Animal Aid is a dynamic and effective national animal protection group. They campaign against animal abuse in all its forms, from factory farming to fur, animal experiments to hunting, shooting, fishing and the trade in wildlife. And they get results, in a land mark victory for the anti-vivisection movement, Animal Aid played a central role in the demise of the Cambridge University primate laboratory project. Other recent successes include persuading the Focus DIY chain to stop selling all animal by the end of 2005, their new report on livestock markets, based on the work of their volunteer Market Watchers, has been welcomed by the department of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and they were at the forefront of the campaign resulting in the cancellation of the UK’s biggest bird market.

As well as exposing and fighting against animal exploitation, Animal Aid focuses on the promotion of living without cruelty, whereby they encourage individuals to take steps towards making their own lives more compassionate, This can be achieved for example, by going vegetarian - or even better, of course, vegan, by not buying animal-tested products and, for example, by adopting companion animal from shelters or rescues. Animal Aid want people to see that being ethical doesn’t mean missing out and making sacrifices. As well as their approximately 20,000 supporters, Animal aid has an active yough group for 10-26 year olds. Their education department provides a comprehensive range of resources and services for teachers and students, and the network of dedicated school speakers helps take the message to pupils across the country.

They produce their own exclusive, cruelty-free toiletries and stock a variety of animal-friendly goods including cosmetics, clothing, footwear, wines and chocolates. They also carry an extensive selection of books covering health, nutrition and vegan and vegetarian cookery.

For more info go to www.animalaid.org.uk