UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour faces backlash for failing to deliver on animal welfare pledges in its first year, as critics say key promises have been delayed or weakened.
As reported by The Guardian, activists have criticised Labour for not fulfilling its animal welfare promises, while also weakening protections for chickens.
The party’s pending measures include outlawing the sale of animals with cropped ears and banning the import of hunting trophies and foie gras. While some pledges apply across the UK, others target only England, Wales, or Scotland.
The Labour government moved to weaken EU-era protections this month, with a new law effective 22 July allowing poultry to be carried by their legs, despite welfare concerns.
What did Edie Bowles say about Labour’s rollback of animal protections?
Edie Bowles, the executive director of the Animal Law Foundation, said,
“As an animal lawyer, I have become accustomed to the disregard shown towards animal protection legislation, whether that be the broken promises around creating the much-needed improvements, through to enforcing the laws that are in place.”
She added,
“In fact, the government’s decision to dilute legal protection for chickens and turkeys has laid bare something that should cause concern among anyone who cares about animals. The government has shown that, should it ever become inconvenient to follow the law to protect animals, the government will simply change the law to allow the practice.”
What did Claire Bass say about Labour’s inaction on animal welfare?
Claire Bass, the director of campaigns and public affairs for Humane World for Animals UK, stated,
“During a full year in office, the government has found no parliamentary time to introduce the promised stronger protections for animals, such as a ban on hunting trophy imports.”
What did Abigail Penny say about Labour breaking its promises?
Abigail Penny, the executive director of Animal Equality UK, said,
“Keeping political promises is the foundation of a functioning democracy, and there is still time for the government to uphold its word, rebuild dwindling public trust, and act in line with public will. The animals have waited for far too long already.”
What did Defra say about Labour’s animal welfare efforts?
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said,
“We have wasted no time in delivering the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation.”
They added,
“This includes improving animal welfare standards in zoos and plans to crack down on puppy smuggling. We will build on this progress by publishing an animal welfare strategy later this year.”
What did Steve Reed promise on animal welfare before power?
Steve Reed, now serving as environment secretary, pledged ahead of Labour’s win to deliver major reforms in animal welfare.
Mr Reed promised to:
- Crack down on illegal breeding of puppies.
- Ban the smuggling of pets like dogs and kittens.
- Block imports of pets with cosmetic surgeries.
- Outlaw the use of harmful snare traps.
- Stop bringing in pregnant cats and dogs from abroad.
- Speed up efforts to end animal testing.
Animal welfare laws in the UK
- Welfare fines: Councils can impose a fine up to £5,000 for bad living conditions, illegal breeding, or ignoring care regulations.
- Court ruling: Judges said animal welfare can help stop building plans like factory farms.
- NI reforms: Northern Ireland now requires cat microchipping, regulates rescues, and may ban electric shock collars.
- Export ban: Sending animals abroad for slaughter is now banned to stop long, stressful trips.