AMSTERDAM: A Dutch animal rights party has become the first animal interest group to enter a European parliament, the group said on its website on Thursday, after winning two seats in the country's general election.
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 realizing 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.
