FAQ

Animals Count has thoroughly researched and discussed the political implications of contesting elections at different levels in different areas. Animals Count’s Leader, Jasmijn de Boo, was heavily involved in the successful Dutch political Party for Animals from 2003 – 2004, and Deputy Leader Richard Deboo has previously been politically active. Animals Count leaders also regularly meet with animal protection experts, academics, philosophers, political advisors, and leaders from other political parties.

In this article we explain the reasons behind our past decisions, and the effects this has had on other parties.

Is there a need for a party that focuses on animal issues?

Sadly, yes. Although many animal issues are highly politicised in the UK, with advocates for animals and opponents across the political spectrum, the issues rarely achieve the top of the political agenda. Hundreds of thousands of supporters of animal protection organisations are disappointed in the current political parties, such as Labour which has broken several election promises regarding animals, or the Tories who have pledged to bring back fox hunting. These people feel their concerns about animals are not being heard. Through direct dialogue, and by contesting seats in the same constituency, a party for animals can encourage or pressure political parties to incorporate more animal-friendly policies within their own manifestos. Losing votes to Animals Count helps other parties to understand they need to more adequately represent animal interests.

Is Animals Count a single issue party?

Animals need a voice in politics and protection from policies that adversely affect them. Although our primary focus is on animal issues, we also support socially and environmentally progressive policies in non-animal areas. The important links between animals, people and the environment are central to our political ideology. In addition to basing manifestos on improved animal protection, Animals Count includes policies on a wide range of other issues, such as health, education, housing, transport, energy, justice, immigration and foreign policy.

Would a small party have any effect in a system without proportional representation?

The first-past-the-post system is not very conducive to smaller parties (and even the fourth largest party nationally – the Green Party – still does not have elected MPs). After conducting research, and discussing the issues at Animals Count’s Third Party Conference on 19th September, Animals Count decided to contest the 2010 General Elections. We are targeting a marginal seat, with the aim of influencing the overall outcome in favour of animals. We will not stand against animal-friendly candidates, nor contest constituencies for which the outcome seems to be fairly decided (whatever way).

Animals Count will be campaigning right in the heart of the political arena, with the aim of encouraging other political parties to become more animal-friendly. As long as animals are not protected adequately by existing UK political parties, a dedicated animal party needs to take the lead.

What about the Green Party?

Some argue that Animals Count takes away votes from ‘animal-friendly’ candidates, or, particularly, the Green Party. Some Green leaders and elected members are indeed excellent, and some Green policies are good for animals, but this is far from uniform – and that is precisely the problem. If these inconsistencies were adequately rectified, we would indeed support them, rather than establish a separate party.

Why did Animals Count contest the Eastern region in the 2009 European Parliament (EP) elections?

In March 2009, the Green Party leaders requested a meeting with the Animals Count leaders. Discussions were wide-ranging and positive. However, the Greens requested us not to contest the Southeast (where Caroline Lucas is MEP), London (where Jean Lambert is MEP), the East and the Northwest regions; their four key targets. We had already decided not to compete against Caroline Lucas, as we appreciate her excellent work for animals in the European Parliament to date. Our calculations showed that we would not be a threat to Jean Lambert’s seat in London, but nevertheless on this occasion we decided to honour their request not to stand in London on 4th June. On 7th June, the election results for London demonstrated that Jean Lambert had received in excess of 72,000 more votes than required for a seat. Our calculations had been correct: Animals Count would not have been a threat to the Green Party in London, had we chosen to stand there.

Examination of public policy statements revealed no mention of any policies on animal issues, by the Green Party candidate contesting the Eastern Region. For this and other reasons, we chose to contest the Eastern region. Again, our calculations informed us that Animals Count was unlikely to cost the Eastern region candidate a seat.

It is of course probable that we cost the Greens, and all other parties, a certain number of votes, but the converse is also true: by competing against us the Greens surely cost us votes as well. However, even if every single one of our votes would have otherwise gone to the Greens – which is far from likely – we would not have cost them a seat, anywhere. This is easily verifiable by checking the numbers.

Why don’t you join the Green Party?

Animals Count’s political ideology is not one of typically left or right, hence we attract more supporters than just those who would vote for the Green Party. The fact that we don’t take ‘extreme’ positions on non-animal issues is appealing to many people. From anecdotal evidence we know that voters chose for Animals Count in the 2009 EP elections because Animals Count was the only viable option for them. Some of these people had not voted in more than 20 years because they had become disillusioned with all political parties.

We have much in common with the Green Party, far more unites us than divides us, and we are delighted to continue to work together with the Green Party leaders on policy development and raising the importance of animal issues within the Green Party. If a Green candidate has a strong track record on animal issues, and is committed to making animal issues a top priority in their election campaign, we would probably not stand against that candidate but would recommend our supporters to vote for him/her.

And finally…

We live in a democracy. All parties have a right to exist (except, we believe, for those that spread hatred, racism etc.). We hope that Animals Count will help influence the policies of other political parties to become more animal friendly, which is one of the greatest achievements by the Dutch Party for the Animals before they won seats in parliament. We need support from everyone in the animal protection movement to help raise the bar for animals in politics, and we hope we can count on your support too.

Let us remember that Tories, Labour and Liberal Democrats don’t do much for either animals or the environment, apart from paying lip service. We are a dedicated political party that focuses on respect and compassion for all living beings. We will work for a world in which animals are not exploited for any purpose, which also brings huge benefits for people and the environment.

Other frequently asked questions about Animals Count

Are there any similar parties in other European countries?

The most successful party is the Dutch Political ‘Party for the Animals’ which won two seats in Dutch parliament in the general elections of 22 November 2006, 9 seats in the March 2007 Provincial State elections and one seat in the Senate. In 2008, 12 representatives were elected to provincial water board committees.

Similar parties for the animals also exist in Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal, Israel and Canada.

Do you have to be a vegetarian to join?

All animal advocates are welcome to become a member. People who profit from animal abuse practices will be barred. We expect that when more facts become available about animal cruelty, the adverse impacts of livestock farming on climate change and on people’s health, people will change their lifestyle.

I like the Animals Count idea. How can I help?

• Become a member for only £12 per year or donate more if you can
• Spread the word to friends and family and distribute the leaflet to as many people as possible
• Donate your time and volunteer for us. To find out more come to our next meeting or contact us.