November 8, 2013 by Huang HP

Asia for Animals (AFA) Conference 2014

Date:  13 – 14 January 2014
Venue:  Furama RiverFront Hotel
Organizer:  Asia For Animals Coalition
Hosted by:  ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society)
Website:  http://asiaforanimals.com/afa-conference

In 2014, Singapore will be hosting this biennial conference once again.  It was held previously in Manila, Hong Kong, Singapore, Chennai, Bali, and China.

The theme of AFA 2013 is “Confronting Cruelty”.

The Asia for Animals (AFA) Coalition is composed of 13 well-known and respected animal welfare organisations:-

◘  ACRES – Animal Concerns Research & Education Society
◘  Animal People
◘  Blue Cross of India, Madras
◘  SPCA – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
◘  IFAW – International Fund for Animal Welfare
◘  PAWS – The Philippine Animal Welfare Society
◘  Humane Society International
◘  Animals Asia – Until the cruelty ends
◘  Earth Island Institute
◘  WSPA – World Society for the Protection of Animals
◘  International Animal Rescue
◘  RSCPA – Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
◘  Animal Guardians

All have a shared focus on the welfare of animals in Asia.

Some headlines from the AFA website —

Sacrifice at Gadhimai Festival
Asia for Animals is deeply concerned about the forthcoming Gadhimai Festival due to take place in Nepal in 2014, the festival will see the slaughter of many hundreds of thousands of animals.

Dolphins in travelling circuses, Indonesia
In February 2013 amid mounting public pressure, including a letter from the AfA coalition, Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan announced that he would end the use of dolphins for entertainment in travelling circuses.

Good News for macaques in Jakarta – UPDATE!!
On 20th October 2013 the Governor of Jakarta announced an end to the use of macaques in street performances

Elephant calves continue to suffer in China
Three calves imported into China in November 2012 are still languishing in miserable conditions inside Chinese zoos. The health of these 3 calves remains a major cause for concern.

Circus Operation in Xiamen
AFA have been alerted to the development of an international circus operation in Xiamen, China. The welfare of captive wild animals used in circuses is severely compromised by their training, performances

Dolphins in captivity: Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore
The Asia for Animals coalition members are saddened to hear that the 25 dolphins have been shipped to Singapore despite the efforts of Earth Island Institute (EII), Philippine Animal Welfare Society (AFA coalition member ), and CARA Welfare Philippines to block this move in the Philippine courts.

Neglect and suffering at Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia
AFA is shocked and appalled to learn of the appalling conditions for animals at Surabaya Zoo, Indonesia.

Hachimantai Bear Park
In May 2012, two workers at the Hachimantai Bear Park in Northern Akita Prefecture, Japan were killed when a number of bears escaped from their enclosure.