For the hundreds of thousands of animals tortured and killed every year in Scotland.
For the millions across the planet.
For the people suffering through lack of treatments and cures.
Category Archives: Campaigns
The “justice” system fails again
Man viciously assaults an animal.
Prosecution appears to cite the animal remaining able to walk after attack as a mitigating factor.
Man walks from court with a £245 fine and unmonitored ban.
The Scottish “justice” system is failing victims.
UK death toll, January 2023
110 million, 155 thousand+ animals slaughtered.
227 thousand+ cattle (steers, heifers, young and adult bulls, and calves)
882 thousand+ pigs
108 million+ poultry (chicken, turkeys)
Over 350 thousand tonnes of corpses.
*Numbers do not include other species slaughtered, e.g. goats, ducks, geese, horses, aquatic animals.*
Source; UK Government
Tell the Scottish Government only a ban on greyhound racing will work
The Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee is asking for your views on greyhound racing.
After the so-called Scottish Animal Welfare Commission’s betrayal these dogs need you to be their voice.
Please Go here to tell the Committee only a ban will be acceptable, and get behind Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation in their campaign to end this brutal industry.
UK death toll, June 2021
95 million, 786 thousand+ animals slaughtered.
214 thousand+ cattle (5000+ calves)
962 thousand+ sheep
1 million, 10 thousand+ pigs
93 million, 600 thousand+ “poultry” birds
*Does not include other species of “livestock” slaughtered for consumption, aquatic animals, animals exported for killing, deaths on farm, deaths pre-slaughter, etc.
*Source; UK Government
Fireworks consultation open until 15/8
The Scottish Government is consulting on possible further regulation with regard to fireworks.
These things are a menace and a killer.
As an animal rights charity, we have a particular interest in their well documented damaging effects on animals.
As whatever and whoever causes suffering to non-humans usually causes suffering in the wider community, we also acknowledge the damaging impact on those with dementia, war veterans, those who have experienced trauma, and others.
Taking the big picture into account, free availability of devices, and the current circumstances in which they can be discharged, is unjustifiable.
Scotland for Animals supports the introduction of the following measures;
- Enforcement of existing legislation limiting the discharging of fireworks, e.g. under the Explosives Act.
- A ban on the general sale of fireworks. I.e. a ban on the purchase, possession or discharging of fireworks without a licence.
- Any devices provided, sold or discharged should be of reduced noise type.
- Criteria for any licence to discharge should take into account any potential impacts on animal welfare, and any conviction for crimes against animals should be material in consideration of a licence to possess.
- Further restriction on permitted times when fireworks can be discharged.
- Stronger penalties for breaches.
We recognise that some powers relating to fireworks are reserved. We would welcome more work to devolve these with an assurance that they will be used to end the bangs, or commitment to apply pressure upon the UK government to make these changes.
We must point out however that a well worn issue is again rearing it’s head: Headline grabbing promises of action, when powers already available which could provide much remedial action are not being utilised.
We feel a commitment to enforcement of current legislation, such as the banning of discharge of fireworks in a public place, is every bit as important as any new rules.
You can see the consultation documents here. You don’t need to complete all questions, you can also email your proposals and suggestions to fireworks@gov.scot Include your full name and address and whether you give permission for your response to be public and for you to be contacted in future.
#ZoosAreJails
Protest at Edinburgh zoo.
We would like to thank everybody for their toots of support, and the people who vowed never again to visit this or any other zoo after seeing the plight of animals inside.
Bill to end live exports now on it’s way
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.
Plans for Wallyford stadium officially binned
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
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.