I’d like to reassure you that the welfare of animals is very important to me and a matter I take very seriously so I am proud my ministerial colleagues in Defra are committed to animal welfare and to delivering continued improvements, both in this Parliament and beyond.
As the highest ranked G7 nation on World Animal Protection's Animal Protection Index, the UK is a world leader on animal welfare. In 2021, the Government's Action Plan for Animal Welfare set out reforms for this Parliament and beyond, many of which the Government has since enacted. This includes passing the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, recognising the sentience of vertebrate animals and some invertebrate animals. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act introduced tougher sentences for cruelty, increasing maximum sentences. The Ivory Act came into force in 2022 and was recently extended to cover five more endangered species. In April, the Government made cat microchipping compulsory.
In the King’s Speech, the Government announced the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill, which will ban the export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, stopping unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury caused by exporting live animals. This Bill will ensure that animals are slaughtered domestically in high welfare slaughterhouses in the UK, reinforcing the UK’s position as a world leader on animal welfare.
Ministers have also taken action to tackle the practice of puppy farming. Following the introduction of Lucy’s Law in 2020, everyone must now buy directly from breeders or consider adopting from rescue centres, which is a major step in stopping the illegal pet trade. If an individual sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.
I am assured that the Government remains fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitments on animal welfare. I am aware that the scope of the Kept Animals Bill, introduced in June 2021, was becoming increasingly broad. In light of this, and the successful progress made so far with single-issue legislation in this Parliament, the Government is supporting several Private Members’ Bills which individually deliver on animal welfare measures in the Kept Animals Bill. Ministers believe this to be the quickest and most effective way of achieving our aims. Please click on the following links to find out more:
Mims Davies MP announces Plan to cut Puppy Smuggling in Mid Sussex | Mims Davies
Dogs with Cropped Ears March 2024
