The goverment has pledged to introduce an Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which would embed the principle of animal sentience in law.

Government pledges to strengthen legislation around animal welfare.

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has welcomed the government's commitment to protecting the health and welfare of all animal species as highlighted by the range of measures announced in today's (Tuesday 11 May) Queen's Speech.

In the speech, the government outlined plans to strengthen the UK's animal welfare standards through a new Action Plan for Animal Welfare.

It also pledged to introduce an Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill, which would embed the principle of animal sentience in law.

“Legislation will place a duty on the state to consider the needs of animals across the species in future policy development and delivery,” BVA president James Russell said, “and send a strong signal of the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare.”

In addition, the government confirmed it is working to introduce a ban on private individuals keeping primates as pets.

Justine Shotton, BVA junior vice president, said: “We’re delighted to see the ban moving closer to becoming a reality. Primates are long-lived, intelligent, and socially complex animals, and as vets we have significant doubts as to whether their welfare needs could ever be met in a domestic setting.”

The final notable pledge from the government was a plan to crack down on illegal puppy smuggling. Daniella Dos Santos, BVA senior vice president, praised the “cast-iron commitment” to strengthen legislation against the importation of puppies, adding: “Vets see first-hand the tragic consequences resulting from puppies bred in deplorable conditions and taken away from their mothers at a very young age to undertake long, arduous journeys.

“We need action as quickly as possible to end this cruel and exploitative trade, and look forward to seeing further details on the Government’s plans.”