Cruel sport (From Penarth Times)

Cruel sport

THE ALL Party Group for Animal Welfare in the National Assembly for Wales had a presentation recently from the Fight Against Animal Cruelty in Europe (FAACE).

We saw a horrific video of Spanish bullfights and "fiestas". It is difficult to believe that this cruelty is still taking place in 2003.

Those who defend this barbarism say they are "a tradition", but many are new events. But such cruelty cannot be justified no matter what the excuse.

This horrific trade has been supported by EU funds because since 1993 Spain has paid the Common Agricultural Policy premium payment (subsidy) at farm level, and not at slaughter level.

In December 2001, the Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Fishler, said that he would not exclude such producers from the benefit of direct payments.

This means that producers can claim the same subsidy for bulls destined for the bullring as those destined to be eaten.

If you feel strongly about this horrific situation, please write to me at the Assembly and I will forward letters to the relevant Ministers at the Assembly, Westminster and Europe.

Or send me an email- lorraine.barrett@wales.gov.uk

Lorraine Barrett Penarth AM National Assembly for Wales