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Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill - Sitting 1

08 December 2021

Proposing MP
Derek Twigg Lab
Widnes and Halewood
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Andrew Rosindell introduces the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill which aims to reform animal health, biosecurity, and welfare enforcement through the introduction of penalty notices. The Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill aims to introduce financial penalties for existing animal offences and those related to animal products. The MP discusses concerns about the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill and its potential unintended consequences on animal welfare enforcement. The statement addresses concerns about the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill and its potential impact on animal welfare enforcement. The statement discusses the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill, which aims to introduce penalties for animal welfare offences to redirect behaviour and prevent more serious crimes. The statement discusses the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill, focusing on its provisions to extend penalty notices for animal welfare offences in England and Wales. The statement discusses the progress and support for the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill, which aims to enhance animal welfare in the UK.

Action Requested

Rosindell proposes to pass the Bill, which includes clauses for generating penalty notices as a new tool in enforcing animal health, welfare, and biosecurity laws. The Bill will be subject to consultation before implementation through secondary legislation.

Key Facts

  • Andrew Rosindell is introducing the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill.
  • Penalty notices will add a wider range of deterrents to the enforcement toolkit.
  • Clause 1 lists Acts to which penalty notices apply, with offences needing to be switched on via secondary legislation after consultation.
  • The Bill allows for financial penalties of up to £5,000 for animal offences.
  • Penalty notices can be used in situations where animals could be harmed due to unfit transportation or improper breeding records.
  • The Bill is welcomed by animal charities such as the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
  • The Bill is suspected of potentially privileging wealthy individuals over others regarding penalty notices.
  • Respected organizations like the RSPCA have reservations about some aspects of the bill, such as certain offenses being dealt with via fixed penalty notices (FPNs).
  • Clause 1(3) refers to a series of complex pieces of legislation, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
  • The RSPCA suggests that repeated minor section 9 AWA offences could be covered but recommends dedicated animal welfare officer issuance or veterinary advice for FPNs.
  • The Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill was introduced by the hon. Member for Romford.
  • The Bill introduces a new financial penalty system to combat offences against animals.
  • It pertains to Acts listed in clause 1 and includes the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
  • The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 introduced longer prison sentences for serious animal welfare crimes.
  • Clause 1 establishes relevant offences and enforcement authorities, ensuring proper consideration for which offences are suitable for penalty notices.
  • Enforcers must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt before issuing a penalty notice.
  • The Bill aims to extend penalty notices for animal welfare offences to England and Wales.
  • Clause 2 of the bill is near identical to clause 1 but extends it to Wales.
  • Clauses 3-9 provide detailed provisions for enforcement, reporting requirements, and financial accountability.
  • The Bill aims to enhance animal welfare in the UK.
  • Many Members across the House have offered support for the Bill.
  • Officials from DEFRA have provided significant support throughout the process.
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