Urgent need for welfare legislation to secure a better future for animals

The importance of animals in many of our lives has been highlighted by a local MP at a key House of Commons drop-in event.

Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, says he is in no doubt about the urgent need for welfare legislation to secure a better future for animals.

The RSPCA is asking the Government to ensure it passes the legislation it committed to – which was included in the recently dropped Kept Animals Bill – covering primates as pets, live exports, puppy smuggling and ‘Livestock Worrying’.

Mr Madders, a dog owner himself, also discussed the need for strengthening dog breeding laws, ensuring animal welfare is protected in trade agreements, strengthening protections for wild animals and calling for animal welfare to be taught in schools.

He said: “As the RSPCA approaches its landmark 200th year, I’m proud to continue to show my support for the incredible work they do.

“I will be doing my bit to encourage the UK Government to commit to providing clear plans to improve animal welfare, an issue which, judging by my postbag, is important to many of my constituents.”

He added: “The coming years will be a  pivotal moment for animal welfare in the UK and I am keen to support the RSPCA with getting their policy asks recognised across the House of Commons, which will genuinely make this animal-loving country an even kinder place.

“Commitments the RSPCA wants to see from the Government include phasing out the use of animals in experiments, a high welfare food strategy, reform of the dangerous dogs act, animal welfare taught on the school curriculum, preventing puppy smuggling and more.

“These, along with their other asks, are all important issues that are more than deserving of a place in our Labour Party manifesto ahead of the next General Election.”

Harriet Main, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, added: “There have been many legislative achievements in improving animal welfare over the last few years, but recently there have also been some major backslides.

“The Government published the Action plan for Animal Welfare in 2021 but many of the actions are either yet to be completed or have been abandoned altogether.

“Animals deserve leaders that will stand up for them, and we are hopeful the MPs who attended our event today will help us to put animal welfare back on the agenda as a priority.”

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit: 

www.rspca.org.uk/give

Pictured - Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston.