Romantic Ireland? NOT!

I just finished pottering around the kitchen, reflecting on a good mornings Christmas shopping and was happily smelling my cooking chicken stock when I logged onto one of my favourite greyhound forums.

//rant mode on //

I came across a post on yet another atrocity comitted in the so-called civilized world. We in the rescue biz (as peripheral as I am, I say we in this case) have known for ages that the situation in other parts of the world isn't as rosy as it is here. Two countries come to the forefront in the sighthound world - Spain and Ireland. I'll come to the case of Spain shortly.

The American European Greyhound Alliance was formed by Americans to help overseas by offering publicity, funds, and help homing dogs. Here is their latest tale from Ireland, warning there are a few graphic photos. There are more at Limerick Animal Welfare. These are not random acts, it happens all the time. Animal welfare people in Ireland have been fighting for years against the system, trying to have laws changed and educate the public. Until the international community loudly and openly condemns the situation nothing will change.

Some will say that there are people in the world that need more help than some animal. True. However, it's people who caused this mess in the first place. How much time does it take to write one or two letters to the Irish government and tourism board (hit them where the money is)? Consider sending a few $$ to help the Limerick folks with their vet bills. Maybe in honour of someone who is hard to buy for this season? Remember - "We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." - Immanuel Kant

And "We have enslaved the rest of the animal creation, and have treated our distant cousins in fur and feathers so badly that beyond doubt, if they were able to formulate a religion, they would depict the Devil in human form". - William Ralph (Dean) Inge

//rant mode off//

I'm so annoyed I've gone off and made this list of contact information:

• Tourism Ireland overseas offices - has info forms to submit comments, choose a country and click on "contact us" at the bottom of the page


• Consulate of Ireland 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154 Tel: 212 319 2555


• Embassy of Ireland 130 Albert Street #1105 Ottawa, ON KIP 5G4 Tel: 613 233 6281 E-mail


• Fáilte Ireland - National Tourism Development Authority, E-mail
  
  • Baggot St. Bridge, Dublin 2
    
    Tel + 353 1 6024000 / 1890 525525
    
    Fax +353 1 6024100
  
  
  • Amiens Street, Dublin 1
    
    Tel: 1890 525 525 or (01) 855 6555
    
    Fax: (01) 855 6821
  
  
  
  


• John O'Donoghue, Minister of Arts, Sports and Tourism
  
  Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism,
  
  23 Kildare Street, Dublin 2
  
  Telephone (+353 1) 631 3800
  
  fax...(+353 1) 661 1201
  
  Private Secretary to the Minister (+353 1) 631 3804
  


• Bertie Ahern, T.D., Taoiseach
  
  Department of the Taoiseach
  
  Government Buildings
  
  Upper Merrion Street, Dublin 2
  
  Phone:353 1 6624888
  
  Fax: 353 1 6789791
  
  TAOISEACH'S PRIVATE OFFICE - Email
  
  Phone: 01-6194020 / 4021 / 4043
  
  Fax: 01-6764048


• Email form to Comments to the Taoiseach