News from 2010

Whole animals are happier animals

Monday, 22 March 2010 14:47

Advocates for Animals has submitted strong responses to Scottish Government consultations on the use of mutilations in two different farming sectors – beak-trimming in hens and the castration and tail-docking of lambs.  See the responses here.

New OneKind Runners' Club launches in partnership with the FSI Challenge

Friday, 12 March 2010 16:47

The sun's been peeping through the clouds these last few days, telling us that it's officially springtime: that is, time to emerge from hibernation and dust off those running shoes!

We're proud to announce the launch of the OneKind Runners' Club, a free club for anyone who wants to raise money for Advocates for Animals by taking part in a sponsored run anywhere in the world.

Ban on wild animals in circuses long overdue

Thursday, 11 March 2010 12:03

Advocates for Animals has this week submitted its response to the DEFRA Consultation on the use of wild animals in travelling circuses. We believe that a complete ban on wild animals in circuses is long overdue. 

Furry campaigners to join Scottish Lib Dem delegates at annual Party Conference

Friday, 05 March 2010 10:40

Advocates for Animals and furry friends, Harriet Hare and Mr Fox, will be in Perth city centre tomorrow in a bid to gain the Scottish Liberal Democrat support for a ban on snares in Scotland. The 'animals' (pictured left) will meet politicians and welcome delegates to their annual Party Conference at Perth Concert Hall Saturday 6 March while handing out information leaflets.

Hope for Welsh badgers facing cull

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 15:08

Thousands of badgers in Wales face being killed under orders of the Welsh Assembly in a highly controversial and misguided attempt to reduce the incidence of Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in dairy cattle. However a legal challenge may thwart the Assembly’s cull plans.

Failure to ban snares splits SNP

Monday, 15 February 2010 15:45

The refusal of Scottish Nationalist ministers to abide by party policy and ban the snaring of wild animals has sparked growing discontent within the ranks of the SNP.

One party official has resigned in disgust, others are known to be unhappy and several SNP MSPs have signalled their opposition. Snaring, they say, is cruel and inhumane, sometimes forcing innocent animals to slowly strangle themselves.

New research confirms dog tail docking is unnecessary

Friday, 29 January 2010 11:39

Research released today by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) confirms that tail docking does not significantly reduce the likelihood of dogs injuring their tails.

Draft guidelines for private primate care welcomed

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 13:03

Last week the Scottish Government released for consultation its “Draft Code of Practice on the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates”.  This is a welcome step.  The number of privately kept primates in Scotland is estimated to be around 200, but the welfare of each of these primates – such as marmosets or macaques – is vitally important.

Snaring regulations "fall short of necessary total ban"

Friday, 22 January 2010 15:51

The Scottish Government Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, has today (22 January 2010) announced new regulations to improve snaring practice. 

Benjamin and the leopard make a perfect couplet for OneKind campaign

Monday, 18 January 2010 15:57

One of Britain’s most celebrated and successful poets, Benjamin Zephaniah is the latest celebrity to support our OneKind campaign. From poetry anthologies and novels to children’s books and plays, Benjamin has influenced modern British writing and a generation’s views on equality, compassion and activism.

SNP snaring policy based on "lack of research and a disregard for public opinion"

Tuesday, 12 January 2010 17:08

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP gave evidence to the Public Petitions Committee this afternoon about Scottish Government policy on snaring. She was called by the Committee as part of its consideration of the 10,000 strong petition against snaring that was lodged almost two years ago.

Minister in spotlight as snared badger numbers soar

Monday, 11 January 2010 14:39

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP will today be quizzed by the Public Petitions Committee on the Government’s policy on snaring. This session coincides with the release of new figures showing the number of badgers being trapped in illegal snares. In 2009 of the 19 cases recorded by Scottish Badgers, all but one were deemed to be criminal.

End to branding of horses and ponies in sight

Wednesday, 06 January 2010 16:19

Advocates for Animals has welcomed proposals by the Scottish Government to end the use of hot branding for horses and ponies in Scotland. Along with equine welfare organisations, MSPs and a number of individuals including Borders vet Alex Copland, we have repeatedly called for hot branding to be outlawed.