“Aontú Welcomed Animal Rights Groups to Leinster House”

“Aontú Welcomed Animal Rights Groups to Leinster House” – Beasley

Aontú Rep for Limerick Sarah Beasley welcomed animal rights group to Leinster House on Wednesday, May 3rd.

The groups comprise: Missing and Stolen Animals Ireland, My Lovely Horse Rescue, Star Rescue, Cat and Dog Protection Association of Ireland, Limerick Animal Welfare and TNR Dublin West.

Speaking today, Mrs Beasley said “As a veterinary nurse, I know first-hand how much people’s pets mean to them. I was delighted to organise this event together with Lisa O Connor of pet theft Ireland to highlight issues relating to animal rights in Ireland. I’m particularly proud of the work that Aontú have done in this regard, leading on the issue.”

Mrs Beasley continued “Aontú have introduced several bills to the Dáil to improve the conditions animals are in. We introduced a bill which would introduce a mandatory minimum sentence of ten months imprisonment for theft of a family pet. We all know that pets are part of the family. It’s important that the law takes this into account, not treating family pets like objects. We've also introduced legislation which seeks to strengthen the regulation of dog-breeding establishments. This is important to curb cases of cruelty and heavy breeding.”

“This is a deeply emotive issue for many across our country. It’s important that the law reflects how people feel about this issue and stamps out cruelty against animals.” Concluded Mrs Beasley.

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.