As an animal lover myself, I can assure you that I take the issue of animal testing and welfare extremely seriously.
In government the Conservatives have prioritised animal welfare, and we are determined to go further. The way we treat animals reflects our values and the kind of people we are. We will continue to raise the bar, and we intend to take the rest of the world with us.
Anyone using snares has a responsibility under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to ensure their activities do not harm protected species or cause any unnecessary suffering. We are looking at how snares are regulated as part of our continued drive to maintain the highest animal welfare standards in the world, and working to ensure the regulated use of the most appropriate trap and cull method which causes the least suffering whilst providing the greatest protection to crops, game birds or endangered species. On fox hunting, we have made a manifesto commitment that there will be no changes made to the Hunting Act, which implemented the ban on fox hunting. We are transitioning away from intensive badger culling towards widescale badger vaccination. Supplementary Badger Culling (SBC) is limited to a maximum of two years and the issuing of SBC licences for previously licensed areas or areas licensed for Badger Disease Control after 2020 is prohibited. However, culling would remain an option where epidemiological assessment indicates that it is needed.
There are a number of different farming systems within the UK and farms of all sizes have a role to play in promoting sustainable UK agriculture. We promote efficient, competitive farming, but do not seek to favour large or small-scale farms. All farms must comply with comprehensive UK law on animal health and welfare, planning, veterinary medicines and environmental legislation.
We recently announced new requirements for all bird keepers–regardless of the size of their flock-to officially register their birds. Currently only those who keep 50 or more poultry must do so, limiting the effectiveness of our national disease control measures. By registering their birds, keepers will ensure they receive important updates relevant to them, such as on any local avian disease outbreaks and information on biosecurity rules to help protect their flocks.
Regarding aquatic animals, we are working closely with stakeholders to gather information and build a clear evidence base on decapod crustacean welfare, in order to understand what opportunities exist to improve welfare standards.
On animal testing, in May 2024, we announced that the government will be publishing a plan to accelerate the development, validation, and uptake of technologies and methods to reduce reliance on the use of animals in science. We intend that in the summer, this will be led by a cross-government group that will consult stakeholders in industry, academia, and charities. As the MP for Newbury, I asked a question in Parliament about breeding facilities for scientific testing. In particular, I asked whether the Department was looking to further enhance welfare standards at MBR Acres - and other breeding facilities - and whether Ministers might "close the loophole" in the 2006 Animal Welfare Act which means that animals for scientific testing are exempt from the Act's protection. I was delighted that no new licences will now be granted for animal testing of chemicals that are exclusively intended to be used as ingredients in cosmetics products. During my time as your constituency MP, I also wrote to the Minister about this matter and he assured me that, “the Conservative government is taking action to seek alternatives to animal testing for worker and environmental safety of chemicals used exclusively as cosmetic ingredients”. I am pleased to say that this reflects the Conservative Party’s wider commitment to replacing the use of animals in science wherever scientifically possible.
We also take the illegal importation of pets seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to animals. We are committed to delivering on our manifesto commitment on puppy smuggling, and plan to take forward measures to crack down on puppy smuggling. In the last Parliament, Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, sought to tackle the import of dogs with cropped ears. The Bill aimed to introduce stringent measures to regulate the import of the titled pets, ensuring their health and safety during transportation and deterring illegal trade practices. I welcomed the Conservative Government's support of the Bill during its Second Reading. Furthermore the last Conservative government took action to tackle the practice of puppy farming. Following the introduction of Lucy’s Law in 2020, everyone must now buy directly from breeders or consider adopting from rescue centres, which is a major step in stopping the illegal pet trade. If an individual sells puppies or kittens without a licence, they could receive an unlimited fine or be sent to prison for up to six months.
Finally, we remain committed to banning the import of hunting trophies. Indeed I spoke in support of the Bill saying that to many people it would "extraordindary" that the importation of hunting trophies had not yet been banned and that hunting in this way was still practiced. When in Parliament I also recognised that the Bill was part of the Government's sustained and concerted effort to improve animal welfare standards.
(June 2024)