Več let je v mnogih posameznikih oziroma posameznih organizacijah tlela želja po združenju v celoto, ki bi lahko naredila konkretne premike za boljši jutri živali. Tako je bila z mislijo povezovanja 3. februarja 2024 ustanovljena Zveza nevladnih organizacij za zaščito živali Slovenije. Štirim ustanovnim članicam so se kmalu pridružile še nekatere druge podobne organizacije.
Glavni namen Zveze je združevanje nevladnih organizacij s področja zaščite in dobrobiti živali, da bi skupaj lahko naredili več dobrega za živali. Zveza ima v grobem naslednje cilje:
Povezovanje slovenskih nevladnih organizacij, ki si delijo skupni cilj izboljšanja pravne zaščite živali v Sloveniji. Zveza služi kot platforma za sodelovanje organizacij pri:
- oblikovanju predlogov za izboljšanje zakonodaje, ki ščiti interese živali;
- nagovarjanju zakonodajalca, da predloge izboljšav implementira in
- sodelovanju ob prizadevanjih, da se zakonodaja, ki ščiti živali, pravilno izvršuje,
- sodelovanje organizacij pri osveščanju in izobraževanju javnosti.
- Izobraževanje in prenos znanja med organizacijami, ki delujejo na področju zaščite, dobrobiti in pravic živali. Povezovanje organizacij v Zvezo zagotavlja učinkovit prenos informacij med zagovorniki živali, kar služi gibanju za zaščito živali kot celoti kot tudi posameznim organizacijam članicam.
- Zagovarjanje interesov živali pred splošno javnostjo na podlagi enotnosti oziroma konsenza. Zveza več organizacij v očeh javnosti lahko bolj suvereno in učinkovito zagovarja interese živali kot posamezne organizacije članice. Zveza se odziva na pereče tematike, ki se tičejo živali, s ciljem izobraziti javnost o vsem bistvenem za zaščito živali.
Zveza zagovarja naslednja stališča, ki služijo kot osnova za povezovanje in iz katerih izhajajo cilji Zveze:
Družne ali hišne živali
Družne ali hišne živali so privilegij in ne pravica. Primerne družne ali hišne živali so lahko le udomačene vrste živali. Ne glede na vrsto živali, je za njih nujno kvalitetno poskrbeti, z mislijo na njihovo dobrobit do konca njihovega življenja. Skrbnik hišne oziroma družne živali ima tudi odgovornost do družbe, da poskrbi za njen nadzor in prepreči neželeno razmnoževanje.
Rejne živali
Ne želimo, da bi se katerokoli žival izkoriščalo za potrebe ljudi. Dokler pa se to dogaja, mora biti primerno poskrbljeno za dobrobit vseh živali v oskrbi človeka. Dobrobit vsake rejne živali mora biti postavljena nad ekonomsko vrednostjo živali in zaslužkom rejca.
Prostoživeče živali
Divje oziroma prosto živeče živali ne spadajo v ujetništvo.
Eksotične živali
Eksotične divje živali niso primerni domači ljubljenčki in ne spadajo v ujetništvo. Dokler pa takšni hišni ljubljenčki obstajajo, jim morajo skrbniki zagotoviti kvalitetno in primerno oskrbo za celotno življenjsko dobo.
Krzno
Vzreja in ubijanje živali za krzno sta kruta in nepotrebna. V današnjem svetu poznamo dovolj umetnih materialov, ki so tako po izgledu kot uporabi, enakovreden ali celo boljši nadomestek kot krzno. Zavzemamo se za popolno prepoved prodaje in uporabe krzna.
Testiranje na živalih
Testiranje na živalih je kruto in nepotrebno. Z drugačnimi metodami je možno dobiti boljše rezultate, ki so bolj varni in primerni za ljudi. Zavzemamo se za popolno prepoved testiranja na živalih.
Cirkusi, cirkusom podobne predstave in vodni parki
Živali ne spadajo v cirkuse, vodne parke in druge predstave, kjer živali nastopajo za zabavo ljudi. Smo za popolno prepoved živali na tovrstnih prireditvah.
Živalski vrtovi
Prikazovanje divjih živali v živalskih vrtovih je nepotrebno in neprimerno. Za ohranjanje vrst obstajajo temu prilagojene ustanove, kjer skrbijo samo za nadaljevanje in ohranjanje vrst, ne pa za prikazovanje javnosti. Življenje v divjini je bistveno drugačno kot v ujetništvu, zato za učenje o živalih raje priporočamo dokumentarne filme ali knjige in obiske safari parkov, kjer živali niso v kletkah. Tudi na ta način je otrokom možno približati življenje živali.
Preveliko število psov in mačk
Domače mačke in psi sta vrsti, ki ju je človek udomačil in navadil na sobivanje z ljudmi. Sterilizacije in kastracije lastniških in prostoživečih mačk in psov so nujne za dobrobit živali. Živali je žal več, kot je dobrih skrbnikov zanje, zato je populacijo nujno omejiti, kar dosežemo z rednimi sterilizacijami in kastracijami prostoživečih in lastniških mačk ter psov. Sterilizacija oz. kastracija in vračanje v znano okolje je, kot izhaja iz večletne prakse pri nas in na tujem, edina rešitev, ki dolgoročno omejuje širjenje populacije prostoživečih mačk in psov ter s tem živalim zagotavlja kakovostnejše življenje. V Sloveniji obstaja problem prostoživečih mačk. Zveza spodbuja in podpira izvajanje projektov TNR (Trap, Neuter, Release oz. ujemi, steriliziraj/kastriraj, izpusti). V tujini, kjer se spopadajo tudi s problematiko prostoživečih psov, prav tako podpiramo tovrstne projekte. Izvažanje teh živali v druge države namreč ne rešuje problema.
Lov, ribolov in upravljanje s populacijami prostoživečih živali
Nasprotujemo lovu in ribolovu. Zavzemamo se za alternativne metode upravljanja s populacijami.
Uporaba živali v športu
Nasprotujemo uporabi živali v športu.
Uporaba živali za lovske, policijske, vojaške, reševalne in terapevtske namene.
Želimo, da živali ne bi bilo potrebno uporabljati za naštete namene. Dokler pa se to dogaja, je potrebno upoštevati dobrobit živali, ne samo ljudi.
Izobraževanje mladih
Tematike s področja zaščite živali naj postanejo del obveznega osnovnošolskega kurikuluma. Želimo, da bi bile tematike o dobrobiti in pravicah živali dostopne vsem otrokom, saj s tem gradimo sodobno, sočutno in čutečo družbo.
Spodbujanje posvajanja živali
Namesto kupovanja živali spodbujamo posvajanje hišnih oziroma družnih živali iz registriranih zavetišč in zatočišč.
Uvažanje živali iz tujine
Nasprotujemo masovnemu uvozu živali iz tujine, pomoč živalim v tujini naj poteka na lokaciji sami, z reševanjem problematike tam kjer nastaja. To je predvsem s projekti sterilizacij in kastracij – TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release) in izobraževanjem ter osveščanjem lokalnega prebivalstva o dobrobiti in primerni skrbi za živali ter odgovornosti do njih. Vsak posameznik si lahko uvozi žival iz tujine z zakonsko ustreznimi dokumenti in zanjo odgovorno poskrbi.
Zaščita ‘vseh’ živali na ravni individualnih živali
Zveza prepoznava in zagovarja interese individualnih živali. To pomeni, da na živali ne gledamo zgolj kot na populacijo in kot na generične predstavnice vrst. Zveza na ta način zagovarja interese ‘vseh’ živali, ne glede na vrsto, njihovo uporabnost človeku ali priljubljenost.
Dobrobit živali
Dobrobit živali je pojem, ki opredeljuje kvaliteto življenja živali, kot jo zaznava žival sama. Dobrobit živali pomeni, da je posamezna žival zdrava, brez bolezni, bolečin ali poškodb, ima zagotovljeno veterinarsko oskrbo v kolikor jo potrebuje, ima na voljo zadostno količino vode in primerne hrane, ni podhranjena, ne doživlja stiske, strahu ali neugodja, je varna in ima primerne bivalne pogoje z dovolj prostora za gibanje, primerno zavetje, ki nudi tudi udoben prostor za počitek, lahko izraža za svojo vrsto naravna vedenja, ki so pomembna za fizično in mentalno ravnovesje, ima možnost primernih družabnih in socialnih stikov. Dobrobit živali bi morala biti v ospredju vsakega človeškega dejanja, ki vključuje živali, kar pomeni predvsem upoštevanje vseh vidikov dobrega počutja živali. Vsakršno surovo ravnanje z živalmi je popolnoma nesprejemljivo. Dobri odnosi med človekom in živaljo pomenijo tudi, da se živali ljudi ne bojijo.
Dobrobit živali je odgovornost celotne družbe in vsakega posameznika!
Pravice in osvoboditev živali
Zveza vključuje tudi nevladne organizacije, ki se zavzemajo za pravice in osvoboditev živali. Te organizacije zagovarjajo stališče, da živali niso človeška lastnina in jih ne moremo oziroma ne smemo uporabljati za potrebe človeka, ne glede na to za kateri namen gre (za hrano, obleko, eksperimentiranje ali zabavo). Zagovarjajo enakovredno obravnavo osnovnih interesov ljudi in živali, kot so interes do življenja, avtonomije in dobrobiti. Pravno upoštevanje pravic živali in prizadevanje za osvoboditev živali Zveza vidi kot dolgoročen cilj.
Menimo, da so ravno skupna stališča več nevladnih organizacij prepotreben faktor pri oblikovanju novih zakonov, uredb in pravilnikov na področju zaščite živali. Bistvo našega delovanja je predvsem v tem, da si med sabo pomagamo, predvsem pa da s skupnimi močmi hitreje in učinkoviteje pomagamo živalim.
Več lahko preberete v statutu.
V Zvezi za živali želimo ustvariti varno, spoštljivo in vključujoče okolje, zato spoštujemo ta pravilnik o politiki nadlegovanja.
For many years, individuals and various organizations have harbored a desire to unite into a collective entity capable of making concrete progress toward a better future for animals. With this goal of collaboration in mind, the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations for Animal Protection in Slovenia was founded on February 3, 2024. Soon after, several other like-minded organizations joined the four founding members.
Purpose and Goals of the Association
The primary purpose of the Association is to unite non-governmental organizations working in the field of animal protection and welfare, enabling them to achieve more together. The Association’s main goals include:
Connecting Slovenian NGOs that share the common goal of improving the legal protection of animals in Slovenia. The Association serves as a platform for cooperation between organizations in:
- Developing proposals to improve legislation that protects animal interests.
- Advocating for legislators to implement these proposals.
- Ensuring that animal protection laws are properly enforced.
- Raising awareness and educating the public.
- Promoting education and knowledge-sharing among organizations working in animal protection, welfare, and rights. Ensuring an effective exchange of information among animal advocates benefits both the animal protection movement as a whole and individual member organizations.
- Representing animal interests before the general public based on unity and consensus. The Association, as a collective of multiple organizations, can advocate for animals more effectively than individual organizations.
- Responding to urgent animal-related issues with the aim of educating the public about essential aspects of animal protection.
Core Positions of the Association
The Association upholds the following key positions, which form the foundation of its mission and objectives:
Companion Animals
Companion animals are a privilege, not a right. Only domesticated species are suitable as companion animals. Regardless of the species, proper care must be provided, ensuring their well-being throughout their lives. Pet owners also have a societal responsibility to control their animals and prevent unwanted breeding.
Farm Animals
We oppose the exploitation of any animal for human purposes. However, as long as such practices continue, all farm animals must be provided with appropriate welfare. The well-being of every farm animal must take precedence over its economic value and the profits of farmers.
Wild Animals
Wild animals should not be kept in captivity.
Exotic Animals
Exotic wild animals are not suitable as pets and should not be kept in captivity. However, for those that are already kept as pets, their owners must provide them with quality and appropriate lifelong care.
Fur
Breeding and killing animals for fur is cruel and unnecessary. Today, we have artificial materials that are equal to or even superior to fur in both appearance and function. We advocate for a complete ban on the sale and use of fur.
Animal Testing
Animal testing is cruel and unnecessary. Alternative methods provide better, safer, and more suitable results for humans. We support a complete ban on animal testing.
Circuses, Shows, and Marine Parks
Animals do not belong in circuses, marine parks, or other performances where they are used for human entertainment. We support a total ban on animals in such events.
Zoos
Displaying wild animals in zoos is unnecessary and inappropriate. Species conservation should take place in specialized institutions focused on preserving species rather than displaying animals to the public. Life in the wild is fundamentally different from life in captivity. To learn about animals, we recommend documentaries, books, or visiting safari parks where animals are not confined to cages. This approach also allows children to connect with wildlife.
Overpopulation of Cats and Dogs
Domestic cats and dogs have been domesticated and adapted to coexist with humans. Spaying and neutering owned and stray cats and dogs are essential for animal welfare. There are more animals than responsible owners, making population control necessary through regular sterilization and neutering. The practice of “Trap, Neuter, Release” (TNR) has proven effective in managing stray populations in both Slovenia and abroad. Slovenia faces a stray cat problem, and the Association supports TNR projects. In countries dealing with stray dogs, we also advocate for such projects, as exporting these animals to other countries does not solve the problem.
Hunting, Fishing, and Wildlife Population Management
We oppose hunting and fishing and advocate for alternative wildlife population management methods.
Animals in Sports
We oppose the use of animals in sports.
Animals in Hunting, Police, Military, Rescue, and Therapy
We aim for a future where animals are not used for these purposes. However, as long as they are, their welfare—not just human needs—must be prioritized.
Education of Youth
Animal protection topics should become part of the mandatory elementary school curriculum. We believe that making information about animal welfare and rights accessible to all children helps build a modern, compassionate, and empathetic society.
Encouraging Adoption
Instead of buying animals, we encourage adopting companion animals from registered shelters and sanctuaries.
Importing Animals from Abroad
We oppose mass importation of animals from other countries. Animal welfare efforts should focus on resolving issues locally through sterilization, neutering (TNR projects), education, and raising awareness about responsible pet care. Individuals may import animals legally, provided they take full responsibility for their care.
Protecting All Animals as Individuals
The Association recognizes and advocates for the interests of individual animals. This means we do not see animals merely as populations or generic representatives of their species. We advocate for the rights and welfare of all animals, regardless of species, their usefulness to humans, or their popularity.
Animal Welfare
Animal welfare is defined by the quality of life as perceived by the animal itself. Good welfare means an animal is healthy, free from disease, pain, and injury, has access to veterinary care, clean water, and proper nutrition, is not malnourished, does not experience distress, fear, or discomfort, and has a safe and suitable living environment with enough space, proper shelter, and a comfortable resting area. It must be able to express natural behaviors essential for its physical and mental well-being and have opportunities for appropriate social interactions. Animal welfare should be a priority in every human action involving animals. Any form of cruelty toward animals is completely unacceptable. Positive human-animal relationships also mean that animals should not fear humans. Animal welfare is the responsibility of society as a whole and of every individual.
Animal Rights and Liberation
The Association includes NGOs advocating for animal rights and liberation. These organizations believe that animals are not human property and should not be used for human purposes, regardless of whether it is for food, clothing, experimentation, or entertainment. They advocate for equal consideration of fundamental human and animal interests, such as the right to life, autonomy, and well-being. The legal recognition of animal rights and efforts toward animal liberation are seen as long-term goals by the Association.
A United Effort for Better Laws and Animal Protection
We believe that a collective stance from multiple NGOs is a crucial factor in shaping new laws, regulations, and policies related to animal protection. Our mission is to support one another and, most importantly, to work together to help animals more efficiently and effectively.
You can read more in our statute.
At the Slovenian Alliance for animals, we want to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment, so we follow this harassment policy act.