What is the “decalogue of animals” that the organization Humane World for Animals wants implemented in Romania
An organization that protects animal rights welcomes the parliamentary debate on improving legislation in the field, in the context of submitting a package of initiatives aimed at modernizing animal protection in Romania. Among the proposals is the definition of animals in accordance with the standards already applied in several European states.
Other European countries have already adopted similar legislative changes. PHOTO: Freepik
Humane World for Animals, formerly known as Humane Society International, supports the completion of Article 1 of Law 205/2004, considering that this change would represent an essential legal recognition of the fact that animals are not objects, but beings whose needs and well-being must be respected.
“The introduction of a correct definition of animals would be a big step forward for the Romanian legislation on the matter”, says Andreea Roseti, country director for Romania of Humane World for Animals, according to News.ro.
She points out that this change would create the conditions for “a better set of rules and regulations” to prevent and sanction ill-treatment of animals, abuses that have persisted for decades.
The proposals for updating the legislation also include the recognition of the mental suffering of animals, the efficiency of the interventions of the police specialized in the protection of animals, tougher sanctions for animal cruelty and the strict limitation of the ownership of wild animals.
The legislative initiatives under debate were preceded by extensive consultations with non-governmental organizations. Humane World for Animals actively participated in the working group established within the initiative “Respect for animals”, coordinated by deputy Andrei Baciu and Hilde Tudora, director of the Directorate for Animal Protection from the Ilfov County Council.
The group elaborated “The Decalogue for Animals”, a tool designed to raise public awareness of the respectful treatment of animals.
The organization's representatives emphasize that the proposed amendments reflect both scientific developments and the change in society's perception of animals. More and more people are turning to assistance dogs and therapy programs involving animals.
Countries such as France, Germany, Austria, Poland or Luxembourg have already adopted similar legislative changes, recognizing the sensitivity of animals and their right to protection.
Humane World for Animals announces that it will closely follow the parliamentary process and will continue to support the acceleration of the adoption of modern legislation, aligned with European standards.
