Billions of animals are suffering right now in industrial farms, confined for life, most without the space to even stand up. But today, YOU can do something about it.
Help us ensure that the Canadian government includes the wellbeing of farm animals at the United Nations 2012 Earth Summit in Rio, the most significant global discussion on the planet's future.
Our elected representatives in Canada have every reason to listen. When we choose kinder farming -- it's not only animals that benefit. Animal-friendly farming has an important role to play in protecting farmers' livelihoods and precious natural resources. Animal-friendly farming in better for animals, people and the planet.
By influencing the Earth Summit, we can help save billions of animals from intense and life-long cruelty.
Governments are meeting right now at the summit, which ends Friday. Take action for farm animals today!
SUBJECT: Please Make Farm Animal Welfare a Priority at Rio+20
Dear
His Excellency Dr. John W. Ashe
His Excellency Mr. Sook Kim
CC: The Honourable Mr. John Baird
In the lead-up to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) to take place in Rio de Janeiro in June 2012, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has launched a global debate on issues of sustainability and the future we want.
As you are both leading this work I trust you would welcome my interest in this debate. I would like to join this conversation by expressing my concern about the welfare of farm animals. Farms with poor animal welfare aren't just bad for animals; they have negative effects on our environment, our health and on the livelihoods of the world's poor.
I hope you both agree that the livestock sector is a key part of the green economy, employing around 1.3 billion people. In addition, a billion of the world's poorest people depend on animals for food, income, transport, social status and financial security. Implementing humane and sustainable livestock farming practices will help ensure that everyone's livelihoods and nutrition are safeguarded and improved.
The future I want is one in which people produce the food they need with respect for our health, the welfare of animals and the environment, and one where we as human beings live in harmony with animals and nature.
I am writing today in hope that the way we treat animals will be addressed in the debate. The United Nations Rio+20 Conference presents you with the chance to help nations create a new way of providing the food we need, based on caring and sustainable farming and which benefits all sectors of society both north and south.
I understand this is a major task. But, I would like to ask that you ensure that the Summit works to put this goal at the heart of new global sustainability plans. Is it possible to ensure that humane and sustainable agriculture is included in positions and debates on Rio+20?
How can this fit into the draft document that emerges from the Rio+20 Intersessional in December?
I thank you very much for your attention at what must be a busy time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
