Animals Count: a Political Party for People and Animals

Animals Count: A Political Party for People and Animals Andrew Knight BSc., BVMS, CertAW, MRCVS, FOCAE Spokesperson, Animals Count

Political parties for the animals internationally
Austria
France
Germany
Italy
Spain
Canada
Israel
The Netherlands
Details: http://www.animalscount.org/similar_initiatives.html

Raison d'être Broad concern for animals is a mainstream priority, which is poorly reflected in the policies of most political parties

Political objectives
Within the UK, Animals Count aims to set the standard as the political party advocating most strongly for animals , whilst also supporting other socially and environmentally responsible policies .
Through several mechanisms, we aim to elevate the status of animal issues within politics:
We seek to demonstrate by example, that comprehensive, well-reasoned policies on animal issues are not only possible, but desirable, and can enhance the manifestos of political parties.

We encourage the adoption of animal-friendly policies by other parties (the potential to positively influence much larger parties offers the greatest potential benefits).
We seek to demonstrate that voters care about animal issues, by directly contesting elections, particularly where proportional representation exists.
We educate the electorate about the animal policies of candidates from other political parties.
We cooperate with pro-animal parties/candidates.

Main policy objectives
Phase out farming systems with poor welfare consequences for animals.
End long distance transportation of live animals.
Establish a transparent, independent scientific inquiry to thoroughly review the ethical, scientific and economic implications of animal research.
Banning all hunting, without loopholes.
Establish a basic national animal health care system.
Details: www.animalscount.org/manifesto_2009.pdf

Companion animals
Basic national animal healthcare system.
Mandatory Responsible Animal Care Certificate: basic preventative health care, nutrition, behaviour, socialisation, training and pet insurance. Non-compliance would risk fines, that would be used to fund the system.
Also mandatory: pet Identification & Registration, annual veterinary checkups, and neutering by sexual maturity or earlier, other than in special circumstances.

Animal Protection Officer employed by each local council.
Increased penalties for convicted animal abusers (with mandatory completion of a Responsible Animal Care course).
Restriction/regulation of breeding, particularly of animals with hereditary characteristics contrary to good welfare.
Regulation of pet stores.
Restrict of exotic animals as pets.
Crack down on dog fighting.

Founding of the Dutch ‘Party for the Animals’
Political Party for the Animals established in Oct. 2002, when parliament fell
3 months to prepare for elections in Jan 2003 with no budget, resources and hardly any campaigning
Result: almost one seat in Parliament (>49,000 votes, <500 votes short)

Results EP elections 2004
3.2% of the votes, whilst 3.7% needed… (>153,000 votes)
% of votes would have resulted in 5 seats had these been national Parliamentary elections
Important effect on other parties, who added AW policy to their programmes!
Party for the Animals became a watchdog party

Party for the Animals website, 2005

Dutch elections November 2006
20 celebrities (authors, artists, tv presenters etc.) showed support by signing on to the electoral list
Full-fledged campaign from Sept. ’06
New website, Party for the Animals TV, e-campaigns
Huge media interest and predictions of 2-3 seats prior to elections
Results: 180,000 votes (nearly 2%) for the PvdD resulting in 2 out of 150 seats in national parliament. Historic achievement!

Dutch provincial state elections, March 2007
9 representatives elected in 8 (out of 12) Dutch Provincial States
Members of Provincial States elected the first Senator for the Party for the Animals in June 2007

UK support for similar party
Around 3 million supporters of animal protection organisations
About 7% vegetarians
Free range & organic farming on the rise
Animal welfare education increasing
Strict animal protection legislation
Animal protection philosophies and strategies copied around the world

Animals Count launch 2006
Established supporter group Oct 2006
Developed outline manifesto
Set up website
Registered the party
Launched 3 rd December during Christmas Without Cruelty Fayre
Huge media interest (BBC worldwide)

Celebrity supporters “ The animals can't vote. That's why we need a political party that stands up for them. And in the EU elections, thanks to proportional representation, small parties like Animals Count have a fair chance of winning a seat .” Dr. Brian May Twiggy Jeffrey Masson Prof Robert Garner Benjamin Zephaniah Maria Daines Dr Who??

London Assembly Elections May 2008
End March 2008: decided to contest
Lambeth/Southwark constituency (£1,000 deposit)
Raised funds, printed & distributed 10,000 leaflets
Media: local newspapers, BBC online
Kennington Park Party for the Animals

Results
1,828 votes (1.12%)
More than Socialist Party (1,588; 0.97%)
Independent candidates typically received 100-700 votes
Increased public profile/membership
A seat near Parliament

European Parliamentary elections: 4 th June 2009

European Parliamentary elections – voting system
Closed Party List System
“ Electors vote for a party in a multi-member constituency; each party receives seats in the constituency in the same proportion as the votes it won in that constituency. The parties determine the ranking of their list of candidates; the elector has no say as to which candidates are elected as they simply vote for a party.”

First main fundraising letter, November 2008

Fundraising dinner 12/12/08 raising over £600 Sponsored dog walk 08/02/09 raising over £400 Winter 08/09

Vegan 3 Peaks Challenge May ‘09 Raised £1300! www.vegan3peaks.info

Total amount raised ± 9000 (includes regular donations/memberships) Total campaign expenses 9511.69 (excluding personal costs)

EU Election campaign lauch 18/04/09

Election results 07/06/09
(0.82%)
Beating Libertas, the Jury Team and an Independent candidate 
13,201 votes!

What about the Green Party?

The future…

Thanks for your attention! Any questions?

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Animals Count: a Political Party for People and Animals

by Andrew Knight on May 11, 2010

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