Worldwide candle light vigil day for the greyhounds

international | animal rights | event notice Saturday September 17, 2005 17:47 by John Carmody - Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN) arancampaigns at eircom dot net Po Box 722, Kildare, Ireland 087-6275579

WILL YOU HELP?

THE PROBLEM: Ireland is known as the foremost greyhound breeding country in the world. The state-run organization Board na gCon (Greyhound Racing Board) is responsible for the breeding and racing of greyhounds. Approximately 20,000 greyhound puppies are registered each year in Ireland. The number actually born each year is higher, but many "unpromising" dogs are disposed of before registration time. About half of those registered are exported to the UK and the United States, and a small number to Spain and elsewhere. It is estimated that approximately 14,000 greyhounds are "disposed of" in Ireland each year, but the true number will sadly never be known. But this problem is not just confined to Ireland but so many other countries.

ACTION: There has being huge interest everywhere from groups and people relating to our idea of a worldwide candle light vigil day for the greyhounds, and, we want YOU to help us make this day a huge success for the greyhounds that need your help. Our aim for this day is to shed the much needed light on the horrifically cruel suffering of these beautiful gentle creatures in this part of the racing industry, we want to educate the many about the suffering and call for it to be abolished.
Scheduled: for Saturday October 15th to be the day when groups, activists and volunteers from all over the world come together to peacefully support this very special day for the greyhounds and we want to make it a success! We can make this happen and use this occasion to open the eyes of many thousands of people who simply do not know how these poor creatures suffer. The good news is that many involved in helping greyhounds think this is a great idea and already are helping!!!
WHAT CAN YOU DO: Please encourage your group to gather outside your nearest greyhound track on October 15th at a time convenient to you and your volunteers. Bring candles and if possible lay a wreath for the many tens of thousands of greyhounds that have and will die. Please do bring along your companion animals including your rescued lurchers & greyhounds. Remember as little as two people can change the hearts and minds of so many!

If you are on your own, please do contact your nearest greyhound protection group for possible hook up or email us and we can do our best to put you in touch with your nearest vigil.

HOW CAN ARAN HELP: Whilst we are a grassroots animal rights group that works nationwide for animal rights here in Ireland, we do not have the funds to send out leaflets and posters. But, If needed, ARAN can help:-

1. Put you in contact with your nearest greyhound protection group.
2. Help you organize your candle light vigil.
3. Give you advice on how to contact the media, work with them and promote the event in your area if needed.
4. Contact activists (if we have them) if your area and put them in touch with you.
5. Organize a media release for your event and help you raise awareness in the media prior and on the day and we may also be able to send it out for you too. And much more, just ask!

Please do take this opportunity to set aside October 15th for your special day to remember the greyhounds that need your help, please do organize a vigil at your nearest race track or stadium. For more information please do contact us and remember to inform us of your event.

If you need more information on how greyhounds do suffer in the racing industries please visit some of the many tremendous websites available or we can put you in touch with your nearest greyhound campaigning group.

Thanks for all that you are doing to help greyhounds,

ARAN