Animal welfare is an issue close to my heart, and I know it’s one of the things Exeter residents care most about too. I’ve received nearly a thousand emails since being elected on issues like snares, puppy smuggling and the use of cages in farming.
One of the first events I hosted in Parliament was on behalf of the Blue Cross, a brilliant charity who have a base in Exeter, in support of their calls to improve dog welfare and control. I also introduced the Animals in Medical Research (Prohibition) Bill, after I visited Exeter University’s Animal Free Research Centre of Excellence.
Animal welfare came a long way under the last Labour Government. My predecessor as Exeter’s MP, Ben Bradshaw, was instrumental in bringing in the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which gave owners new responsibility to protect the animals in their care from suffering.
But progress has stalled under 14 years of the Conservatives, with people finding ways to exploit loopholes in ways that the original law couldn’t foresee.
I’m pleased that this Government has listened to the concerns raised by welfare organisations and constituents.
The new Animal Welfare Strategy is a landmark step that reflects the values of our community. These reforms will protect pets, farm animals, and wildlife, ending cruel practices and ensuring high standards of care.
It will end the cruel practice of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in appalling conditions, often overbred, and denied proper care, resulting in puppies which can go on to suffer from long-term health issues. It also builds on new laws that put an end to puppy smuggling and will end the use of electric shock collars on dogs.
Farm animals in England and Wales will also be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new Livestock Worrying laws. Tougher penalties and greater police powers will help relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities. The Government will also work with farmers to end colony cages for hens and the use of pig farrowing crates.
Wild animals will be protected, including with a ban on trail hunting, a ban on the use of snare traps, and a new closed season for hare coursing.
I’m proud to be part of a Government that is committed to upholding Britain’s reputation as a nation of animal lovers. These ambitious reforms will finally bring legislation up to date with modern welfare issues.
