Legal Alliance for Animal Welfare launched

Mahatma Gandhi said that "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated".

It is perhaps indicative of the traumatic and immoral past of our nation that cruelty to animals remains a common and everyday feature of our society, with only the most repugnant examples occasionally making headline news.

There are a number of welfare organizations aimed at preventing cruelty to animals. Unfortunately most (if not all of them) are simply not equipped structurally or financially to pursue legal recourse options against offenders.

It is against this background that in July 2005 a number of committed and passionate legal minds got together to try to make a difference in the field of animals and the law. Today the LEGAL ALLIANCE FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (LAAW) operates as a registered Section 21 company.

The aim of the organization is to advance our law on animals through a variety of means, including the provision of pro bono services to animal welfare organizations to assist them in their task of preventing cruelty against animals.

Currently the law classifies animals as things or commodities - much like any other object, without regard to their treatment or well-being.

If you wish to become involved or provide support to LAAW please contact Yvonne Kruger.

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