Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Animal Welfare (Zoos) Bill - Third Reading of the entire bill

17 March 2023 · 10 other contributors

Opened by Angela Richardson Con Reading West

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Angela Richardson raised concerns about animal welfare (zoos) bill - third reading of the entire bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Animal Welfare (Zoos) Bill aims to regulate advertising and sale of low welfare animal activities in overseas tourism.
  • Current ABTA guidelines on animal welfare are optional, the bill seeks to make compliance mandatory.
  • The bill permits DEFRA to introduce species-specific bans through secondary legislation based on industry evidence.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Angela Richardson Con Reading West

Ms Angela Richardson moves that the Animal Welfare (Zoos) Bill be now read the Third time. She highlights the UK's high animal welfare standards and recent legislation such as the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. The bill targets low welfare animal activities in overseas tourism, where there is currently no statutory provision to regulate advertising or sale of these activities. ABTA guidelines exist but are optional; this bill aims for a mandatory approach. It cites World Animal Protection's report that three out of four wildlife tourist attractions involve animal abuse and up to 550,000 animals suffer in these venues annually. The Bill allows the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and others to introduce species-specific bans through secondary legislation based on evidence from industry stakeholders.

Other contributors (10)
  • Angela Richardson Con Reading West

    Ms Angela Richardson supports the Bill, highlighting its aim to regulate low-welfare animal activities in overseas tourism. She mentions that ABTA guidelines exist but are optional, while the Bill provides a mandatory approach. The scale of animal cruelty is significant, with up to 550,000 animals suffering and an estimated 110 million people visiting these venues annually without awareness of poor conditions or abuse. Through secondary legislation, DEFRA can introduce species-specific bans based on evidence from stakeholders. She also outlines the 12 recurring themes in low-welfare facilities for use in tourism that harm animals, local wildlife populations, and people. The Bill benefits both tourists and suppliers by promoting more informed decisions about animal welfare.

  • Jane Stevenson Con Wolverhampton North East

    Supports the Bill and its importance to animal welfare concerns. Acknowledges the need for awareness regarding the treatment of animals in wildlife attractions abroad, citing personal experiences from Zimbabwe 20 years ago.

  • Aaron Bell Con Newcastle-under-Lyme

    Highlights the Bill's contribution to raising animal welfare standards globally. References a YouGov poll showing 72% of respondents supporting more laws for improved animal welfare and protection from cruelty.

  • Katherine Fletcher Con Cumbernauld and Kilsyth

    Emphasises the cruel practices in wildlife attractions abroad, sharing personal experience of a cheetah being offered for tourist interactions. Advocates for public education on animal welfare.

  • Chris Clarkson Con Newport West

    Welcomes the Bill and reiterates the importance of sending a strong message regarding British values concerning animals, even if legislating abroad is not feasible.

  • Anna Firth Con Harrow East

    Supports the Bill, highlighting its potential to prevent advertisements for activities such as elephant rides that cause irreversible physical damage to animals like Pai Lin in Thailand.

  • Simon Baynes Con Swansea West

    Briefly supports the Bill, noting endorsements from RSPCA and World Animal Protection, and urging the Welsh Senedd to follow suit.

  • Alex Sobel Lab Co-op Leeds Central

    Committed support for the Bill, highlighting its necessity in addressing international animal conservation issues. Emphasised the exploitation of animals by wildlife tourism and called for the inclusion of technical improvements to ensure there are no loopholes in the legislation.

  • Trudy Harrison Con South Ribble

    Expressed gratitude towards colleagues contributing to the debate, acknowledged the Government's commitment to improving animal welfare standards globally. Emphasised the importance of the Bill in leading by example on animal welfare and thanked campaigners for their support.

  • Angela Richardson Con Guildford

    Expressed thanks to colleagues, the shadow Minister, and officials for their contributions. Highlighted the need for legislation to ban the domestic advertising and sale of specific low-welfare activities abroad.

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