RSPCA expresses concern that Government could drop important legislation.

Friday, 24 March marks 500 days since the Government has made any progress on the Kept Animals Bill. The RSPCA is extremely concerned that the delay could indicate that the Government may be about to drop this important legislation.

The bill had its first reading in June 2021 and includes a wide range of commitments to improve animal welfare, such as banning live exports for slaughter or fattening, creating specific new offences linked to pet theft, and banning imports of dogs or cats with mutilations.

The export of live animals is an issue that the RSPCA has campaigned against for more than 50 years, and 54 per cent of the population are in favour of a ban. Each year, approximately 1.6 million farm animals, including cattle, sheep, pigs and horses, are transported across Europe on journeys of up to 10 hours.

In 2019, the Conservative Party included a commitment to "end excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening” in their manifesto, and said it would be one of the many benefits of the leaving the European Union.

Chris Sherwood, CEO of the RSPCA said: “When we left the EU, the UK Government said Brexit would finally allow us to ban live exports and uphold higher standards for animals in this country, and that’s why the 2021 announcement of a Kept Animals Bill was a landmark achievement and commitment to animal welfare.

"We and other organisations couldn’t have been prouder of our UK Government for this landmark achievement. The public wanted it, animal welfare charities demanded it, and many MPs supported it. But progress has totally ground to a halt.

“We now fear another shocking U-turn, and this key legislation to be scrapped altogether, or simply running out of time.

“But for the sake of these animals, the Kept Animals Bill must proceed; if it doesn’t, the UK Government will break its promise to the UK people to end this suffering and condemn countless farm animals to many more years of cruel and unnecessary journeys."

British Veterinary Association (BVA) president, Malcolm Morley has written to the Prime Minister, urging the Government to deliver its manifesto promise.

In his letter, Dr Morley said: “The Bill has significant public support and presents a golden opportunity to make a positive difference to the lives of millions of animals. We urge you to prioritise this vital piece of legislation and set a date for its remaining stages.”

Dr Morley’s letter to the Prime Minister can be read in full here.

He encourages all BVA members and veterinary professionals to write to their local MPs, stressing the importance of continuing the bill through Parliament. A template can be downloaded here.