“We have done it! We are now the FIRST animal organisation in the world to have NGO (Non-Governmental Organisation) Status in our fight for domestic companion animals at United Nations’ level.”

The delighted reaction of Mrs Elly Maynard of New Zealand, founder and director of the Sirius Global Animal Trust, has been echoed by the organisation’s worldwide network of volunteer workers, who see in this a victory in their fight for companion animals to be recognised as not for human consumption.

It is just days since the Trust received a fax from Hanifa Mezoui, Chief NGO Section.DESA of the United Nations, New York, stating:-

"We would like to inform you that the Economic and Social Council, at its organizational session on 8 February 2005, decided to grant Roster consultative status to the organization Sirius Global Animal Organisation Charitable Trust.

"The organisation may now designate official representatives to the United Nations - to the United Nations Headquarters in New York and the United Nations offices in Geneva and Vienna….We look forward to a productive relationship with your organisation and its representatives.”

The status for Sirius Global Animal Trust was approved by 53 countries, and says Elly Maynard in the battle for the protection of domestic animals, particularly western dogs sent to China and other parts of Asia, the Trust is now able to fight the horrors those dogs face from a position of greater strength.

“This status will enable us to have direct contact with the United Nations and other affiliated organisations and, more importantly, the FAO itself. Sirius’ main thrust is to have dogs classified on the FAOSTAT list (a list of all animals used for food for humans) as ‘not for human consumption.’

“If we achieve our goal then our dog star, Sirius, will truly be heaven-sent for many of the companion dogs of this world.”

For further information and contact details please visit  http://sirius.2kat.net