During the London elections of May 1st, 2008, Animals
Count (AC) became the first political party for the
animals to contest a UK election. Launched in 2006 by
London-based animal welfare scientist and educator
Jasmijn de Boo, AC was established to raise the status of
animal issues within UK politics. We’ve grown from the
successful Dutch Party for the Animals, which is the
fastest growing political party in Europe.
Animals Count aims to set the standard as the political
party advocating most strongly for animals within the UK,
whilst also supporting other socially and environmentally
responsible policies. We seek to demonstrate by example,
that comprehensive, well-reasoned policies on animal
issues are not only possible, but desirable, and can
enhance the manifestos of political parties. We’ve had
some success at encouraging the adoption of
animal-friendly policies by other parties with a far
greater command of political power. Indeed, the potential
to positively influence much larger parties offers the
greatest potential benefits. Accordingly, we have met
various MPs to advocate animal-friendly policies.
Additionally, we seek to demonstrate that voters care
about animal issues, by directly contesting elections.
This presentation by AC’s Spokesperson reviews political
parties and actions for animals within Europe and abroad;
describes the development of AC; outlines our main
policies; and our strategies for raising the status of
animal issues within UK politics.