Eurogroup for Animals’ members pay tribute to Sir David Amess MP
21 October 2021
RSPCA
News
On the 15th of October, Sir David Amess, Conservative MP in the UK Parliament tragically died after being stabbed multiple times at his Essex constituency surgery, in what police are treating as a terrorist incident. Sir David, who was 69, had been an MP for almost four decades, and was famous for his love of animals.
Many Eurogroup for Animals member organisations shared online tributes to the MP, including some personal anecdotes of his commitment to animal welfare. See below a selection of the statements:
Animals and improving their welfare were a priority for him throughout his 38 years in Parliament. His stance on animal issues never wavered, even when it was unpopular in his own party. When he entered the Commons in 1983 he was against fox hunting, becoming one of only a handful of Conservative MPs who took this position. This was brave. In the 1980s there were more giant pandas in Europe than anti fox hunting Conservative MPs. A fitting legacy will be to ensure his Bills on improving the welfare of pigs and laying hens become a reality. We will be working hard to ensure that this happens, to carry on the work he started but so sadly never completed. That is the greatest honour we can give him and his family. Read moreDavid Bowles, Head of campaigns and public affairs, RSPCA
Sir David was one of the greatest friends of animals in the House of Commons and a loyal ally, supporting many of our campaigns. It is tragic that, with so many improvements for farm animal welfare about to be secured, Sir David won’t be here to see the causes that he campaigned on for so many years finally become reality. His death leaves a deep hole in the animal welfare movement. Sir David could always be relied upon to support any cause to help animals. As he said in an interview: I have always found most animals to be grateful for everything that you do for them. That isn’t always the way with human beings. Read moreNick Palmer, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK
The legacy of Sir David will continue to live on and FOUR PAWS UK will continue to strive for animal welfare, worldwide. Whilst we are devastated he won’t be here to see his work for animal welfare realised, we hope it is known how important his role was in achieving so much for millions of animals. Now the best tribute we can ask for is that his fellow members of parliament and the Government pick up this mantle and join the fight for animal welfare. Read moreEmily Wilson, Head of Programmes, FOUR PAWS UK
Sir David was a forthright advocate of animal rights in Parliament, and a faithful and devoted patron of Catholic Concern for Animals. The tragedy of his untimely and violent death, whilst seeking to assist members of his constituency, will leave an enormous void in support for animal rights in Parliament, and a hole in the heart of our Charity. Read moreChris Fegan, Chief Executive, Catholic Concern for Animals
