Latest news with #camelids
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MPs back move to protect llamas and alpacas from dog attacks
Llamas and alpacas should receive legal protections from dog attacks, MPs have agreed. Dog owners already face a fine if their pet attacks or worries farm animals listed in the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, such as cattle, sheep, pigs and horses. But after a Commons debate, MPs have agreed to add 'camelids' to this list, giving llamas and alpacas in England and Wales similar protections as they have in Scotland. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, which now faces further scrutiny in the Lords at a later date, will also see unlimited fines rolled out in dog attack cases, lifting a £1,000 cap. 'They're no laughing matter, alpacas and llamas,' Labour MP Peter Lamb said. 'The Inca empire never developed the wheel. 'The entirety of that empire was built off the back of alpacas and llamas and, as a result, they are an animal that's worthy of great respect.' Mr Lamb said he had heard of 'pretty harrowing cases of what happened to that livestock' at a centre in Tilgate Park in Crawley, West Sussex, where he was the borough council leader. 'In one case, a sheep was just literally set on fire whilst still alive and while the Bill does not directly deal with that, I think some of the mentality that goes into disrespecting these animals is worthy of note,' he said. 'But what we have done is very often, far more often than that, had dogs set on these animals, or at least, people have not been in control of these. 'And we've eventually had to remove the sheep entirely from the publicly accessible areas on the basis of that.' Conservative MP for Chester South and Eddisbury Aphra Brandreth, who proposed the private member's Bill, told the Commons: 'Livestock worrying, as we know, has devastating consequences for both animals and farmers.' She added: 'The damage of a livestock attack can be horrific, causing brutal injuries which are tragically often fatal. 'There are instances of stress causing pregnant livestock to miscarry, and separation of mothers and young leading to hypothermia or starvation. 'I've seen pictures from farmers in my constituency where attacks have mutilated their calves beyond any hope of keeping them alive. 'The consequences, no matter what the scale of an attack, are profound.' As part of the draft new law, authorities would get the powers to treat attacking livestock as separate to 'worrying', which includes chasing farm animals in a way which could cause injury, suffering or loss or 'diminution in their produce'. The Bill would also expand the 1953 Act's scope, which applies on agricultural land, to roads and paths, where animals might be herded. Labour MP Mike Reader praised Ms Brandreth for her 'responsible and balanced approach'. The Northampton South MP said it was 'positive that this expands that definition to roads and paths, because it sets clear requirements that when someone is accessing land, particularly throughout Northamptonshire where there're so many paths that run through farmland, there's a clear definition in the law to both protect farmers but also to set clear boundaries for those who are perhaps walking their dogs… when they access farmland'. Environment minister Emma Hardy said the Government was 'fully committed to supporting this important Bill as it progresses through the other place', before the Bill cleared the Commons at third reading.
Arab News
02-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia concludes camelids year presidency
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has concluded its presidency of the International Year of Camelids, an initiative launched by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization to highlight the cultural, social and economic importance of the camel and related species. The Kingdom used the occasion to raise global awareness and promote research and development related to camelids, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The initiative began under Saudi Arabia's leadership in June last year, in partnership with a coalition of Latin American and Caribbean countries led by Bolivia. The Food and Agriculture Organization hosted a closing ceremony at its headquarters in Rome, attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, president of World Camelids Sports, with officials, diplomats, and international representatives. The event recognized camelids' role in food security, sports, economic development, and cultural heritage, the SPA reported. The observance highlighted camelids' environmental, economic, and social value, and aimed to support pastoralist communities globally. The International Camel Organization also participated in the ceremony. The organization played an active role throughout the year in promoting awareness and support for the camel sector. Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, the organization's chairman, said: 'Our involvement in the International Year of Camelids has been rooted in our mission to elevate the camel sector on the global stage. 'Camels are considered a symbol of cultural identity and supporters of rural communities' sustainability and livelihoods. 'We remain committed to supporting their role across all scientific, cultural, sport, economic, and welfare sectors.' At the ceremony, Ali Alshaikhi, assistant undersecretary for fisheries and livestock wealth at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to recognizing the value of camels. He said they are a key food source, economic asset, and cultural symbol deserving of greater global attention and investment. He outlined Saudi Arabia's efforts during its presidency, including holding more than 50 local and international events, providing 15 research grants, and organizing 18 strategic meetings. The Kingdom also organized 20 international exhibitions, starting at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome and the UN in Geneva, to raise awareness of camels' vital role in various communities, he added. Alshaikhi said the initiative strengthened global appreciation for camels and supported their role in food security and economic growth. He added that Saudi Arabia invested more than SR1 billion ($267 million) in related efforts. He highlighted the Kingdom's broader leadership in agriculture and food security, driven by a strategic vision focused on sustainability, innovation, resilient food systems, self-sufficiency, and modern technologies.
Reuters
23-05-2025
- General
- Reuters
Heroes of the high plateau: UN celebrates South America's camelids
SANTIAGO, May 23 (Reuters) - Llamas, alpacas, vicuñas, and guanacos in South America are being hailed as heroes of the high plateaus for their resilience to harsh environments and climate change, as well as their cultural, economic and ecological value. Representatives from Chile, Bolivia, Ecuador, Argentina and Peru met in the city of Antofagasta in northern Chile in early May to celebrate the animals and strengthen management strategies in a meeting supported by the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). "These animals are considered heroes for their ability to thrive in harsh ecosystems like the high plateau," Andres Gonzalez, a regional officer for Animal Health and Production at the FAO told Reuters. "They represent a natural hardiness that allows them to adapt and continue to thrive in these adverse conditions." A report issued, opens new tab during the meeting, noted that as pressures on natural resources and impacts from climate change continue to grow, camelids "play a crucial role in the nutrition and livelihoods" of people across the highlands. South American camelids are mostly concentrated in the Andes in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, where they perform key functions for local communities and ecosystems. Peru leads the region in production, accounting for 5 million alpacas, or nearly 80%, while Bolivia accounts for more than 60% of llamas. Despite having a smaller share, numbering tens of thousands, camelids in Chile account for 40% to 80% of income in high Andean farms, according to the FAO. Aside from the economic benefit, camelids are also an ancestral way of life on the highlands, with breeding knowledge passing down generations of Indigenous of Aymara, Likan Antay, Quechua and Colla peoples. "They are blessed animals," Evelyn Salas, a Peruvian alpaca and llama breeder said at the meeting. "They represent our culture, our life, our ancestry, our roots, and they continue to be our future."
