Party to unveil a set of animal welfare election pledges
The Labour Party are due to publish a 'Pledge for Animals' today (18 February) - a manifesto of policy commitments to improve animal protection.
The policies will be unveiled at London Wetland Centre, ten years to the day after the ban on hunting with dogs in England and Wales came into force.
Among a list of six pledges, Labour promises to review the rules on breeding and selling of dogs and cats.
If they win the next general election, the party also pledge to abandon the badger cull, strengthen the hunting ban, and place a complete ban on wild animals in circuses.
Speaking to BBC News Maria Eagle, shadow environment secretary, said: "The last Labour government achieved much to end the cruel and unnecessary suffering of animals: the banning of hunting with dogs, securing an end to cosmetic testing on animals, banning fur farming and introducing the Animal Welfare Act.
"The next Labour government will continue to lead the way on animal welfare, starting with six key commitments that build on our previous achievements at home and abroad."
Ed Miliband, Labour Party leader, added: "Our Labour values tell us that we have a moral duty to treat the animals we share our planet with in a humane and compassionate way.
"No other major political party has such a proven track record of decisive action for animals at home, on farms and in the wild."
A 2014 Ipsos Mori poll revealed that 14 per cent of British voters say that animal welfare is an issue that would determine their vote.
Claire Bass of Humane Society International/UK, said: “On May 7th the votes of many millions of British people will be influenced by a desire to see greater protection for animals. A party’s policies for animals - who are voiceless and so vulnerable to exploitation and suffering - tell you something very fundamental about its core ethics.
"We urge all parties to make acting for animals a priority, and encourage voters to ask their candidates for their views on animal welfare. Whether it’s ending suffering in circuses, laboratories, zoos, farms, or in the wild, animal welfare is a vote winner, and badgers will matter at the ballot box.”
Labour's 'Pledge for Animals' will be published at 1pm, Wednesday 18 February.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
