The pets with insta accounts – my hen has one and she loves it

Students have led some amazing campaigns in the past, fighting inequalities, discrimination and injustice.

But it staggers me that no one has recognised the real injustice: the almost inexistent social media presence of our pets. Instagram? Facebook? Snapchat? Twitter? Amazingly, it’s almost totally dominated by humans.

I’m leading a campaign to allow animals to join the social media community. Luckily, there are some students who have taken action who have been happy to talk to us.

Let’s meet some of those pioneers:

@henriettaroberts

My hen, Henrietta, has her own Instagram account. It’s totally transformed her life: she’s finally been able to express herself, celebrating coop life from inside and out. Fashion? Politics? Celebrity inspiration? Fitness? It’s all there.

@mittens_and_mowgli

Students from St Andrews have joined the campaign too: fourth year student Tatiana has allowed her cats to share their pics on a joint account.

We asked Tatiana why it’s helped her furry pals. She said: “I firmly believe in empowerment for animals as well as for humans. Mittens and Mowgli’s account provides them with a forum from which they are given a voice that extends beyond the confines of their home. Instagram allows them to share their feelings, adventures and fondest memories with fellow animals and their human friends.

“It provides a fun and welcomed distraction from my work schedule as well as from my friends who follow them. Lastly, it provides an opportunity for me to show their individual characters off to their dedicated fan base and to spread the love for cats whose lives are so often eclipsed by dogs.”

@helenascrabsofficial

After studying crabs for her dissertation, fourth year St Andrews student Helena felt it only right to allow her pals access to social media.

 Poacher Smellie

Natasha Smellie, second year at Edinburgh, and her twin Freya at Durham, felt it only fair for their golden lab to share her candid snaps with the world – although Freya is still waiting for Poacher to accept her friend request. Who knew pets could play so hard to get?

@bumpmr

Some students have even extended the campaign to inanimate objects. Rupert, a second year at Durham, has allowed his stuffed toy, Mr Bump, to join the insta-travel community.

And for those who haven’t got a pet …

Don’t worry you can still get involved even if you don’t have a pet! Lexie, a first year History of Art student, enjoys documenting her favourite toilets. Brilliant.