OneKind news

Hope for Welsh badgers facing cull

Tuesday, 16 February 2010 15:08

Thousands of badgers in Wales face being killed under orders of the Welsh Assembly in a highly controversial and misguided attempt to reduce the incidence of Bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in dairy cattle. However a legal challenge may thwart the Assembly’s cull plans.

Failure to ban snares splits SNP

Monday, 15 February 2010 15:45

The refusal of Scottish Nationalist ministers to abide by party policy and ban the snaring of wild animals has sparked growing discontent within the ranks of the SNP.

One party official has resigned in disgust, others are known to be unhappy and several SNP MSPs have signalled their opposition. Snaring, they say, is cruel and inhumane, sometimes forcing innocent animals to slowly strangle themselves.

Seals to be given better protection as Marine Bill passed by Scottish Parliament

Thursday, 04 February 2010 16:54

Seals in Scottish waters will have more legal protection under the Marine (Scotland) Bill which was today passed by the Scottish Parliament.

Following an intensive campaign by Advocates for Animals, the Bill, which replaces the outdated Conservation of Seals Act 1970, was today strengthened and passed.

20,000 emails to MSPs urging support for seal breeding season amendment

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 14:29

Tomorrow the Scottish Parliament will have a final debate on the Marine (Scotland) Bill. Over 20,000 emails have been sent to MSPs asking them to support Robin Harper MSP’s amendment to ban the shooting of seals. Celebrity naturalist Terry Nutkins has also written to all MSPs in a final attempt to urge them to ban the shooting of seals during their breeding seasons.

Draft guidelines for private primate care welcomed

Tuesday, 26 January 2010 13:03

Last week the Scottish Government released for consultation its “Draft Code of Practice on the Welfare of Privately Kept Non-Human Primates”.  This is a welcome step.  The number of privately kept primates in Scotland is estimated to be around 200, but the welfare of each of these primates – such as marmosets or macaques – is vitally important.

MSPs bombarded by 10,000 letters demanding protection for Scotland's seals

Monday, 25 January 2010 12:20

Just five days since asking our supporters to take action to protect seals from being shot in their breeding seasons over 10,000 letters to MSPs, including leaders of the political parties, have been sent. This overwhelming and rapid response demonstrates the strength of support for our campaign to ban the shooting of seals in their breeding seasons.

Snaring regulations "fall short of necessary total ban"

Friday, 22 January 2010 15:51

The Scottish Government Environment Minister, Roseanna Cunningham MSP, has today (22 January 2010) announced new regulations to improve snaring practice. 

Support for seals urgently needed

Thursday, 21 January 2010 16:10

The fate of seals will be decided on Thursday 4 February when a new Marine Bill will be agreed by the Scottish Parliament. Scotland is guardian to globally important populations of grey seals and common seals. 90% of the UK’s seals are in Scottish waters. Yet thousands of seals are shot every year by fish farmers, salmon netsmen and fishermen.

Benjamin and the leopard make a perfect couplet for OneKind campaign

Monday, 18 January 2010 15:57

One of Britain’s most celebrated and successful poets, Benjamin Zephaniah is the latest celebrity to support our OneKind campaign. From poetry anthologies and novels to children’s books and plays, Benjamin has influenced modern British writing and a generation’s views on equality, compassion and activism.

SNP snaring policy based on "lack of research and a disregard for public opinion"

Tuesday, 12 January 2010 17:08

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP gave evidence to the Public Petitions Committee this afternoon about Scottish Government policy on snaring. She was called by the Committee as part of its consideration of the 10,000 strong petition against snaring that was lodged almost two years ago.

Minister in spotlight as snared badger numbers soar

Monday, 11 January 2010 14:39

Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP will today be quizzed by the Public Petitions Committee on the Government’s policy on snaring. This session coincides with the release of new figures showing the number of badgers being trapped in illegal snares. In 2009 of the 19 cases recorded by Scottish Badgers, all but one were deemed to be criminal.

End to branding of horses and ponies in sight

Wednesday, 06 January 2010 16:19

Advocates for Animals has welcomed proposals by the Scottish Government to end the use of hot branding for horses and ponies in Scotland. Along with equine welfare organisations, MSPs and a number of individuals including Borders vet Alex Copland, we have repeatedly called for hot branding to be outlawed.

Fox hunting is no human right, says European Court

Sunday, 20 December 2009 12:17

Advocates for Animals is delighted that the European Court of Human Rights has comprehensively rejected complaints against the United Kingdom by a supporter of foxhunting and the Countryside Alliance.

OneKind to attend Edinburgh Ethical Christmas Fayre

Tuesday, 15 December 2009 17:13

Advocates for Animals will be at this year's Ethical Christmas Fayre in central Edinburgh, promoting the OneKind message and selling some very tasty chocolate.

The campaign goes on for Scotland's seals

Wednesday, 02 December 2009 17:04

Members of the Rural Affairs and Environment Committee in the Scottish Parliament considered a raft of amendments to the Marine (Scotland) Bill on Wednesday 2 December.

Have a heart for Scotland's seals says Queen legend Brian May

Tuesday, 01 December 2009 12:13

Brian May has written to the Scottish Government ahead of a crucial parliamentary meeting tomorrow, asking it to ensure that the Scottish Marine Bill brings an end to the killing of seals during their breeding seasons.

Nutkins Calls For Seal Breeding Season Shooting Ban

Friday, 27 November 2009 15:52

TV naturalist Terry Nutkins has supported our campaign to LOOK OUT for SEALS and has written to the Scottish Parliament calling for a ban on shooting seals during their breeding seasons.

EU seal trade ban welcomed but Scotland’s seals in danger

Friday, 20 November 2009 12:42

Animal welfare organisations celebrated some fantastic news on 20 November as European legislation banning the trade of seal products came into force.

Environment Minister faces questions on snaring policy

Thursday, 19 November 2009 09:44

The Scottish Government Environment Minister Roseanna Cunningham MSP is to be called before the Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee to answer questions on the Government’s policy on snaring.

Foie Gras off the menu for Scottish Government functions

Wednesday, 18 November 2009 14:04

Advocates for Animals and Labour MSP Irene Oldfather have received assurance that Foie Gras will no longer be served at functions hosted at the First Minister’s Bute House.

Massive rise in Scottish animal experiments

Wednesday, 18 November 2009 13:42

The number of scientific experiments on animals rose by 42% in Scotland last year. The majority of this increase was due to more fish being used by universities and medical schools.

More Hedgehogs make it from Uist to mainland

Wednesday, 11 November 2009 11:41

Over 100 hedgehogs have been humanely transferred by Uist Hedgehog Rescue (UHR) to the Scottish mainland during the latest phase of trapping in the Benbecula area of the Uists.

Look Out for Seals campaign wins MSP acclaim

Thursday, 05 November 2009 12:53

On 29th October the Scottish Parliament held its first full debate on the Marine (Scotland) Bill and, though it proposes measures across a wide range of areas, there was one topic that dominated discussion.

Celebrities line up to support OneKind campaign

Wednesday, 28 October 2009 13:35

Strictly Come Dancing judge and pop star Alesha Dixon, chat show host Paul O’Grady and comedian Johnny Vegas have all lent their faces to our new advertising campaign launched today.

Alesha supports OneKind

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 16:59

Alesha Dixon, pop star and Strictly Come Dancing judge, is lending her face to to the launch of Advocates for Animals’ new OneKind campaign. The striking image features the animal-loving celebrity’s face, alongside a cat showing a similar expression, with the strapline ‘We’re not that different’.

Ground-breaking new OneKind campaign launched

Wednesday, 21 October 2009 09:47

Advocates for Animals has launched a groundbreaking new campaign, OneKind. OneKind recognises, celebrates and promotes the fact that animals have feelings.

Good girls enjoy OneKind Living

Tuesday, 20 October 2009 09:50

The launch of the new Advocates for Animals campaign, OneKind, will coincide with Girls’ Day Out; a massive health, beauty and fashion show at Glasgow's SECC on the 23rd-25th October.

Scottish Marine Bill Report calls for changes to protect seals

Friday, 09 October 2009 00:00

Advocates for Animals has welcomed much of the Marine (Scotland) Bill report1 released today by the Scottish Parliament Rural Affairs Committee, which proposes improvements to protect Scotland’s seals.

A welcome end to notorious tests

Monday, 28 September 2009 13:04

Advocates for Animals has welcomed the news that non-animal methods to replace the Draize rabbit test for severe eye irritancy have now been accepted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Show the European Commission that animal welfare is important

Wednesday, 23 September 2009 11:16

We need your help to tell the Commission that animal welfare is a major concern for many EU citizens.

Richard Briers provides voice for animation

Friday, 11 September 2009 11:14

We are delighted to have the distinctive voice of Richard Briers for the narration of our new short film Bonnie's Tale; a voice which we have grown to love over the past few decades.

Badger trapper receives record fine

Wednesday, 19 August 2009 11:06

A fine of £3,500 has been handed to a farm manager and gamekeeper who snared and shot dead four badgers. Anthony Rogers who is from Dumfriesshire, claimed he had shot the animals humanely after they were accidentally trapped and injured in a wood on his farm.

'Glorious 12th' signals start of grouse slaughter

Tuesday, 11 August 2009 11:08

On 12 August the shooting season for red grouse begins in the UK, and this iconic bird will suddenly find itself in the line of fire. This first day is often called the 'glorious 12th', though in our opinion 'inglorious 12th' would describe it better.

Consultation offers hope to greyhounds

Monday, 03 August 2009 11:09

Advocates for Animals welcomed the opportunity to respond to DEFRA’s consultation on proposals for welfare of racing greyhounds regulations.

John completes 1000-mile bike ride!

Thursday, 23 July 2009 11:10

John Robertson, a 34-year-old Graphic Designer from Edinburgh, has today completed his epic solo cycling voyage in which he travelled from Land's End to John O' Groats.