? ' As An Animal, How Should I Vote Tomorrow?

The results of a survey by The World Society for the Protection of Animals, (WSPA) may offer some guidance. After writing to every Parliamentary Candidate in tomorrow's election, the WSPA reveals who did, and who did not respond to its questions about animal welfare issues.

All candidates were asked 3 questions on subjects where the WSPA thinks the UK Government can make a difference:

1. Will you oppose gigantic, intensive indoor dairy farms, like the proposed Nocton Dairies farm in Lincolnshire?

2. Will you press the new Government for a public statement renewing the UK’s support for an end to cruel bear bile farming in Asia?

3. What will your party do to ensure the commercial whaling ban is upheld?

The largest response came from the Green Party. The Green Party is fielding 335 candidates in this General Election. (Incidentally, at 33% it also has the highest percentage of female candidates.)

  • 107 Green Party candidates responded to the WSPA survey.


    • However, the varying level of response from the three main parties makes the most interesting reading. When looking solely at these three, the results show the Liberal Democrats as most responsive

  • 20 Conservative Party candidates responded to the survey.

  • 55 Labour Party candidates responded to the survey.

  • 68 Lib Dem Party candidates responded to the survey.


    • In their manifestos

    The Conservative Party says it will..

  • allow a free vote to repeal the Hunting Act

  • tackle smuggling and illegal trade in wildlife

  • introduce new codes of practice on pet ownership

  • target irresponsible owners of dangerous dogs

  • oppose any resumption of commercial whaling

  • press for a total ban on ivory sales

  • promote the highest standards of farm animal welfare

  • work to reduce the use of animals in scientific research


    • The Labour Party says it will..

  • campaign to end illegal trading in ivory

  • campaign to protect species such as polar bears, seals and bluefin tuna

  • bring forward further animal welfare measures following the bans it introduced on foxhunting and animal testing for cosmetics and tobacco


    • The Liberal Democrat Party says it will..

  • enhance protection for animals

  • merge existing quangos to establish an Animal Protection Commission to investigate abuses, educate the public and enforce the law

  • end testing of household products on animals

  • work towards enforcement of regulations for the transportation of live animals across EU member states


    • The Green Party says it will..

  • phase out all forms of factory farming of animals and enforce strict animal welfare standards generally

  • ensure that the European ban on seal imports is implemented

  • ban the import of real fur products

  • ensure that real fur is clearly labelled until a ban is in place

  • press the EU to ban fur factory farming

  • introduce non-lethal alternatives to shooting seals at fish farms

  • maintain the ban on hunting with dogs and extend to other blood sports, including the use of snares

  • oppose badger culling

  • immediately ban causing harm to animals in research, testing and education, and invest in the development of alternatives to animal experiments

  • end live animal exports and limit journey times for all animal transport

  • ban the production and sale of eggs produced from hens kept in battery cages

  • regulate the companion animal trade including a ban on the import of 'exotic pets'