Roadshow reports Animal Welfare Revolution sweeping across Asia

Jill

Cath Lee and Jill

Anne

Jill Robinson MBE, Founder and CEO of Animals Asia Foundation, has toured Australia and New Zealand to talk about the amazing progress that has been made in the fight against bear bile farming in China and Vietnam, and the animal-welfare revolution that is sweeping across Asia.

Speaking at the end of the 8 capital city, 10-day Roadshow, Ms Robinson commented: “The last few years have been an exciting and eventful time for Animals Asia and our efforts over the last decade are finally paying off. Twenty five years ago, there was only one animal-welfare group in China and now there are more than 50; more than half of China is now “bear-farm free” and there have been calls from within China to ban dog-eating. ”

In Vietnam, doctors are now publicly voicing concerns following the death of those consuming farmed bear bile. “These deaths and the increasing calls to shut down bear farms from within the traditional Asian medicine community worldwide give a significant added impetus to our long running campaign.” Ms Robinson said.

There is still work to be done however. Although 20 of China’s 31 provinces are now bear-farm free, the total number of bears on farms remains the same. According to official figures there are more than 7,000 bears on farms, but Animals Asia fears the actual figure could be higher than 10,000.

Ms Robinson also shared the latest news on animal welfare in China, including positive developments in government relations, the explosion of media coverage on sensitive issues, support from the traditional medicine community to “heal without harm” and the growing trend of brave activists fighting for the rights of animal’s country wide. “Technology and the spread of information have enabled these groups to grow and have a voice,” said Robinson. “There is an animal-welfare revolution happening in Asia which we can all encourage and help progress by working with individuals, groups and communities on programmes which are proven to benefit people and animals alike. Our role is to help this happen,” said Ms Robinson who was awarded an MBE for efforts to improve the lives of animals across Asia.

The Roadshow brought together over 1200 supporters of the Foundation including donors, academics and members of the veterinary community and raised more than $200,000 to help continue Animals Asia’s work.

Animals Asia is the only organisation rescuing bears in China and has rescued 276 bears from farms there and another 62 bears in Vietnam. Those that survive their injuries, live out their lives at Animals Asia’s sanctuaries.
Tim Robinson – PR Manager Australia and New Zealand, [email protected] www.animalsasia.org