In the beginning . . . . .

Well what a start that was, in March 1999 we did not exist and now we have many supporters, have run a successful campaign to get a 24 veterinary emergency service, regular press coverage, a website (www.conscience.net), Involvement in ending the animal cruelty scandal at the SPCA, and instigating major reforms of the society, and are now gearing up to start our next campaigns.

So how did it all happen ?

The 3 co-founders Michael, Jacky and Marcel have all been involved in animal welfare in various ways over the years and had come to the conclusion that a different type of Animal Rights group was needed to the ones that had existed or still exist in Malta. That is not meant as a criticism of any other group or individuals, we respect anyone who helps animals in any way they chose to do it. But the stark facts were that improvements in Animal Rights in Malta were either non-existent or very minor and slow to be achieved.

Our philosophy is that we are a campaigning pressure group, with the objective of securing improvements in Animal Rights. We seek to provide leadership and focus for the many people in Malta who want things to improve. By raising issues and demonstrating the support of public opinion, we aim to show that changes are needed.

The support we have received has been phenomenal, and the single true reason for our successes so far. Without your support we would just be 3 individuals putting forward what would be seen as “minority opinions” and as we can all see from events all around the world, when public opinion is united on a subject, people listen and those in power make changes. If public opinion can bring down the Berlin Wall, I’m sure it can bring improvements for the animals we love.

So what now ?

As you will see from our Agenda there are many subjects we plan to take on, and you can read elsewhere in this issue which ones will be next. But the most important thing is that you continue to support us, not just by becoming a supporter, but by being “active” signing & getting others to sign petitions, writing to the press when you see something good or bad about Animal Rights and reporting anything you see that you think is causing suffering to animals.

We also want you to tell us what you think, what you would like to see being changed, if you think you can help in any way, please tell us.

The newsletter

We don’t want the newsletter to be full of articles by us, so if you want to contribute stories, photos, experiences and opinions just write/fax/e-mail them to us.

Internet

If you haven’t had a look already go to www.conscience.net there amongst other things you can see our Agenda, copies of the Animal Rights . . . .Human Wrongs articles from the Sunday Times and copies of press articles and letters.

Finally

Thanks to you all for making this so successful and enjoyable, this could be the start of something big !

Michael Pearson
Chairman