Guernsey, a British Island, has just approved the most significant animal welfare legislation package the States have seen in approximately a decade. The updated regulations — which include bans on farming animals for fur, feathers, or hides, as well as force-feeding geese, and using wild animals for circuses — mark a promising shift towards a more compassionate world.
These updates follow a growing body of research proving that animals feel pain, fear, and other emotions like humans. Sentient beings should not be forced to suffer in the name of fashion, food, or entertainment, or for any other reason.
“There have been some developments in the last decade or so and the scientific understanding of animal sentience has really evolved, so we’ve got a much better understanding of what is humane and what isn’t,” Lindsay de Sausmarez, president of Guernsey’s Environment & Infrastructure (E&I) Committee told local news.
The production of foie gras by force-feeding of ducks — through a long metal tube shoved down the throat — dangerously enlarges ducks’ livers. The brutal product causes fear and pain to the duck. Banning the production is good news for animals and sends a message that other countries should follow.
Circuses that use animals are also banned under the new regulations, due to the growing understanding of the physical and psychological harm that such practices inflict on wild animals. Animals in circuses are often subjected to violence and control tactics to force them to comply. This regulation acknowledges that animals should not suffer for the “entertainment” of crowds. The States join a growing number of places — including England, Ireland, and Wales — that have similar laws against using wild animals in circuses.
Wild animals do not deserve to live in constant fear and pain for the amusement of humans.
Other improvements to the laws include banning traps such as leg-hold traps and snares — which companion animals may also be caught in. Neck-crushing tools used for slaughter, glue traps, and some types of stunning devices are also banned. Additionally, it is required that all veterinary practices and nurses be registered.
Lady Freethinker applauds Guernsey for these monumental updates to the island’s animal welfare laws to keep wild animals, farmed animals, and companion animals safer.
