International animal rights organizations call on UEFA president to stop mass killing of homeless animals in Ukraine
Kyiv, June 25 (Interfax-Ukraine) – International animal rights organizations plan to draw the attention of top Ukrainian officials to the plight of homeless animals ahead of the Euro 2012 competition, President of the SOS International Animal Advocacy Organization Tamara Tarnavska said at a press conference in the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Thursday.
"Having the Euro 2012 in Ukraine should be a good reason to change the situation [with the poor treatment of animals]. We are not trying to prevent this sporting holiday from being held in the country, but if the government continues to ignore the issue, our rallies will continue," she said.
According to Tarnavska, the Swiss-based SOS Chats Animal Rights Society has addressed President of the UEFA Michel Platini to influence the high officials of Ukraine, which hosts the Euro 2012, and stop mass killings of homeless animals there.
According to her, the statement was also backed by actress Brigitte Bardot, former Formula One racing driver Michael Schumacher, several European hockey and football clubs, Swiss MPs and 142 animal rights organizations from Europe, the United States and Japan.
"We have collected over 10,000 signatures as of now, and we have started to do this in Ukraine," Tarnavska said.
At the press conference, the animal rights proponents showed a documentary on how homeless animals are being captured and killed.
Tarnavska added that the cities that are bidding to host Euro 2012 have increased their efforts to wipe out homeless animals.