Monthly Archives: June 2021

Bill to end live exports now on it’s way

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The Bill which will, if passed, ban live exports is now making it’s way through parliament.

 

Part 3, 42 of Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will prohibit the export of live animals for fattening or slaughter from Britain.

 

It’s concerning to note however that the door for exports from Northern Ireland appears to still be open, as is that for animals exported for breeding.

 

While we believe these issues must be addressed, this Bill is a huge leap forward, and the result of one of the biggest battles in the history of the UK animal rights movement. A battle which cost activist Jill Phipps her life.

 

Legislation will cover Scotland, which removes the ability of the Scottish Government to resume live exports by choosing not to follow other UK nations in implementing a ban. This will close a loophole which has caused us great concern for some time.

 

We must keep in mind that there are a significant number of SNP and Conservative MPs (including leader Douglas Ross) representing Scottish constituencies who do not support a ban, and have the ability to disrupt attempts to bring an end to the trade should they have the inclination.

 

If your MP opposes a ban, please let them know that if they attempt to obstruct this initiative it won’t be forgotten.

 

 

 

New Chief Scientific Adviser’s connections to meat industry a cause for concern

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Scotland for Animals are concerned by the appointment of an individual with extensive connections to the meat and salmon farming industries to the position of Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland.

Professor Julie Fitzpatrick was appointed to the board of Quality Meat Scotland in 2014, and is CEO of the Moredun Group and Scientific panel member of the Scottish Aquaculture Innovation Centre, both of which work closely with the fish farming sector.

With a spotlight on the meat trade’s detrimental impact on public health, and it’s potential to cause catastrophic pandemics, the safety of appointing anyone with this background as a scientific adviser to lawmakers is highly questionable.

The appointment also raises further concerns regarding those with deep links to the animal exploitation industry being embedded in government, and their potential to steer policy in this industry’s favour.

SfA call for a complete separation of government and the meat, dairy, egg and “seafood” industry as a step towards creating a safe nation for non-humans.

 

 

Plans for Wallyford stadium officially binned

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Plans for the new greyhound racing stadium at Wallyford near Edinburgh have now been officially scrapped.
 
In a sad twist however, it’s been reported that the site may be taken over by a butcher firm for meat processing.
 
Scotland for Animals would like to thank you, our supporters, for answering calls to action over the past 5 years, attending demo’s and for getting behind the greyhound groups united to stop “businessman” Howard Wallace in his tracks.
 
And they did. Literally.
 
We also believe special mention must go to Amanda, Davie and the activists from Greyhound Action Scotland who started the fightback against Wallace’s plans in 2001. We remember the great personal risk at which they put themselves to defend dogs.
 
Always keep in mind the difference you can make. Never give up.
 
 
 
 

It’s time to open up the meat industry

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Don’t leave animals vulnerable in farming units

Let’s introduce CCTV throughout the whole animal exploitation industry

 

Yet another investigation has exposed horror within a UK farming unit

Animals left lying with their intestines hanging out, workers beating crippled animals, animals too sick to move lying dying as they’re gnawed at by others mentally broken with stress.

With mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses due to come into force in Scotland next month, we believe it’s high time this was extended to all areas where animals are present within the meat, dairy and egg industry.

Those making money from breeding and killing animals are handled by politicians like a special case when it comes to scrutiny. The trade is happy enough to take millions in public subsidies, but think implementing proper accountability is interfering in their business.

Now, lawmakers need to stand up to them and end the secrecy. Wherever animals are vulnerable, the blinds need to be pulled up for everyone to see.

Please write to Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon at scottish.ministers@gov.scot and ask the Scottish Government to take action now:

Feel free to build your message around text below.

 

Dear Ms Gougeon,

I am sure that you will be aware of recent examples of undercover investigations of brutality and cruelty within animal farming units.

One of the worst of these involved pigs contained at a unit owned by a Quality Meat Scotland board member and senior National Farmers Union official.

Experts stated that the condition of these animals was among the worst they had seen.

The rate at which these investigations are encountering criminality, the severity of breaches and the apparent impunity with which management and staff are breaking the law indicates a huge issue connected to meat production and related areas.

I am asking for your assurance that you will now bring forward legislation extending mandatory CCTV monitoring to include all premises and areas where animals are present throughout the meat, dairy and egg industry.

It is important that any footage must also be subject to independent scrutiny.