Greens poised to ban blood sports 10 May 2007 The Irish Council Against Blood Sports congratulates the Green Party for being the only party to pledge an end to blood sports in their election manifesto. Their promise to ban these cruel activities and introduce heavy penalties for participants represents the greatest hope in years for Ireland's hunted animals. In the Animal Welfare section of the Green Party's 2007 Election Manifesto, it is stated that the party "asserts the rights of animals to humane treatment and living conditions". If they succeed in getting into government after the election, the party pledges to "ban blood sports" and introduce "heavy penalties for organisers and participants". The party has also promised to: set up an Animal Welfare Agency to investigate animal cruelty and exploitation provide increased support for animal welfare organisations and sanctuaries ban systems that fail to meet the welfare needs of animals, e.g. fur farming promote substitutes for all products where production or testing of these products involves cruelty to animals and seek a public enquiry into animal experimentation continue its campaign for a prohibition of the animal fur products trade introduce an annual audit of Irish zoos and circuses by an independent expert group The Green Party is also committed to abolishing grants for the horseracing and greyhound industries and instead funding local sporting facilities. As highlighted by the Greens last year, around 37 per cent of all government sports funds go to the horse and greyhound racing industries. "It is a sickening statistic considering there are clubs around the country crying out for funding," a party spokesperson has stated. "It is these clubs that should be the priorities for government; not profitable industries that have more to do with gambling than exercise." The Irish Council Against Blood Sports wholeheartedly welcomes the animal welfare aspect of the Green Party's manifesto. It undoubtedly represents the greatest hope in years for hunted animals. We commend ICABS member and Green Party leader, Trevor Sargent, for remaining dedicated to ridding Ireland of blood sport cruelty. Download the Green Party's 2007 manifesto (pdf format, 483Kb) ACTION ALERT Please vote for election candidates who pledge to support legislation banning blood sports in Ireland. Visit our Political Views page to find out the opinions of various TDs. If your TDs are not listed, contact them today and ask them for their stance on blood sports. Write to your TD at: Dail Eireann, Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2. Tel: 01-618 3000 or 1890 337 889. For the names and contact details of politicians, please visit the Irish Government Website at: http://www.oireachtas.ie/members-hist/. Green Party leader praises ICABS campaigners Green Party leader, Trevor Sargent, has expressed his admiration for the active supporters of ICABS whose efforts are helping to secure a safer future for Ireland's animals. "I commend your courage and dedication and those of the front line people in the Irish Council Against Blood Sports who have kept the hope alive for all of us who want to see the end to cruelty," Mr Sargent stated in a recent letter. He stressed that his party's commitment to bringing blood sports to an end is as strong as ever. "The Green Party is completely opposed to violence and cruelty to animals and as we campaign to take enough seats so that we can have a role in the next government we will do everything in our power to end these cruel activities." ICABS is very grateful for this continued support and we hope that the Green Party secures a strong position in the next government. For more info on the Green Party, visit www.greenparty.ie. News Menu | Join | Top | Home