- Conservatives Face Vote on Reintroduction of Abandoned Animal Welfare Bill
- Labour Pushes for July Vote to Pass Animal Welfare Legislation
- Animal Rights Activists Accuse Government of Avoiding Debates on Hunting and Other Issues
The proposed Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was abandoned by the Conservatives last month. And it was announced that the promised protections would be implemented through other legislation.
Conservative legislators may have to vote on reintroducing animal welfare legislation the administration abandoned last month.
Labour’s opposition days in the House of Commons will vote on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
When the government rescinded the measure last month, it cited concerns that Labour would amend it to “extend the scope” of the laws and “play political games.
Mark Spencer, the minister of the environment, stated that the government would fulfill its 2019 manifesto pledge to introduce various animal protections through other pieces of legislation.
Labour wants the bill reintroduced on July 12 to pass the House of Commons.
Animal rights activists have accused the government of avoiding debates on issues such as hunting.
Jim McMahon, the shadow environment secretary, stated that animal welfare is “important for Labour” and “also important for the Conservatives.”
“Protection for animals was included in their 2019 election platform,” he continued.
The Labour front-bencher stated that the purpose of today’s vote was to “say it’s time for integrity and trust in politics – that when politicians make a promise, they keep it.
Mr. McMahon stated that the measure had passed its second reading and had “overwhelming support” before it was withdrawn.
“There is no reason not to move forward, and I just hope that enough MPs who care deeply about animal welfare and keeping election promises join Labour today.”
A spokesperson for the government stated, “The United Kingdom is a world leader in animal welfare. And we are fully committed to maintaining and enhancing this record.”
“We are committed to delivering the provisions of the Kept Animals Bill separately during the remainder of this legislature and look forward to advancing these. We will outline subsequent measures in due time.”
