Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill 2023-05-25
2023-05-25
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill aims to address urgent issues like puppy smuggling and zoo regulation. The MP is concerned about the parliamentary timetable for these provisions.
What recent discussions she has had with the Leader of the House on the parliamentary timetable for the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill?
I have spoken with the business managers and expect an announcement on the progress of the Bill very soon, but I stress that animal welfare has been a priority for the Government since 2010. We have made improvements for farm animals, pets and wild animals. In 2021, we published an action plan on animal welfare, and since then we have delivered four manifesto commitments and passed the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
The parliamentary timetable for introducing the Bill's provisions was not addressed directly.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill includes urgent provisions on puppy smuggling and zoo regulation, which are crucial for animal welfare.
I note the Secretary of State's answer, but the Bill contains urgently needed animal welfare provisions on puppy smuggling and zoo regulation, so does she agree that a date to introduce these measures should be announced urgently?
I expect an announcement on the progress of the Bill very soon, but I stress that animal welfare has been a priority for the Government since 2010. We have made improvements for farm animals, pets and wild animals. In 2021, we published an action plan on animal welfare, and since then we have delivered four manifesto commitments and passed the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific date for introducing the urgent provisions was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Puppy smuggling is a significant issue affecting Northern Ireland, where puppies are smuggled from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland and across to mainland UK.
I welcome the Secretary of State's response. I endorse the request made by the hon. Member for Torbay (Kevin Foster), because puppy smuggling is an important issue in Northern Ireland. We have to work together to tackle the smuggling of puppies from the Republic of Ireland into Northern Ireland and across on to the mainland. Has the right hon. Lady had an opportunity to speak to the authorities in Northern Ireland, the Police Service of Northern Ireland in particular, to stop this terrible activity that goes on across all of the United Kingdom?
I had the great pleasure of attending the Balmoral show recently, although we were more focused on farming and food. The police can act on a number of activities where they suspect crime is being committed, and we intend to strengthen the offences to help the police.
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Assessment & feedback
The direct involvement with Northern Irish authorities was not confirmed.
Response accuracy