Two bills related to increased animal welfare protections were debated in Parliament recently; the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill and the Pet Abduction Bill. The former bans the export of livestock for slaughter and fattening with the latter creating a new criminal offence relating to the theft of a pet dog or cat. Both bills passed their respective stages to wide cross-party support.

Local MP Rebecca Pow attended both debates, highlighting the importance of animal welfare to her constituents across Taunton Deane.

Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow said:

“The Government has an excellent record on animal welfare. In fact, we are the highest ranked G7 nation according to the World Animal Protection’s Index.

Amongst legislation we have introduced since 2010, we have: increased maximum sentences for animal cruelty; made microchipping compulsory for cats and dogs and banned third-party puppy and kitten sales. For farm animals we have: banned traditional battery cages; introduced CCTV in slaughterhouse and supported farmers to adopt high welfare practices. For wild animals we have banned them from use in travelling circuses and introduced one of the toughest bans on elephant ivory sales in the world as well as extending this to other species.

 While no animals have been exported for slaughter or fattening from Great Britain since the Government announced its intention to bring forward a ban in 2021, the Livestock Exports Bill debated in Parliament recently makes this permanent, delivering on a key manifesto commitment.

In addition, in my capacity as Defra Minister, I was honoured to be at the Despatch Box answering the debate on a proposed new law on pet abduction covering cats and dogs. This Private Members Bill would bring in up to 5 years imprisonment for this cruel offence and better monitoring and data so that it will be much easier to track offenders and see just how widespread this crime is. My own two fine cats - Raffa and Mr Tips - have taken on an even more meaningful role in my life since my children have grown up and left home and my husband died. I know many of my constituents in similar positions can understand this and like me will be pleased that we have announced that this important piece of legislation will come into force within three months of Royal Assent.

These two latest pieces of legislation demonstrate further our commitment to animal welfare.”