The Companions and Pets Party (CAP) is the newest addition to the ballot paper in the upcoming Victorian state election. CAP will campaign on the issues of animal welfare and protecting the rights of people to own companion animals and pets, with plans to run candidates in all Legislative Council seats.
For too long the narrative of animal ownership has been hijacked by animal rights extremists exemplified by the Animal Justice Party, whose aim is to abolish pet ownership and eradicate animal-based agriculture from the Australian landscape, says John Hutchison, Chairperson of the CAP Board of Directors.
"With over 60% of Victorian households owning at least one pet, the Companions and Pets Party believes Victorians need to be fully informed about the potential loss of their valued and loved family members," John said.
"During the past few years with lockdowns and social isolation, the social and wellbeing benefits of pet ownership has come to the forefront. Many people isolated from family members, friends and work colleagues were able to benefit from having a companion that provided unconditional love and comfort, whether it had fur, fins feathers or scales.
"However, there are pressing risks to our current way of interacting with our animals."
Ownership.
The Animal Justice Party is actively seeking to remove the property status of animals, making it illegal to buy, sell or own them.
It is essential that animals have an owner who has full responsibility for their care, welfare, feeding and housing - animals have always relied on people.
Animals own free will.
Animal Extremists think owners make animals act against their own free will.
They want to stop you protecting your pet by stopping you using a collar or lead when you walk them. Or stop you putting a halter on a horse or keeping it in a secure paddock.
Other activities that could be considered as not allowing an animal to act on its own free will could include, Riding for the Disabled programs, assistance/therapy animals, pony clubs or drug detection dogs
Impact on farmers and rural communities.
The Animal Justice Party have a very clear agenda to abolish animal-based agriculture and to impose additional taxes on animal-based products. This will have a significant impact on the viability of rural communities and the farming families that support the many businesses within these towns, as well as increasing the cost of living for people already struggling to make ends meet
Australia was built on our farming heritage and the economic benefits of animal-based agriculture is felt not only in rural Australia, but in the cities, through a range of employment opportunities in hospitality, retail, transport and manufacturing to name a few.
The Australian Greens want to develop and deploy green alternatives for farmers. Again, a potential attack on rural communities and their long-term viability.
John Hutchison, Chairperson of the CAP Board of Directors, states, "CAP will promote legislation to protect your rights as an animal owner – to own an animal, to farm, to compete with your animal, and to keep your animal as a pet, to work your animal, and to engage in lawful activities with your animal. This all comes with your responsibility for the welfare of animals being paramount."
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