Ian Cawsey, director of advocacy, The Donkey Sanctuary said: ‘It is important that animals are not forgotten in all of the discussions and actions needed during the Brexit process. The UK Government has made some very encouraging comments about their desire to improve animal welfare post Brexit, but that needs to be turned into a reality. We know that MPs from all parties want to make this happen and this fantastic coalition of animal welfare groups stands by not just to hold the government to account but also to help them improve welfare for all animals in the UK’
Brian da Cal, Country Director, Four Paws UK: ‘Four Paws UK is proud to stand side by side with its fellow animal protection charities to ensure that, whatever else happens on March 29th, animal welfare laws are not eroded as part of Brexit. The current policies to protect animals in the UK, a country that prides itself as being a nation of animal lovers, have been hard fought for and we simply cannot allow the watering down of these important laws. We hope that MPs will join us in striving to maintain and build upon these laws for the future.’
David Cowdrey, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the International Fund for Animal Welfare, said: ‘It is clear that the British public are united in their belief that animals deserve our continued protection, no matter the outcome of Brexit. On February 26, we will join MPs to call on the Government to take real action and ensure we are not faced with a devastating outcome for animals in the UK.’
Kerry Postlewhite, Director of Public Affairs for Cruelty Free International said: ‘It is so heartening to see the scale and steadfastness of public support in the UK for animals. We urge the government to listen to those voices, take note of the unity of such a broad spectrum of animal groups and act to ensure that standards post-Brexit are improved, including taking bold steps to end the suffering of animals in laboratories.’
Caroline Ruane, Chief Executive of Naturewatch Foundation said: ‘It is outrageous that voiceless British animals could suffer as a result of UK government foot dragging in the face of Brexit. Naturewatch Foundation stands side by side with the coalition of animal welfare charities campaigning for government action to ensure that animal sentience is recognised in UK law after Brexit.’
Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International said: ‘The public wants and expects current protections for animals to remain in place once we leave the EU. Animal Defenders International calls on the government not to fail them. To safeguard their welfare after Brexit animals must be recognised as sentient beings as they are now.’
Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection's Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, said: ‘Cats Protection cares passionately about the welfare of all animals, and is committed to working with other like-minded organisations to ensure there is a strong voice for cats and all animals throughout the Brexit process.’
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