Statements of support for Animals Count
'The animals can't vote. That's why we need a political party that stands up for them. And in the EU elections, thanks to proportional representation, small parties like Animals Count have a fair chance of winning a seat.'
Peter Singer, Ira W. DeCamp Professor of Bioethics, University Center for Human Values, Princeton University
TheLifeYouCanSave.com
'I have long felt that until we begin to treat the animals that share our planet, both wild and domestic, with dignity and respect, we, as a species, will not evolve any further. If we can respect their right to existence, then, hopefully, we can learn to respect our own. Organizations that speak up for the rights of all other creatures have been badly needed. I believe, ‘Animals Count,’ helps to fill that void.
They have my full support.'
Nicholas Ball, Actor
'Thank you, for letting me know about your new political party. I hope you're as
successful as the Dutch have been. I endorse your efforts.'
Charles Patterson, Author 'Eternal Treblinka'
EternalTreblinka.com
'Oppressive treatment of animals--widely known as speciesism--has enjoyed no more
convincing defence than has racism or sexism. The most common rationalization of human
chauvinism includes denigrations of animals' mental abilities. However, such a ploy only
succeeds in making animal rights logical next-of-kin to the rights of mentally
disadvantaged humans. Animals Count promises to bring Great Britain into a new era of
concern for animals in a legislatively responsible manner. It will build respect for
animals on the basis of prudent alliances with any who might substantively further the
goal of building such esteem in the form of progressive laws, policies, and public
education. Animals Count's international precedent-setting can also be anticipated to be
highly significant. I enthusiastically endorse the goals and activities of this
political party.'
David Sztybel, PhD
Instructor in Sociology at Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
'One thing for sure is this struggle to make life better for animals will not be over until every country raises their standard of animal welfare and I hope together we might gain support for vital initiatives of this nature. Supporting Animals Count is a good idea, informative, important and fun!'
Maria Daines, singer/songwriter
'Millions of animals continue to be exploited every day for food, consumer products, so-called 'sports' or other forms of entertainment, and as models for human disease. Animals Count is committed to ending animal suffering through political action.'
Twiggy Lawson, super model
'It is time for a full re-evaluation of our role on this planet. Nothing less will be enough. And it cannot be too soon. The time to start is now. I say this as a Scientist and a Human Being. As a scientist, there is no proof available that we are more important than the rest of the sentient creatures on this planet. As a human being ... in my heart, I know that the terrible indignities and pain suffered by these pitiful animals are unjustifiable in humanitarian terms. And do not tell me that the lives of our children depend on torturing these creatures. They have lied to you. They do not. I have all the evidence. And so does the new political party Animals Count, whose aims I support wholeheartedly.'
Dr. Brian May, Musician
'I have looked at the Website for Animals Count and have spoken to one of the founders of the organization and I have to say that I have been deeply impressed. I am taken with the energy and the commitment of the group, but also by how widely they range. It is important, if we expect people to care about a different species, to demonstrate in our own work that we are not confining our interest to a narrow segment of a problem, but can look at all aspects, close and far. I heartily endorse what Animals Count is doing and I expect to see many political successes in the months to come.'
Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, Ph.D., author of When Elephants Weep; Dogs Never Lie About Love; The Nine Emotional Lives of Cats; the Pig Who Sang to the Moon, and other books about animal emotions.
'Today's political culture depends on how much money a party has and advertising.
[It is] sad but necessary that a party specifically concerned with animal rights should exist.'
Benjamin Zephaniah, musician and poet
'I was very interested to read about the launch of 'Animals Count'. I wholeheartedly support it as a useful way of campaigning on animal issues.'
Professor Robert Garner, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Leicester
'I wish Animals Count every success. With our first-past-the-post system of election here in the UK [they] will not get any candidate elected, but [they] could pressurise some of the other parties in closely-contested seats.'
Dr Richard Ryder, psychologist, coined the term 'speciesism' in the seventies
Meeting Jane Goodall in Tanzania
On 20 June, Jasmijn de Boo met with Dr Jane Goodall in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We spoke about a range of issues, including the inhumane treatment of dogs in Africa, the dreadful situation for most farm animals in the UK, and petitioning for a ban on animal use in biomedical research and testing in Brussels. Dr Goodall agreed that Animals Count is raising awareness and aiming to influence other political parties to be more animal-friendly.
23 June, 2008 