Dutch Animal Rights Party Wins 2 Seats In Election

[Guest guest]

Strange that animal rights is mentioned as being 'strange' in the

same breath as a cannabis party and a paedophile party.

 

Jo

 

 

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - A Dutch animal rights party has become the

first animal interest group to enter a European parliament, the group

said on its Web site on Thursday, after winning two seats in the

country's general election.

 

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The Party for Animals, founded in October 2002 and with a smiling

dairy cow as its logo, was one of 24 parties vying for seats in

Wednesday's election, which saw the ruling Christian Democrats remain

the largest party.

 

" We are thrilled with such a wonderful result, " said party leader

Marianne Thieme.

 

" Finally, we can start realising our party's highest priority, namely

ending all animal suffering, " the law graduate said.

 

Small-interest parties have sprung up in the Netherlands in recent

years, fuelled in part by the country's liberal roots, and as people

become more aware of environmental issues.

 

Free Green, a party that advocates the growth and use of cannabis,

and Party of Small Seats, which has as its motto 'Love, Respect and

Freedom', were among some of the wackier parties.

 

The most controversial, the Paedophile Party which wanted a lower age

of consent for minors, failed to get on the ballot.