Election ’24 Manifesto
SENTIENT RIGHTS IRELAND
A Voice For Progress & Peace
Election ‘24 Manifesto
Animal Rights: all animals carry moral rights as they are sentient beings capable of thinking and feeling. It is imperative that we codify these moral rights into legislation to legally protect animals from exploitation and other forms of rights violations. We call for an end to the dysfunctional relationship between humans and non-humans, with respect towards all animals.
● Farmed animals: we advocate for a gradual transition to a plant-based society by 2050. The transition is crucial for justice and ethics (animals are not objects), but also sustainability and health. Animal liberation reduces the huge environmental impact of animal agriculture, promotes fairness in resource distribution and improves public health.
● Wild animals: we wish to protect free-living animals from accidents, habitat destruction and needless suffering. To that end, we advocate for:
Wildlife corridors: establish nature or wildlife corridors to connect existing National Forest Parks and other wild areas. These corridors would include eco-ways over or under man-made obstacles such as motorways, roads, railways, and canals to facilitate the free movement of free-living animals. This approach aims to achieve true free range for animals without the need for hunting, culling or other human interference. Additionally, proper fencing will be implemented to protect animals from human activities. This would be a precursor to a rewilding process of the 75% land newly freed up as we transition to a Veganic Growing plant-based society.
A ban on hunting and fishing: end hunting and fishing to promote a more ethical society and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
An end to culling: research and implementation of non-lethal and non-oppression methods of herd control.
Free psychiatric services for hunters and anyone else needing help: hunting can have significant psychological impacts on individuals and communities, contributing to desensitisation towards violence and harming our connection to our fellow living beings and nature.
● Domesticated animals: while dogs, cats and horses may be regarded with more respect than animals from other species, they are still victims of rights violations. We wish to protect them from human abuse, including:
And end to the pet industry: cease all breeding practices and prohibit the sale of “pets” online, in shops or through private transactions. Dogs, cats and all other animals are sentient beings and should not be treated as commodities.
Support for law enforcement: provide sufficient funding to An Garda Síochána to combat crimes against dogs and other animals, including enhanced training and awareness.
Appointment of Animal Rights Officers: establish Animal Rights Officers in each Garda area with powers similar to the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) for enforcement, including stop and search capabilities.
Ending funding for racing: redirect funding away from dog and horse racing, allocating half to support children in need and the other half to animal rescues and sanctuaries.
Human Rights: we aim to build a just and inclusive society where everyone can thrive and contribute to our collective well-being.
Human rights and civil liberties: protect and advance of civil liberties, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation.
Emigrant integration: embrace and support immigrants and refugees, fostering inclusive policies that facilitate their successful integration into our communities.
Comprehensive social support: allocate substantial funding for universal access to housing and healthcare, with a strong emphasis on improving mental health services, especially child psychiatric care, to address the diverse needs of our society.
Inclusivity of minorities: promote diversity and inclusivity by actively supporting minority communities, ensuring they have equitable access to education, employment, healthcare and social services.
Climate and Ecological Crises Mitigation: by embracing renewable energy solutions and transitioning towards a plant-based diet, we can reduce pollution rates, mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and foster a more resilient food system.
Transition to renewable energy: implement robust systems for the proper backup and storage of green renewable energy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels such as gas, oil and coal. Even farmers are dissatisfied with the current situation.
Interconnection of climate, animal use and diet: recognise the intricate relationship between the climate emergency, animal agriculture and dietary choices. Transitioning to a plant-based society as soon as possible is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable land use.
Plant-Based Treaty: we advocate for more schools, universities and public buildings to adopt the principles of the Plant-Based Treaty, which include plant-based diets for environmental, ethical and health reasons.
Harnessing Economic Opportunities in Ireland: our country has the potential to achieve self-sufficiency in food and energy by investing in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy sources. Transitioning towards a plant-based society can uniquely benefit Ireland by promoting health, peace and decent livelihoods, while positioning the country at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change and preserve natural resources.
Health: heart disease is the top killer in the world. Transitioning to plant-based diets is urgent to avoid premature deaths and health conditions such as cardiovascular problems, cancer, obesity and kidney disease. Embracing plant-based eating can significantly improve public health outcomes and reduce the burden of preventable illnesses.
Education: responsible and transparent education is crucial for shaping a better future. From a young age, we are taught to use and harm animals, which diminishes our natural empathy and desensitises us to the suffering of all beings, human and non-human alike. It is imperative to recognise veganism as an ethical choice and integrate it into school curriculums, emphasising inclusive language.
SENTIENT RIGHTS IRELAND
“A voice for progress and peace, advocating for the rights and well-being of everyone”