London, 25th May 2023
Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation is disappointed by the statement delivered today by Minister for Farming and Rural Affairs the Rt Hon. Mark Spencer MP which confirmed the Government has made the decision to discontinue the passage of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. We believe this represents a missed opportunity to further enhance the welfare and protection of animals across the United Kingdom.
The Kept Animals Bill is strongly supported by MPs, NGOs, charities, and the public alike. Its provisions which include ending live animal exports for fattening and slaughter, and tackling puppy smuggling, resonate with the public’s priorities and deliver critical Conservative Manifesto commitments.
While disappointed with the Government’s decision, we remain committed to ensuring the welfare of animals and welcome commitments by the Minister that the measures established by the Kept Animals Bill could be upheld through alternative legislative vehicles. Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation will support the creation of Private Members Bills and urge the Department to ensure the swift delivery of such legislation.
Almost 14 million people elected this Government on a platform which promised to deliver for animals. More recently, the continuation of this Bill was promised by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 2022 during his leadership campaign. It is these promises we call on the Government to honour today, and ensure that the provisions to improve the lives of huge numbers of animals set out in the Kept Animals Bill are carried out in legislation.
Chris and Lorraine Platt, Co-Founders of Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation
About Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF)
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation was established in 2016 to raise awareness on the lives of billions of animals reared on intensive farms around the world and how this impact upon animal welfare, the environment and people’s health. We want to highlight the action people can take to help advance farm animal welfare.
Animal welfare is an increasing concern amongst the public, who frequently look to Government to take the lead in both maintaining and improving standards.
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation believes it is highly important that the welfare of farm animals is placed at the forefront of the Governments plan for food and farming along with its focus on productivity, competitiveness, and technology.
Media contact: Sophia Stileman (sophia.stileman@conservativeanimalwelfarefoundation.org)
