What's your animal foot print?
Most of us know what a carbon footprint is, but what is an animal footprint?
We think it looks at the way everyone of us effects animals, either directly or indirectly in a host of different ways. If you would like to find out what your animal foot print is please visit http://www.animalwelfarefootprint.com and take part in the quiz?
This site also looks at animal welfare through surveys and statistics.
Here are some key facts about how our actions impact on animal welfare
Household chemicals
Last year chemical companies were told to re-test around 30,000 chemicals to ensure their safety. Unfortunately many of these tests will involve animals - around 8 million of them. The RSPCA believes companies should use non-animal alternatives wherever possible.
Free-range hens
Around 19 million hens live in battery cages in this country. They have almost no space to stretch their wings, move around properly or behave naturally. Buying free-range or welfare-friendly eggs such as Freedom Food could encourage farmers to produce higher welfare eggs.
Circus animals
The RSPCA believes the circus is no place for an animal. The life for an animal in a circus consists of frequent travel, restricted movements, poor living conditions and loud noises.
Rehoming history
Unless you know exactly where your pet came from - such as a litter from a neighbours cat - its possible that it may have suffered before you got it. If possible always check the history of your pet before you buy it. Re-homing centres will usually provide a history of where an animal has come from.
Animal welfare
The quality of life for farm animals can vary greatly, from farm to farm, and animal to animal. Choosing free range or welfare-friendly meat such as Freedom Food could make a real difference.
Testing on animals
Nearly 11 million animals are used every year in animal experiments throughout the EU. Many experimental procedures and the ways in which the animals are kept can cause considerable distress and suffering. We believe people should be able to check whether or not the products they are buying have been tested on animals.
Real or fake fur?
Real fur can be hard to spot, and it is surprisingly common on the high street, as it is often cheaper to produce than fake fur. You can sometimes tell the difference between real and fake fur by gently separating the hairs. If you can see skin or leather between the hairs at the base the item is real. If you can see a weave or material at the base of the hairs the fur is fake.
Global warming
Global warming can affect animals in many ways, and we cant predict the results. We do know that many species will be affected badly - if a species declines or dies out, the animals will almost certainly suffer, like polar bears as their natural habitat melts away. By helping to protect the environment, you are helping to protect animals.
Convenience food
Even though many consumers choose boxes of whole eggs from free-range, barn or organic systems, they dont always check whether caged eggs are lurking in ready made food that they buy. 85 per cent of all eggs used in food products such as mayonnaise, quiche, pasta, cakes and sandwiches are from hens kept in battery cages.
Neutering
The RSPCA rehomes thousands of unwanted dogs and cats every year, many of which may have suffered because they were unwanted. Neutering is a good way to help solve this problem, and the RSPCA strongly advises neutering at an early age. This is a straightforward operation that can be arranged with a vet.
Added on: 22/11/07. Views: 1038
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