The 2024 European elections are approaching and, ahead of this important event, the twelve leading Italian animal rights organisations, including Animal Law Italia, have joined forces in the Manifesto “Animals Vote Too”, which includes 10 key policy points, through which political forces and candidates in the European elections are called upon to make a concrete commitment to the protection of animals.
In a European context, where animal rights are increasingly at the centre of attention, the signatory organisations have come together to call for more safeguards and greater protections for animals within the European Union, joining the “Vote for Animals” campaign coordinated at European level by Eurogroup for Animals.
Among the demands, two stand out: the gradual elimination of cages in farming and an ambitious reform of European animal welfare legislation, with high standards and specific advances for all terrestrial and aquatic species.
The Manifesto also focuses on scientific research that does not use animals, the ban on fur farming, the fight against stray animals and the abandonment of dogs and cats, as well as the ban on long-distance transport for farming and slaughter. The demands also include support for a European policy that promotes plant-based production and animal products from cellular agriculture.
ALI, together with the other organisations involved in this initiative, supports the importance of including the issue of animal welfare in the programmes of political parties, as the protection of animals represents not only an ethical issue, but also a matter of public health and environmental protection.
As of today, the website voteforanimals.it is also live, where, in addition to the Manifesto, endorsements from candidates and parties will be added over time ahead of the European elections on 9 June, so as to allow citizens to make informed choices in the voting booth. These European elections can indeed represent an important step towards a Europe that is more attentive and respectful towards all the living beings that inhabit it.
The organisations that, together with Animal Law Italia, have signed the Manifesto are Animal Equality Italia, Animalisti Italiani, CIWF Italia, ENPA, Essere Animali, LAC, LAV, LEIDAA, LNDC Animal Protection and Save the Dogs and Other Animals.