“The greatness of a Nation can be judged by the way it treats its animals” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Politicians need to  stop tinkering at the edges  of animal welfare issues and instead recognise the economic, environmental and social benefits of a better deal for domestic, laboratory & farm animals.  We also want bi-partisan support foran independent, fully resourced National & State Animal Welfare Ethics Commission to replace the current cruel, costly, ad-hoc approach to laws and all aspects of animal welfare.  Mandatory micro-chipping, registration and de-sexing or paid up voucher for ALL domestic animals pre-disposal to ensure breeders and others disposing of pets cannot unfairly compete with animal welfare shelters doing the right thing.  We also want independent accountability and more transparency of scientists, and funding redirected from research using animals to humane alternatives and especially to "causes and prevention" of disease - education on hygiene and diet a good start!

“A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.”  ~ Mahatma Gandhi

The aim of National Animal Aid Society who startedthis petition isto highlight the need for bi-partisan support for real solutions to a wide range of animal welfare issues.  We are confident there are millions in Australia alonewho want change and that if we all come together with a common goal there would be national support for real solutions.  We want to generate more awareness of the costly, cruel consequences of hidden problems caused by oversupply, animal experiments, factory farming and other cruel practices.  It is almost 50 years since Professor Peter Singer published “Animal Liberation”.  Instead of a celebration we feel more like organising a wake!  Although there is greater awareness of the suffering of animals in farming, laboratories, horse racing and domestic animalsand many people show their concern by blogging on the internet about the problems, the fact is politicians remain uninformed, out of touch and totally indifferent to what they personally can and shoulddo.  Oversupply of domestic animalscontributes significantly to petsbeing treated like garbage, cast off like last year’s fashion when the novelty wears off.   Part of the disposable commodity society seems to have embraced.   Many more lead lonely, boring lives or worse end up in laboratories and other cruel practices.  We believe animal welfare groups, wildlife and environmental groups and all those who care about animals will see the common ground we all have by this petition and that if enough sign it politicians will have to sit up and take notice.  What is more they might act in a more informed way instead of the current off the cuff, ill considered responses every time an animal welfare issue hits the headlines.

I started the petition on behalf of National Animal Aid Society after meeting with various M.P.s, Council members and others.  I am appalled at how out of touch they are even those who appear to really care!  It needs to change.