From ANIMAL PEOPLE, December 2002:
Fighting bulls in Moscow
I singlehandedly run my own animal sanctuary in England for
over 160 sick, elderly or needy animals. I read ANIMAL PEOPLE and
recall your September 2001 article regarding bullfighting being
banned in Moscow. In recent years I have become very involved with
animal welfare (or the lack of it) within Russia, visiting several
times and helping the individuals and the few small organisations
there who stand up for animal rights.
I am currently seeking funds to support a small group of
young and determined people who are trying to help the bulls who were
originally brought into Russia for the purpose of fighting them.
The situation is that after your article was published and
bull fighting was banned in Moscow, the bulls were moved 300
kilometers north to Yaroslav, where permission was again sought to
hold a bullfight. This was not granted. Since then, the “owner”
of the bulls has kept them in appalling conditions while continuing
to seek permission to fight them. Many bulls have died from neglect,
but a small group called People for Animals are now trying to raise
funds to purchase these bulls and start the first farm animal
sanctuary in Russia. This would be a massive step forward for animal
rights in a country where the very notion of an animal having any
rights is totally unthinkable. So far I have been the only person
who has shown any interest or offered any support from the West. My
sanctuary is not in a position to help financially. I have begun to
sell my own possessions to raise funds to help these poor animals,
as I feel that if the opportunity is lost in Russia to show people
that farm animals should be treated with love and respect, it may
be a long time before another opportunity comes.
I have asked many large organisations for help, including
the World Society for the Protection of Animals, but have been
refused. WSPA says they are trying to ban bullfighting worldwide,
but if they achieve this, someone must take responsibility for the
animals who have been bred for this purpose.
–Fiona Oakes
Towerhill Stables Animal Sanctuary
Asheldham, Essex
CM0 7DZ, U.K.
44-1621-774-471
44-1621-772-109
<info@drwrinkle.freewire.co.uk>
<www.towerhillstables.com>
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