Worldlog 11 July 2017 - Hoofdinhoud

The Dutch government formation has taken 120 days already and the composition of the parties at the negotiating table promises very little for the planet. That’s a shame because we now have the opportunity to make a real difference for the future of animals, humans, nature and the environment. We would like to see a green government that is able to conclude a strong climate agreement. Subjects we substantially disagree on can be considered as free issues, which means that we could still come to a good, sustainable policy with changing majorities. That way we can really go for the overarching interest.

Party for the Animals team working hard just before the start of summer recess

We were successful again in the Dutch parliament. Our motion to extend the heat protocol for animal transports was passed last week. The heat protocol for animal transports intends to prevent the serious suffering of animals in transport trailers. However, this regulation only comes into effect when it has been above 27˚C (80.6 F) for four days in a row. And there are all kinds of exceptional provisions that cause animals to still frequently suffer heat stress in practice. The Party for the Animals wants to end the inhumane treatment of livestock during transports and the motion adopted will in any case ensure that animals will no longer be put on transport in steamy hot trailers.

Animal transport

Our MEP Anja Hazekamp has put Norwegian whale hunting on the European agenda. At a meeting of the European Parliament last week, Anja proposed to close European ports for the transit of whale meat. Each year, thousands of kilos of whale meat are transported via European ports from Norway to Japan. Although it is prohibited to sell whale meat in the European Union, the transit of it via EU ports is turned a blind eye to. The European Parliament will vote on the Party for the Animals’ proposal in September.

Last week, I received a pleasant visit from Tamasin Ramsay of the Animal Justice Party, our sister party in Australia. They have a seat in the Senate of New South Wales and are now fighting for a ban on animal transports in Australia, which would be a revolutionary step forward. Tamasin asked us for advice on how to best proceed on this.

Marianne and Tamasin from Animal Justice Party

It is also fantastic to see how our Spanish sister party PACMA is working hard for humans, animals and the planet. For example, they are asking for attention for the San Fermín Festival that started last week. In the Spanish city of Pamplona bulls are released in the small streets, during the nine-day festival, after which they are chased into the arena where they finally suffer a gruesome death. Prior to the bull run, the bulls are tortured with electric shocks and poked with sharp sticks. PACMA is organising a mass protest in Madrid in September against such forms of animal abuse. Here you can see the wonderful video of last year’s protest.

PACMA organizes mass protest against bullfighting

Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world marched for LHBTI+ rights, the World Pride in Madrid at the end of June. There were at least one million people. Our Spanish sister party PACMA also took part in it. PACMA emphasises the importance of non-discrimination and pride events. PACMA: “We must fight for a better world for all inhabitants of the planet, no matter what species, race, gender or identity. We totally agree with this in the Netherlands. For that reason, our party will again participate in the Amsterdam Gay Pride. Will we see you there?

PACMA at the World Pride 2017 in Madrid

Summer is starting but our Portuguese sister party PAN will not be able to take a rest. On 1 October, local elections will be held in Portugal: elections are on in 308 Portuguese municipalities. I wish our colleagues good luck with all preparations!

The Lower House has started its summer recess. My next Worldlog will be in September. Until then, you can also find me on Facebook and Twitter.

Have a great summer everybody!

Marianne