Ipswich Labour response to news that the Government is set to scrap the ‘Kept Animals Bill’
Ipswich Labour has condemned the Government as it was revealed the Kept Animals Bill was set to be scrapped.
The Bill would have ended live animal exports for fattening and slaughter, tackled livestock worrying, banned keeping primates as pets, and helped end puppy and kitten smuggling. It would also have outlawed the import of dogs with cropped ears and made pet abduction a criminal offence.
The Humane Society International/UK said it was an “astonishing betrayal of both animals and public trust.”
The Kept Animals Bill was first introduced in June 2021 but has faced long delays.
Jack Abbott, Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Ipswich, said:
“It’s yet another broken promise from the Conservatives, one that will condemn millions of animals to prolonged cruelty.
“The Bill would have ended live animal exports for fattening and slaughter, tackled livestock worrying, banned keeping primates as pets, and helped end puppy and kitten smuggling. It would also have outlawed the import of dogs with cropped ears and made pet abduction a criminal offence.
“Instead, after months and months of delays, these crucial measures have now been scrapped. People who carry out these barbaric practices have essentially been given the green light to continue by the Conservatives.
“While I am pleased that Labour have renewed their commitments on animal welfare, I am dismayed that animals will be forced to suffer until we have a change in Government.”
Jim McMahon MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, added:
“Today’s announcement that the Government has pulled the plug on the Kept Animals Bill is further proof that you can’t trust the Tories to deliver on animal welfare.
“The Government’s decision to scrap the Kept Animals Bill demonstrates that it has lost the ability to get its own legislation through Parliament.
“Labour is the party of animal welfare and we have long called for the Kept Animals Bill to be brought back to the House at the earliest opportunity. Only a Labour Government can be trusted to deliver on animal welfare.”