AnimaNaturalis

AnimaNaturalis Protest in Mexico, credit: Care2.org

An animal rights activist group that operates throughout South America, Central America and Spain, and AnimaNaturalis has relentlessly pursued and protested against abuse of animals in all forms. This is their mission statement:
“Our main objective is the dissemination of information necessary for that change in consciousness that allows peaceful coexistence between humans and non-humans.”


The organization is against the use of any animals for food, clothing, entertainment or experimentation. While the vegan stance may be controversial, there’s little room for argument on other stands they have taken. In 2010, the organization worked to promote awareness and change, through peaceful protests, shocking displays and videos to provoke attention to issues, as well as educational campaigns – on the issues of fur in garments (skinning for fur), use of animals in circuses (mistreatment, abuse), bullfighting (inhumane use of animals for entertainment), to name a few. In our particular interest is the work they did regarding cruelty to pets and the sale of dogs.


One of their latest activities involved protesting on New Year’s weekend, regarding the 3,000,000 (yep, three million!) homeless dogs and cats that roam Mexico City’s streets. The group urged people to adopt dogs from shelters, enlightened the public on the risky life a dog leads on the street (including disease and death) –  encouraging the serious considerations involved with pet ownership prior to obtaining one, and the importance of spaying and neutering. It seems in Mexico, just as here in the states, many people flock to pet shops to purchase their dogs, leaving so many sitting in shelters. Apparently there is a huge problem of owners dumping their ill-considered pets on the streets once they no longer wish to keep them. According to the group, 8 out of 10 dogs are dumped onto the street by their “owners”.


Obviously, there needs to be more done to address the homeless pets in Mexico – but this group is a great start! There is nothing like education and awareness to begin carving a new path for the future. Kudos to AnimaNaturalis for providing this, and for caring enough to spend their holiday weekend in defense of dogs!


Source: AnimaNaturalis.org
             Care2.com