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Animal Welfare
07 June 2021
Lead MP
Elliot Colburn
Responding Minister
Victoria Prentis
Tags
EconomyBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 14208
Other Contributors: 12
At a Glance
Elliot Colburn raised concerns about animal welfare in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks the Government to clarify timelines for implementing bans on shark fin imports and non-commercial movement of ear-cropped dogs, as well as measures to address puppy importation abuses. He also seeks confirmation that private sales of ear-cropped dogs will be banned under new regulations.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The MP is concerned about the importation of shark fins, exploitation in puppy imports, and the rise of ear-cropped dogs in the UK. He highlighted specific petitions with over 104,000 signatures for banning the import of shark fins and reducing unethical puppy imports, as well as a petition with 115,382 signatures on prohibiting the practice of importing ear-cropped dogs. The MP pointed out that legal loopholes allow for continued trade in these practices despite their illegal nature within UK borders.
Pontypridd
Residents in Pontypridd topped the signature count for a petition focused on ear cropping, described as an illegal and unnecessary practice. Hope Rescue is caring for eight micro-bully puppies, six of which have had their ears cropped, highlighting the law's failure to protect dogs from this abuse. The RSPCA reported a 621% increase in reports of dogs with cropped ears over five years, illustrating growing concerns. Delays in court systems and loopholes in existing laws exacerbate the issue.
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Dave Doogan discussed the barbarism of shark-finning, noting that it involves the killing of approximately 73 million sharks annually. He questioned whether the ban on imported detached shark fins includes all products or only intact dried fins. Doogan also addressed puppy smuggling, highlighting harrowing evidence about pregnant bitches being seized at the border and the health risks for smuggled puppies. Additionally, he mentioned that the Scottish Government will introduce new licensing requirements for breeding animals and Lucy's law to prevent third-party sales of dogs and cats under six months old. Asked if all shark fin products should be banned, emphasizing the need for comprehensive legislation.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Gavin Robinson discussed the progress of Lucy's law on puppy welfare, noting difficulties with its application and highlighting the need for collaboration across the four nations. He mentioned a lack of a register to check if someone has been banned from holding animals. Robinson also raised concerns about the increase in illegally farmed puppies imported into the UK over the past six years.
James Daly
Con
Linlithgow and East Falkirk
James Daly supported the banning of ear cropping in dogs, noting that it is illegal but importation loopholes allow for its continuation. He highlighted two main issues: sending puppies abroad to be cropped and then imported back as legal imports; and the reliance on importing cropped dogs to hide dark back-street practices involving DIY cropping without proper medical knowledge or pain relief.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the increase in puppy demand during the pandemic, noting that this often leads to a peak of abandoned dogs. He cited an incident where one of his staff members was approached by someone offering £1,000 for her Dachshund and noted that some unscrupulous individuals are exploiting loopholes in Lucy's law to profit from puppy sales without proper checks. Shannon also mentioned potential health risks including parvovirus, e-coli, brucellosis, parasitic infestations, rabies, and other diseases. He suggested raising the import age of puppies to six months to close loopholes.
Lisa Cameron
SNP
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow
Ms Cameron thanked all those who have spoken in the debate on animal welfare issues and organisations working towards better dog and shark welfare. She highlighted the work of Lucy's law and raised concerns about puppy welfare, including long travel times, poor conditions, and health risks from unscrupulous breeding practices. She also discussed the increase in ear cropping among dogs, noting a 200% rise at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home since 2016.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Thanked all hon. Members who spoke in the debate, praising Elliot Colburn for comprehensively introducing the topic and highlighting the importance of enforcement following legislation. Mentioned the underfunding of the National Wildlife Crime Unit and the need for comprehensive shark fin product bans. Emphasized the geopolitical context of shark finning along with illegal fishing practices and slave labor. Raised concerns about dog ear cropping, calling out influencers promoting cropped dogs on social media platforms. Called for stricter enforcement of laws regarding puppy imports, urging no imports of puppies younger than six months.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Welcomed the debate on animal welfare, emphasizing concerns over shark finning and pet smuggling. Highlighted increased demand for pets during the pandemic, leading to more disease risks and smuggled animals. Proposed raising the minimum age of entry for dogs and cats to six months, reintroducing rabies titre checks, and increasing wait times after vaccination. Advocated for stricter rules on transporting pregnant animals, limiting the number of pets per person or vehicle, and banning imports of cropped-eared dogs and declawed cats.
Neil Parish
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Supports petitions on shark finning and puppy smuggling, emphasizing the need for enforcement of legislation and increased Border Force staff. Raises concerns over the lucrative nature of puppy smuggling and the necessity to breed more dogs humanely to meet demand. Emphasized the need for proper enforcement, particularly referencing the National Wildlife Crime Unit as a vital but underfunded resource.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
North Ayrshire and Arran
Patricia Gibson discussed the unscrupulous importation of puppies and focused on ear cropping in dogs, which is illegal but still prevalent. She highlighted a 621% increase in reported cases between 2015 and 2019 by the RSPCA. She also addressed the petition regarding shark fin imports, urging the Minister to ban these fins to protect sharks.
David Amess
Con
Southend West
Sir David Amess emphasised the importance of animal welfare, supporting his colleague's earlier remarks. He noted that there were still issues such as the importation of shark fins and puppy smuggling into the UK from other countries under legal loopholes. He also highlighted concerns about ear cropping in dogs and called for stricter regulations to prevent it. Sir David urged the Government to ban farrowing crates used for sows, restrict the number of puppies imported at once, increase the minimum import age for dogs, and improve conditions during animal transport. He welcomed upcoming Bills aimed at improving animal welfare but also requested a timeline for their implementation. Discussed shark finning statistics and the importance of banning all shark fin products to avoid loopholes in legislation.
Steven Bonnar
SNP
Coatbridge, Chryston and Bellshill
Historically, the UK was a leader in animal welfare legislation but has recently fallen behind. The Scottish National Party is committed to strengthening animal welfare laws. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in puppy farming abuse due to higher demand and prices. Scotland's Lucy's Law helps crack down on this trade by prohibiting third-party sellers from selling puppies under six months old unless they are breeders or rehoming centres. The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals rehoming centre was praised for its work in advancing animal welfare regulations, which were found to be more effective than English counterparts.
Government Response
Victoria Prentis
Government Response
Thanking the hon. Member for Carshalton and Wallington (Elliot Colburn) for securing the debate, the Minister of State at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs noted that animal welfare is a priority for this Government and highlighted recent actions such as publishing an action plan for animal welfare and starting legislative processes to address issues raised in the debate. The minister mentioned the upcoming ban on detached shark fins being imported into or exported from the UK, with extremely limited scientific exceptions; enforcement of pet theft taskforce; reduction of the number of dogs, cats, and ferrets that can be moved under the pet travel rules to prevent unscrupulous traders from exploiting these rules; new restrictions on commercial and non-commercial imports based on welfare grounds; banning DIY cropping kits and increasing sentences available for animal cruelty. The minister also highlighted farm animal welfare measures such as ending the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter, updating laws on livestock worrying, and introducing compulsory microchipping of cats. In summary, there is a great deal to do in terms of legislation but the Government remains committed to protecting and enhancing the welfare of all animals.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.