How to Improve Our Animal Welfare Laws
Recently in the UK, Rishi Sunak reversed one of the good things that Boris Johnson did as Prime Minister, and scrapped one of the most forward-thinking animal welfare package of laws ever seen.
Whatever your views of him, Tory MP Zac Goldsmith resigned saying he was ‘horrified that the kept animals bill has been ditched’.
RSPCA and British Veterinary Association were also appalled, as the Bill would have tackled puppy smuggling, banned import of dogs with cropped ears and reviewed zoo standards.
Advocates for Animals is the first UK law firm that works with individuals, animal groups and activists on a wide range of legal areas, to enforce and protect animals.
A-Law has lots of free info onsite, collectively run by volunteer lawyers.
These organisations are similar to the USA’s Animal Legal Defense Fund whose attorneys specialise in helping animal legal cases, and also work to improve animal welfare laws.
World Federation for Animals
World Federation for Animals has an extensive library of policy suggestions, brought together by over 60 organisations embarking on a journey to ensure animal welfare is part of political, financial and business policy worldwide.
From helping animals involved in the food and fashion industries to looking at biodiversity and environmental issues, it covers everything from endangered species to marine creatures.
Chief Executive Officer Dr James Yeates was previously CEO of Cats Protection and the RSPCA’s Chief Veterinary Officer, and has advised UK MPs on animal welfare.
The Olsen Animal Trust is a wonderful organisation that supports many animal welfare projects both in England and abroad.
Inspired by helping to rescue a French circus lion (who with another lioness rescued from a Romanian zoo spent their final years shown compassion at a wildlife sanctuary, this family charity is a great place to find authentic projects to support.
The Animal Manifesto is a wonderful book by one of the world’s experts on animal emotions. This is a call to include all creatures in our circle of empathy and compassion, driven by moral reasons and environmental realities.
Marc Bekoff offers six compelling reasons for changing the way we treat animals – whether they are in factory farms, labs, circuses or our vanishing wilderness. This is a well-researched and informative guide to change their lives for the better.
DawnWatch is a wonderful idea from an animal welfare writer in the USA, which someone could do here. She basically has a site that lists all the current animal welfare concerns, so that people can collectively get involved by writing to MPs, boycotting brands or pressing for change. What a great idea!
