PETA CALLS ON SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT TO ALLOW LEBANON EVACUEES TO TAKE THEIR CATS, DOGS AND BIRDS WITH THEM
Posted: 20-07-2006 , 12:07 GMT
Today, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) sent an urgent plea to Siyabonga Ponco, chargé d’affaires of the South African Embassy in Cairo, urging him to permit South African nationals who are currently being evacuated from war-torn Lebanon to take their companion animals with them rather than forcing them to abandon their animals in the rubble to starve. PETA’s plea stems from an e-mail which Ponco sent to the organisation in which he suggested that evacuees with animals should “not demand more than they could be given”.
This statement suggests that Ponco considers helping South African citizens to take their beloved cats, dogs and birds with them unlikely, even though French forces have made provisions for animal evacuations.
“It’s unconscionable that the South African government would condemn citizens’ beloved animal companions to a horrible death when they can easily be included in evacuation plans”, says PETA President Ingrid E. Newkirk. “We’re asking South Africa to take immediate steps to recognise that animals are part of some people’s families and that this betrayal will never be forgotten.”
PETA has made a similar plea to the military commander in charge of evacuating US citizens from Lebanon.
Please allow your citizens who are in Lebanon to evacuate with their animals. Do not let these animals die a horrible death from starvation and war. It is the humane thing to do. War is horrible enough without people having to lose their cherished animal family members. Thank you for considering my views, Sincerely, Angela Black--a tourist from the U.S.A.
tamarind de klerk, jhb, sa, (2006-07-22 , 10:05) - Reply
please let sa be ahead - why can't people take their companions (to some their children) with them, its not sa if they take up that much space - let as be an example to the US that we can save all - never mind that this 'war' should not be taking place.
Desiree Krech, Oak Park, CA, (2006-07-22 , 14:21) - Reply
Please...please help with the transport of beloved pets while assisting people out of the country. It is so important that these animals be allowed to be cared for and loved in these times of war and chaos. They don't have any voice and should be heard because all they have to give is love to those in a very difficult situation. They should be permitted at least that much.
hon'ble sir,
please healp the animals in Lebanon and rescue them human voilats all the laws but animals don't. so be kind to save them.
thanking you,
Mrs. Gouhar Azeez
founder Bharathiya Prani Mithra Sangh, chennai, India
Animals should be rescued from the conflict in Lebanon as with their owners. Animals are living thing that suffer distress and pain like we do. Safe them from the conflict.
jennifer kelly, perth western australia, (2006-08-05 , 23:25) - Reply
it is hard enough to watch the misery been shown on television to the human race in Lebanon. However, one cannot forget the poor helpless animals that are been left behind with no food/water/shelter or medical help. Hopefully there will be help in the very near future. These animals deserve it remember they are not involved in this conflict.
Bronwen Loock, South Africa, (2006-08-08 , 07:32) - Reply
It really upsets me to tears looking @ these innocent animals suffering especially when something can be done but is refused. I ask that you please allow South Africans to bring their pets with them. I will do my part by making a donation.
Bridget, South Africa JHB, (2006-08-08 , 07:52) - Reply
Please include our beloved animals in the evacuation plans. In this day and age our pets mean more to us than ever and for some people pets are all they have. French forces have agreed to animal evacuation, why can't South Africa. Please do the right thing.
