Mike pledges to 'vote cruelty free'

5.11.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 15th Jun 2009

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Mike Bell, has pledged his support for Vote Cruelty Free, a new non-partisan coalition of animal protection organisations working to put animals on the political agenda.

The alliance has sent its manifesto to all candidates for the next general election and asked them to show their support for the issues raised.

Mike Bell said: "Many residents have said how important animal protection is to them and I am pleased to sign the Vote Cruelty Free pledge.

"Thousands of local people support organisations involved in animal welfare such at the Cats Protection League, the RSPCA, the RSPB and many others.

"For our environment and the future balance of our planet as well as for the welfare of living creatures of all shapes and sizes, animal protection should be an issue of importance to us all."

Vote Cruelty Free comprises the BUAV, Compassion in World Farming, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), League Against Cruel Sports and Respect for Animals. It covers a broad range of animal welfare issues including wild and marine animals, animal experimentation, cruel sports, the fur trade and farming.

Vote Cruelty Free is urging all candidates to pledge their support for the initiative. Voters can track candidates who have signed up by visiting the website at www.votecrueltyfree.org