7 June 2006

Conference rallies activists to promote the rights of animals

Some of the most influential Australasian animal rights campaigners or law reformers will gather in Wellington this weekend for a three-day conference promoting the rights of animals. Organisers say it’s the largest contingent of animal rights campaigners and supporters in New Zealand ever to gather together for workshops, presentations, networking, films, and cruelty free foods.

The theme of the conference is to discuss how we can improve the lives and status of animals in New Zealand. The conference is co-organised by New Zealand’s oldest and most respected animal rights organisation SAFE and the locally based Wellington Animal Rights Network (WARN).

“This is an opportunity to hear Australasia’s most prominent animal rights campaigners, law reformers and animal law professionals offering constructive strategies and solutions to counter the widespread cruelty and exploitation of animals in New Zealand”, says conference spokesman Hans Kriek, Campaign director of SAFE.

Conference keynote speakers include:
Katrina Sharman, Corporate Counsel, Voiceless, Australia
Education initiatives and the recruitment of lawyers into the movement

Mark Pearson, Executive Director, Animal Liberation NSW & Vice President of Animals Australia
Animal rights successes in Australia

Tim Barnett, Labour MP
Improving the rights of animals from within the political system

Russel Norman, Green Party co-leader
Improving animal welfare and the laws that protect animals

Peter Sankoff, Lecturer in Law, Auckland
Why the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act does not protect animals

“We are delighted to present such a powerful contingent of individuals who are committed to improving the lives of animals in our society. Millions of animals suffer in New Zealand. They are denied adequate legal protection, this conference will go some way to empower animal rights activists to fight this injustice”, says Mr Kriek.

ENDS

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