UK death toll
December 2017
84 million, 907 thousand+ animals slaughtered
208 thousand+ cattle
1 million, 382 thousand+ sheep
817 thousand+ pigs
82 million, 500 thousand+ poultry
Monthly death toll
Monthly death toll
November 2017
241 thousand cattle
1 million, 255 thousand sheep
984 thousand pigs
83 million 700 thousand poultry
Shock collars to be banned
Campaign to outlaw electric shock collars has paid off. The Scottish Government has at last decided to take steps to ban their use.
Of course, the detail of any legislation will be vital.
Ban on use of wild animals in travelling circuses
SfA welcomes the Scottish Parliament’s vote to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.
As previously outlined however we’re disappointed that changes to law won’t include domesticated species. The type of animal now overwhelmingly exploited in ‘performances’.
It’s of further concern that static circuses won’t be covered.
This battle is far from won.
Our respect to the MSPs who spoke out for further legislation to widen the scope of protection.
Ask the Scottish government to take the lead on animal sentience
The UK government yesterday announced plans to legislate for the explicit recognition of animal sentience.
The Bill, if enacted, would require that “regard” be taken to the welfare implications of this sentience when formulating and implementing government policy.
As this proposed duty would apply to Ministers of the Crown devolved decisions would not be covered.
Scotland for Animals welcomes the proposed recognition. We would however like to see the Scottish government go further.
There has been a substantial amount of comment from many Holyrood politicians with regards to this issue. Here’s their chance to now turn words into action.
Scotland for Animals calls on Ministers to commit to bringing forward a Bill to legislate, if animal sentience is recognised in UK law, for their welfare needs as sentient beings to be given not only regard but priority in any relevant policy or legislative decisions.
We need you to ask First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to commit to Scotland leading the way.
Please feel free to personalise this suggested message:
Dear Ms Sturgeon,
I am writing regarding the publishing of a Draft Bill by the UK government proposing to recognise animal sentience.
The Bill further proposes that this be given regard by Ministers of the Crown when formulating and implementing policy.
I would be grateful if you could please confirm whether, should the Draft Bill be enacted, your administration will commit to bringing forward a Bill to legislate for the welfare needs of animals, as sentient beings, to be given not only regard but priority in any relevant policy or legislative decisions by Scottish Ministers.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon can be contacted at scottish.ministers@gov.scot
Or by post:
The Scottish Government
St. Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
Thank you.
UK death toll for October
UK death toll for October. Over 112 million, 714 thousand animals.
241, 000 cattle
1, 247,000 sheep
926 ,000 pigs
110, 300, 000 poultry
Statement on Clause 30 vote.
Statement on Clause 30 vote.
As you will no doubt know on 15th November MPs voted to reject an amendment to the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill.
This proposal by Caroline Lucas was to request that Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty, which refers to animal sentience, be transferred into UK law in anticipation of leaving the EU.
We made a decision not to call for action on hearing of the amendment’s rejection. While we believe that the sentience of animals should and must be recognised in law, we do not feel that the outcome of the vote in question was a legal denial that animals are conscious and can experience pain and suffering as has been suggested by some.
As we have been contacted by supporters rightly alarmed at developments we are making this clarification.
We were, and continue to be, further concerned that if the intention of the amendment was to transfer Article 13 wholesale then the caveats contained, which allow parties and industry to disregard animal sentience, would also be transferred.
This though is a great opportunity for politicians who have publicly condemned any implication that animals are not sentient to now commit to bringing forward legislation not only recognising the sentience of non-humans but also the rights of non-humans.
In addition we would appeal to them to ensure that this legislation does not allow any consideration other than the rights and welfare of animals when drafting relevant regulation.
We would recommend you contact your MPs and MSPs to request that they act urgently. If you would like suggestions for content please let us know.
Scotland for Animals
Missing the point
The really outrageous aspect of the current advert for a certain bakery chain; An animal enslaved, imprisoned and subjected to a violent death.
The final insult; their remains being wheeled out for laughs.
That’s what’s offensive.
See Animal Equality’s latest UK investigation to see our ‘pig industry’ in action.
CCTV to be mandatory in England from 2018
The UK government has announced CCTV will be mandatory in England’s slaughterhouses from next year.
Details are still being decided, the big thing here is who will have access.
At the minute it looks like it’ll be restricted to abattoir vets and FSA, we hope this will be widened in any final legislation.
Make your voice heard for mandatory, independently monitored CCTV by visiting our campaigns page.
CCTV campaign
CCTV campaign stall in Glasgow again today.
Spoke to some great people, thanks to everybody for support.
We’ll be coming to a place near you shortly. Get in touch if you want to join in and visit our CCTV campaign page for more.