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 "The
Humane Society of the United States very much regrets that it is unable
to send a representative to be a part of the Kobe celebration of the human-animal
bond and of the importance of animals for human life and comfort at times
of great disaster and tragedy. We are experiencing our own tragedy at
the moment and it is apparent, from the comments we are receiving, that
many people worry about both the human and animal victims of the tragedy
and take comfort from the animals they share their lives with. The Humane Society of the United States is the largest of about 5,000 animal protection organizations in the United States who collectively employ from 40-50,000 people and who raise and spend about $2 billion every year on behalf of animals. However, these organizations represent only the tip of the iceberg because about 60 million homes share their lives with companion animals. Studies show that most of these homes consider the animals to be an important part of their families. Furthermore, our lives are permeated by animal images, both real and imagined, and our language is rich with animal terms and metaphors. As a famous British anthropologist demonstrated, our lives are enriched and enhanced by animals and they deserve our active and energetic advocacy on their behalf. The world would be a much poorer place without the richness, diversity and beauty of animals and nature. On behalf of the Humane Society
of the United States and our seven million constituents, we wish you
a most successful event. The Japanese people and their culture have
long demonstrated an exquisite esthetic appreciation of animals and
we are delighted to join you in absentia in celebrating our emotional
and empathic connections with, and obligations toward animals. |