Webinar:
Animals in Entertainment in China and Vietnam
Recently, the Institute of Animal Law of Asia successfully held the webinar with David Neale, the Animal Welfare Director at Animals Asia Foundation! This webinar is the public event under the project "Enhancing Legal Regulations for Aquatic Animals in Kazakhstan," the project of our Managing Director within the Global Ambassador Program.
The use of wild animals for display and performance in China and Vietnam continues to rise with the development of many new ocean parks and entertainment facilities displaying animals captured from the wild, this is leading to widespread welfare issues for animals that have been live caught, transported and forced to perform. Many other animals are bred and trained for the terrestrial circus industry and elephant tourism industry causing further welfare issues. Animals Asia are working collaboratively with government departments and both local and international NGOs to address these pressing welfare issues and to find solutions that work for the animals and the people that rely on these forms of entertainment for their livelihood.
David leads a series of animal welfare campaigns aimed at improving the welfare of captive wild animals in China and Vietnam, working in partnership with the China Association of Zoological Gardens and government wildlife rescue centers in Vietnam to implement management training initiatives for animal managers and vets and enclosure improvements.
David leads a campaign to end elephant riding in Vietnam and has established the country’s first ethical elephant tourism experience in partnership with the Yok Don National Park.
David also leads a capacity-building education program to improve the welfare of all animals, develop animal welfare concepts within the teaching curriculum, and humane education initiatives within schools.
David has a particular interest in improving the welfare of farm animals, he has volunteered for a number of farm animal welfare organizations and helped to rescue and home many thousands of farmed animals. David also advocates on behalf of farmed animals via presentations and written pieces disseminated via social media channels.
David holds a first degree in Environmental Science and a Master's degree with distinction in Conservation Biology. David delivers lectures on animal welfare issues at universities and public venues across China and Vietnam and participates in both national and international conferences, disseminating information and developing strategies to improve the welfare of animals across Asia.
David is a member of Asia for Animals, a coalition of international non-governmental organizations (NGO's) campaigning on animal protection issues across Asia.
David is also a member of the Species Survival Network an international coalition of over 80 NGOs committed to the promotion, enhancement, and strict enforcement of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).