TIFAM Animal Welfare Policy

1. Introduction

TIFAM (The Irish Field Archery Monthly) is committed to upholding ethical standards in relation to animal welfare in all aspects of its work, including editorial content, event sponsorship, merchandise, and outreach initiatives.

As a publication dedicated to field archery, we do not cover hunting practices as a primary focus. However, we may occasionally mention or produce content that refers to hunting, particularly in relation to historical, literary, or folklore topics. When such content is featured, we ensure that it is presented responsibly, accurately, and with respect to ethical considerations.

This policy sets out TIFAM’s commitment to animal welfare and applies to:
✅ Editorial & Publication Standards
✅ Event Partnerships & Sponsorships
✅ Merchandise & Branding
✅ References to Historical or Literary Hunting Contexts

2. Editorial & Publication Standards

TIFAM’s editorial focus is archery in its sporting, recreational, and historical forms. However, when historical or cultural discussions reference hunting, we adhere to the following principles:

• Content must be historically accurate and framed within a literary, folklore, or academic context.
• We do not promote, glorify, or encourage unethical or illegal hunting practices.
• Discussions on historical hunting methods should acknowledge evolving ethical standards and conservation awareness.
• We encourage responsible storytelling that considers wildlife conservation perspectives.

TIFAM does not publish or endorse any content that promotes cruelty, poaching, or animal mistreatment.

3. Event Partnerships & Sponsorships

TIFAM sponsors and organizes archery events, educational initiatives, and community outreach programs. We ensure that:

• We do not partner with organizations involved in unethical or illegal wildlife exploitation.
• If any event features live animals (e.g., falconry demonstrations), strict welfare guidelines must be followed.
• All TIFAM-supported events align with conservation-minded outdoor ethics.

Our commitment is to responsible engagement with nature, ensuring that all animal-related interactions are conducted with care and respect.

4. Merchandise & Branding

TIFAM-branded merchandise adheres to strict ethical guidelines regarding animal welfare. We:

• Do not use real fur, exotic animal skins, or any materials sourced through unethical means.
• Prioritize ethically sourced and sustainable materials whenever possible.
• Avoid partnerships with brands that engage in unethical animal testing.

All archery-themed designs featuring animals must be respectful and educational, avoiding any imagery that could be interpreted as promoting cruelty.

5. References to Hunting in Historical, Literary, and Lore-Based Content

While TIFAM does not focus on hunting, historical and cultural references to hunting may occasionally appear in our content, particularly in relation to:

• Archery in historical hunting practices (e.g., medieval longbowmen, indigenous archery traditions).
• Hunting in mythology, folklore, and literary works.
• The role of archery in historical conservation and survival practices.

In all cases, such content will be framed in an educational and analytical manner, without advocacy or promotion of modern hunting practices.

6. Commitment to Conservation & Animal Welfare Organizations

TIFAM is committed to environmental and wildlife conservation principles and, where possible, will:

• Engage with conservation organizations that protect wildlife and natural habitats.
• Encourage responsible outdoor behavior in alignment with Leave No Trace principles.
• Promote archery as a skill, sport, and cultural heritage, separate from modern hunting.

7. Policy Review & Implementation

This policy will be:

• Reviewed annually to ensure alignment with best practices in animal welfare.
• Communicated to all contributors, event organizers, and partners.
• Updated as needed in response to feedback from conservation groups and ethical outdoor advocates.

TIFAM firmly opposes animal cruelty in all forms and seeks to promote ethical, responsible engagement with nature.

Final Statement

TIFAM believes that archery, history, and conservation can coexist with a strong commitment to animal welfare. By following this policy, we ensure that all content, events, and partnerships reflect respect for animals, ethical storytelling, and responsible engagement with historical and literary themes.