Henry Smith MP has called on the Government (on Wednesday, 21st June) to ensure that measures previously announced in the now-withdrawn Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will still be delivered, and has issued a call to parliamentarians to ‘park the politics’ on animal welfare matters.

Speaking in Central Lobby after the conclusion of the House of Commons Opposition Day Debate on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, Henry said;

“The Government has made great strides in recent years on issues relating to animal protections.

“We’ve seen an increase to sentences for cruelty and the world’s toughest ivory ban. What we need to do now is fulfil the other commitments made: such as ending live animal exports for slaughter, in addition to introducing food labelling on farming standards and to method of killing.

“The Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill I’ve introduced, which was approved by the House of Commons in March and is currently making its way through the House of Lords, has the support of the Government.

“This would ban British hunters from bringing body part ‘trophies’ of endangered and vulnerable animals into Great Britain and I’m struck by the strength of support that this Bill – which was a commitment in the manifesto which I stood on at the General Election in 2019 – continues to receive.”

Speaking during the debate in the House of Commons, Henry said;

“The Government say that the measures in the now halted Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill can be delivered via statutory instruments and Private Members’ Bills.

“If that is so, can I have an assurance from the Government that, should there be wrecking amendments in the other place on the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, Commons time will be afforded to us to ensure that the clearly expressed will of this House to enact that legislation can be met so that the legislation makes it on to the statute book before the end of this parliamentary session?”

On action to enhance animal welfare, Henry said;

“I also pay tribute to this Government for achieving a number of animal protection measures.

“As the Minister told us from the Dispatch Box, they include: a new prison sentence of up to five years for animal cruelty; the Ivory Prohibition (Civil Sanctions) Regulations 2022 and the extension of its provisions; the installation of CCTV in slaughterhouses to ensure greater welfare standards; the micro-chipping of dogs and cats; and the establishment of the Animal Sentience Committee, so that all future administrations will have to pay the highest regard to animal welfare.”

On future improvements to animal protections, Henry said;

“That being said, I am disappointed that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill has been withdrawn. It was probably the best vehicle to get all those manifesto commitments made three and a half years ago on to the statute book.

“However, whatever parliamentary vehicle is used, I want to see those commitments met and completed before the end of this Parliament to ensure that, among other things, the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter is halted. I know that none has taken place since Brexit, but it is important that we make sure that that becomes law. Let me point out that that has only been possible because we have left the European Union. If we were to rejoin, such a measure would not be possible.”

On pet theft, Henry said;

“Pet theft is another important matter. As has been mentioned, our love and respect for our pets is an aggravating factor when pets are stolen, and that should be recognised in law. I was pleased to hear the Minister say that measures relating to primates and to livestock worrying will also be introduced.”

On standing up for animal welfare, Henry said;

“It is important that, as a House, we try to park the politics when it comes to animal welfare, because the vast majority of us want to achieve the same thing, and it is only by working together that we will do that for the wellbeing of animals.”

Please find the full text and video of Henry’s speech here.