Similar initiatives around the world

Similar initiatives around the world

If you think that Animals Count is an isolated 'drop in the ocean' it is good to realise that it is, in fact, part of a global movement of recognising the rights of animals, like those of people, in the political arena. Animal protection is no longer marginalised, but at the centre of people's concerns. In addition to NGO's professional political parties can make a world of difference for animals, the environment and people.

Dutch political 'Party for the Animals'

Our inspiration is the Dutch political 'Party for the Animals' (in Dutch 'Partij voor de dieren') which has been the most successful 'animal' party so far; on 22 November 2006 they won two seats in Dutch National Parliament, which is unique in the world! The Dutch PA manifesto includes 220 measures to protect all living creatures and the environment from unnecessary and cruel exploitation. Furthermore, it offers policies on domestic and foreign affairs, defence, education, health, labour and pensions.

Similar initiatives around the world

Similar initiatives exist in Germany, France, Belgium, Spain, Canada and Australia and some of these parties contested in local or national elections. The German 'Partei Mensch Umwelt Tierschutz' (or 'Animal Protection') was already founded in 1993 as a political splinter party. In Australia a coalition of animal groups started the 'Ban Live Exports Party' in January 2004 to support the ongoing campaign against the export of sheep to the Middle East. They focused on marginal political seats, but did not expect to win any of these seats themselves. Instead they applied pressure to the dominant Labour Party to improve its position on live exports or risk losing key seats, using the Australian system of preferential voting.