Fw: Korean animal groups protest at public hearing (newsletter)

[Guest guest]

-

" Changkil Park " <parkc

<ar-news

Sunday, 03 June, 2001 11:26

Korean animal groups protest at public hearing (newsletter)

Newsletter from Voice for Animals-Seoul, Korea

22nd May, 2001

 

Korean Animal Groups protest at Public Hearing

There were numerous concerned parties to this legslation including those for

human rights, womans rights, environment, vegetarianism and animal

protection groups. But most of the audience were those working in the field

of science and biotechnology. There were 7 other experts chosen as main

speakers who evaluated the job of the temporary Korea Bioethics Commission.

We could win one of the speakers for animals. Scientists were denouncing the

bill saying the law will eventually harness the development of

biotechnology. But they were met with fervent criticism from animal

protection, environment and human rights groups. Scientists have already

maintained their strong lobbying groups and the National Assembly also seems

to be more on their side. This caused worry to many groups.

 

Voice for Animals, Korea Animal League, Animals Freedom Korea, Korean

Alliance to Prevent Cruelty to Animals and Korean Vegetarian World Union

demonstrated outside/inside the room the hearing was taking place. And our

costumes, pickets and remarks could earn journalists interest as this

attempt for the animals used for scientific procedures might be quite new to

them. The leading environmental group in Korea, KFEM also made a statement

over the generosity on using animals. Among the audience, 35 people were

granted to talk and 5 out of the 35 were speaking for the animals. We caused

scientists to talk about animals-this might have been quite new to the local

scientists that they had to encounter us.

 

Although we might not be able to change the whole ongoing attitudes on

animals-which is still too generous-, still our belief is that this is the

law that we should keep on trying to make an issue about animals in

research/biotechnology. We are still working on this, trying to attract the

public/journalism and trying to participate in the discussion.

 

On your request, we can provide you with the content of the provisions on

animals. Debates and exchanging opinions with you will lead us much more

ready for the legislation process. Although chances are scant that they will

fully reflect our concern/recommended policies, still we shall make animals

suffering in science/biotechnology important.

Stay informed, please.

MM Kim (moonykim75) Changkil Park (parkc)

Picture of speaking up against the proposal at the open hearing: http:

file://www.voice4animals.org/pic/public2.jpg