Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill

Thursday 25 May 2023 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Kevin Foster asked the Secretary of State about recent discussions with the Leader of the House regarding the parliamentary timetable for the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
  • The Secretary of State stated that an announcement on the progress of the Bill is expected soon and highlighted the Government's ongoing commitment to animal welfare since 2010.
  • Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP) supported Kevin Foster's request and emphasized the importance of tackling puppy smuggling, particularly in Northern Ireland.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Foster Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

What recent discussions she has had with the Leader of the House on the parliamentary timetable for the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill?

Answer from Therese Coffey

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The parliamentary timetable for introducing the Bill's provisions was not addressed directly.

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Q2 Kevin Foster Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill includes urgent provisions on puppy smuggling and zoo regulation, which are crucial for animal welfare.

Question

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?

Answer from Therese Coffey

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific date for introducing the urgent provisions was not provided.

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Crime & Law Enforcement Northern Ireland
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Therese Coffey

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The direct involvement with Northern Irish authorities was not confirmed.

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