JOIN SAFE'S ANIMAL WRITES GROUP

In 1991, the United Kingdom faced a crucial decision - whether to ban sow stalls or not. In the end, the tipping point was simply sheets of paper. Two animal rights organisations flooded the parliament with letter after letter, securing a victory for pigs.

While we often don't see the result of one of our actions, it can be just one personal message at the right time that makes the difference. For example a letter to the paper about the rodeo from a SAFE supporter resulted in a leading editorial, saying rodeos are just unfair.

The members of SAFE's Animal Writes team send letters in response to important animal issues of the day. Aside from the traditional letter to the editor, or to local MPs, methods now also include emails, forms of social media, blogs and internet forums. Contact safe@safe.org.nz today to express interest in joining the team.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A letter to the editor is an easy and effective way to raise the public's awareness of animal issues. Letters to the editor allow you to explain how animals are affected by events currently in the news or correct the facts after a misleading, inaccurate or biased article or letter. Also, some politicians see them as an indication of public feeling on an issue. Best of all, letters to the editor cost little more than some time and thought.

Always follow the guidelines of the newspaper or magazine to which you are writing.

Letters should be brief, clear, and to the point. They are usually only about two to three short paragraphs (less than 150 words). This is all you need to briefly address an issue. Short letters are much more likely to be printed than long ones due to space restrictions.

Start off the letter by referencing the article in question. Mention the author and the date or issue in which it was published eg "I read with great interest the editorial/letter/article (put title here), (date printed) in which (author) said that . . .".

When rebutting someone's article or letter, help them 'understand' why they are wrong. Do not attack them personally.

Use facts, figures and statistics when you have them. This adds to your credibility and helps convince the reader. Only use one or two numbers in your letter. Too many numbers may confuse the reader.

Below is an example of a good letter

Today's date

Editor
The Paper
PO Box number
City/town

Dear Sir/Madam,
I read with great concern the article "Egg-layers for profit", (date) in which Mr Adams questioned whether hens needed to be provided with more space in cages. Having provided care and homes for ex-battery hens for the past 10 years, I feel Mr Adams is a little misguided in his statements about the welfare of hens.

Chickens are intelligent, social animals that have natural behavioural instincts such as foraging for food, wing flapping, preening, and dust bathing. All of these needs are denied in battery hen cages which force over 2.5 millions birds to suffer as a result.

I support SAFE in its campaign to ban battery cages on the grounds of cruelty, and question whether Mr Adams has really spent time understanding these wonderful birds.

Yours

Annie Why
123 Some St
City/town