Animals would vote to remain

As a nation of animal lovers, it’s worth taking a step back and thinking of the positive things we have achieved together in Europe.

So often, they remain unseen and unacknowledged.

It was the EU that first recognised animals as sentient beings: the EU Lisbon Treaty stipulates that, as sentient beings, full regard should be paid to animals’ welfare requirements.

Owing to this recognition, EU animal protection laws are frequently stronger than those applied in other parts of the world.

Together with our EU neighbours, we have improved conditions for animals where national governments have failed to act.

Crucially, the influence of these improvements has been felt beyond European borders too.

The EU brought in a blanket ban on cosmetic animal testing and the sale of animal-tested cosmetics; ended the use of great apes in research, improved welfare standards for farm animals, strengthened protections for rare and endangered species and cracked down on the illegal ivory trade.

EU bans on the import of cat and dog fur and the trade in seal products also ensure that our continent doesn’t contribute to these gruesome industries.

As a passionate animal welfare advocate, I know there is a desperate need to campaign for better standards, but I also know that we are far better placed to achieve those goals within the EU.

The dangers facing many animals, from the international trade in puppies to trophy hunting and wildlife crime, can only be tackled by working across borders.

Animals need the EU, and as a nation of animal lovers, we need to vote Remain.

Keith Taylor

Animals Spokesman

Green Party

Green MEP

South East

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