Protecting Animals in Democracy
Animals can't vote, they can't protest, they can't
lobby MPs and they can't sue the Government for breaking the law.
Although hundreds of millions of animals suffer terribly on factory
farms and in vivisection labs because of politicians' decisions,
they are completely powerless. They are utterly dependent on good,
caring people to defend them.
But while most people are opposed to animal cruelty, Governments
have consistently ignored public concerns and deserted their moral
duty to protect animals from violence. Away from the public gaze,
they even refuse to enforce existing laws designed to give animals
at least a modicum of respect and protection.
Protecting Animals in Democracy (PAD) is a historic new project
that aims to turn people power into a peaceful political force for
compassionate change. But the success of this project depends on
your participation - people power. By making representations to your MP you can be an effective advocate for defenceless 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. At the end of the day, 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.
Putting animal protection on to the political agenda
Initially, PAD put animal protection on to the agenda of the May
2005 General Election. 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 2005 Election
to advance the six 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.
Yours for a better future,
Dr Dan Lyons
Head of Political Affairs
^ |
