Animals walk the walk in the corridors of power
Assorted dogs and a pony paid a visit to the top debating
chamber in the land on March 3rd 2004, when representatives of animal
charities and associated organisations hosted an event at the House of Lords
to demonstrate the beneficial effect that animals have on human lives.
Organised by the National Office for Animal Health
(NOAH), the trade association which represents the animal medicines
industry, in association with the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal
Welfare (APGAW), the event drew attention to the positive difference that
assistance animals and pets make to so many people, and emphasised that we
need to repay them by treating them with kindness and respect, and ensuring
they stay healthy and well.
Lord Soulsby, officer of APGAW, hosted the event,
expressing the need for MPs and policy makers from all parties to promote
and further the cause of animal welfare. “Animals are good for us – we must
be good to them,” he said. “The first animal welfare bill for over 100 years
will be put to the house shortly. It is our duty to ensure that it will
provide protection, compassion and respect for all animals now and in the
future”.
The stars of the event were the animals themselves,
accompanied by the individuals who benefit from their companionship and
practical assistance. Dogs including a Leonberger, an ex-Battersea Dogs Home
mongrel and several Labradors were there to prove that as well as being
man’s best friend a dog can make life a whole lot easier for anyone who
needs a little help with everyday tasks.
A pony who is normally employed in a riding school in
Battersea demonstrated his gentle, unflappable nature by ignoring the
traffic and walking to Westminster with his handler to represent the many
ponies up and down the country that bring joy to disabled people through
riding and grooming lessons. Cats and small animals such as rabbits and
guinea pigs were all remembered and appreciated by the various organisations
representing their interests at the event.
Special guest was Buster, winner of the animal Victoria
Cross. Last year on active service in Iraq with his handler, Sgt Danny
Morgan of the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, Buster discovered a large cache
of arms hidden in a cavity. The haul had not been found despite intensive
searches of the area, and Buster’s find is held responsible for saving the
lives of many troops and civilians.
Many MPs and Peers expressed interest in the event, and
Chief Executive of NOAH Phil Sketchley was delighted with the response.
“Millions of animals across the country play a part in improving the quality
of human life. These range from those who work as assistance animals to all
the many pets who provide companionship and loyalty to their human owners.
We need to make sure that the quality of their lives is improved as well -
and here regular vaccination and good preventive healthcare has its part to
play,” he said. “I am extremely pleased that this event has highlighted the
work of devoted animal companions and has underlined our communal
responsibility to provide them with proper care and protection”.
Charities and Organisations attending the event were:
National Office for Animal Health (NOAH)
Animal Health Trust
Association of Chartered
Physiotherapists in Therapeutic Riding
British Veterinary
Association – Animal Welfare Foundation
Canine Partners
Dogs for the
Disabled
Dogs Trust
Feline Advisory Bureau
International
Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organisations
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
The Kennel Club
Pets as Therapy
Riding for the Disabled Association Incorporating Carriage Driving
The Society for Companion Animal Studies
Support Dogs
ENDS
Find out more on the
Pet
Event website!
3 March 2004
Notes for Editors
For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131,
or visit the NOAH website.
The National Office of Animal
Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which
research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health
products. The association has 33 corporate members and 14 associate
members. In 2002 NOAH's members accounted for well over 90% of the £389
million UK animal health market
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