Animal Welfare 2023-07-06
2023-07-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question follows a period of multiple Secretaries of State and delays in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. There are ongoing concerns about fur imports, puppy smuggling, foie gras consumption, and live animal exports.
What steps she is taking to bring forward legislative proposals to improve animal welfare after 760 days have passed without progress on banning animal fur imports, tackling illegal puppy and kitten smuggling, or banning foie gras?
The Government are committed to continuing manifesto commitments through an action plan for animal welfare. Six measures have been delivered through primary legislation and four through secondary legislation. Three private Members' Bills, including the Shark Fins Act 2023, have received Royal Assent. We will support delivery of manifesto measures during Parliament's remaining sessions.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific issues of banning fur imports and foie gras were not directly addressed.
Parallel Universe Rhetoric
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill has been delayed and there is criticism over the government's commitment to animal welfare, with concerns about the import of fur and illegal puppy/kitten smuggling.
How long must animals suffer due to delays on banning animal fur imports, tackling illegal puppy and kitten smuggling, or banning foie gras? The previous Secretary of State said the Bill did not progress because of a lack of resolve. When will these issues be prioritised?
The hon. Gentleman's perspective differs from reality; there is no doubt progress has been made on animal welfare. Since 2021, live exports have ceased and legislation against fur imports exists already.
▸
Assessment & feedback
None of the specific issues raised were addressed directly.
Dismissive Language
Changing Subject
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There is a bill to ban the import of dogs with cropped ears and keeping primates as pets. The Secretary of State has agreed progress can be made through targeted measures.
What progress has been made on banning the import of dogs with cropped ears and keeping primates as pets? The Secretary of State mentioned hare coursing legislation but did not specify progress on these two issues.
Secondary legislation will stop people keeping primates as pets, requiring formal consultation and preparation of legislation. On banning dogs with cropped ears, we intend to take forward measures in individual issues during the next parliamentary session.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Lord Goldsmith resigned from the government over delays in implementing promised actions such as ending live exports, banning primates as pets, shark fin imports, hunting trophies from vulnerable species. The Secretary of State is asked if she agrees with Lord Goldsmith's critique.
Does the Secretary of State agree with Lord Goldsmith's critique that before taking office, the Prime Minister assured party members via him that he would continue implementing the action plan on animal welfare but abandoned these commitments?
Of course not. We are getting on with legislation, such as secondary legislation to stop people keeping primates as pets and preparing single-issue Bills.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific critique about abandoning commitments was not addressed directly.
Dismissive Language
Changing Subject
Response accuracy