How the upcoming UK general election impacts animals
Blog
As the UK prepares for the upcoming general election on 4th July, the fate of millions of animals hangs in the balance. This election is not just about choosing our next leaders; it’s about setting the course for how we treat animals.
The decisions made by the next government will have profound implications for animal welfare, our environment, and ultimately, our own well-being.
A crucial turning point
The world is witnessing an escalating crisis in animal welfare. The increasing demand for animal products is driving not only unimaginable suffering but also significant environmental degradation. Factory farming, one of the most egregious sources of animal cruelty, is also a major contributor to climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction.
With the general election on the horizon, we have a unique opportunity to demand better and to push for policies that prioritise the humane treatment of animals.
Public sentiment and animal welfare
Recent polling underscores a growing public awareness and concern for animal welfare. In 2022, a survey revealed that 72% of the UK voting public supports the implementation of stricter animal welfare laws.
The role of policy
Our manifesto for the upcoming general election outlines several critical areas where policy can make a transformative impact on animal welfare:
Ending factory farming: Factory farms are synonymous with cruelty, confining animals in cramped, inhumane conditions and subjecting them to painful and joyless life. By raising animal welfare standards and supporting farmers in transitioning to more humane practices, we can begin to dismantle this brutal system.
Trade and Investment: The UK must lead by example in promoting high animal welfare standards not only in Europe but globally. This includes ensuring that trade agreements uphold these standards and that public money does not support industrial farming practices abroad.
This is urgent. It’s time to end cruelty to animals in factory farming.
No Future for Factory Farming
Sustainable food systems: The future of our planet depends on sustainable, high-welfare food systems. We need to call for a national food strategy that promotes sustainable diets, reduces meat consumption, and secures a just transition for farmers to achieve equitable, high welfare farms that support biodiversity. This approach not only benefits animals but also addresses the urgent need to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.
Antibiotic Use: The overuse of antibiotics in farming is a ticking time bomb for public health. The banning of all forms of routine preventative antibiotic use on farmed animals would not only improve animal welfare but also help prevent the rise of antibiotic-resistant superbugs.
Wildlife Protection: Wild animals are often treated as commodities, exploited for entertainment, products, and medicine. The upcoming election is a chance to push for policies that protect wildlife from exploitation and ensure their habitats are preserved and restored. The UK government must disrupt commercial exploitation of wildlife and promote wildlife-friendly alternatives. This includes banning the import of fur and other products derived from wild animals, which continue to enter the UK despite the domestic ban on fur farming since 2000.
Why this election matters
The general election is a pivotal moment for animal welfare. The policies and commitments made by the next government will shape the future of animal welfare in the UK and will have a positive impact in other countries too.
Animal protection is not a luxury or an afterthought; it is central to building a sustainable, healthy, and humane society. By putting animal welfare at the heart of policymaking, we can address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to public health.
Animal protection is not a luxury or an afterthought; it is central to building a sustainable, healthy, and humane society. By putting animal welfare at the heart of policymaking, we can address some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from climate change to public health.
Your vote, the future of the voiceless
As we approach the election, it’s crucial to remember that our votes can drive significant change. We must hold our politicians accountable and ensure they commit to policies that prioritise the welfare of animals. Together, we can create a future where all animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.
In this election, let’s make our voices heard for those who cannot speak for themselves. The future of animal welfare depends on it.