Ruimán Duarte has been awarded the prestigious Bienestar Animal Award by the Colegio de Veterinarios de Las Palmas for his monumental dedication to animal welfare. This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of animals over the past decade, encompassing pioneering initiatives, impactful educational efforts, and a driving force behind transforming animal welfare policies across the Canary Islands.”This award came as a wonderful surprise,” Duarte expresses in an interview.”Being nominated was an honor in itself, and to be recognized by such a respected institution as the Colegio de Veterinarios, with their rich history spanning over eighty years in Las Palmas, is truly humbling.”
Duarte’s passion for animal welfare has been a lifelong pursuit. He shares his 21-year journey working for the Cabildo de Lanzarote, where he has consistently advocated for stronger public sector action to address the growing need for improving animal well-being, particularly concerning issues of abuse and abandonment.
Duarte’s tireless efforts culminated in a groundbreaking achievement: the establishment of the Canary Islands’ first Oficina Insular de Bienestar Animal, a supramunicipal body dedicated to supporting municipalities in managing their animal welfare responsibilities. “This groundbreaking initiative positions lanzarote as a leader in Spain, paving the way for other regions to follow suit,” Duarte proudly emphasizes.
The impact of the office has been transformative, extending beyond the island of Lanzarote to a national scale. It serves not only Lanzarote’s municipalities but also provides vital guidance and support to other islands and regions across Spain. “Navigating the complexities of animal welfare legislation, with its intricate network of regional, national, and European regulations, can be daunting,” Duarte explains. “this model of supramunicipal offices offers crucial support and expertise, ensuring consistent and effective implementation of animal welfare laws.”
Duarte recognizes that the cornerstone of enhancing animal welfare lies in a paradigm shift. “Traditionally, animal welfare within government structures has often been viewed through the lens of environmental concerns, with some species perceived as threats rather than sentient beings,” he observes. This outdated approach requires a fundamental change.
“We need to adopt a more compassionate and ethical approach that aligns with the evolving demands of a society that increasingly values empathy and respect for all living creatures,” Duarte asserts.
Duarte stresses that enhancing animal welfare is not just a moral imperative but also a societal benefit. “Prioritizing animal well-being directly impacts our overall social and emotional well-being. It’s an issue that concerns us all,” he emphasizes.
Despite the ongoing challenges, Duarte remains optimistic. “Significant change rarely comes without resistance. Shifting the paradigm of animal welfare in Spain is a truly hopeful undertaking.” Education and raising awareness, he believes, are crucial catalysts for progress. “Sharing our work and accomplishments is essential to inspire hope and demonstrate that positive change is indeed possible.”
How is public awareness of animal welfare issues evolving in Spain?
Interview with Ruimán Duarte: Pioneering animal Welfare in the Canary Islands
Editor (E): Congratulations on receiving the Bienestar Animal Award from the Colegio de Veterinarios de Las Palmas, Ruimán! What does this recognition mean to you personally adn professionally?
Ruimán Duarte (D): Thank you! This award came as a wonderful surprise. Being nominated was an honor in itself, and to be recognized by such a respected institution, which has a rich history spanning over eighty years in Las Palmas, is truly humbling. It reinforces the importance of the work we’ve been doing for animal welfare and motivates us to continue striving for change.
E: Your dedication to animal welfare spans over two decades. can you share some of the key initiatives you’ve undertaken during this time?
D: Certainly! Over the past 21 years working for the Cabildo de lanzarote, I’ve focused on advocating for stronger public sector action to address critical issues like abuse and abandonment of animals. One of our groundbreaking achievements was the establishment of the Canary Islands’ first Oficina Insular de Bienestar Animal. This body is designed to support local municipalities in managing their animal welfare responsibilities effectively.
E: That’s notable. How has the creation of the Oficina Insular de Bienestar Animal influenced animal welfare in the Canary Islands, and what makes it a pioneering effort?
D: The impact of the office has been transformative. It not only serves Lanzarote’s municipalities but also supports other islands and regions in Spain. This model positions Lanzarote as a leader in animal welfare within Spain. By providing guidance in navigating the complex animal welfare legislation, we ensure consistent and effective implementation across various levels of goverment.
E: You’ve mentioned that a paradigm shift is essential for enhancing animal welfare. Can you elaborate on what this shift entails?
D: Certainly. Traditionally, animal welfare has frequently enough been viewed through the lens of environmental concerns, with certain species considered threats rather then sentient beings.To truly enhance animal welfare, we need to adopt a more compassionate and ethical approach that values all living creatures. This aligns with a society that increasingly recognizes the importance of empathy and respect for animals.
E: You argue that improving animal welfare is not just a moral imperative but also a societal benefit. Can you explain how these aspects are interconnected?
D: Prioritizing animal well-being directly impacts our overall social and emotional well-being. When society respects and cares for animals,it fosters a more compassionate community,enhancing our collective quality of life. This is an issue that transcends individual sectors; it concerns us all.
E: Despite the challenges,you remain optimistic about the future of animal welfare in Spain. What drives your hope for significant change?
D: Significant change rarely comes without resistance, and shifting the paradigm of animal welfare in Spain is indeed hopeful. Education and awareness-raising are crucial catalysts for progress.By sharing our work and accomplishments, we can inspire hope and demonstrate that positive change is indeed possible. It’s essential to show people that their involvement can lead to transformative outcomes.
E: As someone deeply involved in the field, what practical advice would you give to individuals or organizations looking to contribute to animal welfare?
D: I encourage everyone to get involved—whether it’s through volunteering at local shelters, supporting animal welfare initiatives, or advocating for stronger policies. Education plays a key role, so spreading awareness about animal rights and welfare issues can create a ripple affect. Every small effort counts towards building a more humane society.
E: Thank you, ruimán, for sharing your insights and passion for animal welfare with us. With leaders like you advocating for these changes, there’s hope for a brighter future for animals.
D: Thank you for having me! I’m grateful for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues that impact us all. Together, we can make a difference for animals across the globe.