One day prior to the International day of animal rights, on December 9th, 2017, the centre of Zagreb was filled with hundreds of people and banners, whistling, shouting out loud messages, with the support of drummers, with the vegan flag that was waved in all its glory at the front of the march, pointing out the injustice that is happening to animals every day. The march appealed to speak up for those who cannot stand up for themselves – for all cows, pigs, dogs, hens, cats, fish and other animals who are tortured and killed in the food industry, for clothing, in laboratories, entertainment, and all other animals exploited by people.
The march for animals was joined by participants from Zagreb, Osijek and other Croatian cities. The start point was from Kralj Tomislav Square and then through the Park of Josip Juraj Strossmayer and Zrinjevac, through Tesla, Masaryk, Frankopanska Street and Ilica, gathered after 12 pm at Ban Jelačić Square and after a brief retreat continued through Jurišićeva Street to Hrvatskih velikana Square.
Ivana Crnoja, president of the Association Pobjede, which co-organized the event, said:
“At present, the animal rights movement is growing and growing everywhere in the world, as well as in Croatia. The marsh is a chance for us all to come together and show that animals are not our property that we can use for food, clothing, entertainment or experimentation.”
Luka Oman, president of Animal Friends Association, added:
“Participants will show that a sympathetic way of life is quite possible and we believe we will encourage many to join us in the struggle for animal rights.“
Photos by: Prijatelji životinja