Workshop: Farm Animal Welfare in India - 29-30 August 2009 in Bangalore

Farm Animal Welfare in India: Status and opportunities for intervention

The Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO) and Humane Society International (HSI) are conducting a workshop on the welfare of animals used as food and fiber in India.

The workshop is a unique opportunity for animal advocates to learn more about issues affecting the billions of animals that are raised (and slaughtered) for food and fiber in our country.

The food and fiber sector abuses more animals than any other animal-based industry - most of this abuse is invisible and lifelong. With changing lifestyles there is increased demand for animal products. This is progressively changing the nature of animal agriculture towards industrial production, which is far more exploitative for animals, harmful for the environment and inequitable for poor communities.

The workshop will explore different aspects of the farmed animal industry in India, and discuss current animal protection campaigns targeting this cruelty. It will also identify actions that organizations/individuals involved in animal protection can take to improve the lives of food animals, and discuss ways in which we can support each other in our efforts.

A similar workshop was held in Mumbai in March. We received positive feedback from those who attended -- participants appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the conditions of farmed animals, and to explore means of mobilizing around farmed animal issues. Building on this success, we have decided to hold a second workshop in Bangalore, to accommodate those who were unable to come to Mumbai.

This workshop will also have a skills-building component that will take place on the following day; Day 2's sessions will be hosted by a PR professional who will discuss ways of building public awareness and consumer education programs.

It is hoped that these workshops will be a first small step towards building a stronger animal protection movement in the area of farm animal welfare.

DATE: 29-30 August 2009

TIME: 9am - 5pm (both days)

VENUE: First Floor Training Room
Times Foundation, 40/1
S&B Towers
MG Road
Bangalore

There is space for 30 participants that is available on first come/first served basis upon remittance of a nominal registration fee of Rs. 300. Lunch and refreshments will be provided by the organizers. Travel expenses will not be provided.

Registration fees may be reduced, based on financial need. These decisions will be made on an individual basis. Please contact Chetana at cmirle@hsi.org if you need assistance meeting the Rs. 300 fee.

REGISTRATION
If you are interested in attending this workshop, please send an email with the following details to cmirle@hsi.org :
1. Name
2. Contact details, including full address, telephone number(s), email address
3. Would you be representing an organization? If so please provide the name and contact details
4. What you expect to gain from this workshop
5. Interest in volunteering with the organization of the workshop

To submit the registration fee of Rs. 300/participant, send cheques payable to "Blue Cross of India" to the following address:
Dr. Shiela Rao, 257, 1st Cross,
H A L 2nd Stage,
Indiranagar,
Bangalore 560038.

YOUR REGISTRATION WILL NOT BE CONFIRMED UNTIL YOUR CHEQUE IS RECEIVED

DAY 1: Registration (8:30-9:00)

Session 1: Facts about animals raised for food
· Basic statistics, welfare issues, myths and facts about animal agriculture
· Viewing of PETA undercover investigations of Indian egg, poultry meat, and dairy industries
· Discussion

Break

Session 2: What is being done worldwide as well as India
· Case study 1 - PETA's campaign on transport and slaughter of cattle in India

· Discussion on Case study 1

* Case study 2 - Humane Society of the United States' Campaign against factory farming.
* Discussion on Case Study 2 Lunch
Session 3: Changing Lifestyles : Adopting Veganism towards reducing consumption of animal products

* The ethical basis of veganism
* Health benefits of a vegan lifestyle
* Discussion
* Break
Session 4: Opportunities to improve the welfare of animals raised for food & fiber

· Discussion

DAY 2: Public Awareness and Consumer Outreach (presented by a Public Relations professional)