3 December 2006

SAFE’s annual appeal for animals - Auckland animal lovers take to streets!

People who love animals are being urged to help collect donations against animal cruelty. SAFE, New Zealand's second largest animal advocacy organisation, is holding its street day appeal on Friday 22 December 2006.

"We’re calling on compassionate people to help SAFE reach its goal of 900 collectors across the country, raising over $200,000 for animals", says SAFE’s Auckland appeal coordinator.

”Dressing up as your favourite bear, bunny or reindeer is entirely optional but loads of fun! Fun antics aside, SAFE’s message against animal cruelty has a serious side. SAFE has a 73-year history in New Zealand and has spearheaded the campaign in this country against battery farming,” says Caro.

SAFE has been campaigning for battery hens for two decades. “The public support has been amazing,” says campaign director Hans Kriek. “More than 79 per cent of New Zealanders believe battery cages should be banned. Many people have stopped buying battery eggs leading to over 300,000 hens no longer suffering the horrors of the battery cage.”

SAFE is just about to launch a campaign to expose the cruelty of factory farmed pigs. “Just like the hens, pigs are kept in conditions so horrendous that if you kept your dog like that, you would be prosecuted," says Hans. “From my experience no one likes to see any animal made to suffer.”

SAFE has advocated for compassion in New Zealand since 1932 and has lobbied for more humane legislation. SAFE also has a strong alliance with animal welfare agencies internationally.

Proceeds from the appeal will be used to launch humane education initiatives and campaigns for the coming year.

“Our public awareness programmes also need financing, and are of the utmost importance,” says Hans. “Public support is critical if we are to make significant strides forward for the betterment of animals in New Zealand.”

Local appeal coordinator, Caro Warburton is encouraging the local animal-loving community to help SAFE collect.

“SAFE’s work each year helps thousands of animals. We can do our share by volunteering for a couple of hours. It’s a worthy cause that I urge anyone with a soft spot for animals to support.”

SAFE offers a small token of appreciation to those who collect. For every $50 a collector raises they are entitled to receive a $5 music or The Body Shop voucher.

ENDS

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