Meet With Your MP

Not everyone will feel comfortable meeting face to face with their MP, but it is a great way of compelling them to address the issues at hand.

It definitely requires having a bit more confidence to answer questions which may arise in the conversation (you can always contact them with the answer at a later date), but there are many members of animal welfare and/or rescue groups within the community who would be perfect to do this.

If you would like to meet with your MP, we will be more than happy to provide you with any additional support or information. Most meetings of this nature are brief and it is important to focus on just conveying a few basic points.

To make an appointment simply ring your MP’s office click here to find their contact details. Because an MP has a very busy schedule you will probably have weeks in which to prepare.

Before going into the meeting make a brief list of what you would like to talk about. Select around 3 important points to focus on, as you will probably not have time for anything else. An example of this might be:

  1. The number of animals killed in council pounds each year (you may like to find out the approximate number for your electorate, something we can help you with).

  2. Animals sold in pet shops are almost always sourced from backyard or commercial breeders.

  3. The way in which animals are sold must be regulated to prevent impulse buying and promote the informed, responsible and ethical sale of animals.

For each point you make a short list of supporting statements which you can use as a prompt during the meeting. An example might be:

The way in which animals are sold must be regulated to prevent impulse buying and promote the informed, responsible and ethical sale of animals.

  • A business exists to make money. In the case of pet shops who sell animals, the need to generate profit will always take precedence over the welfare of the animals.
  • Pet shops prey on impulsive shoppers, as encouraged in the guide to running a successful pet shop by the Entrepreneur Business Centre.
  • Pet shops are not required to provide information to the consumer detailing the basic care and needs of the animal. Many pet shops are concerned that the nature of this information (such as estimated costs, life span and requirements of the breed) may deter the customer.

Again, we will be very happy to assist you with any brainstorming!