The definition of terrorism has been widened to the extent that it would have ensnared the suffragettes and the Greenham Common women. There is already a panoply of legislation to quell violent demos and deal with other forms of lawbreaking by activists. Conclusion The Blair government's animal welfare record leads animal advocates to be justifiably sceptical about further promises from any and all national parties. This is the case even though the concept of animal protection seems deeply imbedded within the Green Party's policy framework, and despite positive and tireless work on behalf of animals by the Lib Dems' Norman Baker. How animal advocates will vote The 'animal constituency' is a significant one.
Animal welfare is said to generate more letters from constituents to their MPs than any other issue.
This is not soft-headedness but a sign that many people recognise the vulnerability of animals in our culture, and are determined to win for them genuine protection. Whether and how these might translate into action is the big question. The Green Party has the soundest animal-friendly policies and a vote for that party would serve as encouragement. Animal Aid, even at this late hour, urges all parties and individual politicians to recognise their moral duty to the hundreds of millions of animals who, every year, are slaughtered, hunted, experimented on, exploited by the pet trade, by circuses, zoos and in other ways. By speaking out in their defence, the plight of these animals will find a place on the news agenda during election coverage.