MOST people will have heard of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) but many people are unaware how it is jeopardising vital animal welfare, environmental and human advances.

Under WTO free trade rules, a country, or a group such as the European Union, cannot ban imports of goods on ethical grounds. Because of this the EU bans on the sale of cosmetics tested on animals and the EU ban on certain furs from countries using the leg-hold trap has not been brought into force because of fears of a WTO challenge. In addition, the EU is refusing to ban the trade in cat and dog fur for the same reason, even though these animals are often killed with horrific cruelty.

The WTO are also making it increasingly difficult for countries to enact good farm animal protection measures. This is because, even if a country bans a cruel farming practice within its own territory, it cannot ban the import of meat and eggs coming from animals reared in that system in other countries.

Current WTO rules therefore act as a powerful disincentive to any country which wants to ban a cruel factory farming system as, under the current rules, such bans may well put its farmers at risk of being undercut by cheap imports.

The WTO free trade rules are currently being re-negotiated. It must not be allowed to put trade and profit above the welfare of billions of animals. Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) is leading a global campaign to ensure that moral and ethical considerations such as animal protection take priority.

To find out more pick up a leaflet at the display at West Swindon Library from May 30 June 13 visit www.ciwf.co.uk or Tel. 01730 264 208.

MRS M HARRISON

Swindon