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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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

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 supporters of animal protection organisations are disappointed in the current political parties, such as Labour which has broken promises, and feel their concerns about animals are not heard.

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Why establish a new ‘animal’ party instead of joining the Green Party?

We have much in common with the Green Party, far more unites us than divides us, and we would be delighted to work together with them.
Many people feel that animal issues are not high enough on the Green Party’s agenda. If a Green candidate has a strong track record on animal issues, we would probably not stand against that candidate but would recommend our supporters to vote for him/her.
But let us remember that Tories, Labour and Liberal Democrats do not do much for either animals or the environment. We are a dedicated political party that focuses on respect and compassion for all animals. 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.

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Is Animals Count a single issue party?

Although our primary focus is animal issues, we do support socially and environmentally progressive policies in non-animal areas.
The important link between animals, people and the environment is key in our message. Obviously justice, immigration, foreign policy and other issues are important too, but other political parties already deal with them. Animals need a voice in politics and protection from policies that adversely affect them.

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Would a small new party have any effect in a system where there is no proportional representation?

The first-past-the-post system is not conducive to establishing new parties; however we intend to contest local and European Parliamentary elections where there is a mixed proportional representation system.
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 is required to take the lead.

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Will Animals Count be linked to the animal liberation front?

No. While we understand the profound frustration many animal advocates feel about the serious abuses of animals that occur in various sectors and the slow rate of change, we are a strictly legal political party that seeks to advocate for animals within the political arena.

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Are there any similar parties in other European countries?

Yes! 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 Provincial elections and one seat in the Senate.
In Germany, France, Spain and Canada similar parties for the animals exist.

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Where will Animals Count be active?

Animals Count intends to field candidates in the June 2009 European Parliamentary elections, but the Party will consider contesting elections nationwide in the near future.

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Do you have to be a vegetarian to join?

No, 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 about animal cruelty, the adverse impact of meat on the earth and on people’s health become available, people will change their lifestyle.

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

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