Dear Friends

Those of us who are committed to reducing the suffering and exploitation of animals don’t often get to hear good news. However we have had some small but significant victories recently and the efforts of thousands of dedicated individuals are beginning to pay off. Masterfoods, the company that produces Mars chocolate and other famous brand names, quickly reversed its decision to add rennet in their previously vegetarian brands. They were not expecting an avalanche of protest! On 11th January 2007, EU members agreed to permanently ban the import of wild birds into Europe for the pet trade. The EU used to import an average of 1.7 million birds per year. With the ban in place millions of wild birds will be saved. Animal Protection Agency (based in Brighton) along with hundreds of organisations worldwide played a crucial role in securing an end to this barbaric trade. In Austria a law has been passed prohibiting the use of wild animals in circuses. Just as slave trade was abolished, the abuse and suffering of animals will also come to an end, but we have to make it happen. Every one of us should do our bit to promote Ahimsa. Don’t go to meat restaurants, don’t buy leather goods, and don’t give your money to businesses that exploit animals. Don’t fall for current fads such as putting in wooden floors - the insatiable demand for wood is leading to the decimation of forests in central Africa. The animals living in these forests are being forced into smaller areas and are being hunted for meat. Buffaloes and elephants are being decimated. Almost 10 tonnes of what is called 'bush meat' may be reaching London every day - the human race is fast destroying the very source of its survival. So there is so much to do. Above all don’t keep your vegetarianism to yourself! Talk about it, promote it and make at least one vegetarian a month! In keeping with our fervent hope that vegetarianism remains India’s great ideal we presented a Mahaveer Award to his holiness Sri Sri Ravi Shankar recently. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has a huge following in India and abroad. In January we also presented a Mahaveeer Award to Sri Jaggiji Maharaj who too has a huge following. When spiritual leaders like Swami Ramdev and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar begin to promote vegetarianism as they do, millions will be inspired to give up meat eating. A special thanks to Jyoti Mehta and Nisha and Kalpa Jhala for making the event at the House of Commons a great success. Our thanks also to Malcolm Wicks MP and Louise for making it all possible. possible.