Printer friendly

< back

Summer 2010

Christmas Thoughts

Once again the holiday season has rolled around with what seems like incredible speed. We'd like to thank all our clients who have helped us in many different ways throughout the year, and a particularly big "thank you" for your patience with our seemingly eternal renovation saga. We wish you all a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukah, a joyful New Year. May you share good times with friends and family, and may you take extra time out to enjoy the special companionship of your pets.

 

Christmas is perhaps a good time to reflect on the joy that animals bring to our daily lives. We're privileged to live in a society where we are able to enjoy special relationships with animals; and indeed our pets- at least most of them-are fortunate to live out their lives in an environment where they are cared for and loved. In some parts of the world, this is unfortunately not the case.

 

At GVH we are passionately committed to animal welfare. In this season of goodwill, it's perhaps worthwhile to take a moment to consider "The Five Freedoms", a policy statement developed in 1993 in the UK to articulate the basic requirements involved in the humane treatment of animals. The Five Freedoms apply across the board, to animals used in commercial and research enterprises as well as to companion animals.

 

The Five Freedoms are:

1. Freedom from hunger and thirst

By ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.

 

2. Freedom from discomfort

By providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.

 

3. Freedom from pain, injury or disease

By prevention by rapid diagnosis and treatment.

 

4. Freedom to express normal behaviour

By providing sufficient space, proper facility, and company of the animal's own kind.

 

5. Freedom from pain and distress

By ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering. Even in our own society, which condones things such as battery caged hens, intensive piggeries and "puppy factories", it's doubtful if we can say that all animals enjoy the Five Freedoms. Perhaps at Christmas time we can all make a commitment, as far as we are able, to improving the lot of animals in all places and at all times.