(Photo from S.P.A.R.E. Facebook page)
The subject of animal rights has been on the mind of many activists and animal lovers. The way animals are being treated in Egypt invites shame and embarrassment. S.P.A.R.E., one of the few animal shelters in Egypt, has been on the forefront of many attempts to save abused and malnourished animals.
The saddest factor is that many people do not see the importance of being kind to animals, and a lot of them see it as a waste of time and resources. However, this culture needs to change. Right now, interested parties are trying to change it, one case at a time.
The group’s Facebook page is riddled with posts of sick or battered animals found in the streets and invitations to the kind-hearted to help with fostering or adopting the animals, and nursing them back to health.
However, the cases are too many and although there are numerous people willing to help, it is not enough. The need for a law to help furry creatures who cannot speak is great, and it would help spread awareness about the importance of being merciful and kind to animals.
Yesterday, on their Facebook page, they posted the following news:
“On 10 October, Amina Tharwat Abaza, the founder and chairman of S.P.A.R.E., was invited to partake in the discussions regarding the creation of the new Egyptian constitution in the Egyptian parliament, in the part that deals with abuse and violence towards women and children in Egypt.
Abaza then gave a speech that highlighted the situation of animals in Egypt and how paramount it is to also acknowledge and include animals as victims of abuse and violence; especially since it is a known fact that violence towards animals is the beginning, [and will eventually lead to] violence against people.
At the conclusion of her speech, contrary to the expectation of being ridiculed, the attendees where extremely impressed and the thundering applause gave a really deep sense of enthusiasm. Sameh Ashour, the president of the Lawyers’ syndicate, was very supportive.
This is a truly titanic step forward for all animals and animal activists in Egypt, as it is the first time [in Egypt] animals are considered as victims of abuse. Future meetings have been scheduled for working on and drafting new laws regarding the protection of animals, which Abaza will be attending because of her extensive knowledge and expertise regarding animal abuse.”
This is a first hopeful step towards achieving some progress in the case of animal rights.
