WHY DO YOU FEEL SO STRONGLY ABOUT ANIMAL RIGHTS?
I have always loved animals and wanted to make my mark on the animal rights movement in some small way. I campaigned every Saturday for a year outside Harrods in 2015 against the real fur trade, I attend as many Extinction Rebellion protests as I can, and run an animal rights website. I also sing from the rooftops about the health benefits of a raw vegan diet.
HOW DO YOU PASS THESE IDEAS ON TO CHILDREN?
I believe it is important children are taught how to treat animals from an early age. After all, the next generation has the capacity to do better once they know better. I have always taught my own children the importance of choosing vegetarian or vegan options over animal-based ones, so ‘cruelty-free’ becomes second nature to them. My main ethos is to teach children in my care to treat the dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs who live in my house with love and respect. They are encouraged to get involved in feeding and general care routines. Their parents are more than happy with this and it is why some chose me over other childminders.
HAVE THERE EVER BEEN ANY CONFLICTS BETWEEN THESE TWO ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE?
I have been investigated by Ofsted twice given my involvement in the animal rights movement, so I am very careful not to cross the two and I never filter my animal rights work into my childminding job. I keep the two loves of my life completely separate to avoid any possible allegations. All current parents are aware of the ‘hobby’ I undertake in my spare time, and they are all more than happy to provide pre-cooked meat-based meals, as I find it impossible to buy, store and cook raw meat.
HOW DO YOUR TWO PASSIONS LINK TOGETHER?
In all honesty, the two are very similar, as their basis is caring and kindness. In a world full of harsh reality and suffering, I think the most basic human skill we can all demonstrate is to care and be kind. That I am able to do both, professionally and personally, is something I am extremely proud of.
