EAST MIDLANDERS VOTE: NO MORE LARGE ANIMALS IN ZOOS

POLL REVEALS 75% OF EAST MIDLANDERS BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD END KEEPING LARGE ANIMALS IN ZOOS.

That’s just one of the urgent, inescapable messages sent by UK citizens to politicians of all persuasions as highlighted in research commissioned by international wildlife charity Born Free. At least 88% of those polled by Opinion Matters in the East Midlands believe it to be very or quite important for the next government to include commitments to improving wild animal welfare, tackling wildlife crime and improving wildlife protection in their manifestos.

Will Travers OBE, Born Free Co-Founder commented: “The British public has consistently called on parliamentarians to improve animal welfare and to take the measures necessary to restore our depleted fauna and flora and protect the diverse habitats on which they depend. Yet the conservation and welfare of our native wildlife remains an afterthought. This has to change.”

Key among the findings was that 75% of those surveyed in the East Midlands believe it is very or quite important the next UK government phase-out the keeping of large animals, such as elephants, lions, tigers, giraffe and rhino, in zoos, wildlife parks and other captive facilities. Poll results also suggest respondents in the East Midlands want transparent and robust assurances their money is spent in ways that reflect their values and a lasting commitment to the preservation of the natural world. A resounding 91% declared it very or quite important that the next UK government stops using public money for activities which damage nature and wildlife or cause animal welfare harms as part of its manifesto.

Other significant findings further highlight the strength of feeling among East Midland voters:

• 84% of East Midland respondents agreed the next UK government should introduce a ban on British hunters bringing ‘trophies’ of endangered or vulnerable animals into Britain

• 76% of East Midland respondents agreed the next UK government should tighten the rules on the trade and keeping of exotic pets

• 82% of East Midland respondents agreed the next UK government should use its influence, via trade deals etc, to bring an end to overseas activities that involve animal cruelty such as the slaughter of dolphins in the Faroes

The message is clear. From trophy hunting to the use of traps and snares, from the destruction of native flora and fauna to the keeping of wild animals in zoos and private homes, the welfare of wild animals and the protection of our natural environment have been constantly pushed down the political agenda, and the British public have seemingly had enough!

Dr Mark Jones, Born Free’s Head of Policy added, “Practices in the UK such as trail hunting, the appropriation of huge tracts of land for the shooting of game birds and hares for sport, and the culling of badgers, result in animal destruction and suffering on a massive scale. Wild animals are traded and kept in zoos and private homes in ever-increasing numbers and wildlife crime continues to have devastating impacts on individual animals, wildlife habitats, and our wider societies. Far too little is being done to effectively protect and restore our natural fauna and flora or safeguard the welfare of wild animals.”

To learn more about the Born Free Foundation’s work, and how you can help become an advocate for wildlife protection visit www. bornfree.org.uk/about-us.