Animal organizations to rally on November 19

The Henk Abrahams Stichting, the Stichting Dierenbescherming Suriname and the Green Heritage Fund will organize a street rally on November 19. These organizations aim at organizing a peaceful rally to urge the authorities to discuss animal well-being legislation. “Animal well-being is a government task. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Agriculture, Stock Breeding and Fisheries (LVV) is only busy with animals that are eaten,” said Cynthia Ashruf, chairman of the Henk Abrahams foundation. Ashruf explained that a growing number of people are starting to realize that animals are living beings. But there is still animal suffering. Pets are put on short chains in good and bad weather while other pets are being forced by their owners to look for food on the street. Animals are also being dumped on the streets. “These are the situations that the organizations are being confronted with. Many animals are being dumped but only a few are being adopted. The animal organizations deem it regrettable that animal cruelty remains unpunished despite the fact that current legislation is adequate. The authorities such as the police give little to no support due to the fact that legislation is not entirely in place. As of this year animal cruelty is punishable by law. The organizations have been trying for years to put an end to the deplorable situations that animals often find themselves in. “The demand for legislation is strong,” said Ashruf. The animal organizations want animal cruelty to no longer remain unpunished. They are urging everybody to participate in the street rally and to be the voice of those who do not have a voice. Participants can assemble at the Palmentuin where the rally will commence at 5 p.m. on November 19.