As Prof. Gimènez-Candela says in her welcoming speech:
"One year ago two people who everyone present knows very well, David Favre and Pamela Frasch, and one less known, myself, met together in David´s Farm to begin preparing this II GALC. Michigan was indeed a great place to exchange ideas ad start this project; as a matter of fact during these months there we have sent an infinite number of emails, creating a united group. I have to thank David for bringing his extensive experience and intellectual generosity and Pam, because with her everything has been so simple from day one. Of course for someone who has created the Center of Animal Studies at Lewis & Clark everything seems simple, everything can be based upon trust. With this experience I welcome you all. This is an occasion which all of us, from this side of the Atlantic have long dreamed about, to bring together the greatest specialists in animal law, to learn, to share knowledge and experience. In this University of Catalunya we know you have to go step by step to achieve something great. With the enthusiasm of a grand team we will present you a good work".
The welcoming session continued with a video-message by Dr. Andrea Gavinelli of the European Commission, who underlined how important this year is, since the EU celebrates 40 years of EU policies in animal welfare, and 4 years from the definition of animals as "sentient beings" in the Treaty of Lisbon. He than expressed his most important message: to bring animal welfare at a global level, because everyone is responsible.
Last but not least, Ferran Sancho, rector of the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona amde some short remarks on how the researches undertaken at UAB have become a reference in within the academic activity. To this extent he underlined the success of the Master in Animal Law and Society. He then pointed out how this congress will set the framework to discuss global aspects of the law, affirming that rights of animals have a common denominator and that current socio cultural elements are playing a key role. This is the road to follow; this is the commitment to create a better society where animals play a fair part.
Martina Pluda
Communications Officer
Master in Animal Law and Society
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
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