Date set for general election

Tuesday, 06 April 2010 12:16

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has confirmed that the UK general election will be held on 6 May. This gives us a  month to let our candidates know that animal welfare counts to voters.

UK voters regularly write to their MPs and other representatives to voice their concerns about animal welfare. If sometimes we feel that these issues don’t get a high enough priority, this is the time when we can all use our votes to keep animals on the political agenda.

It’s your vote, and your choice as to how you use it.  But if you care about animal welfare, please don’t let this opportunity go by.

What animal welfare issues matter?

Compassion, respect and protection of all animals must be the responsibility of everyone and that's what OneKind is all about. But Parliament can make a significant difference by setting a clear agenda to prioritise the welfare and protection of animals.

Advocates for Animals' recommendations lie in five key areas:

1. Animal sentience - most people in the UK agree that animals have a level of awareness and the ability to feel and suffer. We want to see Government education for consumers on humane lifestyle choices and humane education about animals for young people in schools.
2. Animals used in food production - Farm animals must be given a 'life worth living'. We want to see an end to painful mutilations and positive standards for a good life for farmed animals.
3. Animals used in experiments - In 2008, animals were used in almost 3.7 million scientific procedures in the UK. The ultimate aim should be to replace the use of all animals in experiments and so the most important of the Three Rs - Replacement - must be supported, promoted and invested in.
4. Welfare of wild animals - Free-living animals in the UK are as vulnerable, and as capable of suffering, as farmed animals and pets. The Hunting Act 2004 must be upheld and the possession and use of snares banned.
5. Secondary legislation under the Animals Welfare Acts - Regulations, such as the licensing and regulation of animal sanctuaries and restrictions on the sale of exotic animals, are needed to implement the new law protecting domestic and captive animals.