| Politicicians condamned for "discriminating" against fighting dogs GENEVA International Court for Animal Rights - Hearing 07.05.2001
Report dated 07.05.2001
The self-styled Court for Animal Rights condemns 42 german decision makers -
"Mercilessly enforced anti-dog policies"
Geneva (AP)
42 German politicians have been condemned by the self-styled International Court for Animal Rights for "Breed discrimination" and killing of fighting dogs. On Monday in Geneva German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Deputy Chancellor Joschka Fischer, President Johannes Rau and Home Secretary Otto Schily and other decision makers were found guilty of "actively encouraging breed discrimination of dogs and discrimination of their owners".
The argument of the prosecution, presented by Juergen Gerlach from the German political party "Man Environment Animal Protection", stated that perfectly peaceful family dogs carry the brunt. The politicians were guilty
of "not only disregarding the role the dog plays as an individual and social partner of countless people, but to cause thousands of dogs physical and mental suffering and destruction through official resolutions" states the judgement of the court, which had been brought into being by the swiss animal protectionist Franz Weber in 1979.
"You have been found guilty of having neglected for year to take steps to avoid the abuse of dogs as weapons by passing the apropriate laws" Weber read out after having conferred with the ten jurors. This makes the
politicians responsible for tragic accidents involving dogs, who have been trained to behave against their nature by brutal training methods.
German politicians were also accused of inciting mass hysteria and given an
example in unfeeling behaviour.
"All the accused are guilty of damaging Germany's reputation in the eyes of
the international community by a racist, strictly enforced dog policy, which
makes one rmember the methods of persecution employed in the dreadful past." the verdict says.
Through charging higher dog tax the politicians also disadvantage part of
the population and are breaking constitutional rights by creating anti-dog
legislation. They are also guilty of "the idea of extending their dreadful law through the whole of Europe" The fighting dog law, which came into force in April, regulates amongst other things the import of dangerous dogs. It also tightens the Animal Protection Legislation. In future a ban on breeding
will be enforced, if the offspring can be expected to have higher aggression
potential.
In the past the International Court for Animal Rights has been dealing with the transport of animals, killing of elephants for ivory and the death of dolphins in fishing nets.
© AP
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Why this Important date : 7th May 2001 in Geneva
Law suit in front of the International Court for Animal Rights on occasion of the persecution and destruction of dogs in Germany. Trying to report as many dogs and owners hit by this and by the restrictions and what it means to the dogs. Written information please as quick as possible to Martina Gerlach to coordinate and pass on.
To animal protectionists, dog lovers, dog owners, animal shelters, dog owners who have been affected and those not yet affected.
A court hearing against the German politicians will take place on the 7th
May 2001 in Genf regarding the persecution, confiscation and killing of countless dogs just for reason of breed.
Precondition are verifyable information / paperwork of the dog owners current or ex who have been hit by this, those animal protectionists/helpers active in these cases and all those who know or hold information. We therefore need help nationwide.
A register is to be compiled of: dogs confiscated, dogs killed by the authorities, privately and in shelters, restricions ordered by authorities i.e. compulsory lead and muzzle, compulsory neutering/spaying. Results of character tests resulting in the above, dogs tortured and killed = lynchmob
justice, all the things that have been done to dogs and owners on occasion of the dog breed diskrimination. Short, legible bulletpoints, even in handwriting, preferred.
Persecution of the dogs is done by breed, but in different forms. We have therefore developed three layouts which should show the most important bits of information, all of which have to be verifyable at any time. The address field needs at least town and phone no for checking up by the group, Franz
Weber/International Court of Law.
We would like to ask all of you to help and pass this message on, as the nationwide murder of innocent dogs hat to end, the animals have to be given a second chance and if possible come out of their incarceration and into responsible ownership.
Please let us have information as soon as possible, as the court hearing depends on it, which is very expensive.
We also need proposals as to which politician (County or National Parliament) should be brought to court (names and photos please).
It is also important to have a list of all current and closed lawsuits regarding dog breed discrimination and it's consequences (at least the number and a short description - killing of dog, confiscation of dog,restrictions put upon the dog, given by the solicitor). These bits of information should come to me to avoid unnecessary delays and cost. This has been agreed with the Fondation Franz Weber/Cour Internationale de Justice des Droits de l'Animal.
It is also important that those already hit by the law and those taking the part of the innocent dogs are there at the court hearing. The court hearing will be translated immediately into five different languages and then internationally distributed. Press and Television will be present.
Please all of you help to stop the politicians' madness and at least save
the lives of the dogs and are able to make this and other shameful deeds against our fellow creatures known worldwide. Please send any information immediately - facts and where to confirm them (place and telephone no.) and any already existing veyfication - to me. Thank you!. |