Working with Government on Animal Welfare Legislation

Working with Government on Animal Welfare Legislation Presented by Sita Kuruvilla Executive Member, Animal Welfare Network (AWN) President, T&TSPCA Trinidad & Tobago, WI Caribbean Animal Welfare Conference Puerto Rico, April 3-6, 2011 LAYOUT OF PRESENTATION Introduction Getting Started NGO must be professional and credible in its operations Stay focused on your objectives Get the facts - do the research on issues that you want to raise with government Form strategic alliances Gain public support Build a relationship with government agencies Be realistic about your expectations LAYOUT OF PRESENTATION Find potential allies in government Take the initiative, put it in writing Develop a working relationship with government Working on legislation in partnership with government 1

INTRODUCTION In developing countries:- stray animal populations often large; animal welfare laws weak; enforcement capability poor; General acceptance/ disregard of poor animal welfare practices. Animal welfare is generally low on a government s list of priorities NGO s often overwhelmed by demands on limited resources NGO s often sceptical about governments interest in animal welfare and pessimistic/ dismissive about attempted collaboration INTRODUCTION NGO s should be proactive and initiate the working relationship with government rather than reactive or combative, to inadequate or inhumane handling of animal welfare issues Opportunity for consultation and a chance to influence decision making Opportunity to build government support and funding into welfare programs Improvements in animal welfare achieved only through changes to legal and institutional framework along with education and provision of services Long term sustainable improvements require Government intervention INTRODUCTION Examples taken from Trinidad and Tobago Islands in the Southern Caribbean Large stray animal population Outdated animal welfare legislation Two main animal welfare NGO s - Animal Welfare Network (AWN) and the TTSPCA 2

INTRODUCTION AWN officially launched in 2000, attained charitable status in 2007. Voluntary organization with a focus on education and spay/neuter. Networks with veterinary professionals, government agencies and NGO s to implement animal welfare programs. TTSPCA started in 1895 and affiliated to the RSPCA. Operates shelters, runs a low cost spay clinic, investigates animal cruelty. Focus is on managing the shelters. ganisations lt credibility gaged local and central government image in In the last eight years these actively and improving the welfare of animals GETTING STARTED NGO must be professional, credible and financially transparent An NGO must build its credibility. Should clearly stated and unambiguous aims and objectives. Leadership should be representative of organization (elected). NGO should conduct its affairs in a transparent and accountable manner, finances should be open to scrutiny (very important if funding from govt. is being sought). Professional in relationship with other NGO s, veterinary professionals, businesses and government agencies. Present a professional face (name, logo, letterhead etc). Make the organization accessible website, email, newsletter. Record data/ statistics on the work of your organisation. GETTING STARTED Animal Welfare Network launched in 2000 after one year of planning. Mission and Vision statements; Constitution; Logo; Business Card; AGM Report activities/ audited accounts/ election. Quarterly newsletter, Website, email circulation listing. AWN and TTSPCA maintain databases of case records. Th e im ag e ca nn ot be dis memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the 3

GETTING STARTED Stay focused on your stated objectives Determine your focus eg. a well run shelter/ humane education / neutering. Focus efforts and resources on your stated objectives. Often difficult but you probably cannot solve all problems. Build credibility in your chosen area. For AWN the focus was promoting and supporting spay/ neuter programs. Demands from membership/ public to build a shelter would diverted resources away from main objective. Decision taken to collaborate with and support existing TTSPCA shelters. GETTING STARTED Background research Gather data and information on the animal welfare issues of main concern. Research roles and responsibilities of government agencies in relation to animal welfare. se may be dispersed among different arms of government. Understand existing legal framework and its limitations. Get advice on interventions and changes required. Identify areas of common concern which may not be animal welfare related, but rather, about public health, impact on tourism, impact on livestock etc. GETTING STARTED Background research Our Experience Authority and responsibility for animal welfare does not fall under any one agency. Legal interpretations of existing animal welfare laws prepared. No clear policy on animal welfare, laws are weak and outdated. Policy and legislation is the responsibility of Central Government. Local government responsible for stray animal management and canine control - implemented by regional corporations. Minimal enforcement of animal cruelty legislation by the police. Chief Government Vet primarily responsible for animals in the agricultural sector. may memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted., 4

DEVELOP STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND GAIN TRUST (VETERINARIANS) Support of professionals in the field essential to strengthen your case to government eg. veterinarians, veterinary association etc. Approaching professionals requires well researched and realistic proposals. AWN developed a working relationship with the veterinary community and the Veterinary Association (TTVA) through its SPAY WEEK Program. SPAY WEEK Proposal submitted to TTVA for endorsement. Spay Posters distributed to vet clinics and government veterinary departments. Advertised as a collaborative program and credited to both AWN and the TTVA. Program has run successfully for six years. may not memory to open the image, not memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then DEVELOP STRATEGIC ALLIANCES AND GAIN TRUST (VETERINARIANS) cont d. AWN networks with veterinary clinics to handle rescues, emergencies, and spays. AWN has established low cost rates for veterinary services. Presents to Veterinary Association on NGO experience. Annual seminar for veterinary students on role of NGO s in animal welfare. image cannot be displaye d. compute r may memory Increased vet support achieved. may not memory to open the image, or the image may not memory to open the image, or the image DEVELOP STRATEGIC ALLIANCES (ANIMAL WELFARE NGO S) Collaborate with local, regional and international NGO s and participate in regional and international campaigns. AWN/ TTSPCA partner on cruelty investigations, animal rescue, re-homing/ adoption, spay programs, public awareness. Cooperation with Wildlife Orphanage and Rehabilitation Centre. Involvement in regional and international animal welfare events eg. International Spay Day. Assist other local NGO s through low cost spay events, animal adoptions, donation of funds/ food/ materials. Th e memory to open image cannot be displaye d. compute r may 5

DEVELOP STRATEGIC ALLIANCES (ANIMAL WELFARE NGO S) Collaboration on community based rural spay project. cannot be not ima ge can not may memory to open the image, or the been may memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image and then insert it again. Spaying Prevents Overpopulation in Trinidad and Tobago DEVELOP STRATEGIC ALLIANCES (ANIMAL WELFARE NGO S) Collaboration on cases of equine rescue. TTSPCA/ AWN initiated collaboration with the TT Equestrian Association and the Equine Group of the University Veterinary School. Group is in discussions with the TT Racing Authority on the handling of cases of equine neglect and cruelty arising from the local Racing Industry. may memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image and then insert it again. memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image and then cannot be not memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x DEVELOP STRATEGIC ALLIANCES (MEDIA) Develop a relationship with the media, and cultivate your contacts in order to make your NGO visible. Comment on animal welfare issues in the media. Establish your organization as a source of information and advice. Links established with daily newspapers. Weekly column on animal welfare. Both organisations write frequently on animal welfare issues. Television and radio slots on subjects such as fireworks, dangerous dogs, animal cruelty, shared by both organizations. Consulted on topical animal welfare issues by the media. imag e cann ot be displ ayed. image cannot be displaye d. comput er may not 6

GAIN PUBLIC SUPPORT Public support using the media and other available tools can be used to apply pressure on the government to act. Highlight animal welfare issues. Publicise the work of the organization. Confront misconceptions or criticisms. Achieved greater visibility through the media. Facebook, email, websites improved interaction with the public. memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image and then insert it again. cannot be not Greater publicity resulted in: Increased funding and support; increased demands on resources; discussion of issues pertaining to animal welfare. HAVE A LOCAL FACE Ensure that the public can identify with your organisation. Involve local veterinarians in your work. Cultivate useful allies among musicians, artists, celebrities. Show how your work relates to the community. Focus on local people who do the right thing. Programs depend on active participation of local vets. Regular scheduling on media with popular local presenters. We encourage participation of school groups and vet students. Awareness material highlights local people. ima ge can not be dis pla image canno t be displa yed. comp uter memory to open the image, or the memory to open the image, or ESTABLISH A WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT Working with Local Government/ Regional Corporations TTSPCA has a working relationship with public health departments of four regional corporations and provides humane care/ shelter/ re-homing/ euthanasia for stray animals. re was great concern about conditions of animals kept at pound (pictures taken, situation documented). corporation turned to the TTSPCA for assistance. memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted., and then open 7

ESTABLISH A WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT Working with Local Government/ Regional Corporations Local Government assisted AWN and TTSPCA with clinic accommodation and community outreach in the implementation of the SPOTT program. not memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image and then insert it again. memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted., and then open the ESTABLISH A WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH GOVERNMENT Working with Central Government AWN/ TTSPCA work with the Police through a designated senior officer on investigations of animal cruelty. A report is prepared for every case investigated. Costs are shared and there is a monthly allocation for this activity. police presence is effective despite the weakness of the law on cruelty and is essential in dealing with cases in high crime areas. may not memory to open the image, or the image ON THE FRONTLINE - NGO S CANNOT GO IT ALONE Through interaction with the public, NGO s exposed to situations of animal neglect and cruelty. Shelters take in large numbers of unwanted, abandoned, stray and injured animals. Adoption rates lower than shelter intake numbers. Resources inadequate to cope with demands. Hampered by outdated legislation and lack of government support. NGO s become disheartened as they see no change in situation. memory to cannot be not memory to open the image, or the 8

TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND PUT IT IN WRITING If you want change then take the initiative, put it in writing. Prepare background documents, briefs, proposals, make it easy for officials to work with you. Prepare presentations, slide shows, on issues of concern. Ensure material is professional, present data, avoid being over emotional or sentimental. Highlight areas of common concern. Emphasise benefits to government. Take examples from comparable situations or countries: An example drawn from a wealthy country with a different cultural background may not be viewed favorably. Cost is always a factor so include estimates where relevant. TAKE THE INITIATIVE AND PUT IT IN WRITING AWN/ TTSPCA submitted a document to government outlining Priority Areas and Proposals for Stray Animal Control and Animal Welfare. Proposals included:- formation of a multi-sector committee on animal welfare; drafting of an Animal Welfare Act ; a Stray Animal Management Plan. Be prepared to do the extra work to drive the process. Take minutes at meetings, photocopy, make follow up phone calls etc. cannot be may memory to open the image, or the not memory to open the image, or the been corrupted. memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the CREATE A STRUCTURE TO IMPLEMENT REFORM OF LEGISLATION Working with Central Government AWN/TTSPCA Proposal initiated the formation of an Animal Welfare Working Group chaired by the veterinary department of the Ministry of Agriculture. Areas of concern for the Ministry of Agriculture:- (1) Obligation of the Ministry of Agriculture to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) to prepare compliant legislation on animal welfare and an institutional framework for implementation; (2) Control/ eradication of infectious zoonoses. not memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted. Restart 9

CREATE A STRUCTURE TO IMPLEMENT REFORM OF LEGISLATION Working with Central Government role of the Animal Welfare Working Group of T&T (AWWGTT) :- Raise awareness on animal welfare in the national community; Prepare a brief for an Animal Welfare Act in keeping with the Governments obligations to the OIE; Develop a Stray Animal Management Plan. AWWGTT includes representatives of:- Government agencies; University veterinary school; Veterinary Association; Lawyers; NGO s. may not memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted. WORKING ON LEGISLATION Working with Central Government on Animal Welfare Legislation Operations of Committee/Group (some considerations):- Committee or Group should a formal mandate from the relevant government agency; Chairperson should authority to take decisions (spending etc); Identify representatives of key agencies; Appoint a secretary to keep records; Develop a work plan and budget; Agree on a format for progress reports. memory to open the image, or the memory to been corrupted. open the image, or the image may been corrupted., and, and then open the then open the file again. If the file again. If the red x still appears, you may red x still to delete the image and appears, you WORKING ON LEGISLATION Working with Central Government on Animal Welfare Legislation Focus on Legislation (some considerations):- Determine scope of new legislation based on local needs, national obligations etc.; Examine examples of legislation in other countries; Make contact with regulatory agencies in other countries for advice on implementation; Prepare awareness material/ background docs. to support discussion; Conduct stakeholder consultations to get input and advice from relevant groups; not memory to open the image, or the image may been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image and then insert it again. 10

WORKING ON LEGISLATION Working with Central Government on Animal Welfare Legislation AWWGTT is chaired by government veterinarian with responsibility for animal welfare on the OIE; AWWGTT is :- allocated an annual budget from the Ministry of Agriculture; seeking Cabinet Appointment to raise its status as a law making body; working with a template to develop the scope of the legislation; reviewing examples of relevant legislation from the region and internationally. WORKING ON LEGISLATION Working with Central Government on Animal Welfare Legislation AWWGTT has :- printed material outlining its role and objectives; hosted two stakeholder consultations introducing the concept of an Animal Welfare Act (one for the agriculture sector and one on companion animals); hosted a workshop on Humane Methodologies on Dog Population Management in collaboration with WSPA; compiled recommendations from participants attending the consultations and workshop. image cannot cannot be be display not ed. memory to open the comput image, or the image memory er may may been to open the not WORKING ON LEGISLATION Working with Central Government on Animal Welfare Legislation Challenges Scope of proposed legislation very broad incorporating all animals (some sectors very complex with no previous experience with welfare legislation). Regulatory framework for implementing legislation would to be developed. Constraints on time/ resources of AWWGTT. Limited previous experience with animal welfare legislation. Development of legislation a lengthy process. 11

CONCLUSION NGO s cannot go it alone if change in the status of animal welfare is to be achieved. Partnership is essential memory to open the image, or the been corrupted., and then open the file again. If the red x still appears, you may to delete the image and then insert it again. 12