Report of UK demo for Korean dogs and cats by Steve Wilkinson of IAKAUK

[Guest guest]

Demo report,

 

12 MARCH,LONDON

 

12 noon saw the beginning of the London demonstration,

many had gathered outside the Korean embassy.

Supporters gave out leaflets to people passing, many

looked on astonished at the posters, Deb Wilkinson was

approached by two Korean men who came out of the

embassy, after a brief discussion they asked for

leaflets. Signatures were collected for the petition,

whilst the supporters shouted for a boycott of Korean

goods and shame on Korea amongst other slogans.

Jeanne Smith delivered an eloquent speech over the PA

clearly stating her understanding of the issue that

dog and cat meat industry is the result of commercial

greed and nothing to do with culture, thereby

denigrating many Korean people who abhor this cruel

trade.

Jeanne Smith brought her friend Jenny Ridout who is

registered blind along with her award winning blue

collie named Fluke and companion Bobbie, also feline

friend TJ. These special animals trained by jenny for

‘pets for therapy’. A sight I will never forget, this

cat unafraid of the bustle of London or the assembled

crowd, jumping on to peoples shoulders and looking as

proud as anyone to be taking part in a demonstration

against the murder of so many millions of dogs and

cats in Korea.

Tony Banks MP a most eminent animal campaigner

(former minister of sport) cut short his engagements

to attend, he is very well aware of the plight of

companion animals in Korea and wished to offer us his

support on the day and will assist us in the future.

He was inundated with questions regarding many animal

issues, it was impressive to hear his depth of

knowledge and interest on all of them. Sadly he had to

keep his visit short, to return to parliament.

The police at our request enquired inside the embassy

if someone would come out to accept a floral tribute

to those Korean people lost in the train tradegy. THEY

REFUSED. At 1300 the police stopped the traffic and as

a delegation including, Jeanne Smith, Steve and Deb

Wilkinson from IAKA UK, and Raven of Greyhound Action

International prepared to lay the floral tributes, the

officer ordered that only two could cross to the

embassy. Therefore Jeanne Smith and Steve Wilkinson

lay two wreathes made and donated by Marrianne Carter

outside the embassy doors. Aminute silence was

observed and one bow for those lost in the train

tragedy, a further minute silence was observed and

three bows for the 2.5 million dogs slaughtered each

year.

Sueyoun Cho and Yoon Seon Kerr read prepared

statements in Korean and English over the loudspeaker

system which was most effective. Their speech was

vehemently stating KAPS position that dog and cat meat

is the start of all animal abuse and that the Korean

government’s statement that it is Korean culture is an

outright lie, this practice is detested by many Korean

people. This was interspersed with whistles and

horns, the continuous phrases broadcast by an

audiotape could be heard from streets away.

The media were absent due to the more prominent news

of the war with Iraq and politicians resignations, and

Prince Charles butler. There was increased security

particularly in the area of the embassy, therefore we

did not get permission to use a video van to show

these horrors to the public. However the demo was

successful, and the embassy staff will undoubtedly

know that this fight will not end until, dogs and cats

are truly companions in Korea.

I would like to express my thanks to all who braved

the cold and wet conditions in London, to those that

travelled long distances, and to those that worked so

hard, especially Anne Phair who did all three of these

things.

 

 

 

 

 

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