Continuing a busy summer of campaigning, we are pleased to bring you a rundown of campaign updates during August, and how we have been working to protect animals recently with the help of our supporters.

Importantly, last month brought a major victory for Scotland’s animals: the Scottish Government announced that they are planning to ban the use of snares in Scotland. 

We’re also thrilled to report that the Unbound the Greyhound open letter has surpassed 17,000 signatures – in just a matter of months!

Sign the Unbound the Greyhound open letter

The Scottish Government plans to ban snares

 

In August, we welcomed the long-awaited and landmark announcement that the Scottish Government intended to ban snares.

We are delighted that the Scottish Government listened to the people of Scotland by proposing the ban of snares, with 76% of the Scottish public in support of the cruel devices being banned.

Such a ban will finally put an end to the suffering of Scotland’s wild, farmed and companion animals who are caught in the indiscriminate traps.

This announcement follows decades of campaigning by ourselves, like minded-charities and supporters.

The Scottish Government is currently seeking responses on a consultation on the use of snares and giving greater powers to Scottish SPCA inspectors.We have composed a supporter guide to help you respond easily and quickly. Please give just 10 minutes of your time to respond to the consultation before it closes on Tuesday 3rd of October.

Respond using our supporter guide

We urge the Scottish Government not to sideline salmon welfare

Last month, we sent a joint letter to Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon, calling on the Scottish Government to consider the welfare of salmon, which was covered in an article by The Daily Record.

In the letter, we expressed our concerns about the increasing deaths and disease present in salmon farming. We also urged The Scottish Government to provide clarity on the ‘Vision for Sustainable Aquaculture’ strategy regarding salmon. This letter was signed by over 30 animal welfare experts and organisations from around the world.

Our letter follows the report that 16.5 million salmon died prematurely last year alone. As OneKind Director Bob Elliot states; “Fish should be given the same consideration as other animals but too often they aren’t”.

We lit up Scotland with a message to end greyhound racing

On the evening of Monday 28th of August, we lit up buildings across Edinburgh and Glasgow – including below Edinburgh Castle and the former Shawfield Stadium - with a clear message to the Scottish Government to end dog racing in Scotland.

This was the first day of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain’s (GBGB) first annual ‘National Greyhound Week’- a week dedicated to ‘celebrating the joy’ of greyhound racing.

We also projected the premiere of the Unbound the Greyhound coalition campaign’s animation onto the People Make Glasgow building and on Lothian Road, Edinburgh. This film features Bob, a rescue greyhound who needs your help to save his friend Bea, who is still trapped in the cruel dog racing industry.

Watch the video 

Respond to the greyhound consultation (closing on September 26th)

We are calling on you to respond the Scottish Government’s consultation on licensing the industry in Scotland before it closes on 26th September.

As licensing will not protect greyhounds from the inherent welfare issues and exploitation, our response emphasises the need for a phased end.

By using our supporter guide, you can respond in just 15 minutes and show your support for greyhounds.

Respond using our supporter guide

Get to know the four-legged campaigner, Sasha 

Last month, we shared the story of Sasha: a survivor of the dog racing industry, a Scotland Against Greyhound Exploitation (SAGE) cover star and a campaigner to save other greyhounds from a fate she almost met.

Sasha’s life was saved 7 years ago, when she fell at the first bend of her first trial race and broke her leg. She was then left in her kennel – scared, untreated and in pain – for days. Although she was only two years old, it would have been cheaper for her owner to have her killed than to cover the cost of her operation, recovery and rehoming. Thankfully, a vet and an independent rescue charity stepped in and Sasha is here today to share her story.

Please take a moment to get to know this sweet girl, Sasha, who is as inspiring as she is resilient.

Read Sasha’s story

We campaigned for greyhounds at Lush’s Edinburgh store

Over the last weekend of August, two members of the OneKind team, a friend from the Unbound the Greyhound coalition and two very special guest campaigners - rescue greyhounds Molly and Mo – took part in a charity pot event to raise funds and awareness of the campaign.

We had lots of brilliant conversations and overwhelmingly positive support from the Lush team and the store’s lovely customers that weekend. Incredibly, over 120 people added their names to the open letter urging the Scottish Government to end dog racing in Scotland.

That weekend, 100% of the sales of Lush’s charity pot moisturisers that were purchased at the Princes street store were also donated directly to the Unbound the Greyhound campaign. We are grateful to the Lush team for welcoming us into their store and all their support of OneKind’s work to create a kinder Scotland for animals.

August’s media highlights

Following the Government’s snaring announcement, OneKind was featured in 21 media pieces including in the BBC, the Independent and the National. 

Our friend and patron, Chris Packham, was quoted as describing the proposed ban as “excellent news, and a potential win for wildlife”.

Start giving as you shop!

Did you know you can raise funds for OneKind’s work to help animals by shopping online? And it won’t cost you any extra!  We’ve had lots of new supporters raising free donations through easyfundraising.

By shopping through easyfundraising, you can purchase from over 7,000 brands, including big name retailers, who will donate a part of what you spend to cause of your choice. You can shop for everything from travel to electrical items and fashion – even your weekly shop!

All you have to do is create an account and start shopping as normal. There’s even a browser extension and app to make it easier.

Shop with easyfundraising