President of Serbia meets with RSPCA ahead of first animal welfare law

Thursday, 23, Apr 2009 11:08

Serbia has today signalled its intent to improve animal welfare following a meeting between the country's president and the RSPCA, ahead of the introduction of new legislation to better protect animals next month .

RSPCA International's Senior Programme Manager for Europe, Alexandra Hammond-Seaman met President Tadic after Serbia joined a long line of countries worldwide signing a petition calling for a Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare.

Alexandra said: "It was a great honour to meet President Tadic and discuss such a vitally important issue. The Minister for Agriculture, Sasa Dragin signed the petition and confirmed that Serbia will be adopting its first animal welfare framework law in May."

Serbia is a potential country to join the European Union, and this move will allow the country to harmonise with current EU legislation on animal welfare.

The animal welfare framework law covers all species, and includes research animals, the protection of farm animals, transport and slaughter and the protection of wildlife in captivity, as well as forbidding wild animals in circuses.

After the adoption of this law Serbia will adopt the full EU legal framework on animal welfare into national legislation, as one of the prerequisites in the process towards the EU integration.

Alexandra added "RSPCA International has been actively engaged with Serbia for over five years now, by providing assistance and training with issues such as dog population control and stray dog management. We also work very closely with Serbian government agencies and the veterinary profession on improving farm animal welfare in the Country. We look forward to continuing to play a central role in helping to enforce the law."

RSPCA International attended the meeting with another non-governmental organisation, the Organisation for Respect and Care for Animals (ORCA) which has in the past worked in Serbia to promote responsible pet ownership.

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Notes for editors: A photograph of Alexandra meeting President Tadic is available by contacting the National Press Office.

RSPCA International

RSPCA International is one of the main organisations assisting in the humane treatment of animals overseas.

¿ It advises governments and organisations on animal welfare legislation based on UK and European precedents.

¿ It responds to appeals for help with crises caused by natural disasters such as oil spills by sending trained people, veterinary equipment and drugs.

¿ It offers help through training and aid improving animal welfare standards in communities and countries where funds and resources are minimal.

In 2008 the RSPCA Overseas Fund distributed more than £600,000 to projects in over 30 different countries. More information can be found online at www.rspca.org.uk/international

Universal Declaration of Animal Welfare

The Universal Declaration is an agreement among people and nations to recognise that animals are sentient beings and can suffer, to respect their welfare needs, and to end animal cruelty - for good. The Declaration aims to help establish the world's first international agreement on animal welfare. The final destination for the Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare will be the General Assembly of the United Nations. More information can be found online at www.udaw.org

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RSPCA Week - 27 April to 3 May 2009 Our largest annual national fundraising and profile-raising week. Find out ways you can help during RSPCA Week: www.rspcaweek.org.uk RSPCA week ties up with eBay for Charity. Buy something from eBay between 27th April and 3rd of May and choose to give a pound to the RSPCA. To start using eBay please follow this link: www.eBay.co.uk