In Detail, In Brief: Labour's Animal Welfare Strategy

This week the Labour government announced a new Animal Welfare Strategy, which will deliver the most significant improvement for a generation in the welfare of pets, farmed and wild animals.

Half of the adult population of the UK share their lives with a pet, a figure which is much higher in parts of Bristol South. They are loved companions, can help keep people active, lower stress levels and be good for children’s physical and mental health. We are already making it easier for tenants to have pets by implementing the Renters’ Rights Bill. 

However, some unscrupulous breeders exploit our love for pets, so this autumn Parliament passed new laws banning puppy and kitten smuggling, and we will introduce a new registration system for all breeders. A ban on the use of electric shock collars will be subject to consultation, a move supported by the British Veterinary Association, The Kennel Club, RSPCA, and the Dogs Trust. 

The last Labour Government set new standards for farmed animals, and after 14 years of inaction by the Conservatives, we are improving them once again. Both colony cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs will be phased out, and there will be a consultation on new standards for the humane killing of fish. 

Wild animals will be further protected, we will fulfil our manifesto commitment to ban trail hunting, which has been used to continue to barbaric practice of hunting wild mammals with dogs. Snare traps, which often capture pets or other no-target species will also be banned.  

Those who ignore wildlife cruelty laws can soon expect the same tough sentencing as is currently available for welfare offences against pets and farmed animals.