WORLD ANIMAL DAY
Christians Urged To Remember Animal Welfare Pioneer William Wilberforce
Clergy and congregations are being asked to celebrate the life and animal welfare work of William Wilberforce this Animal Welfare Sunday (Sunday 7 October 2007).
Wilberforce was also remembered earlier this year in the film ‘Amazing Grace’ for his part in ending the slave trade 200 years ago.
A keen supporter of animal welfare, Wilberforce helped set up the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on 16 June 1824. It was the first national animal protection organisation and helped enforce a new law to prevent cruelty to cattle, sheep and horses. Queen Victoria later allowed the Society to use the word ‘Royal’ in its title because she was so impressed with its work. The RSPCA has since become the biggest animal welfare charity in the world.
Oxford theologian the Reverend Professor Andrew Linzey said: “William Wilberforce is rightly celebrated for his pioneering work that led to the abolition of the slave trade 200 years ago, but it’s not always remembered that he was also a leading light in the campaign against animal cruelty.”
The RSPCA came into existence as the result of Christian vision. A London vicar, the Reverend Arthur Broome, called the meeting that led to the foundation of the Society. Its first minute book records the declaration that: “the proceedings of this Society are entirely based on the Christian Faith and on Christian Principles”.
Professor Linzey added: “We tend to forget that the movement for a cruelty-free world owes much to luminaries like Wilberforce and Broome. They faced public ridicule and strong opposition in their work for animals, but they soldiered on. We best honour Wilberforce and his colleagues by following their example.”
In the first week of October each year, hundreds of churches of all denominations hold animal services or animal blessing services. Animals are brought into church to be blessed and clergy are encouraged to preach about responsibility for the care of creation. Thursday 4 October is the World Day for Animals and also St Francis’ Day.
The RSPCA has published a Service for Animal Welfare, written by Professor Linzey, for use by clergy and congregations. For copies, please contact the RSPCA’s enquiries department on 0300 1234 555.
1 October, 2007 
YORK COUNCIL VOTES ABOUT FUTURE OF FOIE GRAS IN YORK - DEMONSTRATION HELD TO ENCOURAGE FAVOURABLE OUTCOME
On Thursday 4th October (World Animal Day) York City Council will be meeting to vote on the future of foie gras in York which could possibly lead the way to a UK wide ban on the sale of foie gras – this follows from a massive local campaign against foie gras spearheaded by York Action for Animals (YAFA) and elected Councillor Paul Blanchard.
IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE TURN UP TO THE DEMO IN YORK ON THE DAY OF THE VOTE.
PLEASE COME TO THE DEMO OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL OFFICE AT THE GUILDHALL IN YORK ON THURSDAY 4TH OCTOBER , STARTING AT 5:30pm.
York is the first ever place in the UK to take a vote on this issue and could lead the way to other councils also saying NO to foie gras.
Can you be there in York on the day that could become an historic event? The more people that turn up the louder the voice against foie gras will be.
Please be in York for Thursday 4th October 2007. If you can come any earlier to help out, contact YAFA – info@yafa.co.uk
IF YORK VOTES AGAINST FOIE GRAS THEN THIS MAY OPEN THE FLOODGATES FOR OTHER COUNCILS TO FOLLOW SUIT.
The demo will be at the Guildhall outside the council meeting chamber.
Please be there, let your friends know and bring them with you.
Details: Thursday 4th October, 5:30PM, York City Centre, at The Guildhall
More info at: www.yafa.co.uk
1 October, 2007