The newly-formed residents’ group, Waltham Forest Earth & Animal Rights Collective (WEARC), is urging the council to discourage the sale and use of inhumane pest control like glue traps and catapults, reports Sebastian Mann, Local Democracy Reporter
Campaigners have called on the Green-led Waltham Forest Council to focus on animal rights in the borough.
The newly-formed residents’ group, Waltham Forest Earth & Animal Rights Collective (WEARC), is urging the council to centre animal welfare and wildlife protection, amid a consultation on the council’s next four-year plan.
The Waltham Forest branch of the Green Party says it has a “deep concern” for “environmental justice,” and activists are among the 31 councillors elected to the town hall in May.
Councillor Rachel Barrat, one of the councillors on the Cathall ward, is a known campaigner for animal rights, having set up the Waltham Forest Animal Protection group.
Kathryn Judd, a spokesperson for WEARC, said: “Waltham Forest has a historic opportunity to put animal rights at the heart of how the borough manages its public spaces, wildlife, food, and community services.
“We want to see practical, progressive policies that end cruelty to animals and reflect the values of a borough that cares about animals, people, and our shared environment.”
She added: “With the Greens now running the council, we are asking them to turn their national commitments into meaningful, measurable action here in Waltham Forest and help make the borough a leading example of progressive local government.”
The group wants to see the town hall work with local businesses to “discourage the sale and use of inhumane pest control like glue traps and catapults,” while increasing local funding and resources for cat neutering and responsible pet ownership of fish and birds.
Campaigners also want the council to transition public catering towards plant-based options, and “explore compassionate alternatives to culling, shooting, poisoning, and trapping wildlife”.
Nationally, the Greens have pledged to create a new Commission on Animal Protection, ban blood sports and offer the “highest level of protection” to marine life in domestic and territorial waters.
Zack Polanski’s party also seeks an end to badger culling, factory farming and the “deliberate and unnecessary mutilation of farm animals”.
Waltham Forest Council was approached for comment.
The consultation on its four-year plan closes on 9th October.
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