107 Spring 2021 Price £2 (free to members) animalwa ch PUTTING ANIMALS ON THE AGENDA OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

THE BOND BETWEEN HUMANS AND COMPANION ANIMALS

ETHICAL BEEKEEPING

ANIMAL BLESSINGS & SERVICES

150 YEAR LEGACY IN ANIMAL WELFARE

ASWA.ORG.UK | 1 IN THIS ISSUE

HELLO AND WELCOME 3

OBITUARY - REVD HUGH BROADBENT 5 5

ETHICAL BEEKEEPING 6

THE BOND BETWEEN HUMANS AND COMPANION 7 ANIMALS 7 ANIMAL BLESSINGS AND SERVICES 8

150 YEAR LEGACY IN ANIMAL WELFARE 10 GROWING PAINS AT THE HAVEN 12 10 TRAIL HUNTING AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND 15

DORIS’ DIARY

Hello! My name is Doris, and I am a Border Leicester ewe with very large ears! I was rescued by ASWA secretary Chandler, as I had outlived my usefulness as a breeding ewe.

Below are some great events ewe may enjoy!

Wednesday 5 May ASWA AGM, online, 6pm.

Sunday 3 October Animal Welfare Sunday.

ASWA Annual Service, details tbc.

Sunday 14 November ASWA Remembrance Service for Animals in War, The Animals’ War Memorial, Park Lane, London (subject to COVID restrictions being lifted), 3pm.

For further details of events, please visit the website: www.aswa.org.uk

2 | ASWA.ORG.UK HELLO AND WELCOME TO ANIMALWATCH Welcome to Animalwatch. In this issue, we focus on companion animals and how important they can be in people’s lives. We also provide information about the upcoming elections for ASWA committee members and reports on the creative ways in which churches celebrated Animal Welfare Sunday during the pandemic.

We hope that you enjoy keeping up-to-date with news and information on our website. Do check regularly for resources and information about upcoming events. Please do make a note of the dates in Doris’ Diary and see the information in this issue about the upcoming AGM.

Please send any items for consideration for Animalwatch to Revd Jennifer Brown, Editor, PO Box 7193, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8GT. Email is even better – [email protected]. Please note that, owing to space restrictions, it may not be possible to print all contributions. Please refer to the information about contributions to Animalwatch for further details and restrictions on submissions.

Jennifer Brown, Editor

The deadline for the Summer magazine is Monday 7th June 2021.

ASWA SPEAKERS AVAILABLE A WARM WELCOME If you have a group or service that would welcome an to our new members. We look forward to hearing from you. ASWA speaker, we would love to hear from you! We We are pleased to welcome ten new members who have joined often travel a fair distance so please call to discuss it. We usually bring a stall and literature and always since the publication of the Autumn issue. liaise with our hosts to ensure the talk is appropriate To all our new members we extend a warm welcome and we would for their particular audience. While COVID restrictions ask that you, along with our existing members, encourage others continue, our speakers can join a service or meeting who share your concern for animal welfare to join. Introductory using Zoom or another online meeting platform. Keep leaflets are available from the Secretary. the invitations rolling in!

CONTRIBUTIONS TO ANIMALWATCH We very much welcome contributions Editor either as typed manuscript by appropriateness of content. Publication to Animalwatch from our readers. We post or by email as Word documents, of submitted items is at the Editor’s are interested to hear about the positive with any accompanying photos sent as discretion. In submitting an article, the things being done for animals in your high-resolution jpg files. Items submitted contributor assigns copyright for the churches and communities. We also as pdf files or email text cannot be piece to ASWA. For items submitted by welcome informed pieces on specific accepted. Submissions must be the email, please assume your item has areas of animal welfare, such as items contributor’s (sender’s) own original been received unless you get a delivery relating to animal welfare law, the work, and (unless otherwise agreed) failure notice. The Editor is unable history of animal welfare, and theology. not published elsewhere. Items may to acknowledge receipt of individual Articles should be submitted to the be edited for length, readability, and submissions.

ASWA MERCHANDISE Available from the ASWA web site ASWA literature: a range of literature on a variety of animal welfare subjects available. Egg Cards: egg shaped cards with a prayer printed on one side. £0.20 each. ASWA bags: handy cotton shopping bag with the ASWA logo. £4 each. ASWA badges: show your support for ASWA by wearing a lapel badge with the ASWA logo. £1.50 each. Sticker sheets & books: Activity sheet with stickers (ravens or bees), £2.00 each.

ASWA.ORG.UK | 3 GOOD NEWS Southwark Cathedral provides home for a cat in need The community of Southwark Cathedral were deeply saddened by the death of their cathedral Cat, Doorkins Magnificat, in September 2020. One of the things that Doorkins achieved in her time at Southwark was to establish a connection between the cathedral and Catcuddles Sanctuary. And so it was that the cathedral team were able to open their doors to Hodge, who had been rescued by Catcuddles when in need of serious veterinary care. Hodge now has a secure, loving home in the cathedral. This isn’t just good news for Hodge, it’s also good news for the cathedral. As well as acting as a rodent deterrent, Hodge will also bring joy and delight, not only to the cathedral staff, but to members of the congregation and visitors. Hodge can be followed on social media, @HodgeTheCat (Twitter) and hodge_thecat (Instagram). Photo courtesy of Southwark Cathedral

TALKING POINT NEWS & NOTICES Dogs in lockdown

Don’t forget, you can follow ASWA ASWA AGM We’ve all heard about the increase on Twitter – aswanews This year’s annual general meeting in the number of people wanting will once again be held on-line. The a dog as lockdowns in different You can also keep up with AGM will take place on Wednesday what’s new via our website – countries have forced people to stay 5th May, 6.00pm. Please contact the at home. A dog can provide healthy www.aswa.org.uk. Secretary to receive the link to attend. Check the web site for the companionship for someone who is at home, particularly if that someone latest resources, including materials Protecting Pigeons for children & youth. lives alone. Dogs also encourage us to ASWA member Sylvia Browning has get out and do some exercise, as they started an online petition in favour of Animal-friendly Church award need to be walked daily. But dogs, a law to protect pigeons from human like humans, are social animals. They Is your church animal friendly? ASWA aggression and abuse. It is distressing sponsors the Animal-friendly Church need companionship as much as we to see pigeon’s being harassed and do. So what happens when everyone award to recognise those churches even injured, often by children, in that take animal welfare seriously as now working from home has to go public places, and the law that Sylvia back to the office? And what if people part of their ministry and mission. would like to see enacted would Churches can apply at any time and who found having a dog a delight protect pigeons from such cruelty. If when there was nothing to do but those meeting the necessary criteria you would like to support this effort, will be awarded animal-friendly stay at home finds it a burden when you can sign the petition by going to it becomes possible once again to church status. Information is available http://chng.it/SZjDqPJzDx. on the website or from the Secretary. have a social life outside the house? It’s wonderful that many dogs that were in shelters have now found ASWA NEWS homes, but are we giving enough thought to the long-term needs of the Openings on ASWA Committee dogs? And have we considered the knock-on effects of the demand for The ASWA Committee are a group puppies – more business, not just for of ASWA members who volunteer to legitimate and responsible breeders, manage the day-to-day running of but potentially also for puppy farms ASWA. Because ASWA is a charity, and irresponsible breeders? Are we committee members are trustees thinking enough about the future as with legal obligations. As with any well as our present situation? organisation, the ASWA Committee benefits when it has a diverse membership and enough ‘hands-on- deck’ to manage the workload. We are currently looking for members interested in standing for election to the committee. If you think this might be for you, please contact the Secretary for an initial conversation.

4 | ASWA.ORG.UK NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

SOUTH AFRICA SWEDEN animals were rescued from being Animal clinic perseveres New challenges and subjected to cruel or painful animal through pandemic and violence some hope experiments. Consumer attitudes are also changing, with 249 out of 290 2020 was a challenging and highly SA.MAST, the South Africa Mass municipalities opting not to buy feather different year from the previous one. Animal Sterilisation Trust, has ornaments at Easter and Stockholm But, with regard to animals and their continued to provide care to animals Fashion Week being fur free. through 2020 despite the pandemic rights, we can see some hope and The County Administrative Board of and violent land invasions in the area some encouraging progress. Here are Västernorrland (way up in the North) around our clinic. a few sparks of hope: received a notification through the First, there are fewer battery hens in During the year, we were able to new Lex Maja (an animal welfare cages and 2 million fewer chickens provide over 1700 sterilisations law named for Maja, a cat that died were slaughtered in Sweden during the and nearly 4000 vaccinations, in after being left untended for 11 days first three months of 2020 compared addition to more than 28,000 other in 2016). The notification concerned with the previous year. Over 99 million veterinary treatments. The bravery a dog and cat left without any chickens are slaughtered per year and dedication of the SA.MAST staff supervision at all when their owner in Sweden. That’s a mindboggling are amazing, and we are grateful to was taken seriously ill and treated number considering that we are the donors who have made our work in hospital. Previously hospital staff roughly 10 million people living here, possible. were prohibited from doing anything but more good news is that meat in these cases, but thanks to this Tamsin Nel consumption is on the decline. More new law staff have the legal right to news relating to farm animals is that SA.MAST call the police without risking being Sweden gets to keep the right to require charged with breaking patient-doctor abattoirs to give animals sedation prior confidentiality. It is the first time this to slaughter (having said that, carbon new law has been implemented since monoxide gassing is very stressful). its introduction in 2019. The dog and Next, squirrel hunting is now banned, cat are now being taken care of in a and there are new proposals for temporary home. stronger legal action/laws against animal cruelty. In 2020, 80,000 Sandra Kinley

OBITUARY

Revd Hugh Broadbent It is with great sadness that we report the loss of a much-loved colleague here at ASWA, the Revd Hugh Broadbent. Hugh served on the ASWA Committee for many years and was responsible for writing many of the ASWA publications including Thinking about Vegetarianism, Thinking about Animal Testing, Animal Welfare Patterns of Worship, and Worshipping with the Whole Creation. All are available for purchase in the ASWA on-line shop. Hugh also served many years as a parish priest, starting off as a Curate at St Stephen’s, Chatham in 1978. When he first joined ASWA, he was Vicar of Holy Trinity, Bromley Common as well as Chaplain at St Olave’s Grammar School in Orpington. His last position was that of Rector of Snodland. Sadly, he had only recently retired when he became ill. Last year, Hugh wrote a wonderful book called Where is Love? Creation and the Cosmic Christ, which we recommend to all our readers. It is available for purchase from Waterstones and Amazon. The book was a culmination of much of his reflection about the God’s love in a suffering world. It has received excellent reviews. During his last few weeks, he also recorded a study for ASWA called The Two Gardeners, which is available to watch on our website. Hugh died peacefully at home on Advent Sunday, 29th November, surrounded by his beloved wife, Jane and their children and grandchildren. Due to Covid, his funeral was limited to his immediate family but it is hoped that a service of thanksgiving can be arranged for later this year, assuming restrictions are lifted. We will miss Hugh’s gentle wisdom at our Committee meetings and are grateful for the many years of service that he gave to ASWA.

ASWA.ORG.UK | 5 ETHICAL BEEKEEPING

We don’t kill the queens in our the colony has only produced enough colonies in order to have a new queen honey for themselves in which case every year or every other year, which we leave them with all the honey and is common practice. Our queens are don’t take any. Some hives produce left with their colonies for as long as much more honey than they could they last, which tends to be up to four possibly need, in which case we take years. That way we find out about a select number of honey frames. their temperament, longevity and their The average winter losses of bee foraging abilities so we can decide colonies in recent years for our part which queens are best to breed from. of the country has been around 24%. We don’t move our colonies to other We have never lost any colonies over parts of the country thereby stressing winter and we strongly believe that them. They are left in their own apiary the way we care for and look after at our home. our bees, especially the fact that we My husband Stephen and I run a small leave our bees with plenty of their own ethical bee business, Hog’s Back Bees We keep our bees in an as natural natural food (honey) to live on, has and Bee Products, that developed out a way as possible; the queen can contributed to this success rate. of our beekeeping activities on our move to any part of the hive. Many smallholding in Ash Green, which lies beekeepers place what’s called a We are encouraged to see that more on the midway along the north side queen excluder (a metal wire grill and more new beekeepers who visit of the Hog’s Back, the North Downs which worker bees can crawl through our apiary, watch us handle our feature that runs from Farnham to but the male bees and the queen bees with the utmost of care, and Guildford. Our smallholding was can’t) between the lower box where learn about our ethical beekeeping developed to grow much of our own the queen is and where she lays her practices are of the opinion that that is food and the foray into beekeeping eggs, and the boxes above that which the right way to look after bees. They in 2011 started as a means to boost will be for the honey. Using a queen come to us for beekeeping training to pollinators in our area, and hopefully excluder often results in the queen learn our methods with the welfare of assist in arresting the apparent decline running out of space for egg laying the honeybees being most important. in the honeybee population. and the bees end up swarming taking We normally do beekeeping talks to the queen and half the population to We started with two colonies and now groups over the winter months but find somewhere else to live as they the total ranges around 90 colonies unfortunately due to Covid-19 this run out of space. Our queens can overwintering, more during the bee is not possible this year. We have go into any box in the hive, thereby season in spring/summertime. We witnessed a growing interest in bees enabling the bees to move around in are ethical beekeepers – the welfare and beekeeping in recent years and a much more natural way like they do of our bees is most important to us. our beekeeping experience events in in a nest in a tree. Many beekeepers’ main objective summer are always well attended. is to harvest as much honey from We don’t clip the wings of our queens Honeybees are extremely hard their colonies as possible and those which some beekeepers do. They do working and fascinating creatures. beekeepers know exactly how much this so the queen can’t fly and that’s The way a colony works, with each honey, in weight, they have taken how they avoid swarming. The queen bee having a role, is an example of off each hive (something to boast will try to fly and falls on the ground amazing teamwork which we humans about!). Because honey is healthier outside the hive where the bees join her can learn from. Do you know that one for humans than sugar, beekeepers and form a big swarm on the ground. bee makes one twelfth (1/12) of a remove the honey, the bees’ natural Again, a practice of which we do not teaspoon of honey in her 3 weeks of food that they have worked so hard approve. It goes against the natural foraging? That makes one appreciate for foraging nectar all season, and instinct of the bees. We try to avoid every drop of honey! I love our bees then the bees get sugar in return. swarming by monitoring our bees on and working with them is an absolute Needless to say, we don’t approve of a weekly basis and ensuring the bees pleasure. Being a full-time beekeeper this practice. have sufficient space, reducing the is hard work but I do enjoy working need to swarm. For us, the main objective is that our with our lovely bees. bees are well cared for, don’t get hurt Our aim is for our bees to be able For more information about us, our and are treated with respect (each to live and behave as naturally as bees and our honey and pure beeswax little bee life is important to us) and possible. candle range, please feel free to join don’t get stressed. We ensure that This ethical beekeeping practice our FB site: https://www.facebook. they have plenty of their own honey to means we have much less honey to com/groups/1484258728327906 live on during winter and into spring, harvest. We don’t remove multiple which means leaving them with more or I can be contacted on 07803 boxes of honey from each hive. At the than they are likely to need. 069798. end of the season, we check how much What do we do differently from many honey is in a hive and work out how Astrid Bowers-Veenman other beekeepers? much the bees will need. Sometimes

6 | ASWA.ORG.UK THE BOND BETWEEN HUMANS AND COMPANION ANIMALS Anyone who has had a companion with four white paws, in March 2019. animal knows how important they I loved her, and she loved me. My can be in a person’s life. Companion husband was utterly besotted with her, animals are, for many, not just ‘pets’ and she adored him. Her character but much-loved family members. Since was affectionate, playful, and just the start of the COVID19 pandemic, the independent enough to retain her demand for companion animals has credentials as a self-respecting cat. I increased greatly in many countries work from our small cottage, and his as people seek companionship during office is just a few minutes away, so farm animals of all kinds and when periods of lockdown and isolation. it can be hard for us to escape from I was a child I dreamt of running an This is not surprising, as companion the quandaries and stresses of our animal sanctuary. I know that my small animals can alleviate loneliness and professional lives. Annabel brought flock of eleven sheep is a tiny drop in provide comfort and relieve stress. As a new source of life, energy and the ocean in animal rescue terms, but Julius, Beetz, Kotrschal, et al. describe unpredictable delight to our quiet it is hugely rewarding knowing that in their book Attachment to Pets1, home life that helped to pull us out of I have made a difference for those humans can form psychological and our own heads.” The emotional bond few. They all have their own stories emotional attachments to companion between humans and companion and seem to ‘find me’ rather than me animals similar to those that are animals is often strengthened by the actively looking for them. Some of the formed within close human-to-human physical contact shared, as illustrated local smallholders in my area know relationships. by Annabel’s interactions with her I am the ‘mad sheep woman’ and family. Sarah tells us, “She sat in The close bond that often develops have contacted me when they have a my husband’s lap for hours almost between human and companion sheep they don’t want.” Sam doesn’t every evening, and her tranquil (non- animal is evident in the relationship own her own farm-land and so has verbal) companionship and evident between Elizabeth and her dog, to rent two paddocks from a friend, contentment was unquestionably Banbury, who sadly died in 2020. which limits how many sheep she can therapeutic. There is some magic Elizabeth told us, “Banbury travelled take at a time, and she acknowledges in the sensory grounding of a cat with me wherever I went and I loved that sheep are quite time consuming, in the lap – the warm weight, soft being with him. He was not only my “The wet weather in the winter months fur, gentle vibration and sound of dog, he was my life companion. plays havoc with their feet and in the purring – not to mention Annabel’s He made me laugh and cry, and Summer you are constantly on the exceptional and charm. Many, sometimes he did make me angry. But lookout for fly-strike which can be fatal many photos were taken. Songs were no matter what he did, I feel that he if not caught quickly. Daily checking composed. Calendars were created was such a blessing for me to have for is therefore essential.” Despite this, and distributed to her considerable all those years, and I was honoured Sam derives great joy from her sheep, fan base. We were devastated by her by him choosing me to be in his life.” and values the time she spends with untimely death and mourned her loss. them, saying, “As a Curate in my Those who have companion animals Annabel’s successor, Edna, has a local church, I value the peaceful time delight in the joy that their companion different nature, but she is a solace I spend with them twice a day and animal brings to them and also delight and a joy in many of the same ways. many sermons are planned in my in the joy that their companion can We hope that she will be with us head whilst tending my little flock!” bring to others. Elizabeth’s relationship through many years to come.” with Banbury demonstrates this aspect We should not underestimate the of the human-animal relationship, as As with the close relationships we importance of the human–companion she says, “I was not the only human have with other humans, the bonds animal bond. The psychological and who loved him, as there were many between human and animal persist emotional attachment that can form people who thought he was such a even after a companion animal has in the relationship between a human wonderful dog, a dog that would also died. Returning to Elizabeth and and companion animal is very real. make them laugh and he brought joy Banbury’s story, Elizabeth says she The loss of a companion animal to those around him.” remains close to Banbury, stating, “I can, therefore, be a devastating know that he is not with me in body, bereavement. And there is no doubt Companion animals can reduce but I know that he is with me no matter that human–companion animal stress and help us switch off from the what I do or where I go, and I shall relationships bring joy and provide demands of work and busy lives, as never forget him as long as I live.” benefits to both human and animal. revealed in the relationship that Sarah and her husband had with their cat, When we think of companion animals, Jennifer Brown with contributions Annabel. Sarah tells their story, “We we typically think of dogs and cats and from Elizabeth Hollidge, Sarah adopted Annabel, a little tabby cat perhaps small mammals like rabbits Tanton, and Samantha Chandler or hamsters. But these ‘common’ companions are not the only ones to 1. Henri Julius, Andrea Beetz, Kurt Kotrschal, share our lives. Our Secretary, Sam Dennis Turner, and Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, Chandler has a small flock of rescued Attachment to Pets, 2013 (Cambridge, MA, USA: Hogrefe Press). sheep. She says, “I have always loved

ASWA.ORG.UK | 7 ANIMAL BLESSINGS AND SERVICES FOR ANIMAL WELFARE SUNDAY ASWA Annual Service 2020 Sunday proponents with the Feast of I set a time in the afternoon on the St Francis actually falling on the first 4th October and advertised I’d be The year 2020 was, among other Sunday of October, but unfortunately available at the church entrance if things, a year of cancellations. Our with COVID that was not to be. But people would still like to bring pets for usual service for Animal Welfare it was too good an opportunity to a blessing and that’s what they did. Sunday was one of the many events be missed completely. I help run that was not able to go ahead. We Christian Vegetarians and Vegans UK. I was surprised so many turned up were due to hold our service at I am also a (retired) Anglican priest. and fortunately not all together. It was St Botolph’s in Boston, Lincolnshire but So, I posted out to our membership, all very safe. made the decision to cancel for the in both spoken and written form, a I blessed each pet and those who sake of the safety of those attending talk on what we believe the Christian and the staff at St Botolph’s. brought them, anointed any sick pets, attitude to animals should be, along and then folk were invited to write on To mark the date, we put together with the traditional Franciscan some wooden stars and hearts and a recorded, online celebration and blessing of animals, so people could hang them around the churchyard asked ASWA President, Bishop bless their own animals at home. on the trees. These were in memory Dominic Walker, to record a sermon. A copy of the (written) form of this of departed pets, in thanksgiving for Members of the ASWA Committee can be found under ‘Downloads’ on animals, or anything else animal- recorded prayers and readings. The our website, http://www.christian- connected they wished to pray for. It service is still available to view on our vegetariansvegans.org.uk was absolutely lovely and there was website and we will keep it on there John Ryder a great intimacy about it. So much so through February 2021 so that those that I’m thinking of making it a more who have not yet watched it can do We were able to go ahead with our regular thing than a once or twice a so. Animal Welfare service in October year regular service. within our church building as we This year, we hope that we might be were COVID-secure. We celebrated One adorable little rabbit brought for in a better place by Animal Welfare at both our traditional 9am and a blessing was Cuddles, who sadly Sunday (Sunday 3rd October). contemporary 10.30am services, died couple of months later and so We hope that the majority of however we did so under the title I had a funeral for him when I was the population might have been of Creation Celebration. We chose called by the child who was in great vaccinated and that it will be safe to this title so that we could celebrate distress. Such a gorgeous rabbit. hold a service. St Botolph’s have very creation as a whole with animals as Lynn Hurry kindly agreed to be our hosts. Please our focus. look out for emails to confirm this St Mary-at-Latton, Harlow nearer the time and hopefully we will The date tied in with our 10.30am be able to confirm a firm date in the All Age service so we invited families Summer Issue. to bring photos of their favourite animals or to send them in if they were Samantha Chandler watching online. The children were ASWA Secretary given a blank photo frame to decorate with colouring pens, paper and stickers We would normally include here to use for their photo or drawing. We reports from churches around the UK had an interactive fun animal-themed and around the world on the animal quiz and many of us came dressed in blessing services that they held on animal onesies or fancy dress. or near Animal Welfare Sunday. As COVID limited what could be done For both services we highlighted the in gathered public worship, we asked needs of the local Foodbank with a members and churches how they short video we produced and asked marked Animal Welfare Sunday in people to bring items of pet food or 2020. A number of members watched supplies to donate to the Foodbank. We complied an online Zoom service the ASWA service on-line, but others for our Junior Church. This was a pet We had a great time celebrating all celebrated this special Sunday in service, and we gave a presentation of God’s creation and look forward to other ways, as can be seen below in about St Francis and sang If I were a doing it again this year. the responses we received. Butterfly. Kate Lee Just privately, rejoicing in open fields. Feedback was good and we asked St Mary’s, East Molesey for pictures of pets to be drawn and Joan Heath submitted. As we couldn’t hold the service safely 2020 would have offered a superb inside in October, and the weather Julia Walmsley, St Chad’s opportunity for Animal Welfare here at that time was so dreadful,

8 | ASWA.ORG.UK The Inverness Cathedral held a Thurso and Wick. Normally Provost out. We were delighted to welcome Pet Blessing service on Friday 2nd Sarah would go around and bless the dogs and their owners, along October. Due to COVID19 the service each pet individually, but with social with representatives of local animal was slightly different than we have distancing measures that was not charities. We also livestreamed the had in the past, as we followed the possible this year. Rev Ellie, who came service so that those unable to attend guidelines from the Government along to assist at the service, gave the in person could take part from home. and College of Bishops to keep blessing for the pets from in front of We raised £85 for the work of Pets as everyone safe in these strange times. the altar and the list of names of pets Therapy. The service was led by Rev Katrina was read out. We also had a time of Revd Katrina O’Neill O’Neill, Deacon of the Cathedral remembrance for those pets that had and Rev Ellie Charman, Priest of died. A candle was lit next to a statue Inverness Cathedral the Scottish Episcopal Churches in of St Francis, and names were read THE VALUE OF PET FUNERALS IN MY ASWA COMMITTEE MINISTRY ELECTIONS From the moment she walked into our of loss, so having the opportunity to It’s Election time again! There is, lives, Flossie has been very much part of thank God for all they have shared however, no postal voting form in this our family. With her wide spaniel eyes, with their pet, facilitated by a church issue of Animalwatch because at the her sleek chocolate labrador frame (even minister before a cremation, can be time of going to press the number of at the age of nine and a half, thanks very helpful. Society seems to have candidates for committee places does to the spaniel in her), and her ever- become increasingly detached from not exceed the number of vacancies. wagging tail, our Flossie always offers the reality of death over recent years, There is only one candidate to be an overenthusiastic welcome to anyone aspiring to overcome all illnesses and elected this year, the Revd Jennifer who comes to Crondall Vicarage. She live longer and longer, if not forever. But Brown, standing as a committee continues to play an important role in the world is not set up so that everyone member for a further three years. my village ministry, making me go out can live forever. Although the lifespan ASWA committee members are in all weathers, meeting many in our of humans has extended remarkably trustees, which means they have legal wider community as we trek through the in many parts of the world over recent duties and responsibilities. The tasks of village and across the fields, enabling centuries, like our four-footed friends, the committee are to manage the day- passing conversations, which have been we have a finite life on earth. Death is to-day running of ASWA, including especially beneficial to so many during a necessary part of life. Entrusting our the planning of ASWA services, the lockdowns of the past ten months. sadnesses to God as well as our joys commissioning and producing is an important means of addressing All our pets, from hamsters, to guinea informational material, managing the our mortality and looking forward with pigs, rabbits to dogs, have played an budget, organising fund-raising events hope to eternal life with God. I’m sure important part in our family life. Anyone and the production of Animalwatch, that’s why people gain real comfort who has ever owned or looked after a to name but a few. You will find from entrusting to God their beloved pet will know the impact of their nature information about the candidate pets who have died. and character on those around them. standing for re-election below: The Hellings Clan have learnt much from In my role as Vicar, I believe I am here to Jennifer Brown: Jennifer has been Flossie – the benefits of boundless energy, travel alongside folk through all the ups an ASWA member since 2001 and eternal optimism, constant enthusiasm, and downs of life, and where a pet death has been editor of Animalwatch since and the need to guard against gluttony, causes real distress, it is my privilege 2011. Jennifer is a Church of England which seems an inherent part of having to help share God’s comfort and priest and combines self-supporting labrador genes. As with our other pets, reassurance. I know eminent theologians ministry in the Diocese of Oxford with when Flossie dies, we will, of course, all like St Thomas Aquinas have stated that teaching at Ripon College Cuddesdon miss her and mourn her passing. Why pets don’t have immortal souls, but and being Director of Training for the wouldn’t we when we have cared and there is an argument for suggesting that College of Preachers. She sees care shared so much? a heaven without dogs for a dog lover for our fellow creatures as very much could not be heaven at all; a heaven a part of the Christian calling. She For many years now I have been asked without birds for an ornithologist would lives in Oxfordshire with her husband, to take small informal services for cats be unimaginable. I don’t claim to have dog and cat. and dogs at Dignity Pet Crematorium in any answers. I just know that we should Winchfield, when families have wanted always thank God for all the blessings some Christian and spiritual input in we enjoy, including our pets, and leave marking their pet’s death. People have the rest to God, putting our trust in his very different relationships with their love, compassion and care, which is pets, as we do with all family members. such an important part of our Christian When the relationship has been very calling. close, people often find their grief at losing a beloved companion is hard to Revd Tara Hellings process, and they feel a very real sense Vicar of Crondall and Ewshot

ASWA.ORG.UK | 9 A 150 YEAR LEGACY IN ANIMAL WELFARE

fifty years in existence, the end-to- end operations of the Cape of Good Hope SPCA include an inspectorate, a multidisciplinary hospital, pound, farmyard, wildlife, horse care and education unit, and a fully-fledged rehoming service overseeing animal adoptions as well as four mobile clinics. The 24-hour-service inspectorate with its 21-strong staff complement consists of 13 inspectors, three trainee inspectors, two field officers and three collection officers who serve an area of more than 3,200 square kilometres (Approx. 1240 mi2). This area of operation includes the Cape Town Metropole of 2,400 square kilometres (Approx. 930 mi²) and the Stellenbosch municipal area of more than 800 square kilometres (Approx. 300 mi²), stretching into the Cape Animal Welfare in South Africa public sector (HWSETA, 2018). We Wine lands. can infer that the same population is The majority of not for profit As the leading animal welfare likely to access veterinary care from organization, The Cape of Good organizations (NPOs) are largely the NPO sector. Over and above donor-dependent and facing significant Hope SPCA is a high-volume animal the latter, the effect of lockdown, facility in the country and sees on declines in available donor funding, reduced working hours and rising especially now following the nationwide average 45,000 cases per year, of unemployment have put an increased which more than 60% are moderate lockdown and subsequent economic strain on the animal welfare system. impact. Lack of resources and capacity to severe cases. Treatment cost We are now starting to see a further can quickly escalate over ZAR 850 remains a recurring theme, and many increase in people who are no longer of the NPOs barely have sufficient (Approx £41) per animal per day in able to access care in the private those moderate to severe cases. At resources to cover their immediate sector turning to the welfare sector for operational costs. the heart of this significant caseload, their veterinary needs. The full extent the hospital, our veterinarians and There are currently 228,822 registered of the socio-economic impact of the animal welfare assistants demonstrate NPOs in South Africa of which 23,492 pandemic and its ripple effects are the capability to oversee, manage are located in the Western Cape1. only starting to manifest now. and execute high volume operations In Cape Town alone, more than without compromising quality. 200 of those registered NPOs are animal welfare organisations. This Cape Town, A 150 year legacy in demonstrates the dire need for aid Animal Welfare Quality of care and quality interventions in animal Cape Town, also known as the Mother welfare to alleviate the burden on, and Our quality of care is maintained City, is the second-most populous city in migrate our most vulnerable towards, at a high clinical standard aligned South Africa, after Johannesburg, and improved access to quality veterinary with international best practice. The is the largest Western Cape Province care. animal hospital has a capacity of city. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA, several hundred cases overseen by South Africa has one of the largest governed under the Society for the four veterinarians. Each veterinarian global Gini-coefficients, a division Protection of Animals Act (Act 169 can manage 80 to 100 cases per day, 2 between rich and poor, with more of 1993) , enforces the protection of of which 15 to 20 are surgeries. “We than 70% of the population falling animals under the Animals Protection are fortunate to have a lower cadre of 3 within the lowest rung of the economic Act (Act 71 of 1962) . One hundred para-veterinarians and assistants that pyramid. An estimated 82% of South help free up our professional time,” Africans access health services in the 2. Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to says Dr Stephanie Chatry. Animals Act 169 of 1993.. n.d. Available: https://www.gov.za/documents/societies- Lower cadre para-professionals are 1. Department of Social Development on prevention-cruelty-animals-act. a significant cost-saving strategy in its registration process, funding, monitoring 3. Animals Protection Act 71 of 1962. n.d. terms of professional time and, with a and evaluation of NPOs: PMG. 2020. Available: https://www.gov.za/documents/ credit-bearing qualification, contribute Available: https://pmg.org.za/committee- animals-protection-act-22-jun-1963- meeting/30312/#:~:text=There were 228 822 0000#:~:text=The Animals Protection Act to job creation and career pathing Non,compliant with the relevant legislation. 71,prevention of cruelty to animals.

10 | ASWA.ORG.UK Facing the Socio-economic impact frontline of the fight against animal of lockdown in Cape Town cruelty. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA Our hospital continues to perform recorded a more than 22% increase pioneering animal orthopaedic surgery in the number of cases over the and ongoing clinical interventions to period between November 2020 mitigate as well as treat life-threatening and January 2021 and the numbers disease such as canine parvovirus, continue to increase daily. According while our mobile clinics are a critical to a recent report by the Dullah Omar component of our commitment to Institute titled, The Socio-Economic deliver care to those most in need. Rights Impact of Covid-19 in Selected Operating in the informal settlements Informal Settlements in Cape Town, the around Cape Town, the mobile units lockdown in South Africa has made it provide primary veterinary care even harder for people to enjoy basic including dipping, de-worming and needs and amenities such as food, administering vaccinations. Animals for young adults. Para-veterinarians water and sanitation, information, in need of sterilization – and those are registered with the veterinary transportation, employment and that are ill or injured – are transported council under the supervision of the health4. If our most vulnerable to our animal hospital for further Chief Veterinarian practising per populations are struggling to meet treatment, and returned to their owners the Veterinary and Para-Veterinary their own basic needs for survival, how after treatment. Professions Act 19 of 1982. They are they meeting the needs of their assist with administering injections, animal companions? In this context, The Cape of Good Hope SPCA is not taking blood samples and doing the Cape of Good Hope SPCA does government funded, and our work blood smears, administering specific not only see animals; we also see the on the front lines in the fight against tests, and compiling the clinical owners of those animals. animal cruelty would not be possible information for the veterinarians without the support of our donors. to make diagnoses and prescribe The most pressing socio-economic Their continued support is even more treatment. Para-veterinarians manage problems are poor living conditions critical in our most incredible time of mundane tasks that free up the and high levels of crime and social need. disturbance. Also, many areas within veterinarians’ professional time to Mqabuko Moyo Ndukwana the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s focus on complex clinical procedures Chief Executive Officer and surgeries, a unique differentiator operation area are notorious for their in our ability to handle the volume and gangsterism and violence. Several optimize service delivery in a manner studies have found a connection not attainable by other animal welfare between violence and animal abuse,5 organizations. where more than 70% of those who are perpetrators of violence are likely to abuse animals6. Would it be fair to Top surgeries and causes say we are amid a triple burden in Animal Welfare? Each veterinarian can perform between 15 to 20 surgeries on an average day. “These surgeries The need for continued service can range from bones stuck in the delivery abdomen, which is quite an invasive procedure to cut those bones out and Daily, our inspectors face challenging, also requires an extended hospital intimidating and often threatening stay to aid recovery and monitor for situations where animals are at risk postoperative complications. Another or in distress. However, we must keep example is a blocked bladder caused our inspectors on the road and in the by stones that formed in the bladder, also an invasive procedure to enter 4. The Socio-Economic Rights Impact of the bladder and remove those stones Covid-19 in Selected Informal Settlements in Cape Town. Retrieved from https:// to clear obstruction so that the animal dullahomarinstitute.org.za/socio-economic- can urinate again,” said Dr Chatry. rights/research-and-publications/publications/ report-on-the-impact-of-covid-19-in-informal- Bite wounds are quite common; settlements.pdf “We get dozens of them,” says Dr 5. The relationship between domestic violence Chatry. She lists her top five surgeries and animal abuse: an Australian studyU.S. National Library of Medicine. Available: https:// performed daily as 1) bite wounds, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18326483/. 2) sterilizations, 3) lump removals, 4) 6. Person & reporter, W. 2020. Pets, lacerations; and 5) removal of foreign the overlooked victims of domestic violence bodies from the digestive tract. witness. Available: https://www.news24.com/ witness/news/pets-the-overlooked-victims-of- domestic-violence-20201106.

ASWA.ORG.UK | 11 GROWING PAINS AT THE HAVEN

raise money to purchase a larger plot for The Haven, where dogs and cats could be kept in more comfortable surroundings; students could more easily visit to learn about pets; potential adopters and volunteers could more easily interact with the animals; a Haven that becomes a learning center for African animal welfare advocates from across the continent; and a shelter not rented, but USPCA-owned. Recently, residential buildings have sprung up all around The Haven, and complaints have increased about the noise and the smells from the shelter. Every day we worry that the landlady will ask the USPCA to vacate the plot. USPCA volunteers have redoubled their efforts to find an affordable, accessible plot and AKI has redoubled our efforts to raise enough money to purchase land. With no government aid, we have to rely on individual donors to raise the funds. For those of you who know the USPCA, you know the huge impact that the organization, under the leadership of Shelter Manager Alex Ochieng, has Twenty-three years ago, the Uganda to take their pets or plan for their had on the welfare of Uganda’s cats Society for the Protection & Care of care and relinquished them to The and dogs. For those of you who don’t Animals consisted of a part-time vet, Haven. Others left their pets in their personally know the USPCA, we invite a cell phone, brochures and posters, compounds hoping someone would you to get to know them. You can and an Executive Committee for rescue them. The USPCA was there find out more and donate by visiting oversight. Now, the USPCA operates for all the surrendered, abandoned, https://www.animal-kind.org/uganda a shelter, The Haven, which houses and neglected pets. or almost 300 dogs and cats, has a staff Many of the USPCA volunteers – dog of ten, a veterinary clinic at the shelter, https://uganda-spca.org/home.html walkers, dog and cat socializers, runs a large outreach program for (see ‘Ways to Help’). Every donation puppy trainers – were expats who have community spay/neuter and humane helps us get closer to our goal of departed the country. Likewise, these education, and rescues, on average, giving all Uganda’s dogs and cats expats had made up a significant two animals every day of the year in need the Haven that they deserve. portion of in-country donors, and (injured, abandoned, and cruelty We’re so grateful for your support. their donations disappeared with cases). Over the last two decades, the them. With restaurants closed and Karen Menczer, USPCA transformed from ‘the little hotels barely functioning, donations engine that could’ to the locomotive Founder & Director, Animal-Kind of food dried up. that drives animal welfare in Uganda. International Yet the dogs and cats keep coming. But while the USPCA’s visibility It’s impossible to turn a dog or cat and demand for their services has away from The Haven, there’s no increased exponentially, their funding place else for them to go. Originally has not. Nor has the shelter space built to hold about 80 dogs and 30 kept up with the seemingly never- cats, at the height of the COVID-19 ending intake of dogs and cats. lockdown, The Haven had more than On top of this already financially and 300 animals and made a desperate spatially stressed condition, COVID-19 plea for foster homes. Luckily, many hit and the USPCA was faced with fosters came to The Haven’s rescue. new challenges and unpredictable About five years ago, my organization, situations. Due to COVID concerns, Animal-Kind International (AKI), and many expats had to leave the country. the USPCA started a Land Fund to Some weren’t given adequate time

12 | ASWA.ORG.UK THE BIBLE AND... Companion animals herds; but the poor man had nothing This is a parable and not meant to be but one little ewe lamb, which he had understood as a real event, but even so, This Bible study is intended to help bought. He brought it up, and it grew the fact that David takes it at face value individuals and small groups think about up with him and with his children; it suggests that it was not unknown for a what the Bible can say to us about the used to eat of his meagre fare, and family to keep animals as pets, even importance of companion animals and drink from his cup, and lie in his bosom, animals that would normally be thought how we relate to them. and it was like a daughter to him. Now of in more utilitarian ways. David is Numbers 22.21–34 there came a traveller to the rich man, enraged by the story and the loss that and he was loath to take one of his own the man in the story has suffered. So Balaam got up in the morning, flock or herd to prepare for the wayfarer David’s understanding isn’t complete, saddled his donkey, and went with the who had come to him, but he took the however, and not just because he fails officials of Moab. poor man’s lamb, and prepared that to realise it is a parable about his own God’s anger was kindled because for the guest who had come to him.” behaviour. David orders that the rich he was going, and the angel of the Then David’s anger was greatly kindled man who took the poor man’s lamb Lord took his stand in the road as his against the man. He said to Nathan, “As should, “restore the lamb four-fold,” adversary. Now he was riding on the the Lord lives, the man who has done in other words, give the poor man four donkey, and his two servants were with this deserves to die; he shall restore the lambs in place of the one he took. But, him. The donkey saw the angel of the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, just as no compensation could replace Lord standing in the road, with a drawn and because he had no pity.” Uriah’s life, no number of lambs could replace that one, the one that was like a sword in his hand; so the donkey turned Tobit 6.1b–2 & 11.4 off the road, and went into the field; and daughter to the poor man. A companion Balaam struck the donkey, to turn it back The young man went out and the angel animal is not a commodity, but rather a on to the road. Then the angel of the went with him; and the dog came out beloved member of the family. Lord stood in a narrow path between with him and went along with them. So The story of Tobit, found in the the vineyards, with a wall on either side. they both journeyed along, and when the Apocrypha, is perhaps less well known. When the donkey saw the angel of the first night overtook them they camped This is the story of an old man who has Lord, it scraped against the wall, and by the Tigris river.... As they went on suffered misfortune and expects that he scraped Balaam’s foot against the wall; together Raphael said to him, “Have will soon die. He therefore sends his so he struck it again. Then the angel of the gall ready.” And the dog went along son to a relative in another country to the Lord went ahead, and stood in a behind them. retrieve some money that was left with narrow place, where there was no way The Bible doesn’t say much about him, so that the son will have means to turn either to the right or to the left. companion animals, and that’s not to live and to care for his mother in When the donkey saw the angel of the surprising. In the ancient world, the her old age. God hears Tobit’s prayer, Lord, it lay down under Balaam; and world of the Bible, companion animals and sends an angel to accompany the Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he were not unknown, but weren’t common. son, Tobias, on his journey. But, as we struck the donkey with his staff. Then the Most household animals would have can see from these verses, Tobias has Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, been working animals, such as sheep another companion – his dog. These and it said to Balaam, “What have I dogs or donkeys. But that doesn’t mean are the only two mentions of the dog, done to you, that you have struck me we can’t learn from what the Bible does but from them we see that the dog lived these three times?” Balaam said to the have to say. in the house (“the dog came out with donkey, “Because you have made a fool him”, suggesting the dog had been in of me! I wish I had a sword in my hand! I The passages here appear to mention the house), so was probably more of would kill you right now!” But the donkey companion animals as we would a pet than a working animal. We are said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, understand the term. In the first of told that the dog followed along behind which you have ridden all your life to this these, the companion animal is also them on their journey home, indicating day? Have I been in the habit of treating a working animal, as Balaam uses that the dog had travelled with them you in this way?” And he said, “No.” his donkey for transport. The story is throughout, a faithful, if uncommented a familiar one, the donkey protects upon, companion. Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam from an angel that Balaam Balaam, and he saw the angel of the cannot see, but because he does not Lord standing in the road, with his drawn understand what is happening, Balaam Questions for Groups: sword in his hand; and he bowed down, loses his temper and beats his donkey. falling on his face. The angel of the Lord In the story, God gives the donkey a In what ways might these passages said to him, “Why have you struck your voice and the donkey demands to know suggest that we have responsibilities donkey these three times? I have come what he has done to deserve such cruel towards companion animals? out as an adversary, because your way and, it seems, unusual treatment. The is perverse before me. The donkey saw words that the donkey speaks hint at How can we use these passages to me, and turned away from me these a close companionship between man help us understand human–animal three times. If it had not turned away and animal, “Am I not your donkey relationships? from me, surely I would by now have which you have ridden all your life... How can the relationship between killed you and let it live.” Then Balaam am I in the habit of treating you this said to the angel of the Lord, “I have humans and their companion animals way?” The implication is that they have reflect or make visible God’s kingdom? sinned, for I did not know that you were been together for years and work well standing in the road to oppose me. Now together. Balaam should have known therefore, if it is displeasing to you, I will that the donkey’s uncharacteristic return home.” Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard behaviour was not being done out of Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright © 1989, 2 Samuel 12.1–6 disobedience or perversity, but for a 1995 National Council of the Churches of Christ in good reason. But the thing that David had done the United States of America. Used by permission. All displeased the Lord, and the Lord sent The passage from 2 Samuel is another rights reserved worldwide. Nathan to David. He came to him, and familiar one. This is the parable that said to him, “There were two men in a Nathan tells to David after David has certain city, one rich and the other poor. had Uriah killed in battle so that he The rich man had very many flocks and can marry Uriah’s wife, Bathsheba.

ASWA.ORG.UK | 13 THE

Many animals have fought alongside In 2017, eight-year-old received animals should be as respected as the soldiers. Some of these animals had the Dickin Medal for helping to save soldiers are. There is an organisation amazing skills and would help without the lives of troops in Afghanistan. He called Nowzad that looks after being asked. Some even gave their was seriously hurt by two grenades animals from Afghanistan and lets lives to save us. which caused injuries to his legs and them reunite with the troops. These chest, and another grenade that animals are really unique, and we are The Dickin Medal is an award devised damaged his face. He was presented to have them around. for animals that have shown great with the Dickin Medal on Friday 17th bravery and is the animal equivalent Thank you. November at the People’s Palace in of the Victoria Cross. The Medal London. Mali’s Medal is special as Abi, a 12 year-old Girlguide from is named after Maria Dickin, who it has a ‘Centenary’ bar to show the NW England founded the People’s Dispensary for charity’s 100th birthday. Sick Animals (PDSA) charity. The first recipients of the Dickin medal were The most recent recipient of the Dickin three pigeons (named , Medal is Kuno. This amazing dog and ). All three carried wore night vision goggles to tackle messages about aircraft that had a gunman who was attacking the crashed. These pigeons served with Special Boat Service forces, despite the Royal Air Force (RAF) and were being shot in his hind legs. Due to his presented with their awards on 2nd injuries, he ended up with a fake paw. December 1943. For Remembrance Day this year our There have been 71 Dickin Medals Guide unit looked at pictures and awarded. One of the horses who videos of some of the animals that received the award was named have received the Dickin Medal. We Warrior and became known as ‘the learned all about their heroic acts horse the Germans couldn’t kill’. and how courageous they were. I am During the First World War, he braved glad we have these animals to help us shells and machine guns and was when we are in need and I hope we awarded the Dickin Medal in the can do the same for them. I feel safer conflict’s centenary year. There was knowing they would help us. I also a film made about him called War feel worried for the animals giving Horse. their lives to save ours. I think these

ANIMAL-FRIENDLY CHURCH(ES) 2020 We are pleased to announce that been granted Animal-Friendly Church again for 2020, two churches have status. We are delighted that this been named as joint winners of the includes churches in the UK and Animal-Friendly Church Award. They overseas. are St Mary the Virgin, Ticehurst, East It’s very exciting that so many Sussex and St Mary-at-Latton, Harlow, churches already meet the criteria to Essex. The runner up for 2020 is be recognised as animal friendly. We St Mary’s Church, Codford, Wiltshire. hope that, as concern for the whole We hope to include interviews with of God’s kingdom continues to grow representatives from the two winning amongst Christians, more churches churches in our Summer issue. will apply for Animal-Friendly Church The winners of the Animal-Friendly status. Church Award are drawn from Jennifer Brown among those churches that have

14 | ASWA.ORG.UK TRAIL HUNTING AND THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

The Magna Carta is a powerful symbol disagree with the law, at least in a justice is beneficial to both humans in the UK legal system. Even though liberal, democratic context (different and animals alike. The argument on only three clauses remain in force considerations apply in totalitarian fox hunting has been won. Parliament (13, 39 and 40) it encapsulates values states) then the legitimate response has outlawed the practice. Why should which are of profound importance is to campaign to have it reformed. we return to a moral question which in the constitutional framework. It is not acceptable, at least from the our democratically elected legislature The expectation that the law applies standpoint of Anglican theology, to has decided upon? The law is on the to everyone, and that justice is not break a law just because you happen statute book, people of good will for sale, is enshrined in the parts of to disagree with it. It does not matter should obey it. the text which remain on the statute a scrap whether people think that fox Helen Hall book. This is not an accident. These hunting should be permitted, the fact are fundamental to the rule of law is that it is not permitted. Chair, ASWA and have been retained down the The admissions from within the centuries for a reason. It is also worth hunting community provide evidence noting that in this context they arose that trail-hunting is not simply a out of a Christian understanding of controversial sport, it is a cover for an justice. It was, after all, the scholarly ANIMALS IN illegal activity. It is not the case of a Archbishop, Stephen Langton, who few bad apples misbehaving. Abuses THE WAR – AN brokered the deal, and the charter are endemic. This is the reason why was drafted by clerics. large, highly respected, and very ACROSTIC POEM Furthermore, they are principles moderate organisations have taken which bishops in the contemporary the step of banning it from their land. Animals have feelings world have wanted to defend. On It is not acceptable for Anglicans to Never without some hope a number of occasions in 2020, refuse to follow suit on the basis that senior Church of England clergy have some people support arguments in Individual beings spoken out in robust condemnation favour of hunting. Individual beliefs Made to help all of secular authorities flouting the and preferences are not the point, law (e.g. in relation to public figures a criminal offence is a criminal All the soldiers fighting flouting lockdown rules, and more offence. The Church of England Living their worst life recently, governmental disregard for cannot facilitate premeditated crimes international undertakings with the and expect to be taken seriously in Singing the praises of our European Union). It was therefore condemning others for illegal actions. animal heroes disappointing that when admissions Those involved in illicit fox hunting came to light that trail-hunting was are criminals, and generally quietly being used as a smokescreen for I wish they wouldn’t make the confident that they will either not be illegal fox hunting, that the Church animals help in the war caught, or at least will not suffer any of England did not join organisations punishment which will have a serious Nothing makes it right to force like the National Trust and the Forestry impact on their life. Whether they them to risk their lives for us Commission in banning trail-hunting are banking on overstretched police from its land. It is very hard to maintain forces lacking the resources to enforce credibility in speaking truth to power, the prohibition, or the assumption Together animal and owner if your own house is not in order. that they can pay a fine if needs be, Helping them stick with I wrote to the Church Times in my they are operating on the basis that each other capacity as Chair of ASWA, and the the rule of law does not apply to them. response from some correspondents How can a Church claim to advocate Everyone is making it a who wrote in reply was very telling. In for justice and social equality, and little less cruel short, there were attempts to rehash condone people embracing this kind old debates about fox hunting, of exceptionalism? War and warriors accompanied by the demonstrably It is interesting that when speaking false and hackneyed claims put And fighting and battles up for animal welfare, we often forward to try to justify torturing find ourselves met with objections Raising the stakes for our and killing animals for fun, such as about human concerns being more animal heroes the claim that the foxes hunted are important. On this occasion, however, almost always sick or elderly. I am when we object to a practice on the sure that most readers will be all too basis of human-centred issues around Matilda, a 12-year-old Guide in familiar with the kinds of arguments the rule of law, suddenly the pro- NW England used by the pro-hunting lobby. hunting lobby want to go back and On this occasion, however, it was debate animal welfare, asserting that shocking that people considered it a they are doing foxes a favour! The truth relevant debate to be having. If you is this, embracing compassion and

ASWA.ORG.UK | 15 ARE YOU AN ANIMAL FRIENDLY CHURCH?

Christians have a sacred duty to care for God’s Creation The Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals is now awarding ‘Animal Friendly Church’ certificates to churches which practise and promote a compassionate attitude towards God’s creatures. Applicants will also be automatically entered into our annual ‘ASWA Animal Friendly Church of the Year Award’ The Winner will receive a hamper full of ethical and useful goodies for your Church and a plaque to display on your wall. For further details visit our website www.aswa.org.uk or apply in writing to: PO Box 7193, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8GT T: 01252 843093 • E: [email protected]

ANGLICAN SOCIETY FOR THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS

PO Box 7193, Hook, Hampshire Patrons: Revd Dr Steven Shakespeare RG27 8GT, UK. www.aswa.org.uk Dr Tony Campolo President: Correspondance Secretary: Rt Revd Dominic Walker OGS Revd Samantha Chandler Mr David Coffey MRCVS (Former Bishop of Monmouth) Tel/Fax: 01252 843093 Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell Email: [email protected] Vice President: (Archbishop of York) Revd Dr Martin Henig Treasurer: Dr Chris Brown Rt Revd James Jones KBE Chair: Editor: Revd Jennifer Brown (Former Bishop of Liverpool) Revd Dr Helen Hall Email: [email protected] Rt Revd Richard Llewellin Membership Secretary: (Former Bishop of Dover) Mr Keith Plumridge Email: Rt Revd John Pritchard [email protected] (Former Bishop of Oxford) 16 | ASWA.ORG.UK