INTERNATIONAL DAY OF AWARENESS JUNE 14TH
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n 14th June, please join Compassion and campaigners worldwide for the fifth annual International Awareness Day against live exports. Last year, 180 events across six continents showed true, global solidarity against the needless export of animals for slaughter and fattening. This year, the day of action is going entirely ‘virtual’. This is due to COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings, but we hope that, as a result, people who can’t usually travel to events – and in more countries than ever – will be able to take part. The COVID-19 pandemic has reminded us that we’re all, wherever we live, intimately connected. What happens in China matters in Italy. What happens in the UK has an impact in Spain. And, as this shared virus shut down international travel for humans, the shameful trade in animals between countries has continued.
Globally, millions of farmed animals are transported over long distances every year. These animals’ essential needs cannot be met whilst cramped inside a lorry or a ship on these journeys – especially when temperatures soar in the summer months.
Both the extent of live exports, and their interconnectedness, make this a global problem. For example, when shipments from Australia stop, importers look to South Africa and Romania to fill the gap. If we are to end this trade, we need a worldwide solution.
Yet, for the sake of a profit, exporters are quick to turn a blind eye to suffering. As a result, animals face exhaustion, thirst, hunger, injuries, trampling or even death.
On June 14th we’ll stand together against the globally connected, cruel live export industry. We will show how, also globally connected – and united – we will stop it.
One stark example of how wrong things can go during live exports is the capsizing of the Queen Hind on 24th November 2019. Packed with 14,600 sheep, this cargo ship sank shortly after setting sail from Romania for Saudi Arabia. Tragically, despite tireless rescue efforts, only 254 sheep were pulled alive from the water and, ultimately, only 180 animals survived.
TAKE ACTION ON 14TH JUNE! It’s easy to be a part of this year’s ‘virtual’ International Awareness Day. Simply display the poster overleaf, or take action on social media. Visit ciwf.org.uk/AwarenessDay to find out more and join campaigners around the world. Let’s show global leaders that it’s time to BAN LIVE EXPORTS!
June 14th is our chance to stand with other individuals and organisations fighting live exports, around the world. We are not alone, and together our voices are deafening.
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ciwf.org
