President of the People's Representatives Assembly Receives Delegation from Al-Zahra Association for Animal Lovers
The President of the People's Representatives Assembly, Ibrahim Bouderbala, received this morning, Tuesday, at the Bardo Palace, the President of the Al-Zahra Association for Animal Lovers, Monia Maalla, accompanied by members of the association, Chiraz Hadjij, Henda Jandoubi, Najwa Bouraoui, and Anissa Karchani.
According to a statement from the People's Representatives Assembly (ARP), the delegation presented the association, its objectives, and its activities aimed at protecting companion animals and raising awareness about their well-being. This is achieved through awareness-raising and promoting a culture of compassion, in addition to providing medical care, shelter, and encouraging adoption and protection.
The association members emphasized their commitment to applying existing laws in this field and developing related legislation further. In this regard, they expressed their appreciation for the proposed animal protection law currently under review by the Assembly and expressed their willingness to participate in the work of the relevant committees. They also offered to present the association's opinions and suggestions on the matter to ensure the adoption of legislation that meets the requirements and needs.
The delegation also reviewed the actions taken by the association to combat various forms of animal abuse and neglect. They discussed the mechanisms and means adopted, including organizing awareness and education events, vaccination campaigns, and combating animal abuse.
The association members highlighted the difficulties they face in achieving their objectives and stressed the need for a concerted effort from all concerned parties: citizens, civil society, municipalities, and various ministries. This effort should provide counseling, guidance, education, training, and awareness to address the issue.
They also called for providing material and logistical support to the association's work, particularly by creating and multiplying vaccination and sterilization centers in different regions. This would contribute to reducing the phenomenon of stray dogs and avoiding the phenomenon of killing.
For his part, the President of the People's Representatives Assembly expressed his appreciation for the noble work done by the association, which embodies the principles of humanity, compassion, and animal welfare. He emphasized that coexisting with companion animals requires a societal culture that needs joint work to preserve and root its principles, especially among young people.
He also highlighted the importance of the legislative initiative submitted to the Assembly's committees, aiming to enact a law ensuring the protection and welfare of all living animals and regulating establishments that manage them. He confirmed the Assembly's willingness to involve the association and hear its opinions through the competent committees, as part of the Assembly's open-door policy and its willingness to listen to all stakeholders in the legislation under review.
Finally, he indicated the Parliament's support for this type of associative action and the voluntary efforts of associations in this field, which should be based on long-term work plans and programs that encompass all categories, generations, and spaces.
