01 June 2005 - Green Party Euro-MP Caroline Lucas is to address a reception at a conference for animal welfare groups from around Europe, which takes place at Midhurst in West Sussex this week.

Dr Lucas, who is Vice-President of the European Parliament’s Animal Welfare Intergroup and a member of the parliament’s Environment Committee, is to speak at the inaugural European Network for Animal Welfare conference tonight (Wednesday, June 1) to mark the end of the first day’s proceedings.

“Protecting animal rights and welfare should be a core competence of a sustainable EU,” she will say.

“But we have heard today from the frontlines of Europe’s struggle for animal welfare and the reports, from organisations in 18 European countries, show how far the EU has to go in this area.

The two-day conference brings together animal welfare groups from across the continent to discuss their work and discuss common approaches to protecting animals in zoos, circuses and dolphinaria as well as trade in wildlife, exotic pets and animal rescue. The UK will be represented by event organizers The Born Free Foundation.

Dr Lucas, the South-East’s Green Party MEP, added: “I am heartened that so many organizations are working hard to protect animal welfare across Europe. I hope you will all continue to work together to keep the spotlight of public and media attention on the issue of captive animal welfare.”

ENDS