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Working toward equality for animals
Lindsay Eichhorn, staff reporter
It's time to put a stop to fur coats and trimming, animal hunting and factory farming, says a group of local animal rights volunteers.
"Animals should be treated with respect and compassion, the way we would like to be treated," says Marianne Verigin, founder and president of the Society for Animal Freedom and Equality.
The society, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting animals from human exploitation, was formed by the Burnaby resident in the last year and now has about a dozen volunteer members.
"There are so many issues facing animals today," says Verigin. "But they all share one common cause - human perception. If we viewed animals as equally deserving as us, we would not use them as we do now."
"It's all vanity and no perceived need."
The society believes that the only way to achieve a long-term solution for all the issues is to address the core problem.
People need to analyze their own perceptions of how they treat animals and, if they're creating harm, they might want to change their ways, according to Verigin.
Educating the public is the organization's first priority.
"Through various forms of public education, SAFE will stimulate a shift to a new way to see all beings we share this world with, and treat them as we would want to be treated ourselves," says Verigin.
The group plans to go into schools and give presentations to students and eventually hold workshops and have tables at community festivals.
"Being a non-profit society means we rely on the generosity of individuals to accomplish and further our goals," says Verigin.
To make a donation to the Society for Animal Freedom and Equality, or to become a volunteer, call 778-371-8229.
posted on 04/13/2005
http://www.burnabynow.com/issues05/042205/community/042205co6.html |
