The councilor responsible for animal welfare, like ten other elected representatives in Montpellier, signed the platform for a reform of the cow wine. After the strong reactions she got, Eddine Ariztegui explains what the next steps will be.
Did you expect such reactions after the publication of the forum for a reform of the buvin?
Yes. All the great societal advances have always struggled to succeed. Promoting animal rights and demanding that certain practices be abolished is part of history. These challenges will not silence us.
Some accuse you of wanting to create buzz
Our only goal is to improve the animals’ living conditions. I have been a volunteer in associations for the protection of animals, but also people, for more than ten years. We try to improve the animals’ living conditions in many ways, whether it is abolishing bullfighting or hunting with the Animal Party or ceasing live fishing. It’s not to create a buzz, it’s my chosen job. I defend animals as best I can and speak for those who have none.
After the stand, what are the next steps?
The first step was the publication of the forum with 50 signatories, deputies, MEPs, regional, departmental, municipal council members… The main animal associations, Brigitte Bardot Foundation, SPA, L214, One Voice and many others, are co-signatories. We have support from animalist parties in other countries (Portugal, Brazil, Spain and Italy). This practice was misunderstood and hidden. The second step is the publication of a video to provide evidence in pictures. Everything is fetched. We have met shepherds who have begun to reform and who do not agree with the practice that we condemn. The third step a petition on the Senate website. When it is validated, when it reaches 100,000 signatures, the Conference of Presidents must take a decision. The fourth step will be to write a letter to Unesco. The actors of the Bouvinen are defending a case to request Unesco recognition of the intangible heritage of their gesture and know-how, for us this would be unacceptable. Such a label would give credence to animal cruelty.
Your action puts the Metropolis President in a difficult position to maintain the unity of his leadership
None. Until now, the group of ecologists has not voted for subsidies to bullfighting clubs. We are constructive, ready to discuss with managers. If we win, the group will change its vote.
Sir. Meissonnier boycotted Metropolis and the City’s wishes, is this a sign of malaise?
First of all, I would like to support Coralie Mantion, who is a high-quality elected official. She has judgments and defends them. Jean-Luc Meissonnier attacks her because he has no argument on the facts. He knows we are right.
Michaël Delafosse shows his support for the buvin. What do you think ?
I remind you that the forum does not ask for the abolition of the cow wine, but a reform of the abuse inflicted on animals: ferrade, 3rd degree burning, escoussure (amputation of the ear raw) and bistournage (castration raw ) practiced by some herds. We don’t put them all in the same basket.
What alternatives do you suggest to this practice?
An ear loop instead of ferrade and escoussure, anesthesia for sterilization. Managers are already implementing it. I think that some people or associations have not read the content of the forum and our suggestions. But they are manipulating people into thinking that we are asking for the abolition of bulls. They are thus talked about and positioned as defenders of rural areas. While a large part of the Manadiers has already made a large part of its reforms.
