El Señores y Las Señoras,

The Municipal Administration, Department of Ecologia is in direct vilolations of the Regulations for the Protection of Animals in San Migue de Allende.

The violations are numerous, but most immediately - to create, manage, maintain and operate the Animal Control Center for Veterinary Clinic, to coordinate, assist and cooperate with local associations and community for the protection of animals, promote community participation, responsibility and monitoring the correct application of this and other applicable regulations.

Please review Regulations - Article 6 II, IV, V - Article 7 II, III - Article 8 I, II, XII

http://www.sanmigueldeallende.gob.mx/transpa_prueba/docs/2/1363113536.pdf

With Respect to the Nation of Mexico, the State of Guanajuato, City of San Miguel de Allende, their Administration Offices as well as All Animals in San Miguel de Allende - we Peacefully REQUEST the Protection, Respect, Love and Compassionate Care of Animals in San Miguel de Allende - IMMEDIATELY. (this is not a political petition/action - it is a Spiritual, Moral and Ethical request and call for Action & Accountability)

San Miguel de Allende was voted #1 Travel Destination in the World, according to Conde Naste Magazine in 2013. The Official Regulations for the Protection of Domestic Animals has been in effect (on paper) since April 18, 2011. Proposals have been legally set forth to Ecologia by the SMA Community. Yet - at this moment - Animals in SMA are being neglected, mistreated and abused. The known Animal abusers are free citizens and have not been held accountable.

Regardless of the standing in the world, San Miguel de Allende (if a truly Moral, Ethical & Virtuous Community) must hold the Rights, Protection and Care of Animals in SMA as one of it's top priorities (along with Protection, Respect and Care the Fresh Water Resources & Ecology/Nature)

Many individuals, organizations, institutions, businesses, etc have acted on behalf of the Rights/Protection and Care of Animals in SMA.

 

****UPDATE****

We, the Multicultural and Multinational Community, who are involved with Animal Welfare in San Miguel De Allende (SMA), GTO Mexico,  acknowledge that the SMA Municipal Administration claims San Miguel de Allende (SMA) as a “Pet-Friendly” Community with Regulations for the Protection of Animals in SMA.   Article on the Official SMA Municpal Administration page: http://www.sanmigueldeallende.gob.mx/noticias/medio-ambiente-y-ecologia/mas-de-500-mascotas-participaron-en-campana-de-atencion-a-animales-domesticos/

It is clear with the ongoing beautification of the town that increasing tourism is at the forefront of the agenda, and this worthy mandate is capable of growing many jobs and providing a better quality of life for All Animals as well as people in SMA.

 

The Animal Care Community of San Miguel de Allende includes countless residents of this wonderful town. Collectively, we continue to promote San Miguel as a world-class destination – in communications with friends and family, as well as on our websites and social media pages like Facebook.

Yet, we can no longer ignore the plight and suffering of the animals in San Miguel - at the Ecologia "Pound"/Shelter, in Colonia San Luis Rey, the Campo and in countless additional areas of San Miguel de Allende.

As Multinational residents of San Miguel, we have spent countless years and many thousands of dollars of our own money to improve the conditions for Animals in SMA.  We continue to ask the State and Municipal Adminstrations to work with us to create an environment that will allow us to continue Respect, Protect and Provide Compassionate Care and Treatment to All Animals in SMA and to promote this beautiful city in a well-deserved manner.

In recognition of the Regulations to Protect Animals in San Miguel de Allende (April 18, 2011), the recognition of International Rights for Service Animal (and the Human Rights of those the Service Animals serve), the mandate to increase tourism in a "Pet-Friendly" city and in consideration of our contributions to lessening the government’s burden with regard to Animals, we respectfully ask you to consider partnering with us to create a humane environment for All Animals in SMA.

Regulations to Protect Animals in San Miguel de Allende (April 18, 2011) http://www.sanmigueldeallende.gob.mx/transpa_prueba/docs/2/1363113536.pdf

There are many International Regulations, Mandates, Programs, Models and Precedents as well as in Mexico that could be consulted and put into action here in SMA. These succcessul models are already in place and are working in Mexico City, Guanajuato, the US, the UK, etc. International Regulations, Mandates and Programs exist and are successful in the many areas of Respect, Protection and Compassionate Care of All Animals, as well as the recognition of International Service Animal Rights.

As one example, those who intentionally hurt wild or domestic animals face prison and fines. These enactment have been heralded globally as humane and forward-thinking and garnered a great deal of positive media attention for the capital. 

Another suggestion that is currently successful in Puerto Vallarta: recognizing that dogs on the street often do have homes, animal control sprays stray dogs with water soluble paint – a different color each week of the month. If the tagged dog is still on the street a week later, only then is it captured and taken to the shelter. If the dog is owned, the owner washes the paint away. In this way, the city does not spend unnecessary funds (nor cause undue hardship on its citizens) by incarcerating or euthanizing dogs who already have homes.

The temporary shelter in Leon, just 189 km from San Miguel, is considered an example of a model facility with humane treatment. This is a city with a similar population of San Miguel and with similar concerns, which has already acted on its commitment to become Pet and Animal Friendly.  

The mandate of promoting SMA as a Pet and Animal Friendly environment has drawn our attention to the desperate need for changes in the treatment of the animals at the SMA Shelter and elsewhere in SMA. 

We would like to work with you in a consulting capacity to enact new legislation and regulations, in a financial capacity to help support a new model of care and in an ongoing promotion of our city as a Respectful, Caring and Compassionate to All Animals and indeed, Animal and Pet-Friendly.  We are a large Community of people who are respected and accomplished Animal Welfare Workers, top marketing and Promotion Consultants as well as Executive-Level Administrators. We are pleased to put our accumulative talents at your disposal to work together toward your goals.

We are VERY distressed regarding the violations of Municipal Regulations, the substandard conditions and lack of professional compassion that currently exists at the Ecologia "Pound"/Shelter.

The current conditions are in direct violation of the current Regulations,in direct opposition to the goal of a Animal and Pet-Friendly San Miguel,  and must be addressed immediately in tandem with the new campaigns proposed.  We, the Community have done a great deal of the work already and it's simply a matter of cooperation, participation, enactment and Action on the part of the State and Municipal Administrations.

1. Euthanasia must be administered by a certified veterinarian or veterinary assistant by a two-step process beginning with anesthesia followed by phenobarbital.  A weight scale is necessary determine the correct amount of medication to be used and a stethoscope used to make certain the animal is, in fact, deceased prior to putting the animal in a body bag.  The licensed veterinarians employed and paid by Amigos de Animales are available to you twice a week, to come to the facility to administer this procedure.  Euthanasia by any other means is inhumane and would clearly be considered punishable by law.

2. The five day holding policy is not sufficient, especially given that many animals captured by Ecologica have homes, but the shelter is closed two days a week and difficult for many residents to reach. This may seem like a small point, but not if you have seen the tears of a child who has arrived to find his pet dead before he could reclaim him, either because the facility was closed, or difficult to find and reach.  Ideally working together, we change Ecologia to a "No Kill" Shelter as is in Mexcio City and many International Cities, Villages and Towns.  The Community of San Miguel de Allende and the Global Community supports this and would assist in making this happen.

3.  Hours of operation should be Monday through Friday from 9am- 2pm daily (excluding holidays). It has come to our attention that these hours are not being maintained.   Recently many people - including Mexican Nationals, Volunteers and Members of NGO Organizations have all been banned from Ecologia.  This is in opposition and direct violation of the Regulations and to the Pet and Animal Friendly mandate.

4. Again - refering to the Regulations (April 18, 2011) - The current conditions at Ecologia are in violation of the Regulations and mandates. All cages need to be kept clean and sterilized. Water and food bowls should be thoroughly cleaned with bleach and water once a day. Feces should be removed and each cage sprayed thoroughly with anti-bacteriological spray provided by the volunteers each time a cage becomes vacated. This is to prevent the spreading of disease from one animal to the next – and it is currently possible, although not being adhered to.

5. The proper care of these animals, including access to food, water and clean cages, must be performed on days when the facility is closed. If Ecologia cannot afford the labor, we will arrange for a volunteer group to manage the weekends at no cost to the administration.

6. Four new cages are needed to house puppies and cats/kittens (two for each), fitted with small gage wire for safety. Volunteers and animal groups are available to make this happen immediately upon approval.

7. Fast growing shade trees need to be planted on the property near the cages to provide shade for the hottest months.

8. Signs are required in large print in both Spanish and English reading:  “Ecologia, Animal Shelter - Adoptions,” with hours of operation.  Three signs are required: on the road to Dr. Mora and two subsequent signs on the dirt road leading to the shelter. This can also be implemented by volunteer associations if there is no budget within Ecologica.

We understand that Ecologica does not have a unlimited funds and we would be happy to meet with you and work together with you to meet these goals. We also would be pleased to discuss ways in which we believe that this new shelter and the surrounding property could be repositioned by this government as a “profit center”. We see great potential for private pet cremation, sales of pet urns and a possible pet cemetery at the location. This facility has the potential to be one of the models for the rest of the country, to support itself financially and to be a shining beacon for San Miguel as a pet-friendly tourism destination.

Many agree that current priorities are:

1. Working together in Collaboration, in Harmony and Cooperation with ALL Animal Individuals, Groups, Organizations, Businesses, Administrative Individuals and Offices etc who work with Animals in SMA for the Protection, Repspect and Compassionate Care for Animals in SMA.

Principles before personalities is a useful Practice.

2. Protection, Respect and Compassionate Treatment/Care of All Animals in SMA.

3. Sterilization - Lessen the Animal Population and it Benifits All - Health, Financially, etc.

Participation in World Spay/Sterilization Day - Feb 24th.

4. Fresh Water for Dogs Community Effort

5. Penalities for for anyone who violates Regulations/Proposals/Agreements set forth by Community for the Protection, Respect and Care of Animals in SMA.       

5. Ongoing Protection & Care of Animals in Cooperation as a Multicultural Community. Accountability and Action in regard to Regulations and additional regualtions/proposals/agreements set for by Community for the Complete Protection and Care of Animals in SMA.

We are Concerned Community Members in SMA & Globally who are working in Collaboration to Make Positive & Productive Action on behalf of All Animals in SMA.

Specific Intentions:

1. Complete Protection, Respect and Care of All Animals in SMA. Multicultural Community Collaboration & Efforts based on existing Regulations & Proposals in SMA in regards to Animal Protection, Care & Prevention of Abuse with in SMA - Street Dogs/Cats, Dog Fighting, Cock Fights, Bull Fights and All Animals in SMA.

2. To connect and collaborate effectively and efficiently for the Protection & Care of Animals in SMA through:

>weekly multicultural bilingual community gatherings for the causes mentioned here and additional ones as they become a priority

>clear, effective & efficient communication and correspondence - sharing and exchange of public information regarding Animals in SMA (Teamwork)


3. To hold SMA Administration, Ecologia and All Officials, Businesses, Veterinarians, Organizations & Individuals in SMA responsible and accountable for the Rights, Protection, Respect and Care of All Animals in SMA.


We, the Multicultural Community of San Miguel de Allende and the World, by commenting & signing, express our Respect, Love & Compassion for Animals in San Miguel de Allende. We welcome all who share our concerns for the Protection and Compassionate Care of All Animals in San Miguel de Allende. With all due Respect to Mexico and Her Respectful Compassionate Ecologically Sound and Sustainable Traditions, Cultures and Laws regarding Animals, Ecology and Nature - we Collectively with Honor declare this to be a Multicultural Spiritual Community Effort, NOT a political action.

Please see below for more information, regulations and specific requests and requirements in regard to the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of All Animals in San Miguel de Allende, GTO

Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care for Animals – San Miguel de Allende, GTO – July 2, 2014

1. Positive & Peaceful Cooperation and Interactive Participation between All Animal Individuals, Groups, Organizations, Businesses, Veterinarians, Administrative and Municipal Offices/Departments and Online who work/Are in Service with/for Animals in SMA for the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care for All Animals in SMA.Principles before personalities is a useful Practice.
2. Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care/Treatment of All Animals in SMA.
3. Allow Multinational/Multicultral Volunteers back into Ecologia.
4. Thoroughly investigate ALL Ecologia Department Administration, Employees and Staff in regard to neglect, mistreatment and abuse of Animals in San Miguel de Allende.  Many Multicultural and Multinational Community Members, including Mexican Nationals are aware of and witness to the neglect, mistreatment and abuse of Animals in San Miguel de Allende, committed by the Ecology Department Members.  Many, including Mexican Nationals, fear speaking up and taking action about this due to potential retribution from Government and Ecologia Department Administration and Employees at Shelter/ “Pound” - Víctor Manuel Velázquez Ramírez, Ernesto Berra, Gustavo, Saldana, Alvaro, Eric  and Juan Manuel
5. Create an Department Office of Ecologia Administrative Office specifically for Animal Protection, Respect and Care/Treatment of All Animals in San Miguel de Allende. This Administrative Office would be specifically for Animals, in addition to and working directly with the Department of Ecologia Offices of Administration and the Multicultural and Multinational Community of San Miguel de Allende – it’s Individuals, Organizations, Veterinarians and Businesses.
6.  Hire a Respectful, Compassionate and Caring Community Approved FEMALE Ecologia Animal Administrator – Specific for All Animals in Administration Office of the Presidente/Mayor to lead – with an Community Approved Animal Administrative Team at the Ecologia Animals Administrative Office – to work together with Community/Administration for the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of All Animals in San Miguel de Allende.
7.  Hire Licensed Respectable Compassionate Reputable Experienced Professionally Certified and Community Approved Local Veterinarians, Veterinarian Assistants and Staff to work at Ecologia Shelter/ “Pound” Full Time.
8. Require Respectable Compassionate Reputable Experienced and Community Approved Animal Advocates in addition to Welcomed Volunteers (include Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Trainer) at Ecologia Shelter/ “Pound” for Animals.  All can assist with the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of Animals at Ecologia Shelter/”Pound”.  Call upon Community to assist with this.
9.  Make Ecologia Shelter/”Pound” a NO KILL Shelter.  Many in the Community are available to work together cooperatively with Animal Community, Organizations, Individuals, Veterinarians, and Businesses to make this happen.
10.  Make Bull Fighting, Cock/Rooster/Chicken Fighting, Dog Fights and/or Any and All forms of Animal abuse, neglect and/or mistreatment completely illegal.  Hold and any all violators of these existing and amended/improved Regulations for the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of All Animals in San Miguel de Allende completely accountable for such actions – including fines, imprisonment and any necessary strict punishments.
11. Strict penalties for anyone who violates Regulations/Proposals/Agreements set forth by Community for the Protection, Respect and Care of Animals in SMA – using the regulations that currently exist and modifications/proposals additions, improvements and addendums available.     
12. Regular Community gatherings/meetings with San Miguel de Allende Community Members who are interested in working together cooperatively – along with San Migue de Allende Municipal and State of Guanajuato Offices of Administration to continue problem solving and action for Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of Animals in SMA with out retribution, deportation, arrest, retaliation and/or any harm to Multicultural and Multinational Community Members.
13. Agreed upon – SIMPLE  and CLEAR – regulations (using proposals already in existence and additional suggestions from Animal Protection and Care Multicultural Community)  Current Regulations http://www.sanmigueldeallende.gob.mx/transpa_prueba/docs/2/1363113536.pdf
14.  Make All Regulations for the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of Animals in San Miguel de Allende public information, available to all online and in person in government, public and private forums – in Spanish and English.
15.  Have a Community Citywide Gathering/Event/Convention/Meeting on behalf of the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of Animals in San Miguel de Allende EVERY October 4th – World Animal Day.   Community working together.
16. Sterilization – Participation in World Sterilization Day Feb 24  and all throughout the year – in cooperation with Veterinarians, Clinics, Individuals, Businesses, Ecologia (with new improvements) and Organizations.
17.  San Miguel de Allende shall continue to hold and event in March (and/or Feb 24th as well as Oct 4th of every year) for the Community Effort of Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of Animals in San Miguel de Allende.  All who Respect and Care for Animals  are Welcome. Organizations, Individuals, Businesses, Veterinarians, Clinics, Groups and Administrative Offices/Officers who Respect, Protect and Compassionately Care for and Treat Animals are welcome to participate.  For the purposes of gathering in Community, Cooperation, Collaboration, Participation, Education, Outreach, Medical, Spiritual, Moral and Ethical Ongoing Relations with All Animals.  In addition to daily and regular ongoing Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of All Animals.
18.  Create Community Programs and Community Supported Efforts for
Compassionate Trap, Sterilize, Care and Release of Wild, Street Animals.
19. Solve the problems of neglect, mistreatment and abuse of  Street Animals and “Roof Dogs/Animals”, “Lot Animals”, Abandoned Animals and any/all uncared for Animals in San Miguel de Allende.
20. Fresh Water for Dogs Community Effort.  Continue to support the Local Community Supported Fresh Water for Dogs Effort – The successful Community Effort currently providing water bowls for Animals in San Miguel de Allende.
21.  All International Service Animals/Dogs shall be respected for the Rights they and the Individuals and Communities they Service.   International Service Animal Rights are currently available on Animal Map SMA and shall be respected and up held.  Many Community Members have and/or work with Service Animals and are willing to work with Community in regard to matters concerning Service Animals.
22.  Education and Outreach for All for Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of Animals in San Miguel de Allende – Provided by in Cooperation and Collaborations with Community for Animals - Administration, Individuals, Organizations, Veterinarians and  Businesses in San Miguel de Allende.
23. Ongoing Protection & Care of Animals in Cooperation as a Multicultural Community. Accountability and Action in regard to Regulations and additional regulations/proposals/agreements set for by Community for the Complete Protection and Care of Animals in SMA.
24.  All information regarding the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of Animals in San Miguel de Allende shall be completely available to the public – in person and online.
25.  Animal Respect, Protection and Compassionate Care/Treatment is in no way limited to Dogs, Puppies, Cats and Kittens.  All Animals are included and have International Rights to Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care and Treatment.  The Multicultural and Multinational Community  of San Miguel de Allende will work together in cooperation and collaboration to provide this.
26.  Together We Can – It’s a We Thing!  Si Se Puede  - This is a Spiritual, Moral and Ethical matter.

San Miguel de Allende Regulations for the Protection, Respect and Compassionate Care of All Animals in SMA – additions – July 2, 2014

This revised version of the Guanajuato State and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Municipal Criminal Code, Legislation and Regulations now Respects, Protects and Provides Compassionate Care and Treatment for All Animals - All Wild,  Zoo and Domestic Animals - against neglect, mistreatment and abuse in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato.

People mistreating, neglecting, disrespecting and/or abusing Animals in San Miguel de Allende, GTO will be strictly held accountable, punished,  financially fined and imprisoned for at least five years in jail.Anyone mistreating, neglecting, abusing and/or disrespecting Animals in a way that leads to injury and/or death of the Animals can be jailed for at least five years and pay fines of at least but not limited to $5,000 USD.

If the maltreatment does not kill the animal, the jail sentence is at least three years and a financial fine of at least, but not limited to $2,500 USD.

Street Dogs/Puppies/Cats/Kittens and All Animals and/or Abandoned Animals, cannot be considered pests and must be treated and cared for with Respect and Compassionate Medical and Humane Actions.

All Persons/Guardians /”Owners of Animals in San Miguel de Allende are responsible and are obliged to treat Animals with Respect, Compassionate Care & Treatment.  All Animales have the Rights to safe, adequate, healthy and clean environment with sufficient and with adequate liberty of movement.  Animal Guardians/”Owners” must to provide adequate water, food and medical treatment as is necessary for the overall Well Being of Animal(s). It  is forbidden to keep an animal on the roof,  in restrictive cages, reduced spaces or with chains or leashes which are too short and impede the animal from freedom of movement.

To reduce the animal population and be of benefit to all, San Miguel de Allende, GTO and All Animal Organizations, Veterinarians, Clinics, Ecologia and Animal Administrative Offices, Animal Related Businesses and Individuals will participate in World Spay/Neuter/Sterilization Day – on or around February 24 of very year. There will be additional Sterilization Clinics and Blitzes available to the public through out the year.

The City of San Miguel de Allende and Community will  hold an annual Animal Gathering Event in March and on October 4th (World Animal Day) of every year for the purpose of Cooperation, Collaboration, Education, Outreach, Sterilization, Medical Treatment, Compassionate, Humane Respectful Care and All Areas, Situations and Issues regarding All Animals in San Miguel de Allende.

A collaborative effort will be made to connect and work together in a public format – both online through the many available websites and Facebook pages – as well as in person through direct contact and communication between all of the many Businesses, Organizations, Administrative Offices, Veterinarians, Clinics and Individuals who work with/for and are in Service for/with all Animals in San Miguel de Allende.

International Disability Rights and the International Rights of Service Animals.

Overview

This provides guidance on the term “Service Ani­mal” and the Service Animal provisions in International Regulations.

■ A Service Animal is a Dog/Animal that is individually trained to work and/or perform tasks for a person with a Disability.

■ Entities must permit Service Animals to accompany people with Disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed.

Examples of Service Animal/Dog work or tasks include, but are not limited to: guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pull­ing a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, alerting a person who is diabetic to check blood sugar levels, sensing heart attacks, reminding a person with mental and/or other illness to take prescribed medications, assisting in assisting a person with behavioral disorder to not “act out”, assisting a person with emotional support, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, helping a person who has a physical disability with mobility and exercise and/or performing other duties.

How “Service Animal” Is Defined

SERVICE ANIMALS/DOGS ARE WORKING ANIMALS, NOT PETS. The work or task a dog/animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability.

Under the this International, Federal, State and Local Law - govern­ments, businesses and nonprofit organiza­tions that serve the public must allow Service Animals/Dogs to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. For example, in a hospital, a Service Animal must be permitted in areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compro­mise a sterile environment.

Service Animals Inquiries, Exclusions, Charges, and Other Specific Rules Related to Service Animals.

■ When it is not obvious what Service Animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask only two questions: (1) is the dog/animal a Service Animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the Service Animal/dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog/animal, or ask that the dog/animal demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

■ Allergies and fear of dogs/animals are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using Service Animals. When a person who is allergic to dog/animal dander and a person who uses a Service Animal must spend time in the same room or facility, for example, in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter, they both should be accommodated by assigning them, if possible, to different locations/rooms within the facility.

■ A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his/her Service Animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog/animal is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog/animal is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a Service Animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.

■ Establishments that sell or prepare food must allow Service Animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.

■ People with disabilities who use Service Animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. In addition, if a business requires a deposit or fee to be paid by patrons with pets, it must waive the charge for Service Animals.

■ If a business such as a hotel normally charges guests for damage that they cause, a customer with a disability may also be charged for damage caused by himself or his Service Animal.

■ Staff are not required to provide care or food for a Service Animal.

Service Animals Must Be Under Control

Service Animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the Service Animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices and/or the person with the disability can maintain control of the Service Animal though voice, signal and/or other effective controls.

We look forward to your reply and ask you to consider the following quotes as part of your Animal & Pet-Friendly Regulations and mandate:

 “We need, in a special way, to work twice as hard to help people understand that the animals are fellow creatures, that we must protect them and love them as we love ourselves.” Ceasar Chavez

“Kindness and compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people. Ceasar Chavez

“We who are Virtuous, behave through our Actions with Respect and Compassion for Animals.” Proverbs 12:10

"Not to hurt our humble brethren (the Animals) is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission--to be of service to them whenever they require it... If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men." Saint Francis of Assisi

"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

"If all the beasts were gone, man would die from loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beast, happens to the man." Chief Seattle

"There is not an animal that lives on the earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but they form communities like you. Nothing have we omitted from the Book, and they all shall be gathered to their Lord in the end" Quran 6:38

"Animals are part of God's Creation and should be treated with compassion. Human beings must avoid tzar baalei chayim - causing pain to any living creature. God himself makes a covenant with the animals, just as he does with humanity." Judaism

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you; the birds of the air, and they will tell you; ask the plants of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In [the Lord’s] hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being.” Job 12:7-10