Orpington candidate to Vote Cruelty Free

11.25.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 21st Aug 2009

Liberal Democrat candidate, David McBride, 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 announced for the next General Election and asked them to show their support for the issues raised.

David McBride said, "There are a wide range of issues involved in animal protection and it is an issue that I have always supported. I am delighted to be able to support the Vote Cruelty Free manifesto."

A Vote Cruelty Free spokesperson said, "Animal protection is an issue close to the UK public's heart but this is often not reflected in current political debate. It is fantastic that David McBride has shown he believes in animal protection issues as much as his potential future constituents in Orpington; we are calling on all candidates to follow his lead by pledging their support for Vote Cruelty Free."

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.