Dear Constituent,
There is no place in this country for animal cruelty, but unfortunately many animals are still mistreated. I am therefore pleased that the Government has put together a package of measures which will protect animals in our homes, in agriculture, and in the wild. These measures include a proposal to limit the distance animals can be moved for slaughter.
A consultation will shortly be carried out on restricting live animal journeys, requiring approval for longer journeys and bringing forward welfare conditions for these journeys when they are necessary. The Secretary of State has passionately campaigned for an end to live exports destined for either slaughter or fattening and I believe that these consultation proposals are a further step in taking forward our manifesto commitment on this issue. I hope you will take part in the consultation once it has opened.
This consultation follows a call for evidence in 2018 on improving animal welfare in transport and controlling live animal exports. The call for evidence lasted six weeks and sought views from across industry, charities and the general public on how the Government might raise standards of animal welfare during transport. It also follows on from expert advice from the Farm Animal Welfare Committee.
Acting on live animal exports forms part of a programme of reforms to cement the UK’s position as a global leader in animal welfare as we leave the EU and deliver a Green Brexit. The Government will also be consulting on banning the trade in pet primates, extending compulsory microchipping to cats and controlling the trade in hunting trophies from endangered animals.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind Regards, Alister
