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Children To Be Disadvantaged By Greens Policy

Children will be banned from observing and learning about animals at fairs, shows and other special events, under a policy developed by The Greens.

By Phillip Davis - 28th August 2006 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Country Victoria Philip Davis said today Victorian children would be the latest victims of The Greens’ hit-list of enjoyable activities to be banned.

"The Greens want to ban all displays of live animals, including animal nurseries that allow children to interact directly with animals," Mr Davis said.

"These displays are common-place at fairs and shows, and some even travel to kindergartens and schools to give children an experience with animals they may not see every day.

"Visiting the animal nursery at the local annual agricultural show is a tradition children enjoy every year with their parents.

"The animal nursery is a major attraction of the Royal Agricultural Society’s Show in Melbourne, where tens of thousands of children and adults from the city are able to interact with farm animals.

"For some children, participating in these animal displays gives them the only opportunity for interaction with farm animals, and it assists them to learn about farm life.

"Children love learning how to feed a bottle to a lamb or calf, pat a piglet and feed the ducks.

"These displays also teach children about animals that are not ordinarily in a farm environment but are more commonly kept as pets, such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

"Children need to learn how to treat animals carefully and with respect, and also about responsible animal ownership."

Mr Davis said The Greens animal policies were irrational.

"To stop children’s enjoyment of learning about animals is heavy-handed and cruel," he said.

"This ban would also take away a fun, educational and important feature of agricultural shows that children and their families have been enjoying together for generations."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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