Protecting Animals in Democracy

A billion animals suffer terribly every year in British factory farms and research labs because of politicians' decisions. But animals can't vote, they can't protest, they can't lobby MPs and they can't sue the Government for breaking the law. These innocent creatures are completely vulnerable. They utterly depend on good, caring people like you to defend them.

Protecting Animals in Democracy (PAD) is a historic project that turns people power into a peaceful political force for compassionate change. But the success of this project depends on your participation. By making representations to your MP you can be the most effective advocate for animals.

What's unique about the PAD initiative is its positive, democratic focus on a political system that holds the lives of millions of animals in its hands. Unless we overturn the culture of callousness at the heart of government, then it will be impossible to progress towards a civilised society where humans co-exist harmoniously with other animals.

Political progress has to be the ultimate target for those seeking compassionate change because it is at the political level where ethical advances by the public, business and civil society are consolidated and secured.

Putting animal protection on to the political agenda

Initially, PAD put animal protection on to the agenda of the 2005 and 2010 General Elections. Showing that votes are won and lost on animal issues is an essential part of forcing politicians to start taking cruelty to animals seriously.

Now, PAD is building on the momentum achieved during the Election to advance the major animal protection proposals highlighted in our PAD manifesto, and other key animal issues that emerge on to the political agenda. By supporting PAD, you can be part of a growing network of compassionate and conscientious citizens who are committed to speaking up for animals by:

• continually pressurising a political system that currently condemns millions of animals to pain, distress and death in laboratory experiments, factory farming and other cruel practices
• giving animals a louder voice at future elections, a clamour that politicians ignore at their peril

From what we have already achieved and the reaction to the PAD campaign, we believe that PAD can make an extraordinary impact for animals. The key to fully realising that potential - and giving animals the protection they deserve - is your support and involvement.

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