OCTOBER 2008 NEWS
Latest scientific evidence shows animal experiments are unnecessary
Animals Count President Andrew Knight has recently published an in-depth scientific paper describing alternatives to laboratory animal use. This publication is the latest in a series of scientific studies by Andrew, demonstrating the poor human predictivity and utility of animal experiments, and describing non-animal alternatives. Jointly, this sizeable set of publications now provide most of the strongest scientific evidence in this field.
31 October 2008 
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Responses to petitions to the PM
Number10.gov.uk recently replied to two petitions to the PM related to animal issues. Read their response regarding:
- Trade of animals via the internet and
- The byelaw on Trafalgar Square prohibiting pigeon feeding
Animals Count believes the answer regarding pigeons is not satisfactory, and urges petitioners to contribute their views to Natural England's consultation on licences, which will be available on the Natural England website: www.naturalengland.org.uk
The reply to the issue of internet trade looks more promising, but Animals Count is concerned about lack of proper implementation and enforcement of the proposed changes. We will monitor this issue closely.
30 October, 2008
Another blow against show-dog exploitation
Pet-food giant Pedigree recently announced the termination of its long-running and lucrative sponsorship of Crufts. This news follows BBC documentary allegations of unhealthily inbred animals, and a boycott by the RSPCA on the grounds of "deformed and disabled" dogs. Animals Count opposes animal exploitation for owners' personal gratification, and hopes such high-profile endorsements of this view reflect a shift in public opinion.
29 October 2008 READ MORE
Welsh police officers abused their pet dogs
Two police officers admitted causing unnecessary suffering to their dogs by kicking them. They had been filmed by neighbours who had passed on the evidence to the RSPCA. The dogs have been signed over to the RSPCA and the police officers face jail sentences. Animals Count is shocked to learn that people with an example-setting function in society show such cruel behaviour. Have they become desensitised to violence? Animals Count urges the police force to ensure humane attitudes towards all life are maintained.
BBC, 28 October 2008
World Food Day - 16th October
Today the world celebrates World Food Day, organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). This year's theme is World Food Security: the Challenges of Climate Change and Bioenergy. Animals Count believes that the most effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to reduce the consumption of meat and dairy products, and increase the consumption of plant-based foods.
16 October, 2008 READ MORE
Canadian Party for animals contested Federal elections
On the 14th of October the Animal Alliance Environment Voters Party (AAEVP) of Canada contested the Federal Election 2008 and received 529 votes. Canada is mostly dominated by the Conservative Party, whose leader Harper openly defends the barbaric annual culling of over 250,000 seals. Prior to the elections the National Post covered the AAEVP's ambitions. In addition to the successful Dutch Party for the Animals, and the UK party Animals Count, parties focusing on animals exist in Germany, Austria, France, and Spain.
15 October, 2008
Overfishing cause of species going extinct
A new report prepared by the Marine Conservation Society demonstrates that UK fish are facing extinction as a result of overfishing. The report was released as the government prepares its marine bill for parliament. Animals Count commented last week on the Scottish Marine Bill and also expressed concern about the fate of marine species. Animals Count urges the government to take drastic action to halt damage to all marine life.
14 October, 2008
Kennel Club responds to animal cruelty criticism by changing breed standards
The Pekingese dog will be the first dog breed to undergo changes in breed standards to address their short muzzle causing breathing problems. The Kennel Club came under fire after a BBC investigation into pure breed health problems in August, and has now responded by changing standards. Animals Count believes that breeding of companion animals to meet breed standards or for other purposes that result in hereditary anatomical, physiological or other impairments potentially contrary to animal welfare should be banned.
Times Online, 8 October, 2008
Eating meat and dairy may stimulate development of prostate cancer
A new major study shows that those who eat a lot of meat and dairy are more likely to develop prostate cancer. This is due to higher hormone levels, Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1,) which promotes cell growth. We already knew that cholesterol, saturated fatty acids and free radicals are other examples of health hazards of meat and dairy products. In addition, the production of meat and dairy involves animal suffering and it is costing the earth; a new report, reported by The Guardian calls for serious meat rationing in order to avoid run-away climate change.
BBC, 7 October, 2008
Animals Count comments on Scottish Marine Bill
Animals Count has provided a response to the consultation paper 'Sustainable Seas for All: a consultation on Scotland's first marine bill'. Seal protection is not guaranteed under the new Bill, and the exploitation of fish and other marine animals will continue as profit seems to be valued higher than protection of the marine world. Although 'sustainability' is used throughout the Bill, Animals Count believes more could be done to promote biodiversity.
6 October, 2008 READ MORE
World Animal Day: Animals Count held successful first Party Conference
Animals Count successfully held its first Party Conference in Birmingham. During the past year Animals Count has significantly grown, and it has contested the London Assembly elections. As we head for the European Parliament (EP) elections in June 2009 we have much bigger plans. At the conference members discussed and voted on a range of organisational and policy issues. Several members pledged significant financial support for the EP elections next year.
5 October, 2008 READ MORE
Campaigning against bloodsport-loving Cameron
David Cameron is being attacked not only for being stuck in the past (see Mirror news article), but also for pledging to bring back hunting with dogs. Last week, people gathered outside the Tory Conference in Birmingham to protest against plans by the Tory leader to repeal the hunting act, should he take power at the next election. A recent opinion poll by the highly respected Mori polling organization, shows that even the majority of Conservative voters are opposed to a repeal of the ban on hunting with dogs.
Daily Post, 3 October, 2008
Sarah Palin wrestling with polar bears
Whoever still believes Sarah Palin is a good choice to be running America is sadly mistaken. Her love for hunting, oil, gas and other environmentally destructive activities is so strong that she sued the US government to overturn a ruling attempting to classify the polar bear as an endangered species. The ruling will be after the Presidential elections, in January. Let's hope the American people are wise enough to deny Palin any chance to further destroy the world.
The Guardian, 2 October, 2008 READ MORE
Over 100 neglected and dead animals on Northern Ireland farm
The USPCA and police have removed more than a hundred animals, of which 60 were dead, from a farm in County Down. Gruesome situations were encountered. The remaining animals have been moved to shelters, and the USPCA recommends prosecution. Animals Count seeks the implementation of policies to prevent cruelty and to instil an attitude of responsibility and compassion for animals and a commitment to their lifelong care.
BBC, 1 October, 2008
London Zoo to spend £5m on tiger enclosure
A November 2007 licensing inspection of London Zoo stipulated the Zoo would have to submit plans for a larger outdoor tiger enclosure within two years, so that the tigers could be separated. The new tigress, acquired to supplement the shrinking population of Sumatran tigers, and the male did not get on. Rather than pumping huge sums of money in ex-situ conservation plans, Animals Count believes the £5m would be much better spent in-situ, to preserve the natural habitat of Sumatran tigers and to prevent further biodiversity loss.
The Independent, 1 October, 2008
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