ReportWire

Tag: international affairs

  • The war in Gaza cost the US over $30B—Most of it sent to Israel: Report

    [ad_1]

    The United States has spent more than $30 billion on the war in Gaza and associated conflicts in the Middle East, with more than half of this figure devoted to military support for Israel, a new report shared with Newsweek has found.

    The study, released early Tuesday to mark the two-year anniversary of the Hamas-led attack on Israel that sparked the still-ongoing conflict, was overseen by the Costs of War project at Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. While the scale of death and destruction emanating from the war has captivated audiences across the globe, the findings reveal a lesser-known yet significant cost to U.S. taxpayers.

    Between October 2023 and September 2025, the U.S. devoted $21.7 billion in military aid to its top Middle East ally, Israel, while an additional range of $9.65−$12.07 billion has been spent by the U.S. on operations conducted in Yemen, Iran and elsewhere in the region in relation to the spillover of the conflict.

    Altogether, the final figure is estimated to be between $31.35 billion and $33.77 billion, excluding additional sales still slated for Israel, which has already witnessed a historic increase in U.S. military assistance at the onset of the conflict.

    “In a normal year, Israel would get $3.8 billion in U.S. military aid, pursuant to a 10-year agreement reached during the Obama administration,” William Hartung, co-author of the Costs of War report and senior research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told Newsweek. 

    “In the first year of the Gaza war, that figure skyrocketed to $17.9 billion, the highest level ever,” he added. “The second year of the Gaza war reverted back to the usual $3.8 billion. This was partially because the flood of aid for the prior year will be spread over a number of years, meaning that some of it could be used to finance the second year of the Gaza war.”

    A Divisive Debate

    On October 7, 2023, Hamas and allied Palestinian factions launched a surprise attack against Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking around 250 more hostage, according to Israeli officials. Israel responded by launching its largest-scale war in Gaza to date, resulting in the deaths of more than 64,000 people in the Palestinian territory.

    The conflict is the longest and deadliest of its kind for both sides and quickly spread across the region as factions of the Iran-led Axis of Resistance joined the fray in support of Hamas from Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Israel and Iran have also clashed directly on three occasions, the latest and most intensive of which erupted in June, with the United States also conducting strikes on Iranian nuclear sites as part of what President Donald Trump has called the “12-Day War.”

    Although both Trump’s administration and President Joe Biden’s before him have largely backed Israel throughout the conflict, recent polling shows that views of the U.S. public have shifted significantly since the war began.

    A New York Times/Siena survey published last week shows that, while 47 percent of respondents said they sympathized more with Israel than Palestinians in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas-led assault two years ago, that figure has now dropped to 34 percent, with 36 percent more sympathetic to Palestinians. The poll also found that a slight majority of 51 percent oppose providing additional economic and military support to Israel.

    The trend has been accompanied by a growing international outcry and persistent protests in the U.S. over allegations of Israeli war crimes, including the targeting of civilians and the withholding of aid to Gaza. Israeli officials deny any systematic violations of international law and assert that Hamas routinely used noncombatants as human shields and smuggled humanitarian assistance, accusations denied by the militant group.

    Hartung was among those who have criticized Israeli actions throughout the war, as well as the sharp increase in U.S. military spending associated with the regional conflict.

    “Recent U.S. aid does not serve U.S. interests,” Hartung said. “The bulk of it has gone into enabling Israeli attacks on Gaza, which are disproportionate to aggression by Hamas and will create enmity towards the U.S. in the Middle East and beyond for years to come, complicating our ability to get support on other issues.”

    “And other than missile defense systems, additional U.S. support has gone into attacks in the region like the bombing of Iran, which are more likely to spur retaliation and escalation than stabilize the region,” he added. “This is different from decades ago when U.S. aid was focused on deterring Arab states from attacking Israel, as they had done int 1967 and 1973.”

    Newsweek reached out to the Israeli Consulate General in New York and the U.S. State Department for comment.

    Direct U.S. Involvement

    U.S. intervention in the Middle East has tested Trump’s electoral promise to avoid costly U.S. military endeavors abroad and oversee a more peaceful international order.

    In addition to defending Israel against Iranian attacks and striking three Iranian nuclear sites in an unprecedented operation in June, the U.S. has also targeted Yemen’s Ansar Allah, also known as the Houthis, and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq throughout the conflict. Attacks against Iraqi militias largely ceased last summer following an unofficial truce under the Biden administration, while Trump announced a ceasefire with Ansar Allah in May that temporarily halted the group’s attacks on international shipping.

    Operations against Iran and its Ansar Allah ally were particularly expensive. The Costs of War report found that both foes and their weapons were targeted with hundreds of multimillion-dollar munitions fired from even pricier platforms such as the $70 million F/A-18 Hornet, three of which were lost amid the battle with Ansar Allah.

    Media reports have also indicated that the extensive use of interceptors, both those fired directly by the U.S. and others transferred to Israel, has substantially depleted the Pentagon’s supplies. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to pledge arms shipments to partners on other fronts, including Ukraine in the midst of Russia’s ongoing war, and Taiwan, which is claimed by top U.S. geopolitical rival China, threatening additional stockpile strains.

    Linda Bilmes, a senior lecturer at Harvard University’s Kennedy School, who co-authored the Costs of War report with Hartung, argued in her conclusion that her work was motivated by an effort to inform the U.S. public about the scale of funds devoted by the U.S. to conflict in the Middle East.

    “The American public has a right to know how U.S. funding is used in conflict, and to recognize that U.S. military activities in the Middle East carry significant financial costs for taxpayers,” Bilmes wrote. “These costs are often hidden and should be weighed alongside how well they advance the goal of peace in the region.”

    She also noted that “the full budgetary impact is likely to increase as replacement and sustainment requirements mature,” meaning that “the fiscal burden is substantial and should be material to discussions on U.S. policy.”

    Prospects for Peace

    The second anniversary of the devastating conflict comes amid renewed hopes for peace following a 20-point proposal unveiled last week by the White House that would result in a permanent end to the conflict, the release of hostages and prisoners, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the replacement of the territory’s Hamas-led government with an independent committee comprised of Palestinian experts and led by Trump, among other conditions.

    The plan was met on Friday with a positive response from Hamas that Trump characterized as indicating the group was “ready for lasting peace.” He called on Israel to “immediately stop the bombing of Gaza” and, on Sunday, reported “very successful” talks among the parties and mediators.

    White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Monday that “technical talks” were currently underway in Egypt as the administration “is working very to move the ball forward.”

    Yet U.S. regional commitments may only grow even in a postwar scenario. Trump’s recent decision to guarantee Qatar’s security after the nation that hosts the largest U.S. base in the Middle East was struck by both Iran and Israel in the past four months has raised questions about the extent to which Washington was adding to its existing posture in the Arabian Peninsula.

    The U.S. also continues to conduct strikes against Islamic State militant group (ISIS) targets in Iraq and Syria, where recent clashes between the interim government and the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces mark another challenge for U.S. policy in the region.

    And should the precarious Israel-Hamas peace process once again unravel, as it has on many past occasions, Trump emphasized Sunday on Truth Social that the alternative would be escalation.

    Trump wrote: “TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE OR, MASSIVE BLOODSHED WILL FOLLOW — SOMETHING THAT NOBODY WANTS TO SEE!”

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • World Dog Alliance Celebrates the Annual Dog Lovers’ Day

    [ad_1]

    Press Release
    •

    Oct 6, 2025 09:00 EDT


    WASHINGTON, October 6, 2025 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The annual Dog Lovers’ Day on September 26 is founded by the World Dog Alliance. This year marks its 10th anniversary, and over the past decade, remarkable milestones have been achieved by the World Dog Alliance. Countries and regions including the United States, South Korea, and China have enacted explicit legislation prohibiting the eating of dogs and cats-a historic milestone for humanity.

    The International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats, led by the United States, has gained support from many nations. The goal is to have at least 150 countries sign the agreement by 2027.

    Here are some of the World Dog Alliance’s recent key achievements:

    United States

    1. In July 2025, the World Dog Alliance mobilized 13 bipartisan members of Congress to send a joint letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to promote the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats and calling on Japan to follow global trends by enacting a ban on dog meat.

    2. In August 2025, the Alliance submitted the same appeal to First Lady Melania Trump.

    3. In September 2025, under the Alliance’s advocacy, 30 members of Congress plan to submit a resolution urging Japan to follow the U.S. in legislating against dog and cat meat consumption. The resolution is expected to be passed by the end of 2025. Members of Japan’s cross-party Animal Welfare Parliamentary Alliance noted that U.S.-Japan relations are currently sensitive and dynamic. If the U.S. Congress passes this resolution, it could cause Japan to enact similar legislation to maintain stable bilateral relations.

    South Korea

    1. In July 2025, the World Dog Alliance sent a letter to President Lee Jae-myung, encouraging him to highlight Korea’s legislative example-modeled after Shenzhen and Zhuhai in China-during meetings with Chinese leaders. Despite domestic resistance, Korea’s National Assembly has passed the Special Act to Prohibit Dog Meat Consumption, set to take effect by the end of 2026. The Alliance also proposed that Korea and China collaborate not only in economics and culture but also in animal protection, and jointly launch the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.

    2. According to preliminary estimates from Korean animal welfare groups, once the law takes effect, there will be 100,000 to 150,000 dogs left in meat farms. Their fate poses a major social challenge, as the government cannot adopt them all. Some suggest euthanasia as a last resort.

    The World Dog Alliance understands the Korean government’s dilemma but upholds the principle of valuing life. Every life saved matters. A global rescue initiative will be launched with two main strategies:

    • Appeal to kind-hearted individuals worldwide to adopt. Financial and physical support are welcome. Most adoptions involve small dogs under three years old, while meat farm dogs are typically large (around 30 kg), making adoption difficult. These dogs have lived in cages since birth and need psychological and physical rehabilitation. The Alliance will collaborate with service dog training centers in Taiwan to prepare these dogs for integration into human society.

    • Partner with Korean animal welfare organizations to fund and build a model rescue center for meat farm dogs, supplying chips, medicine, and other resources.

    China

    1. On September 1, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs officially implemented the Guidelines for Managing Designated Animal Transport Checkpoints. This system will expose illegal dog and cat transport, delivering a fatal blow to the black market meat trade and significantly reducing theft, poisoning, and abuse of companion animals.
      The World Dog Alliance has been urging the Chinese government to increase the punishment on dog theft, the Alliance also submitted the “White Paper on Severe Punishment for Dog Theft,” which played a key role in shaping this policy.

    2. Mr. Zhao Wanping, a National People’s Congress deputy and staunch supporter of the Alliance, led 30 deputies in submitting a proposal on dog and cat protection in March.

    Japan
    On February 12, 2025, under the strategic planning of the World Dog Alliance, the Dog and Cat Peace Party was officially established-the world’s first political party dedicated to dog and cat welfare. Its goal is to win seats in future parliamentary elections and pioneer animal welfare legislation in Japan, setting an example for Asia. However, due to recent political turbulence, the party is reconsidering its election plans.

    Norway

    1. The World Dog Alliance is actively promoting the Norwegian government’s adoption of an Animal Welfare White Paper and the launch of the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats. In February 2025, the Alliance’s Norwegian representative delivered a speech in Parliament, emphasizing Norway’s role as a global model for animal protection. The White Paper is expected to be reviewed and passed in 2026.

    2. Norway is a key country in the Alliance’s European strategy. As the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee, if an animal activist receives this honor, it could spark a global wave of dog and cat protection-just as the environmental movement surged after a conservationist won the prize in 1976, leading to numerous UN environmental conventions.

    The above highlights represent only part of the World Dog Alliance’s recent work. Though the journey is filled with challenges, we remain fearless, driven by unwavering belief in our mission, and press forward with determination.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Hungary Backs US-Russia Deal While Facing EU ‘Threats’: F…

    [ad_1]

    Hungary‘s top diplomat told Newsweek that the only path to obtaining peace in Ukraine and ensuring Europe‘s security ran through a stable relationship between the United States and Russia, vowing Budapest would not back down in the face of pressure from EU and NATO allies on this front and others.

    Speaking Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where his counterparts from Washington and Moscow were soon set to meet, Hungarian Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto said his country would “welcome such an event, because we in Central Europe have a very clear historical experience.”

    “And this experience says that in case the Americans and the Russians are able to maintain a civilized cooperation, then we in Central Europe enjoy a better security,” Szijjarto told Newsweek. “If the Americans and the Russians fail to maintain a civilized relationship, then we are concerned about the consequences on our security.”

    But as President Donald Trump suddenly took aim at Russia in a remarkable shift Tuesday — promised ongoing U.S. military aid to NATO’s pro-Ukraine war effort and even suggesting Ukraine could take back territory it has lost — Szijjarto maintained only a deal between the U.S. leader and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin could pave the path toward peace in Ukraine.

    He argued such rapprochement, for which both Trump and Putin had previously called, could also make strides in stabilizing the region.

    “I really do believe that the only solution for this war is a comprehensive American-Russian agreement,” Szijjarto said. “If there’s no Russian-American agreement, I see very limited hope for peace here. The Russians and Americans should come to a big agreement, part of which could end up in in peace returning to the central part of Europe, certainly.”

    ‘The Only Hope for Peace’

    Yet many on the continent, including Poland, are calling for tougher measures toward the Kremlin and have expressed skepticism toward Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Russian President Vladimir Putin—with whom Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has also retained ties.

    But if the White House’s overtures have failed to make sufficient progress, Szijjarto argues it may be Trump’s detractors who are to blame for adopting policies that have fueled the conflict rather than quell it.

    “I have to tell you that we do consider President Trump as the only hope for peace in Ukraine,” Szijjarto said, “because during the time before him taking office, there had been no hope, because both the former American administration and the current European leaders are very much pro-war. They are more interested in prolonging the war than concluding it, and therefore it is only President Trump who can make the change here, who can give hope for a peaceful settlement.”

    “So, I think that his efforts must be respected pretty much,” Szijjarto said. “And I can tell you that if European leaders had not put so many efforts in undermining the peace process, I would say he would have had a good chance to resolve the issue until now.”

    Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in February 2022, a number of European countries have taken aim at Hungary over its efforts to maintain a neutral position. Orban, who has served as premier since 2010 after previously leading from 1998-2002, declared early on that his nation would not join efforts to send weapons to Ukraine, nor would it participate in economic sanctions against Russia.

    On top of this, Szijjarto said, “we have a big Hungarian community in Ukraine, the right of which have been very heavily violated by the Ukrainian state.”

    For these positions, and particularly for Hungary’s push for ceasefire and negotiations as “the only solution” to the war, he said “we have been accused of being the puppet of Putin and the spies of Russians by those who are now [calling for] the same ceasefire talks.”

    Crude Geography

    The latest showdown has erupted over Russian oil and gas shipments, which Trump is calling on all EU countries to suspend. Hungary has steadfastly refused, even in the face of reported plans by the European Commission to unlock more than $465 million in frozen funds as members seek to win over Budapest’s vote to tighten restrictions against Moscow.

    Szijjarto says Hungary’s position is not rooted in politics or ideology, but rather geography.

    “Being a landlocked country with a certain infrastructure, the biggest part of the energy supply is determined,” Szijjarto said. “We have two oil pipelines leading to Hungary, one from Russia, the other one from the Adriatic Sea through Croatia. Well, if you cut the Russian oil deliveries, then you rely on the on the very last and only remaining pipeline. But that pipeline has a lower capacity, way lower capacity compared to the demand of Hungary and Slovakia together.”

    “So basically,” he added, “if someone would like to cut us from the Russian oil supplies, would end up in endangering the country’s energy supply simply because of physics.”

    A similar situation exists as it relates to natural gas, the main supply of which now comes to Hungary from Russia via the TurkStream pipeline that connects Russia and Turkey. This route proved crucial in January as Kyiv refused to a renew a decades-long gas transit agreement with Moscow.

    Ukraine has been tied to kinetic action as well, however, with Kyiv striking Russian infrastructure involved in carrying oil to European nations, such as Hungary, including in two incidents last month. Further complicating the situation, according to Szijjarto, have been added fees to the Croatia oil link and EU opposition to exploring alternative gas options in Qatar and Azerbaijan.

    “So, the problem is that, on one hand, you are being pushed to get rid of the existing, reliable sources, but there’s no alternative,” Szijjarto said. “So, it would be totally different if they say, ‘Okay, guys, get out and you have option one, two, three,’ but there’s nothing.”

    In fact, he explained, “the only Western politician whom I talked to in the last 11 years I’m in this position who said that, ‘Yes, geography must be respected,’ was Marco Rubio”—another sign of the robust ties between the Trump and Orban administrations.

    Battle Between Budapest and Brussels

    Divisions between Hungary and EU leadership run even deeper than opposing views on the war in Ukraine. The Brussels-based bloc has censured Budapest, freezing funds and demanding fines, over an array of domestic policies, including those relating to asylum-seekers and LGBTQ+ communities.

    Here, too, Szijjarto sees an ally in Trump, referring to the Orban administration’s approach as “Hungary First” and “Make Hungary Great Again.” He calls the relationship between the nations, their leaders and outlooks “unique.”

    “If you look at the major dilemmas facing the world and countries one by one, in all cases, basically we will look at the same way to solve them,” Szijjarto said, “so a very strong anti-migration policy, wall on the border, fence on the border, pro-family policies, pushing back this gender ideology, marriage between one man and one woman, mother is a woman, father is a man, supporting families, supporting peace to come, a patriotic, economic, political strategy, the role of Christianity to be respected.”

    Through this lens, he said “the driving line of foreign policy is national interest.”

    “And we always reject that intellectually pretty low approach, which says that you are pro-American, pro-Russian, pro-Chinese,” he said. “No, we are pro-Hungarian. And we have made it very clear that we are not ready to give up our specificities. We are not ready to give up our national identity. We are not ready to get rid of our history, culture, religious heritage. No way.”

    “We are a Christian country for more than 1,000 years. We are proud of it, and we are not ready to melt this in a United States of Europe,” he added. “So, therefore, when it comes to the debates internally in the European Union, we are very clearly on the sovereignty side saying that, yes, the European Union must be strong, but it must be based on strong member states. So, we don’t want member states to be melted in a European Empire.”

    Concerns over the emergence of such an “empire ruled from Brussels,” as Szijjarto phrased it, have also helped propel a number of conservative movements across the EU, including a rise of right-wing nationalist populist parties in the likes of Austria, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and elsewhere.

    Szijjarto refers to the historic wave of electoral victories of what he called “patriotic parties” across Europe as a natural reaction to a “very extremist liberal” agenda that had previously been taking root. At the same time, he felt established EU leaders were likely to take extreme measures to suppress the trend, including backing deals to sideline right-wing movements in countries like Austria and the Netherlands, or stirring up anti-government protests in Serbia.

    In Hungary, too, Szijjarto said that “Brussels does everything in order to put a puppet government in our place in the next elections,” which are due to take place in April. He argued Hungary was paying the price for its independent stance.

    “Hungary, as such, is an obstacle to this extreme liberal mainstream to overrule Europe,” Szijjarto said. “We are always the ones who say no. We are always the ones who put the spotlight on rationality and common sense, plus we prove that you can be successful while carrying out an anti-mainstream policy as well. And this is the most dangerous for this liberal mainstream, because what they say about themselves is that that’s the only progressive only successful way. “

    “And with our existence that we are following a different strategy, but still being successful, that cannot be digested by them,” he added. “And therefore, they try to do everything in order to support those who are against us and who have a chance, they think at least, to throw us out from government.”

    He referred to such actions as “threats,” that were being posed “very strongly” from Brussels to Budapest.

    “Because this liberal mainstream and this extremist liberal approach have weakened Europe a lot recently,” Szijjarto said. “Just look at where Europe was when it comes to the political weigh and economic weight, and compared to that, we are very weak.”

    “And this doesn’t happen out of scratch,” he added. “This happened because of bad decisions, because of mistakes, because of failures committed in and by Brussels.”

    Looking East

    But whereas Szijjarto emphasizes that Hungary remains a fully “committed” member of both the EU and NATO, he also says his nation could not ignore some of the opportunities emerging beyond the West.

    “We see the reality,” Szijjarto said. “We see that when it comes to the global economy, the Eastern part of the world is dictating the speed in most of the critical industries, in most of the critical parts of the global economy. And we want to be part of the benefits. So, therefore, our strategy, economically speaking, is economic neutrality.”

    The remarks are underscored by Orban’s “Eastern Opening” policy that has sought to channel Chinese and Russian investment, as well as historic roots in the East via Hungary’s observer status in the Organization of Turkic States. Orban was also one of two EU and NATO leaders, alongside Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, to attend China’s recent victory parade marking 80 years since the end of World War II.

    In an increasingly multipolar world where the traditional order is beset by crises, however, Szijjarto, who is also the country’s top trade official, said Hungary was far from alone in this maneuvering — even if it ultimately faced some of the most criticism for it.

    “When I compete for Chinese investments, for example, then my competitors are always Western European countries,” Szijjarto said. “And those Western European countries usually complain about the heavy presence of Chinese capital in Europe once they lose these competitions, which is very hypocritical in this regard.”

    “So, economic neutrality is a key factor of our strategy,” he added, “and we have taken a lot of benefit out of it.”

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Diverging Legislative Approaches in the Fight Against Dog and Cat Meat

    [ad_1]


    WASHINGTON, D.C., November 28, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In the global fight against the brutality that is the eating dog and cat meat, countries vary in pace, depth and scope in their chosen legislative approach. There are, however, some common themes among existing legislations which legislators and animal welfare campaigners can draw inspiration from when lobbying for future change.

    There are national bans where the laws came into immediate effect as soon as the relevant bill was passed. Examples include the United States (the 2018 Farm Bill) and Taiwan (2017 Animal Protection Bill). The US and Taiwan are places where consumption of dog and cat meat was not a widespread practice in the first place. The passing of the relevant laws in these places was relatively smooth and uncontroversial as national consensus on this issue was already in place, and the legislations can be seen as these nations taking a stand against brutal and inhumane practices as a whole.

    Passing of similar bans would be more difficult in countries where consumption is more common. In the eyes of animal welfare organizations such as the World Dog Alliance (WDA), which has campaigned globally for a complete ban on consuming dog and cat meat for over a decade, dogs and cats are companion animals to humans and not food. Up to 70% of dogs consumed in Asia are stolen pets (chiefly in China and Vietnam, among others), and when they are not stolen from their owners, they are often raised for consumption on industrial scale, in unhygienic and punishing conditions before being slaughtered alive for meat.

    In such countries where there is a dog meat industry, the passing of legal bans has proved to be gradual rather than straightforward. An example would be South Korea. A national ban for consumption was passed in January 2024 after decades of lobbying, with the full enforcement of this ban slated for 2027 as the country felt it more appropriate to gradually phase out a much-maligned industry in a transitional period.

    Even if laws were passed to ban consumption, the work is not complete. WDA has continued to work with legislators in Taiwan to make further amendments to the Animal Protection Bill in 2020, so that animal protection is included in Taiwan’s curriculum and in school text books. WDA has also supported the ongoing work of Taiwanese legislators to incorporate animal protection into the constitution of Taiwan.

    In other countries, another legislative approach emerges where bans on consuming dogs and cats are introduced in isolated districts, short of a national ban. Such bans can be seen as a trial run or pilot scheme on a smaller scale to test their effectiveness before the country considers the prospects of replicating the ban across the country.

    This is often true when a country is vast and of varied cultures, and where some parts of it are accustomed to consuming dog and cat meat, making national consensus on the brutality of this issue harder to come by. Examples include China and Indonesia – Chinese cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai announced bans in February and May of 2020 respectively, and Jakarta in Indonesia announced a similar city-wide ban in March 2023.

    The campaigning of WDA in these countries have recognized the nuances native to these places. In China, which is a multi-culture country governed by a one-party system, WDA wrote directly to the leadership of the Communist Party of China in the wake of the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in January 2020 to lobby for the introduction of bans on the consumption of dog and cat meat nation-wide. While the pandemic might not have been caused by the eating of wild animals, the letter to the Party leadership by WDA focused on the message of “stop eating wild animals for people’s health, and stop eating dogs and cats for country’s image.”

    The letter on 31 January 2020 heralded the bans on the eating of dogs and cats announced by the cities of Shenzhen and Zhuhai one and three months afterwards respectively. WDA has also continued its campaigning work in China by working with legislators such as Mr. Zhao Wan-Ping (赵皖平), a Regional Representative to China’s National People’s Congress, who has proposed for the introduction of animal welfare laws to the National People’s Congress multiple times.

    In Indonesia, WDA elected to donate to local organizations that are already entrenched in the fight against dog and cat meat consumption. Animal Friends Jogja, which is such an organization active in lobbying against dog meat consumption in a region rife with dog-eating, received a donation of USD100,000 from WDA in 2022. After the city-wide ban was announced in Jakarta in 2023, WDA has continued its campaigning work in Indonesia including meeting with a director of Indonesia’s Ministry of Agriculture to discuss the prospects of the country one day enacting a full national ban.

    It is clear that there is not only one way when it comes to campaigning against the eating of dogs and cats across the world. While the passing of legislations can be viable on a national level or within municipal cities, WDA has also campaigned since 2019 for an international treaty to be created, to which countries would countersign, to uphold a united international front against the eating of dogs and cats.

    “The International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats” was conceived in 2019 by WDA with the help of then US Congressman Jeff Denham. Since its inception, the International Agreement has received written support from legislators in multiple countries including the US, the UK, Japan, Sweden and Norway. Between 2020 and 2021, 68 US Congressmen have written to Presidents of the United States (first to President Trump then to President Biden) to urge the US Government to support both this International Agreement and the mission of WDA to push forward the agenda of international apparatus in the fight against dog and cat meat.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • South Korean Legislators Honoured by World Dog Alliance While Its Founder Met Former President Moon Jae-in as Country Celebrates Dog Meat Ban

    [ad_1]


    SEOUL, South Korea, November 13, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The World Dog Alliance (WDA) has honoured South Korean legislators who supported the passage of the Special Act on the Prohibition of Raising, Slaughtering, and Trading of Dogs for the Purpose of Food (the Special Act hereinafter). The Special Act has effectively ended dog meat trading in South Korea by prohibiting the raising, breeding, and slaughtering of dogs for food and the sale of processed food products containing dog meat. 

    The Special Act, passed on Jan. 9, 2024, by the South Korean National Assembly, has been widely supported by the South Korean society. In honour of the individuals who have made contributions to the legislative process, the World Dog Alliance on Sept. 26, 2024, presented the Golden Dog Award to three members of the National Assembly of South Korea in Seoul: Ms Han Jeoung-ae of the Democratic Party, Mr Li Hun-seung of the People Power Party, and Mr Park Hong-keun of the Democratic Party. 

    To mark the occasion, the National Assembly of South Korea presented an appreciation plaque to the founder of WDA, Genlin (also known as Horiike Hiroshi), to recognize the support offered by WDA on South Korea’s legislation to ban dog meat. 

    Since 2014, WDA has campaigned for the banning of dog and cat meat in South Korea. In 2014, Genlin, founder of WDA, produced the documentary film “Eating Happiness” to expose the brutal practices behind dog meat consumption in Asia. In 2016, the WDA launched a petition in the United Kingdom to urge the South Korean government to ban the eating of dog meat. The petition received over 100,000 signatures from British citizens. In 2018, the WDA held an event in Seoul in honour of then-President Moon Jae-in’s adopted dog Tori. The WDA further presented a letter to President Moon, calling on South Korea to ban dog meat. In August 2023, WDA arranged 10 U.S. congressmen to write a letter to the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk-yeol, directly leading to the country’s legislation five months later.

    In celebration of the passing of the Special Act, former President Moon Jae-in met Genlin in Busan on Aug. 6, 2024, where WDA presented him with a giant painting depicting Moon together with his dog Tori. During the meeting, Moon and Genlin discussed the prospects of South Korea supporting the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats proposed by the WDA in 2019. Back in 2021, President Moon was the first president to announce the South Korean government’s intention to enact a national ban on dog meat.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • World Dog Alliance: Dog Diplomacy for the Peace of Mankind

    World Dog Alliance: Dog Diplomacy for the Peace of Mankind

    [ad_1]


    ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, July 11, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    In a heartfelt gesture symbolizing international friendship and compassion, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee received two Alabai puppies from Turkmenistan President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. This gift, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the World Dog Alliance (WDA), highlights a shared commitment to peace in a world often marked by conflict and turmoil.

    World Dog Alliance, founded in Hong Kong on June 21, 2014, by Genlin, is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs and cats worldwide. The WDA aims to “change human society, save dogs and cats” through the initiation of the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.” Over the past decade, the WDA has made significant strides in raising awareness and advocating for legislative changes. Through persistent efforts and collaboration with global politicians from countries such as the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan and Indonesia, legislation banning the consumption of dog and cat meat has been enacted. This campaign of global compassion has fundamentally elevated global civilization and moral standards.

    Historically, animals have played a significant role in diplomacy. In 1941, China presented a pair of giant pandas to the United States as a gesture of gratitude for U.S. aid to China, marking the beginning of modern “panda diplomacy.” In 1972, the government of the People’s Republic of China presented another pair of pandas to America as a token of friendship. Panda Diplomacy has since played a crucial role in fostering international cooperation and peace for over 50 years.

    The recent gift of Alabai puppies to South Korea symbolizes the friendship between the two nations. President Yoon and First Lady Kim are well known for their love for pets; they currently live with six dogs and five cats at their official residence. Genlin urged the South Korean government to take this opportunity to initiate the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats” to demonstrate the importance and value of love and respect for life.

    Despite the view of dogs and cats as beloved companions in many cultures, the practice of eating dog and cat meat still exists in a few countries. This complex issue involves cultural, historical, and economic considerations, as well as animal welfare and ethical issues. Under the advocacy of the WDA, global attention to the welfare of dogs and cats has increased. In many places, particularly in urban areas and among the younger generation, attitudes toward eating dog meat are changing significantly due to increased awareness of animal rights and shifting cultural values.

    Genlin and the WDA will continue to advocate “dog and cat diplomacy” to promote human civilization, inclusiveness, compassion, and world peace.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Korea and the US Push for the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats

    Korea and the US Push for the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats

    [ad_1]


    SEOUL, South Korea, June 6, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    On May 24, 2024, a Member of the National Assembly of South Korea, Han Jeoung-ae, welcomed Mr. Genlin, founder of the World Dog Alliance (WDA), back to her office in the Korean National Assembly. Their previous meeting was on February 23, 2024, celebrating the passage of South Korea’s “Special Act on Prohibition of Dog Meat Consumption.” During that time, Mr. Genlin, accompanied by a delegation of U.S. Congress members, visited Korea and was received by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and Representative Han Jeoung-ae.

    Championing the Legislation Against Dog Meat Consumption

    Representative Han Jeoung-ae, a key proponent of the legislation in the National Assembly, has served three consecutive terms and once served as the Minister of Environment. She is renowned as the “most passionate National Assembly member for animal welfare.” Throughout the legislative process, the bipartisan Animal Welfare Forum, co-founded by Representative Park Hong-keun, steadfastly supported the bill. Thanks to their relentless efforts, the “Special Act on Prohibition of Dog Meat Consumption” passed with an overwhelming majority of 208 votes in favor and two abstentions on January 9, 2024, effectively ending the practice of consuming dog meat in Korea.

    Further Advocacy for the International Agreement

    Despite the law’s passage, concerns remain regarding its implementation during the three-year transition period. In March 2024, the WDA’s advocacy for the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats” was successfully incorporated into the U.S. “2024 Appropriations Act.” This provision is mandatory and permanent, binding the U.S. Department of State to ensure its enforcement beyond the current administration.

    Top-Level Discussions and Visits

    Riding on the success of this legislative milestone, the WDA delegation visited Korea from May 23-24. During this visit, they met with Representatives Han Jeoung-ae and Park Hong-keun and toured local animal welfare organizations KAWA (Korea Animal Welfare Association) and KARA (Korea Animal Rights Advocates), both instrumental in the legislative process.

    Strategic Dialogues on Future Initiatives

    In these discussions, they exchanged views on initiating the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats,” incorporating animal protection into school curricula, and embedding animal protection laws in the Korean Constitution. The Korean legislators responded positively, expressing commitment to advancing the agreement internationally through concerted efforts with other countries.

    A New Horizon for Animal Welfare

    The WDA’s initiatives have provided reassurance and fresh perspectives for Korea’s movement against the consumption of dogs and cats, laying a solid foundation for the international promotion of the agreement.

    About the World Dog Alliance:

    The World Dog Alliance is a leading international organization dedicated to ending the consumption of dog and cat meat worldwide.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    Related Media

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • World Dog Alliance: U.S. Congress Passes Appropriations Bill Including the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats

    World Dog Alliance: U.S. Congress Passes Appropriations Bill Including the International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats

    [ad_1]


    WASHINGTON, May 3, 2024 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The World Dog Alliance, a global leader in the fight against the consumption of dog and cat meat, celebrates a victory for animal welfare as the United States House of Congress voted 286-134 to pass the Appropriations Bill of 2024 on March 23. This historic legislation includes language related to the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats,” a treaty championed by the World Dog Alliance.

    The inhumane practice of consuming dog and cat meat has long plagued communities around the world. By incorporating language of the International Agreement into the Appropriations Bill, lawmakers have sent a clear and unequivocal message that the United States stands firmly against such cruelty:

    “Briefing requirement.—The Committee is aware that in 2018 Congress banned the knowing slaughter of a dog or cat for human consumption in the United States. Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall brief the Committees on Appropriations on similar steps taken by other countries and the prospects of, and support for, addressing such practices as part of an international agreement.” — 2024 U.S. Appropriations Bill

    The inclusion of this language is not merely symbolic; it is a binding mandate that empowers the World Dog Alliance to leverage the full weight of the law in urging the State Department to fulfill its obligation, which if not fulfilled, the next administration must continue to work on the initiation of the International Agreement.

    The “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats” represents a landmark achievement in the ongoing efforts of the World Dog Alliance to establish a global framework for countries worldwide to enact legislation banning the consumption of dog and cat meat. Its incorporation into the Appropriations Bill underscores the commitment of the U.S. Congress to uphold the values of animal protection.

    The World Dog Alliance will continue to work tirelessly with the U.S. government to advocate for the International Agreement within the United Nations. In furtherance of this goal, the World Dog Alliance plans to host a series of events and seminars in Washington, D.C., in late June, inviting esteemed guests, including former U.S. Presidents and leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties, to lend their voices to this cause.

    About World Dog Alliance:

    The World Dog Alliance is a leading international organization dedicated to ending the consumption of dog and cat meat worldwide. Through advocacy and collaboration with governments and organizations, we strive to create a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • World Dog Alliance: South Korea on Track to Enact Dog Meat Ban Legislation by the End of This Year

    World Dog Alliance: South Korea on Track to Enact Dog Meat Ban Legislation by the End of This Year

    [ad_1]


    SEOUL, South Korea, November 16, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The World Dog Alliance (WDA) is pleased to announce a significant milestone in the fight against the dog meat trade in South Korea. Following a bipartisan letter from members of the U.S. Congress, sent to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Aug. 7, 2023, urging the country to ban the consumption of dog meat, South Korea is making substantial progress towards enacting legislation to ban this barbaric practice.

    Within just one month of the U.S. congressional letter, South Korean First Lady Kim Keon-hee attended a press conference organized by local animal welfare organizations, publicly endorsing legislation to ban dog meat consumption. This endorsement underscores the proactive steps being taken by the South Korean government to expedite the legislative process. Bills to ban dog meat consumption have received broad support from both the ruling and opposition parties. It is anticipated that this legislation will be passed in early December this year.

    Since 2014, the World Dog Alliance has been actively involved in global efforts to protect the rights of dogs. Our work in South Korea, a nation where the dog meat industry has been prevalent, has been particularly noteworthy. In 2014, the WDA’s founder Genlin traveled to South Korea to film a documentary titled “Eating Happiness,” shedding light on the grim reality of the dog meat trade and urging global attention to the issue.

    In 2016, the World Dog Alliance launched an online petition on the UK Parliament website, calling on the UK to exert diplomatic pressure on the South Korean Government to stop dog meat consumption, especially in light of the 2018 Winter Olympics. The campaign garnered over 100,000 signatures from UK citizens. This significant public outcry raised awareness about the issue and played a pivotal role in shutting down Moran market, the biggest dog meat market in South Korea, marking crucial progress in the effort to abolish the dog meat trade.

    In 2017, the WDA organized a symposium in the South Korean parliament titled “Explicit Legislation to Ban Dog Meat,” inviting South Korean lawmakers to discuss the formulation of laws to prohibit the dog meat trade.

    In 2018, the WDA hosted a large-scale event at Seoul City Hall with the theme “I Am Not Food,” aimed at raising awareness about the issue of dog meat. At this event, Tory, the beloved dog of then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in, made a special appearance. Genlin’s letter, appealing for the end of the dog meat industry, was personally delivered to President Moon, catalyzing the subsequent government actions.

    The World Dog Alliance commends the South Korean government for taking action to address the dog meat issue, a move that significantly enhances the country’s international image.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • 25 French MPs and 4 Animal Welfare Associations Jointly Promote ‘International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats’

    25 French MPs and 4 Animal Welfare Associations Jointly Promote ‘International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats’

    [ad_1]


    PARIS, FRANCE, June 25, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Recently, 25 members of the French National Assembly sent a joint open letter to President Emmanuel Macron, urging the promotion of legislation in France to ban the consumption of dogs and cats. They called for the signing of the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats” advocated by the World Dog Alliance, supporting the global movement to ban the eating of dogs and cats and collaborating with countries worldwide to put an end to the issue of dog and cat meat.

    The joint letter was led by Member of Parliament Corinne Vignon. Corinne Vignon spent 10 years in Costa Rica managing an ecotourism complex and developing a national marine park, an experience that led her to commit to protecting animals. She then became involved in French politics at a local level. She was first elected as a Member of Parliament in June 2017, and was re-elected in June 2022. In December 2022, Corinne Vignon became the Head of the Animal Welfare Research Group of the National Assembly.

    Thanks to her leadership and endorsement, the open letter gathered the support of heavyweight MPs, including former Minister Joël Giraud, as well as the four most influential animal welfare organizations in France. This collaboration between MPs and animal welfare organizations demonstrates a unified effort to address the issue at both the legislative and grassroots levels.

    The joint efforts of the World Dog Alliance and local animal welfare organizations in France have yielded positive results. The recent joint letter signed by 25 French MPs reflects the growing recognition of the need to address the cruel practice of eating dogs and cats. The MPs are urging President Macron to take action by supporting the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.” This convention, proposed by the World Dog Alliance, aims to establish a global consensus on ending the consumption of these animals and collaborating with other countries to tackle the issue.

    The involvement of influential MPs, such as Corinne Vignon and Joël Giraud, in this joint initiative adds weight to the cause. Corinne Vignon, in particular, has a strong track record of advocating for animal welfare and has previously supported bills to protect animals and strengthen sanctions against abusers. Her leadership and dedication make her a valuable ally for the World Dog Alliance in rallying support within the National Assembly.

    The World Dog Alliance continues to work tirelessly to advance the cause of animal welfare and promote the ban on eating dogs and cats worldwide. With the support of passionate individuals, organizations, and lawmakers, progress is being made to end this practice and protect the lives of these vulnerable animals.

    Within a span of less than six months, the anti-dog and cat meat movement in France has made significant strides. France has become the first country, post-pandemic, to successfully garner support through a joint letter signed by 25 MPs, representing various political parties. This achievement is remarkable in the history of animal welfare in France and reflects a consensus among political parties to drive the implementation of the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.”

    While France is just one stop in the European campaign of the World Dog Alliance, activities in Germany and Norway are also progressing rapidly. As a leading country in the European Union, France’s support will have a substantial impact on other EU member states, potentially creating a ripple effect and sparking a new wave of dog and cat meat bans across the continent.

    The World Dog Alliance, in collaboration with its partners and supporters, will continue to work tirelessly to promote animal welfare, raise awareness about the issue of consuming dogs and cats, and advocate for the universal adoption of the “International Agreement to Prohibit the Eating of Dogs and Cats.” Together, we can strive for a world where the inhumane practice of consuming these beloved animals is eradicated.

    Source: World Dog Alliance

    [ad_2]

    Source link