When we established the Party for the Animals, there were people who questioned what an animal welfare party could add to the work of existing animal welfare organisations. The answer is simple. As elected members of parliament, we have direct influence on the political debates and agendas. In contrast, non-governmental organisations are restricted to lobbying to influence politicians. This does not mean that these organisations are not important, quite to the contrary. However, the Dutch situation has proved that having an animal welfare party in parliament is essential for really getting animal welfare issues on the political agenda.

The opportunities for a new party to gain entrance into parliament differ according to country. We believe that it is important to think in terms of possibilities, rather than impossibilities. History has shown that emancipation movements undergo similar processes. They start off small, are led by a small group of people who swim against a strong social current, and are regularly ridiculed by others. This is how things went with the movements that strove for the abolition of slavery, child labour and the second-class position of women. This is how things will also go for the political emancipation movement that fights for animal rights. So do not be discouraged!

In her book, The Animals’ Century, Marianne Thieme writes that our party finds itself in the vanguard of a growing, worldwide movement, which strives for animals to be treated with respect. Naturally this movement is a response to a period of over-use, egotism, materialism and cruelty. It is vitally important that this growing animal welfare movement gains as much political influence as possible. This is why as many animal parties as possible should be established to promote the respectful treatment of animals in both the national and international political arena.