Facial recognition technology is to be used in joint Scottish farming study to identify pigs’ emotional states.

It’s claimed that “By focussing on the pig’s face, we hope to deliver a truly animal-centric welfare assessment technique, where the animal can ‘tell’ us how it feels about its own individual experiences and environment.”, and that this will “reduce production costs by preventing impact of health issues on performance.”.

We’ll take a wild guess at how the pigs feel without the need for AI.

They’re miserable, they’re frightened and they’re devoid of hope.

And this is even before they’re carted off to the slaughterhouse.

It’s what happens when you take any sentient animal, human or non-human, and turn them into slaves and products.

Openly admitting the complex emotional and sensory capacity of a victim while profitting from their suffering, and their deaths.

This is where we are. It has to end.

The SNTWT team are getting a rough deal at the Cross-Party Group for Animal Welfare at the Scottish Parliament.

Sadly, the CPGAW long ago descended into farce, infested with shills and the cruelty lobby who ensure that real campaigners don’t have a chance.

This is a Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare which until very recently had the british association for shooting as secretariat.

This goes right to the heart of how industry and individuals are getting away with murder, literally, when it comes to Scotland’s animals.

104 million, 977 thousand+ animals slaughtered.

239 thousand+ cattle

1 million, 177 thousand+ sheep

961 thousand+ pigs

102 million, 600 thousand+ poultry

Does not include other species such as deer and goats, “game birds”, aquatic animals or animals exported for killing.

Great day at Glasgow Vegan Festival.

Thanks to Miracle’s Mission, and everybody supporting our calls for tougher sentencing for cruelty.

Get your tickets for November at  https://www.veganeventsuk.co.uk/glasgow-vegan-festival/

See you there.

At yesterday’s live exports demo Kay Hamilton, Dowager Duchess of Hamilton and SfA Spokesman John Patrick, approached MSPs to ask that they call for support for Zac Goldsmith’s amendment to the Agriculture Bill at Westminster.

Although we recognise that these are two distinct legislatures, we believe that if they truly care about a ban they would encourage constituents to approach their MPs to ensure the amendment’s success.

It was noted with concern that none of them (bar, to his credit, Colin Smyth) were even aware that the amendment was being proposed. Of even further concern was that on discovering this there appeared very little interest in it’s content.

Despite the shameful position of the Scottish Government, SNP Westminster Group and Scottish Conservatives, efforts are being made to bring about a ban on live exports.

Zac Goldsmith MP is moving an amendment to the Agriculture Bill to effectively end the trade. We need everybody to contact their MP and request that they support this.

The Scottish Government is consulting on the control of fireworks.

We would urge you to respond with your views.

Fireworks can cause severe suffering to animals, and people impacted by trauma.

This isn’t about ruining anybody’s enjoyment. When the negatives are taken into account the free availability of devices is unacceptable.

Scotland for Animals supports;

* A ban on the public sale of fireworks.

* A ban on the discharging of fireworks without a licence.

* Any devices discharged should be of reduced noise type.

* Criteria for any licence should recognise potential impact on animal welfare.

A request should be made for any necessary legislation outwith current powers to be devolved.

Information on the consultation can be found here

You can also submit your views directly to FireworksConsultation@gov.scot

State that your submission is in relation to “A consultation on fireworks in Scotland: Your experiences, your ideas, your views”.

Please ensure that you complete the respondent information questionnaire. Go here and click on “Supporting files” on left hand side of page.

If you have examples of incidents where fireworks have caused pain or distress include details of these in your submission.

Get in touch with us if you want advice or support with making your views known.

Regarding the Scottish Government’s announcement on CCTV, we want to add some perspective.

Although the administration’s climbdown is a huge step forward, Ministers’ claims that this is down to a genuine concern for animals is nonsense.

If this was the case they wouldn’t have employed every dirty trick in the book to block abattoir CCTV for years.

The same government who allegedly believe in the “highest standards of animal welfare” are right now doing everything they can to keep this going

As we said on Wednesday, please do not take your foot off the pedal.

These politicians are no friends to animals.

9/1/19

Scotland for Animals welcomes the Scottish Government announcement that it will legislate for mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses.

Ministers have stated that a law will be brought forward later this year.

Scotland for Animals’ Spokesman John Patrick;

“This announcement is good news. To have come this far would not have been possible without the people who have supported our campaign.”

“They have forced the Scottish Government to abandon it’s long and active opposition to mandatory abattoir CCTV.

“It was said that this would never happen. Together, we have shown what grassroots action can achieve.”

“As positive as this news is we call on everybody not to take their foot off the pedal. It is vital to continue applying pressure on politicians from now until legislation is enacted.”

“We must ensure that any law is workable and includes provision for independent monitoring.”

Scotland for Animals has led the campaign for mandatory, independently monitored CCTV in Scottish slaughterhouses.

SfA works towards a society where animals are free from all exploitation. Until this comes we will continue to fight for welfare improvements to reduce suffering where possible.

To everybody who takes a stand against the tyranny animals suffer every day.

Whether it’s direct action, changing what you buy or sharing a post.

Everything you do is a wee victory.

Scotland for Animals’ next volunteer meeting is last week in January. Let’s come together for a better country.

Have a good time tonight, and all the best for 2019.