We all need to be humane towards animals

Local election candidates are setting out their views to voters.

The well-rehearsed issues are trotted out, but animal welfare is never mentioned.

Local politicians have failed to embrace this issue.

Attempts by lobby groups to raise animal welfare at local political level have met with cowardice and hostility. Fossilised politicians cannot comprehend fair treatment of the non-human members of our society.

We need better animal-welfare legislation. I appeal to readers to raise the issue of animal welfare with local election candidates.

Ask them what they are doing to put animal-welfare issues on the political agenda. If they respond by saying human welfare is their priority and animals are for us to use, tell them they have lost your vote.

Animal welfare and human welfare are entwined. How we treat the non-humans members of society is a reflection on how we treat humans.

Elections candidates who align their campaign with animal welfare will reap the political reward.

By voting for compassionate candidates, you are giving a voice to the voiceless.

John Tierney

Campaigns Director Association of Hunt Saboteurs

Dublin 1