Iloubnan.info
by Louise Wervik
by Louise Wernvik
The 2013 Marsh International Animal Welfare Award went to Animals Lebanon. An NGO in one of the world´s smallest countries, where there is no current law to protect animals and wildlife, Animals Lebanon has made big progress and stirred hope for change ? and the world has been watching.
?There is an extremely long way to go, and the recognition and funding of this award gives us significant motivation. Knowing how many deserving organizations there are worldwide it is gratifying even to be nominated?, said Jason Mier, executive director of Animals Lebanon.
The NGO was nominated by several different individuals and the award came as a happy surprise. The two winners of this year?s awards went to Animals Lebanon along with Save the Dogs Rumania. The award was accepted on 5 June, by Mr. Trevor Wheeler of World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) on behalf of the Lebanese NGO.
?Maybe it should not have surprised me, but the generalizations that Lebanon people hate or dislike animals have repeatedly turned out to be untrue,? Mier said.
More than 90% of the NGO´s funding comes from Lebanese people and businesses within the country.
The majority of rescued animals are cared for in Lebanese homes. In a statement, Animals Lebanon said,?It feels great to get an email saying 'the judges were very impressed of the breadth and impact of your work', and it shows just how much can be achieved when we all work together for one goal.?
During 2013, Lebanon has taken some mayor steps towards animal welfare. On February 28, 2013, Lebanon joined one of the most important international conventions on endangered species. Being the 178th country to do so, Lebanon is now a proud member of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild (CITES).
Animals Lebanon have also been working on a draft law for the protection and welfare of animals, which was expected to be approved in the parliament in April but due to former Prime Minster Mikati´s resignation, the process has been delayed. Their actions have been recognized on an international level and their campaign for changes in national legislation about animals, have now won them the Marsh International Animal Welfare Award.
?This country and region has not been favorable to animals, and the obstacles can be overwhelming if we allow them. We instead made a conscious decisions to search for every possibility, every opportunity to improve animal welfare,? Mier said.
Animals Lebanon is still pushing the draft law for protection and welfare of Animals. According to Mier, the Ministry of Agriculture is just as motivated as ever. Right now they are waiting for the formation of the new government, meanwhile Animals Lebanon is raising awareness on the issue.
