London, United Kingdom – 6/12/2023
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF) welcomes the introduction of three significant animal welfare bills in Parliament: The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill sponsored by Selaine Saxby MP, the Pet Abduction Bill sponsored by Anna Firth MP (CAWF Patron), and the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill sponsored by John Spellar MP. These bills signify a monumental step forward in the United Kingdom’s commitment to advancing animal welfare and delivering Conservative Manifesto commitments.
The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill sponsored by Selaine Saxby, introduces stringent measures to regulate the import of these pets, ensuring their health and safety during transportation and deterring illegal trade practices. This bill not only safeguards the welfare of countless animals but also protects public health from potential diseases. This Bill will tackle the unlawful dog, cat, and ferret smuggling trade. Heavily pregnant dogs and puppies often endure long journeys –many have mutilations such as cropped ears– to be sold in this country as pets.
The Pet Abduction Bill, sponsored by CAWF Patron Anna Firth MP, addresses the distressing issue of pet theft. By recognising pets as sentient beings rather than mere property, this bill seeks to impose stricter penalties on perpetrators, thus providing greater security for pet owners and their beloved animals. Pets are part of the family, and their abduction can cause untold grief and stress to many. We hope that by classifying pets as more than just ‘property’, we can ensure their abduction is rightly met with the full force of the law.
Additionally, the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, sponsored by John Spellar MP, aims to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered species. This bill is a crucial step in preserving biodiversity and protecting endangered species from exploitation.
Chris Platt, Co-Founder of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, comments, “The introduction of these bills is a testament to the UK’s leadership in animal welfare. By addressing key issues such as pet abduction, puppy smuggling, and banning the import of hunting trophies, we are not only protecting animals but also setting a global standard for compassion and responsibility. We were also delighted to welcome the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill earlier this week which will ban the export of farm animals and horses for slaughter and fattening abroad.
As these important bills progress through Parliament, the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation remains committed to working closely with policymakers, stakeholders, and the community to ensure their successful implementation. CAWF believes that these legislative measures are essential steps towards a future where animal welfare is integral to societal progress and public policy.
For more information about the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.conservativeanimalwelfarefoundation.org.
About Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF)
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation was established in 2016 to raise awareness of the lives of billions of animals reared on intensive farms around the world and how this impacts animal welfare, the environment, and people’s health. We believe in placing the welfare of farm animals at the forefront of the Government’s plan for food and farming, alongside productivity, competitiveness, and technology.
Ends.
