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The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill
04 February 2022
Lead MP
Andrew Rosindell
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
Andrew Rosindell raised concerns about the animal welfare (kept animals) bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mr. Rosindell's opening argument emphasises the importance of his Bill, which has received strong support from various parties and animal welfare organisations. He highlights that the Bill will introduce penalty notices for minor offences to guide people towards better care for animals without involving serious legal processes. The Bill aims to enhance accountability in biosecurity and strengthen protections for farmed and kept animals, including pets, wild animals, farm animals, zoo animals, and those living in aquariums. Mr. Rosindell also mentioned the support from organisations such as RSPCA, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, NFU, Blue Cross, Cats Protection, National Sheep Association, and National Pig Association.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Mr. Smith raised a concern about false accusations against farmers and asked for assurance that there is a robust appeals process in Mr. Rosindell's Bill.
Lia Nici
SDLP
Belfast East
Ms. Nici thanked Mr. Rosindell for bringing forward this important Bill and asked about specific changes it will make to improve animal welfare.
Stuart Anderson
Con
South Shropshire
Supports the Bill, highlighting personal experiences with service animals and their importance in saving human lives. Emphasises that the Bill will provide an educational tool to prevent offenders from repeating their mistakes.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Commends the Government for striving to ensure world-leading animal welfare standards and supports the Bill, which aims to bridge the gap between criminal prosecution and warning letters. Highlights that last year the RSPCA received 57,000 complaints of animal cruelty.
Siobhan Baillie
Con
Stroud
Compliments Andrew Rosindell for securing a Bill with cross-party support. Emphasises the importance of preventive action and early intervention, noting that leading charities such as Battersea Dogs and Cats Home broadly support the contents of the Bill.
Gagan Mohindra
Con
South West Hertfordshire
Congratulates Andrew Rosindell on championing animal penalty notices. Acknowledges the importance of protecting animals from cruelty and highlights the need for financial penalties to complement existing laws. Cites statistics from RSPCA about calls and welfare incidents, emphasising the gap in legal measures against animal cruelty. Supports the Bill's aim to provide an out-of-court disposal system with fixed-penalty notices.
Jerome Mayhew
Con
Broadland and Fakenham
Welcomes aspects of the Bill but raises concerns over its drafting, especially regarding bypassing normal criminal justice procedures. Questions whether fixed-penalty notices may be given without sufficient evidence. Concerned about who can become enforcement authorities and highlights potential issues with private prosecutors like RSPCA due to historical miscarriages of justice. Points out financial incentives for issuing fines which could lead to overuse of the system.
Jonathan Gullis
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Supports the Bill, praising its introduction of fixed penalty notices and heavy fines for animal cruelty. Highlights local organisations like Greyhound Gap and Baddeley Green Hedgehog Rescue that advocate for better animal welfare. Emphasises the need to hold accountable those who mistreat animals, be they pet owners or livestock farmers.
Runnymede and Weybridge
Expresses support for the Bill despite limited personal experience with animals. Mentions positive experiences such as Westminster dog of the year and owning pets like a cat named Jerry. Acknowledges previous landmark legislation, including the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, and praises the Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Jo Churchill, for her support.
Ruth Edwards
Con
Clackmannan and East Falkirk
Welcomed the Bill as an important part of reforms to strengthen animal welfare protection. Emphasised that tougher laws at both ends of the spectrum are necessary for deterrents and education, covering less serious offences by introducing fines up to £5,000. Noted personal anecdotes about escaped farm animals to highlight the need for better enforcement mechanisms.
Jo Gideon
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
Supported the Bill, highlighting local animal welfare issues and citing RSPCA figures that reveal about 3,000 complaints of animal cruelty in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire annually. Stressed the importance of filling enforcement gaps with penalty notices between no action and criminal prosecution. Raised concerns about financial impacts on animal charities due to the pandemic.
Jane Stevenson
Con
Dorset West
Expressed support for the Bill, praising its pragmatic approach in introducing low-grade fines and providing opportunities for advice to pet owners. Emphasised education and cultural changes as key components of improving animal welfare.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Supports the Bill as it provides statutory enforcers with tools to deal with infringements of a technical nature. Acknowledges the hard work and commitment of all involved in getting the Bill through the House.
Victoria Prentis
Con
Bromsgrove
Congratulates the hon. Member for Romford on his work and expresses support for the Bill, highlighting its importance in improving animal welfare conditions.
Andrew Rosindell
Con
Romford
He expressed thanks to colleagues, including hon. Members and peers, for their support in advancing the Bill through various stages. He highlighted the contributions of DEFRA staff, his parliamentary office team, and Clerks who ensured that all procedural requirements were met.
Rosie Winterton
Lab
Lincoln
She congratulated Andrew Rosindell on the successful passage of the Bill. No further position or arguments were provided in this brief statement.
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Assessment & feedback
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