Read our interview with this month’s featured supportive politician
Britain’s Conservative MP Sir David Amess is the latest politician to be awarded our ‘MP of the month’. First elected to Parliament to represent Basildon in 1983, Sir David then successfully stood for election in Southend West in 1997.
Sir David is passionate about animal welfare, and has worked with Cruelty Free International on a number of issues over the years, recently hosting our Parliamentary event which called for an end to the secrecy surrounding animal experiments.
Read our interview to find out about Sir David’s interests in animal causes.
How did you become interested in animal causes?
As a child I was known as ‘animal mad’, this is something I inherited from my late father. Over the years I have kept all manner of domestic pets. I have always found most animals to be grateful for everything that you do for them. That isn’t always the way with human beings.
How long have you been working with Cruelty Free International?
I have been aware of their work for many years, and I have worked with Cruelty Free International to encourage constructive change in this area.
How important is the issue of animal welfare among your constituents?
I represent the highest number of centenarians in the country. It is clear to me that for so many of my constituents animals quite literally are their lives, they are everything to so many people. I constantly get letters and emails from local residents concerned about animal welfare issues.
Do you share your home with any animals?
I most certainly do. Lily, our rescued pug allows us to share a house with her! She rules the roost. I also keep tropical and cold water fish, not to mention badgers, foxes and various rodents in the garden.
What message would you like to share with your colleagues about the issue?
Last year I sponsored the inaugural Responsible Pet Ownership Competition, the second will be held in July in the gardens by Victoria Tower. Pets should never be acquired as a fashion accessory and breeders should do more to make buyers aware of the duty of care due to their pets, including microchipping and neutering.