About
Animals Count is a UK political party for people and animals, established in December 2006. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 Animals Count contested elections. We received 13,201 votes in the Eastern region of England during the June 2009 EU elections, and we received more national media coverage in 2010 than most other small political parties. Animals Count is based on the highly successful Dutch political ‘Party for the Animals’, which has 26 elected representatives, including two MPs and a senator.
Animal protection is an issue dear to millions of people. MP’s receive more mail about animals than on any other topic. Yet, animals are poorly protected by Parliament. While concern for animals is a mainstream priority, this is poorly reflected in the policies of most UK political parties. Often, animal protection ends up at the bottom of the political agenda, with politicians paying only lip service to animal welfare. Meanwhile, millions of animals continue to suffer in unacceptable conditions. Poor treatment of animals reflects badly on society and can also increase risks to human health e.g. BSE, E.coli and bird flu.
Supporting Animals Count will show politicians in other parties that the British public does care about animal issues. This will influence their policies and actions. Electing candidates from the main parties is a wasted opportunity for the animals, and people will not notice any real difference to their day to day lives, whichever main party wins. A vote for Animals Count is a vote for justice for everyone!
Animals Count’s vision is a world in which animals are not exploited and are seen and treated as sentient beings.
Our mission is to establish a voice for the animals through a dedicated political party, which focuses on respect and compassion for all living beings.
Our constitution is based on the ethics of respect for life. Just like human beings, non-human animals have an interest in being alive and experiencing positive mental states, and an interest in avoiding suffering, illness and death. As ethical human beings we have an obligation to respect and protect their interests. Doing so leads to a more compassionate and healthier society, which benefits humans too.
What we do
Animals Count aims to take animal issues to the top of the political agenda and to raise the bar. We do this by setting the best policies for animals, encouraging existing political parties to become more animal friendly, and contesting elections.
Who we are
Leader Jasmijn de Boo was an active member of the highly successful Dutch Political ‘Party for the Animals’ before she immigrated to the UK in 2004. She was recently a candidate for the Dutch Party during the 9th June 2010 Dutch National elections when the party maintained two seats in Parliament.
In the past few years, several dozen members have been actively involved, as electoral candidates, Deputy-leader, Secretary, Treasurer, fundraisers and as general active members. Currently, the Elected Animals Count Committee of National Officers include:
- Leader and co-founder: Jasmijn de Boo (London)
- Treasurer: Louise Cobham (London)
- Nominating Officer: Fiona McNeill (London)
- Spokespersons: Andrew Knight (veterinarian, London)
- Co-founder: Shaun Rutherford (Milford Haven)
Celebrity Endorsement
Click Here to read quotes from celebrities, public figures and academics who support the work of Animals Count.
Business support
We would like to thank the following companies who have donated items in kind for our auctions or other fundraising events. If you mention ‘Animals Count’ when ordering Tishbi wine from Greenborders, they will donate £1 for every bottle sold to Animals Count.
Similar initiatives
For information about similar political parties for animals worldwide, such as the Dutch political Party for Animals, the Austrian Tierrechtspartei, the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party of Canada, the German Tierschutzpartei, the Spanish PACMA, the Australian Animal Justice Party and others, go to similar initiatives.
