Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill

Chris Loder thanked Elliot Colburn for presenting the petition and acknowledged his background as the son of a tenant beef farmer. He highlighted the success of his previous Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which increased sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years. Loder also addressed the issue of live export of animals for fattening and slaughter in other countries, citing evidence that UK-raised cows were being slaughtered in Lebanon, Libya, and further afield. He emphasized the importance of controlling our own laws regarding animal welfare post-Brexit and highlighted local cases of animal worrying by dogs leading to the death of sheep and cows.

Will my hon. Friend give way? My hon. Friend is making an excellent speech and is a champion for animal welfare. Does he agree that the measures in the Animal Welfare (Keated Animals) Bill to reduce puppy smuggling would also have a positive effect on online puppy sales, which are the subject of the campaign otherwise known as Reggie's law?

Highlighted the issue of puppy smuggling, noting over 2,000 smuggled dogs taken into care by Dogs Trust in West Lothian during the pandemic. Urged the Government to address delays that help criminals.

The issue of Brexit affecting live animal exports was highlighted, specifically mentioning a 2012 incident in Ramsgate where over 40 animals had to be euthanised due to poor vessel conditions. The speaker called for the Government to address this legacy issue urgently.

Congratulated the hon. Member on securing the debate and asked if he agrees that delays are needed due to the strength of feeling regarding animal exports for slaughter.

My hon. Friend mentioned cross-party support; there is lots of it. However, does he accept that under the Trade (Australia and New Zealand) Bill, cattle in Australia can be moved for 48 hours without rest, and there is mulesing of sheep? Also, lots of pregnant dogs now come across from Ireland, are given a caesarean, and are then sent back; they keep going back and forth. There are all sorts of problems, particularly with border control, under the existing regime that give rise to animal cruelty. The speaker criticised the rushed Australian trade deals as a result of Brexit, which could lead to importing badly treated animals and abuse of pregnant dogs. He argued that being part of the single market would prevent such issues.

Supported the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill and urged the Government to ensure the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill comes back to Report stage at the earliest opportunity.

Addressed concerns over the Northern Ireland protocol impacting access to pharmaceutical products for animals, urging urgent action to address this threat.

The MP endorsed the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and suggested it should be broadened to include domestic pets. He highlighted issues concerning microchipped cats being disposed of without scanning their chips for potential owners, advocating for legislation requiring local authorities to scan deceased cats' microchips before disposal. Additionally, he discussed his private Member's Bill, which includes provisions to prevent the euthanasia of healthy dogs unless absolutely necessary.

The MP highlighted the importance of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, noting its delay despite cross-party support. He mentioned constituents' concerns about the Bill's status and its implications for animal welfare issues such as pet imports from abroad. The MP also discussed Chester Zoo's conservation efforts and the need for parliamentary scrutiny in future changes to zoo standards.

Welcomed the chance to highlight the importance of bringing back the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, highlighting the Government's manifesto commitments on animal welfare. Mentioned improvements in legislation like the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, Ivory Act 2018, and measures against hare coursing. Discussed the Bill's aim to reduce long-distance transport of animals for slaughter and end low-welfare pet movement into Great Britain. Also highlighted provisions for primates, livestock worrying, zoo licensing, and conservation efforts.

The UK prioritises animal welfare and there is cross-party support for the Bill. The hon. Member for Ellesmere Port and Neston discussed Chester Zoo's importance in ensuring excellent welfare conditions for zoo animals. The former Secretary of State, the right hon. Member for Camborne and Redruth, highlighted the need to introduce the Bill despite time constraints. The hon. Member for West Dorset emphasized the Dogs Trust, RSPCA, Blue Cross and the need to address puppy smuggling. The hon. Member for Bury North mentioned laws like Tuk's law to ensure microchips are scanned and prevent dogs from being inadvertently put down. Dr Hudson discussed the harrowing evidence of pregnant dogs smuggled into the country. Kevin Foster highlighted his work on animal welfare, including the Ivory Bill.

My hon. Friend is making an excellent opening to his speech. Does he agree that the Animal Welfare (Keated Animals) Bill will be world-leading in the protection it provides against cruelty to animals? He mentioned cross-party support; does he agree that it is important to note how much support the Bill has, and that any continued delay by this Government is not acceptable?

As a veterinary surgeon, Neil Hudson supports the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and urges the Government to press ahead with it. He highlights concerns about puppy smuggling, pet theft, movement of animals for slaughter, and biosecurity issues. He calls for increased age restrictions on transported animals, limits on the number of pets per vehicle, and stricter import rules on mutilated dogs.

Clarified that Conservative Members do not intend to amend the Bill with items the Government opposes, urging the Minister to consider this clarification in his response.

Welcomed the consensual nature of the debate, urging the Minister to bring forward the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. Noted that more than 100,000 people had signed a petition in support of the bill, including over 400 from Newport West constituency. Proposed several amendments aimed at strengthening the bill's provisions, such as microchipping cats and regulating hunting dogs.

Mr Wilson highlighted the widespread support for the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and expressed frustration over its sudden halt in progress. He noted that despite cross-party, public, and sectoral backing, the legislation has been stalled at a critical time when good will is needed. Mr Wilson emphasised the benefits of Brexit allowing independent animal welfare laws to be established without EU restrictions, such as banning live animal exports. He also mentioned farmers' concerns about sheep worrying by dogs and families suffering from puppy smuggling, advocating for better protection against these issues.

Welcomed the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and emphasised that dogs are more than property, with 97% of households viewing pets as family members. Mentioned concerns about puppy smuggling, citing a £3 million trade and instances where heavily pregnant mothers are imported for illegal breeding. Called for stricter checks to limit abuse of the pet travel scheme.

Thanked the Petitions Committee for introducing this debate, noting that many constituents have signed the petition. Urged the Government to bring forward the Bill as soon as possible. It is infuriating that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, supported by all animal welfare charities, is being delayed while other Bills are progressing quickly. This includes the Genetic Technology (Precision Breeding) Bill which has concerns from these charities.

Supported the Bill's goals of banning live exports and cracking down on puppy smuggling, highlighting its significance for constituents in Ynys Môn. Emphasised the need to address livestock worrying.