ANIMAL CRACKERS

It is said, probably with some truth, that the English prefer their animals to their children. A preoccupation with animals started in the country and moved to the towns along with all the people, meaning dogs and horses now occupy a very special place in the nation’s affections, and in the monarch’s in particular.  Corgi dogs run riot at the Palace, and horse racing and riding remain the Queen’s favoured off-duty preoccupations.

This long entrenched affinity with dogs and horses and a healthy respect for other creatures has lead to Britain having more animal charities than any other nation and to helping establish many more around globe.

‘Humanity Dick’ as he was known, Richard Martin, was the Member of Parliament instrumental in getting the first anti-cruelty bill for animals through Parliament in 1822 and he then went on to help found the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1824.  Queen Victoria was so impressed by the Society’s work that she gave it the Royal seal of approval in 1840, since when it has been the Royal SPCA. The Queen remains its patron.

Charities for all kinds of species have sprung up since then, supported by voluntary contributions, lobbying parliament on every conceivable aspect that may effect the lives and habitats of each one.  Developments are halted, roads delayed, walkers diverted… protected species often have the law on their side. 

Cruelty and neglect persist, unfortunately, so any one of the bodies listed here will welcome support and put it to good use.

At top, Diana Hillsden, one of the volunteers who helps the Blue Cross charity for animals. Left, donkeys and horses throughout the poorest areas of the world are helped by the Brooke charity.

RESCUING CHINA'S CAGED BEARS

British animal charities have set up branches in many countries or ex-pats have helped found new ones. From support for donkeys in Spain and Pakistan and throughout the Middle East to protesting at farming abuses throughout Europe, protecting tigers and elephants, wolves and rhinos and any other species under threat, the British animal lovers’ activities are sans frontiers.

In these truly inspiring efforts one individual provides a particularly shining example of dedication to a cause in the face of formidable odds.

Jill Robinson received an MBE from the Queen in recognition of her work in founding the Animals Asia Foundation in Hong Kong in 1998.
An attractive lady in her forties, she set up the charity to help all animals in Asia, but with particular attention to the terrible plight of the moon bears in China.

Though bear bile has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine, it is only since the 1980s that bear farms have been established.  These keep bears in small cages – no bigger than their bodies – and the bears are ‘milked’ each day through a catheter protruding from their abdomens. It is an excruciatingly painful and unnecessary practice, as the bile may be easily synthesised in a laboratory. Up to 10,000 bears are kept in such conditions.

 Jill is committed to seeing an end to these horrific farming practice and to rescuing as many bears as she can.  So far, her charity has managed to release some 247 bears – but such is the pitiful state of those rescued that some do not survive for long.  But she and her dedicated team at the bear sanctuary she has founded in Sichuan province in southwest China are undaunted, rescuing bears from Vietnam as well as from Chinese farms and working with the Chinese authorities to establish a better understanding and appreciation of animals in the country.

There are encouraging signs that the Chinese are starting to change their attitude towards animals, helped by a range of activities started by Jill, including takes dogs into schools, elderly homes and orphanages. No new bear farm licences are being issued by the Chinese government and the Animal Asia Foundation has agreed to pay a level of compensation to farmers to release the bears to them – unhappily, they are in no fit state to be returned to the wild.

The rescued bears have to have much care and veterinary attention before they are able to enjoy their new surroundings and play on a swing, as above.

Do look at the site www.animalsasia.org to see its wide-ranging activities. The smallest donation will be gratefully received. And Jill will be touring the UK in June, with roadshows at Swindon, Somerset, Southampton, Plymouth, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and Edinburgh and two in London. Details of dates and tickets on the site.

JOB OPPORTUNITY AT SCOTTISH WILDLIFE CENTRE

AND here's an opportunity to get close to nature and be part of a new wildlife centre in Scotland. The subject of a recent television documentary, Alladale Wildlife Reserve aims to return this remote area of the Highlands to its former natural glory. It is a tremendous project, and the Alladale Lodge is in the heart of this setting. It is currently seeking a Lodge and Hospitality Manager. Go to www.alladale.com.