I have heard from many constituents over the past several weeks who are concerned about delays to the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
The UK has long led the way on animal welfare and Ministers are building on our world-leading standards with ambitious reforms, as outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare. The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will introduce landmark protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals.
The Kept Animals Bill was carried over into this parliamentary session following the Queen’s Speech in May 2022. My ministerial colleagues and I recognise that there is strong support for the Bill across Parliament and I am assured that it will return to the House as soon as parliamentary time allows.
I look forward to supporting the Bill through Parliament.