UK death toll, June 2019

87 million, 161 thousand+ animals slaughtered.

216 thousand+ cattle
1 million, 18 thousand+ sheep
827 thousand+ pigs
85 million, 100 thousand+ “poultry” birds

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

 

Protest brings racing ban a step closer

Thursday’s protest at parliament was a great display of international solidarity against exploitation and cruelty.

Well done to Say No To Greyhound Racing In Scotland for taking the fight right to the politicians who are allowing it.

More HERE

 

Article 13 and animals

Sadly, we’re noticing another surge in misinformation regarding EU legislation and animal sentience.

As we’ve previously pointed out Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty does indeed recognise that animals are sentient beings and states that “full regard” be paid to their welfare.

What politicians and organisations aren’t telling people is there’s a caveat contained in the same Article which effectively gives licence to states to completely disregard this sentience if they so wish.

You can go into any factory farm, research establishment or bullring across the EU and see how much use Article 13 is.

See Scotland for Animals statement from 2017 HERE

 

 

2018; Over half a million procedures on animals

Scotland for Animals has obtained separate statistics for scientific procedures carried out on live animals in Scotland in 2018.

The total number recorded; 506, 901.

This is 14.4% of the UK total. Taking population into account, Scottish establishments are again responsible for a disproportionately large number of procedures.

Species involved include;

 

Mice

Rats

Guinea-pigs

Hamsters

Gerbils

Rabbits

Dogs

Horses

Pigs

Goats

Sheep

Cattle

Monkeys

Chickens

Frogs

Quail

Fish

 

Scotland for Animals Spokesman John Patrick;

“Again we see Scotland massively involved in experimentation, and the creation of genetically altered animals for so-called research.

Data shows that the “success rate” for practical results deriving from this is lamentable. Any other method with such dismal efficacy would have been abandoned long ago.

We want to see real, scientifically driven research, and for government to actively and openly support this.

Scotland could be, and we believe one day will be, a world leader in proper innovation without the use of animals.

We call on the Scottish Government to request immediate devolution of powers in this area, and to implement current powers to divert funds to research using non-animal models.

If it is really about saving lives this is the only way forward.”
 
 
 
 

 

 

Edinburgh stall

Met some great people yesterday.

As SfA campaign on our streets and in our communities, we’ve always seen the stark disconnect between our political class, and everybody else, on animal issues.

Don’t let them set the agenda. Let’s pull together and force radical change.

 

 

 

We need to talk about Eid al-Adha

In the wake of the Yulin dog meat festival, we’re approaching the annual bloodbath that is Eid al-Adha.

For days animals will be sacrificed, often in the streets, in the name of religion.

We probably don’t even need to tell you that our very own First Minister Sturgeon takes to social media, pledging her “warmest wishes” to those celebrating.

Saying that, what’s equally noteworthy is who doesn’t mention it. It’s intriguing how some campaigners, many of whom rightly publicise murderous events like the aforementioned Yulin, are so eerily silent about this organised cruelty.

When abuse is related to “culture” or religion, there’s a whiff of selective outrage.

In 2014 Egyptian writer Fatima Naoot put up a post on Facebook. She said of Eid al-Adha that;

“Millions of innocent creatures will be driven to the most horrible massacre committed by humans for ten-and-half centuries. A massacre which is repeated every year because of the nightmare of a righteous man about his good son.”

She was arrested, convicted and handed 3 years in jail for “contempt of religion”.

Fatima Naoot bravely stood her ground, and had her time reduced and suspended on appeal.

Scotland for Animals has consistently and openly condemned this mass slaughter. This year we condemn it again, and we stand shoulder to shoulder with the many Muslims who oppose it.

Animal groups and campaigners need to remember that wherever animals are brutalised we need to act.

To turn a blind eye to atrocities because you feel speaking out wouldn’t be “politically acceptable” is a betrayal of victims.

And Ms Naoot? Anybody who, on facing a 3 year stretch for defending animals, says “I’m not sad about the sentencing as I don’t care about going to jail.” should have all the solidarity we can provide.

 

 

 

UK death toll, May 2019

88 million, 795 thousand+ animals slaughtered.

 

236 thousand+ cattle

1 million, 123 thousand+ sheep

936 thousand+ pigs

86 million, 500 thousand+ “poultry” birds

 

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

 

 

 

 

Together, we’re winning.

In Edinburgh yesterday with layla and SfA Patron Kay Hamilton, Dowager Duchess of Hamilton.

With political developments unfolding it’s vital that you join with us in holding lawmakers’ feet to the fire.

We’re winning for animals, with your help we’ll secure the rights and protection they badly need.