, 2009. In the meeting of the Permanent Committee of Representatives – COREPER, and thanks to a decisive vote from Spain, a total prohibition in trading in products derived from seals was obtained. This will undoubtedly constitute an important step towards ending commercial seal hunts.

Congratulations to the Spanish government and especially to the Minister for the Environment, Agriculture and Fisheries, Senora Elena Espinosa, for having been sensitive to the petitions of the majority of Spanish citizens, who have expressed much concern over the slaughter of seals that takes place annually in Canada.

Collaborate in promoting the well-being of animals: Do not buy eggs from hens raised in cages.

Barcelona, May 2009.-we have realised that many consumers do not know the meaning of the code printed on the eggs that they consume.

ADDA, (within our campaign against the use of intensive farming methods for animals raised for human consumption and, specifically, against the practice of keeping egg-laying hens in cages, a cruel and aberrant system that denies the hens the ability to live and behave in a natural manner), can inform you that the first digit of the code identifies the way in which the hens are kept. The two following letters identify the member state of production, and the remainder of the digits, the farm of production.

There are four forms of production, which correspond to the following codes.
“ 0 “ – Eggs ecologically produced. The hens are raised outdoors and fed on ecological fodder (minimum 80 %) and the population density kept within those compatible with the needs of the hens. Beak cutting is prohibited as well as the use of antibiotics and growth promoters.

“ 1 “ – Eggs of rural hens, who have access during the whole day to outdoor corrals, and 4 m² of space per hen.

“ 2 “ – Eggs of hens raised indoors in communal spaces. The hens are shut up in sheds artificially lit with a very high population density of up to 12 hens for 1m². Their beaks are usually cut to prevent them killing one another or injuring themselves.

“ 3 “ – Eggs of hens raised in cages, battery hens. The worst system and the most frequent. The hens pile up in the cages, and each one occupies a cage the size of an A4 sheet. They are in a state of permanent stress and many fall ill.

ADDA recommends to those consumers concerned about animal well-being buy only eggs coded as of ecological production “ 0 “, or, at most, those coded as eggs of rural hens “ 1 “.

Participate in ethical and responsible consumption.

ADDA'S new campaign against the bearskin hats of the British Royal Guard.

Barcelona, May 2009. London is a traditional tourist destination for Spanish people. Amongst many symbols of the British culture, exhibited to the tourist and frequently photographed, are the guards of her Majesty the Queen.

These guards represent a strong tradition and are instantly recognisable, especially for their tall Busby hats. With much concern and astonishment we have learned (thanks to the denunciations of PETA in the United Kingdom), that these same caps are made of the skin of the Canadian Black Bear.

The British Defence Department buys every year skins of bears hunted in Canada to make the caps that are worn by five regiments of her Majesty’s guards. Each cap represents a bear shot by hunters. Some of them suffer several shots before dying. Those who manage to escape die from loss of blood. When a female is killed, her orphaned pups are left helpless and eventually starve to death.

We ask for the collaboration of all sensitive and compassionate persons who care about animals to send a letter to the Queen to express their rejection of this shameful tradition. They should realise also that, when they go to London and have their photograph taken alongside a royal guard, they are placing themselves beside a dead bear cruelly killed by hunters.

To send your protest to her Majesty the Queen

Model letter:

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Buckingham Palace
London, SW1 1AA
United Kingdom – Reino Unido

Your Majesty

I have recently become aware that the ceremonial hats worn by the Guards at Buckingham Palace and by members of the Royal Horse Artillery are made from the skin of black bears hunted in Canada.

It seems astonishing to me that in the twenty-first century and, specially, in Great Britain which has pioneered animal protection in the world, such a practise continues to be encouraged and supported by such a respected Institution.

I consider that the practise should be ended now, even if it means a complete change in the traditional headwear of the guards because a faux fur alternative would send a message that tacitly supports the idea of wearing real animal fur. A complete change would be welcomed and applauded by the majority of people world-wide that visit Great Britain every year.

Yours respectfully,

(Name and signature)

19/03/2009 - Revision of the animal experiments Directive

The European Coalition to End Animal Experiments (ECEAE), a coalition whose representative in Spain is ADDA, is calling on Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) of the Agriculture Committee to listen to their constituents for a key vote on a revision to the animal experiments directive(Directive 86/609/EEC) later this month. The call follows the results of a public opinion poll carried out in six EU Member States. The results of the poll have been released to coincide with the presentation of the Agriculture committee report at the Parliament on Monday 9th March. This report is then expected to be submitted to all MEPs early in May.

The opinion poll was carried out in several countries of the UE and shows that public opinion is strongly at odds with proposals currently on the table. These would, amongst other things, allow researchers to keep the right: to experiment on monkeys, cats and dogs for just about any purpose; to cause suffering to animals which is both severe and prolonged; and to repeatedly re-use the same animal in painful experiments. The system would remain highly secretive and researchers would not even need to get the permission of their governments to carry out animal experiments in the vast majority of cases.

Results from the opinion poll show:

81% of people surveyed agree or strongly agree the new law should prohibit all experiments causing pain or suffering to primates
79% of people agree or strongly agree the new law should prohibit all experiments on animals which do not relate to serious or life-threatening human conditions
84% of people surveyed agree or strongly agree the new law should prohibit all experiments causing severe pain or suffering to any animal
80% of people agree or strongly agree all information about animal experiments should be publicly available, except information which is confidential and information which would identify researchers or where they work
73% of people disagree or strongly disagree that the new law should permit experiments causing pain or suffering to cats
77% of people disagree or strongly disagree that the new law should permit experiments causing pain or suffering to dogs

The ECEAE has this week launched a major Europe-wide campaign initiative to stop researchers simply continuing with cruel science, using as many as 12 million animals in experiments in Europe each year. The 12 Million Reasons campaign reflects the concerns expressed by citizens throughout the European Union. The European Union currently has an historic opportunity to move from cruel and often unreliable animal experiments to modern, humane science fit for the 21st century.

The MEPs’ duty is to address the concerns of their voters and not to let the current scientific defenders of animal experimentation and the industry lobby to influence their decisions.

The 4th Animaladda Fair has been a great success

Barcelona.- ANIMALADDA, the Fair for abandoned pets, held in Palau Sant Jordi of Barcelona, ended on Sunday, 12 October. It surpassed our expectations since more than 12.000 people visited it.

The public appearance of cats and dogs in the “Catwalk” was well-attended, as usual, and was opened by the Baroness Thyssen-Bornemisza, honorary member of ADDA for a long while ago, who adopted 2 dogs. Other well-known figures of politics, show business and media also presented pets on the Catwalk.

Over 200 pets were adopted: this year, surprisingly, nearly the same number of cats and dogs. We expect that other 200 pets will be adopted afterwards.

This year there was a novel workshop for children aged between 4 and 10 that was attended by over 300 children that were taught that all animals and, in this case, cats and dogs have to be respected and loved.

The pioneering Animaladda Fair is the last opportunity for thousands of abandoned pets to find a new home. All the expositors that took part gave the same messages: pets deserve to be treated as a member of the family, it is essential to avoid compulsive sale, pets tutors have to enforce regulations: pets have to be registered; have a microchip implanted and a dog tag to find them when they are lost and to demonstrate that their tutors are responsible and committed to their welfare and care.

Pets’ issues were extensively discussed in round-table conferences and talks over the 3 days of the Fair, together with other activities.

http://www.salonanimaladda.org

International Anti-bullfighting Conference

Barcelona, February 3rd, 2008.- If you go directly to ACTIVITIES/NEWS, it is important to click on the icon “International Anti-bullfighting Conference” above on the left, you will know that ADDA and WSPA are organising an International Anti-bullfighting Conference untitled : “Bullfighting: United Against Cruelty”, to be held in Barcelona, next 21st (Thursday) and 22nd (Friday) February.

A meeting of important figures from Spain, Canada, United States, New Zealand and United Kingdom from the fields of science, art, politics, philosophy, education, law, media, who will give their views on this important issue.

If you are an association, even if you cannot attend the Conference, please give us your support.

If you have received this information by e-mail: you will find all the information, programme and registration form in our website www.addaong.org. You just have to click on the icon “International Anti-bullfighting Conference.

Registered now! Seating is limited.

Barcelona reacts: 5000 protestors took to the streets.

Catalonia/June 2007.- Yesterday, 17th June, there was a mass anti-bullfighting demonstration in Barcelona, the biggest ever seen so far. Approximately 5000 people marched in the main streets of Barcelona for over an hour towards the Monumental, the Barcelona bullring, demanding a bullfighting-free Catalonia, against torture and cruelty.

For the first time, it was not only activists but the citizens of Barcelona who took part in this protest. Their participation demonstrates that awareness of the bullfighting issue is increasing. Organisations from Spain were joined by international associations in the demonstration, including the French CRAC, FLAC and Alliance Anticorrida, The League Against Cruel Sports from the UK, the CAS from Belgium and The Netherlands.

Some days before, ADDA launched an advertising campaign in local newspapers, calling on people to participate and protest against bullfighting in Barcelona.

Last Sunday, the majority of people who attended José Tomás’ bullfight came from outside Barcelona. In the next bullfight, the bullring will be nearly empty as usual. Bullfighting is a failing business in Catalonia, something which its supporters must accept.

Meanwhile, ADDA and WSPA continue to collect signatures to be handed in to the Catalan Parliament, urging it to put forward a vote for the ban on bullfighting.

ADDA congratulates all citizens that participated in the demonstration against cruelty and torture on 17th June 2007.

Exclusive and urgent

76% of people from Barcelona are animal-friendly and against bullfighting.

Barcelona - June 2007 - ADDA has had access to an internal report conducted in November and December 2007 by Barcelona City Council’s Dirección de Estudios y Evaluación (Office for Studies and Evaluation). Those polled were asked if they like animal defenders and anti-bullfighting supporters ‘very much’, ‘quite a bit’, ‘a bit’, or ‘not at all’. The results were as follows:

I like them very much: 10.7%
I like them quite a bit: 65.3%
I like them a bit: 15.8%
I don’t like them at all: 4.7%
“Don’t know”: 4.7%

The results show that over 70% of the citizens of Barcelona support those fighting for the ban on bullfighting. These results confirm those from surveys previously conducted by ADDA/WSPA.

Anti-bullfighting Summit

International/May 2007.- Last 18th May was held in Lisbon (Portugal) an Anti-bullfighting Summit, gathering over 25 anti-bullfighting and animal protection organisations from across Europe and Latin America. The summit was preceded by a demonstration at the Campo Pequenho, Lisbon’s bullring.

This International Anti-bullfighting Summit has been organized by the Portuguese animal protection ANIMAL, in collaboration with The League against Cruel Sports from the UK and the Comité Anti-Stierenvechten, from the Netherlands and Belgium. In the summit, the participant organizations have assessed the present state of bullfighting in the world and the success of the movement which, both in bullfighting and anti-bullfighting countries, takes continuous action to end this brutal business. ADDA attended the summit and gave a talk about the current situation of bullfighting in Spain and , in particular, in Catalonia.

Anti-bullfighting demonstration on 17th June 2007

Barcelona/May 2007.- After Barcelona was declared an anti-bullfighting city in 2004, the bullfighting lobby started an offensive to pretend that Catalonia supports bullfighting. Consequently, they have heavily publicised the recruitement of a former bullfighter, José Tomás, who is to fight on 17th June at the Monumental, the Barcelona’s bullring, the only one still active in Catalonia. They want to fill up the bullring although it is increasingly empty and bullfights are occurring this year on a fortnightly basis.

To respond to this offensive the animal welfare associations Libera, Faada and Fundació Altarriba, have organised a demonstration that will take place on 17th June, the same day of José Tomás’bullfight. The protestors will gather at the end of the Ramblas (Drassanes) and march until the Monumental.

ADDA will be there and ask people to support and participate in the demonstration.

Anti-bullfighting campaign : over 750.000 citizens call the Catalan Parliament for the ban on bullfighting

Catalonia.- 200.000 signatures have been added to 550.000 ones already handed in, and rising. At present, over 750.000 citizens are asking to the Catalan Parliament to act democratically and put the ban on bullfighting to the vote.

ADDA, WSPA and the Platform of Entities and Citizens for the ban on bullfighting, PECISCOT, have strengthened their anti-bullfighting campaign, with advertisements in newspapers. The last one was placed in ADN. (find it attached)

We do not know how the Parliament will be long to comply with the will of the overwhelming majority of citizens. We are convinced that soon a million of voices will clamour for putting and end to the bullfighting cruelty and torture. Sooner or later, the politicians will become aware of ti.

That’s enough! 73,1 % of Catalan people is against bullfighting. Over 750.000 citizens have already signed to call for the ban. Our politicians must listen to them.

The campaign goes on: sign and spread it around..

Animal welfare in Europe – a growing concern

March 2007.- According to the Eurobarometer survey, there is a high awareness on farm animal welfare in the EU.

Spain, together with Lithuania, is the country where consumers are less concerned about it (69%). They are, also, those who have less farming conditions knowledge (48%). Nonetheless, they would be willing to change their normal place of shopping in order to be able to buy more animal welfare friendly food products (64%).

In spite of the awareness of animal welfare, a majority of European citizens are not prepared to pay a higher price when buying food. Nonetheless in the UK, Ireland, France, Italy and Germany, the consumption of welfare friendly eggs is about two and a half times higher than it was 10 years ago, and rising. Besides, some of 51% of EU consumers said that they can rarely o never identify from the label on eggs, milk and meat whether the production system is animal welfare friendly or not.

Campaign on behalf of the Spanish greyhounds (Galgos) to make law being observed.

ADDA together with FEBA (Spanish Federation for Animal Welfare), SPAP (Society for the Protection of Animals and Plants of Madrid), “Galgos sin Fronteras” (Greyhounds without borders) of Madrid and any other associations that join us, has launched a campaign to prevent the awful conditions of the greyhounds in Spain.

Every year about 50.000 greyhounds are abandoned, mistreated o hanged when hunting season is over. Before this cruel destiny, greyhounds are raised in small confined and unhealthy places where they are underfed and are only released to go “hunting”.

Although this situation has been denounced repeatedly by many associations and people who feel helpless, nothing has been done to resolve this severe problem that affects thousands of animals.

Under the slogan “Put a greyhound in your life… help them!” the campaign we have launched aims to denouncing the appalling state of these animals in certain autonomous regions of Spain that are used to go hunting and then slaughtered or abandoned when we are considered useless as a hunting dog.

One of our goals is to make greyhounds known as a peaceful and home-loving pedigree and encourage adoptions and so support the shelters that are working very hard to take care of these abandoned dogs.

Please download and sign our petition to put an end to this shameful and cruel indignity.

http://addaong.org/pdf/hojafirmgalgweb.pdf
http://addaong.org/pdf/galgos2web.pdf
http://addaong.org/pdf/webgalgos.pdf

Catalonia eats up its symbol, The “Catalan donkey”

February 2007
Catalonia – The Catalan donkey is protected under Spanish law because it is an endangered species. However, in February 2006, the Dinning Club “La Xicoia” located in Sort,(Pallars Sobirá), organized a dinner using the slogan “ If you are one of those people who love the Catalan donkey, make your dream become true: eat him up” and two male donkeys were slaughtered and cooked.

The donkey has, for centuries, been our fellow worker and our means of transport. In that sense he has become a symbol of Catalan culture and traditions. Presently, there are 300 donkeys protected and they are part of our cultural heritage.

Eating donkey meat at a so-called ‘party’ simply to promote a village dining-club is truly a bizarre way to protect such innocent hard-working animals. What is even worse is that the poster that promoted the event shows that it has been sponsored by the Generalitat of Catalunya (local government) and two important Catalan saving banks, Caixa Catalunya and La Caixa.

It is regrettable that this kind of grotesque initiative has been carried out and it would never occur in another European country.

Take action: Please write protest letters and emails to the institutions responsible for this initiative.

Please write protest letters…”

- Associació La Xicoia de Sort: laxicoia@hotmail.com
- Ayuntamiento de Sort: ajuntament@sort.cat
- Departamento de Cultura i Mitjans de Comunicació
- Hnble Sr. Joan Manuel Tresseras
Rambla de Santa Mònica, 8
08002 BARCELONA

- Consell Comarcal del Pallars Sobirà
Sr. Àngel Guiu
c/ del Mig, 9
25560 SORT
Fax: 973 620 078

Nº 26 and 27 of the Bull Tribune on the Net:

We invite you to visit our on-line bulletin The Bull Tribune www.thebulltribune.org promoted by ADDA in an English and Spanish version.

Exclusively published against bullfighting, it comes out three times a year. The 26 and 27 issues have just come out and deal with current news.

ADDA joins the world-wide campaign “Animals matter to me”

November 2006
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) has launched the “Animals Matter To Me” campaign, which represents the biggest-ever global animal welfare initiative linking the entire animal welfare movement under one strategic goal—global recognition that animals are sentient beings, capable of feeling pain and suffering. As such, WSPA is seeking 10 million signatures to let governments of the world know that we are serious about achieving a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare at the United Nations.

Around 60 billion farm animals are used each year globally to produce meat, milk and eggs. The majority are raised in industrial farming systems where their welfare needs are not met.
Globally, there are some 600 million dogs, and a similar number of cats, of which an estimated 80% are stray or unwanted.
The illegal and often inhumane trade in wildlife and wildlife parts is a soaring black market worth $10 billion a year, exceeded only by arms and drug smuggling. Millions of wild animals are killed, captured or traded inhumanely in this shady business.
An estimated 80% of power input on farms in developing countries is supplied by draught animals, however the resources made available are often woefully inadequate, leading to significant welfare issues.
Animals are also affected on a huge scale by natural disasters, though seldom considered.

Improving animal welfare can also improve the welfare of people relying on these animals. Over a billion people directly rely on animals around the world for their livelihoods. People rely on animals' companionship as well, and in many cases animals are considered part of the family.
For a global problem you need a global solution. Agreement on the importance of an issue affects people's attitudes, and people's attitudes affect their actions. A Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare would have a real, long-term impact on the welfare of billions of animals worldwide.

Act now. Make the animals matter to governments. Sign the petition. Click here: www.animalsmatter.org

Anti-bullfight Catalonia campaign. Help us to achieve a ban on bullfighting

ADDA and the WSPA are campaigning hard against bullfighting. In the next days, advertisements will be publicized in the newspapers “Metro”, “20 minutes” and “ADN” calling for a ban on bullfighting. You can download petitions from our web site to urge the Catalan Parliament to put an end to this cruelty. You can find the petitions in the section “What we are denouncing - Torture Shows” on our website or you can click on this link: www.addaong.org/que_7.html

Starlings

December 2006
Figueres (Catalonia – Spain). Last 14 February, the City Council of Figueres authorized 50 hunters to shoot starlings which roosted each night in Bosc Park. ADDA reported this slaughter to the Environment Department of the Generalitat and the Public Prosecutor’s Office on the grounds that alternative methods to discourage starlings from flocking in towns could have been employed.

Eight months later, and after pressure from ADDA, the City Council of Figueres recognized that the hunting had, unsurprisingly, been useless and this autumn they have hired a biologist.

ADDA is pleased to know that Figueres has changed, although too late, and we hope that others towns will discuss this kind of problem with associations and experts in order to avoid killing animals.

This year, Perpinyà (France) and Tarragona will use alternative methods to control the birds.

ADDA and WSPA resume their campaign to abolish bullfighting in Catalonia.

November 2006
Barcelona/ November 2006.- In the former session, the bill proposed by ERC and Iniciativa-Verds to abolish the exception that approves bullfighting was pending after the penultimate plenary of the Catalan Parliament.

With the new term of office, ADDA, WSPA and the Platform of entities and citizens to ban bullfighting PERISCOT urge all the political parties and the new MPs to take into account the results of the surveys (73,1% of the Catalan people want to put an end to this cruel spectacle).

Today, 23rd November 2006, ADDA and WSPA have unfurled banners in front of the Catalan Parliament on the occasion of the investiture of the new President of the Catalan Government, José Montilla.

The slogan of the campaign is : “PUT CATALONIA ON THE WORLD MAP: BAN BULLFIGHTING”

Stop Icelandic whale killing

November 2006
International.- Iceland has resumed commercial whaling in defiance of a 20-year-old international moratorium.

Commercial whaling is cruel, outdated and unnecessary and leads to the depletion of an endangered species.

ADDA, as a member society of the WSPA, urges you to sign the petition to save the whales.

Click here to take action against whaling: www.wspa.or.uk/icelandwhaling .asp

ECEAE and ADDA against primate experiments.

September 2006
Around 10,000 primates are used every year for scientific experiments in the EU. Primates (chimpanzees, macaques, marmosets, tamarins).are intelligent, sociable and, with complex needs, suffer particularly in a laboratory setting. They are used as “models” for human diseases and are subjected to many distressing and intense experiments, such as being infected with contagious diseases and undergoing brain surgery. Like all animal experiments, the use of primates is scientifically flawed. For all the similarities, there are significant species differences between human and non-human primates.

Alternative methods already exist, but due to inertia amongst researchers and funders, lack the support they need. But there is hope. The EU is currently reviewing Directive 88/609 which sets out the rules for animal experimentation across the whole of Europe. For this reason, the ECEAE (European Coalition to end Animal Experiments) has launched a campaign calling for a ban under the slogan “HELP US STOP PRIMATE EXPERIMENTS. FOR GOOD”.

ADDA which is a Coalition member is asking for your help. Please send an email to the European Commission, using the form below, and ask them to ban primate tests. It will take you just a few seconds but will help hugely in putting pressure on politicians to ban these immoral and scientifically flawed experiments.

See the sample letter in this link: www.eceae.org/saveprimates/es/actions.html

Tons of support for unwanted and abandoned animals

October 2006
Barcelona.- This year, during the second ANIMALADDA Fair, volunteers collected basic essentials for the hundreds of animals awaiting adoption in shelters. Taking care of unwanted and abandoned animals is a very costly business and thanks to individuals and firms including Yarrah, Dingo Natura, Qulillet and Bailach I Fills aid, we have collected 800 kg of food for cats and dogs, 175 blankets, 300 collars and leads and 130 kg of cat litter, amongst other items. The shelters had been crying out for more supplies and thanks to the generosity of our supporters they now have their stocks replenished.

Over 150 cats and dogs were adopted during the II ANIMALADDA Fair. So, we thank all those who supported us during the event.

Barcelona/October.- During the last 22nd , 23rd and 24th September 2006,within the framework of the Mercè Festival, was held, in the triangular building of the Forum, the II Fair for the defence and welfare of stray animals, ANIMALADDA. This year it gathered over 8000 visitors, and the main thing is that over 150 cats and dogs were adopted.

The ANIMALADDA Fair is a pioneering initiative in Spain for awareness-raising and promoting adoptions. This year there have been lectures and debates, and also playful activities like agility shows, rescue dog shows of SEPRONA (Police Nature Protection Service), dogs for disabled people. For children, there were educational videos and storytellers.

In addition, the journalist Albert Castillón, broadcast live his radio programme Friday 22nd from the Fair.

Once more, the most successful show was the “Catwalk” where volunteers, celebrities and politicians took to the Catwalk together with the dogs. This year we emphasised how important it is to identify dogs and cats with a plaque and a chip. All the dogs adopted during the Fair were granted a free plaque with its name and the telephone number of its owner.

News from Mallorca.- The duck release comes to an end.

July 2006
The animal protection law of the Balearic Islands, bans the shows which entail mistreatment and cruelty to animals, except bullfights. Our correspondent in Mallorca, Maria Sansó, has been working for ADDA for 14 years. She had been reporting to the city council of Santa Margarida and in particular in Can Picafort Beach, as well as in the Colonia Sant Jordi, nearby Cabrera Island, that the law was not being properly observed.

In summer 2005, after ADDA repeatedly denounced the traditional practice of duck hunting, the City Council broke off relations with ADDA, criticising us in the local press. However, the Council was penalised with a 9.000 euros fine and has desisted from the practice of releasing ducks for hunting purposes.

Since August 2006, duck hunting in the water is over in Mallorca. Can Picafort and Colonia Sant Jordi, and these towns have found a novel way to keep the tradition alive without cruelty. They have replaced the real ducks with toy ducks. Lots of people took part and there were prizes to be won. It was a worthy, successful celebration and every one had great fun.

ADDA congratulates and thanks the City Council for having this good idea.

ADDA and WSPA have launched a new campaign in Catalonia to ban bullfighting

December 2006
ADDA together with WSPA have started a new advertising campaign in the Catalan media urging the Catalan Parliament to put to the vote the ban on bullfighting. Also, anti-bullfighting petitions, amongst other actions, are being collected.

In 2002, ADDA and WSPA launched their first campaign requesting that Barcelona City Hall declare Barcelona an anti-bullfight city during the “Universal Forum of Cultures” held in May 2004. In April 2004, Barcelona City Council Plenary, taking an historic vote, officially declared Barcelona anti-bullfighting, by a majority.

This landmark decision was supported by hundreds of groups and associations from Catalonia, Spain and around the world. Another 22 Catalan cities have declared themselves anti-bullfighting so far. 77% of Catalan people agree that Barcelona should declare itself anti-bullfighting after the Declaration of Barcelona, the next stage was to call on Parliament for a ban on bullfighting. Together with the results of three surveys of Demoscopia poll on behalf of ADDA and WSPA, on April 6th 2004 and October 10th 2005, 550.000 petitions were delivered to the President of the Catalan Parliament, M.H. Ernest Benach. The Demoscopia poll found that 82% of people surveyed think that bullfight is a cruel and unfair show and over 70% that it should not be broadcast on TV. The results reveal the Catalan people’s awareness on animal rights: the overwhelming majority of those surveyed agree that animals suffer when mistreated (nearly 100%).

74% of the people surveyed want Parliament to amend article 6 of the Catalan Animal Protection Law 22/2203 which bans the use of animals in fighting, shows and other activities, except bullfighting.

Working together for the world we want!
Join us!

Circus? Yes, but without animals

Circus animals forced to work in touring circus’ are transported from site to site, enduring long journeys and unhealthy climate changes.

When not performing, they are often confined in their small travelling cages that can’t provide them with the facilities they need. They spend weeks, even months, chained to their cages, barely able to move. This creates stress and frustration and leads to abnormal behaviours such as swaying, butting and mutilating themselves.

Circus animals undergo training with questionable methods aiming to keep them absolutely under man’s domination.

Circuses are purely for entertainment but nothing justifies the use of animals which are humiliated and ridiculed.

Animals are forced to perform unnatural acts. It is not educational for children to watch wild animals reduced to performing tricks instead of teaching them to respect animals.

We respect circuses, but without animals.

HE SUFFERS
HE IS BORED
HE IS FRUSTATED

REACH

November 2006
After prolonged procedure, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation on all CHemicals) Chemicals Legislation was finally adopted last 16 November 2006.by the EU. ADDA represents in Spain the ECEAE (European Coalition to End Animal Experiments) and had previously worked together with the Coalition members to inform all the MEPs of how to ensure safety in chemicals without having to use animals, or at least, to reduce as much as possible the number of animals used in cruel and painful experiments, although ADDA rejects the use of animals in experiments and supports alternative methods. In the new Legislation, the number of animals has been reduced. The 7th Amendment to the Cosmetics Directive which bans the use of animals in safety testing for most cosmetics ingredients or products from 2009 (and all from 2013) has been preserved. Another success was the mandatory sharing of animal test data and the 45-day window for public scrutiny of any tests. This will reduce the number of animals involved in testing. The development, use and research of alternative methods has been placed centrally in the Legislation.

ADDA delivers 549.000 signatures to the Parliament of Catalonia to ban bullfighting.

December 2005
ADDA and WSPA (World Society for the Protection of Animals) have delivered to MH. President of Catalan Parliament, Ernest Benach, 96.400 signatures, to be added to those already delivered on April 6th 2005 calling on the Catalan Parliament to vote on the bill which proposes an amendment to the Catalan Animal Protection Law and ban bullfighting. An overwhelming majority of Catalan people (73,1% according the surveys) support the ban. Consequently, to be coherent, Catalonia must put an end to this anachronism which allows the torture, lynching and killing of a sentient being for entertainment while the Catalan Animal Protection Law 22/2003 states that animals are sentient beings. These 96.400 signatures were delivered during a New Orleans style “funeral” procession: 6 coffins carried by 40 activists dressed as mourners led by New Orleans style jazz band.