Victorian election 2022: Companions and Pets Party aims for upper house seat

The Companions and Pets Party has been established by racing, breeding and ag identities to counterbalance the rise of animal liberationism.

A new party is seeking to counterbalance the rise of animal liberationism in the Victorian Parliament.

The Companions and Pets Party is one of about two dozen political movements registered to contest next month’s state election.

ohn Hutchinson and Craig Reid from the Companion and Pets Party. Picture: Zoe Phillips

Veteran dog breeder John Hutchison said he formed the CAP to offer an alternative to the Animal Justice Party, which was successful at gaining a seat at the 2018 state election.

“We formed the Companions and Pets Party because many Victorians have pets and companion animals but don’t subscribe to the views of animal liberationism,” he said.

“They know the great majority of farmers treat their animals with care and compassion and want to be protected from protesters invading their farms.”

Alongside his wife Wendy, Mr Hutchison breed the Bichon Frise pedigree and have written two books on the subject.

They’ve also been involved in greyhound and thoroughbred racing.

Mr Hutchinson previously served as managing director of a pet food company and is currently finance chairman for Dogs Victoria.

Animal Justice were the fifth-most successful movement at the 2018 state election, after Labor, Liberal, Greens and the National parties.

“There are going to be minor parties in the upper house following this election- that’s just the way the system works,” he said.

“Our candidates all work with and care for their companion animals, whether that’s in dog breeding, or racing, or agriculture, and we want our views to be represented when important legislation in those areas comes before the parliament.”