Dai Havard

Labour Party | Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

HAVARD IN THE HOUSE - ‘The Rights of Animals Are Our Duties’

One of the first pieces of law being discussed in Parliament this year is the new Animal Welfare Bill. It introduces a positive duty to ensure the welfare of companion animals. Labour promised during the election last year to give better protection to pets, so that their care will no longer lag behind the protection we already give to farmed animals. For the first time, pet owners will have a duty to ensure that the welfare of their animals is met. Often under the present law it can take up to 25 visits by RSPCA inspectors before enough evidence is gathered to prove animal cruelty. Under the new law there will be powers to act before a pet suffers. We are lucky to have the recently opened RSPCA Hospital in Merthyr and I am sure that everyone involved with the hospital, the staff and Inspectors will all welcome this Bill.

Millions of us get great pleasure and companionship from pet animals and treat animals properly, but we also know a small minority cause cruelty and suffering to pets. We saw in our own Valleys not too long ago the horrific treatment of a retired Greyhound - shot through the head with a nail gun and with its ears cut off, and we know that parts of Wales are used for dog fighting. There will be increased penalties for serious offenders with fines of up to £20,000, four times the existing penalty, and imprisonment up to 51 weeks.

This law will give the power to make Orders, so that as society’s attitudes and scientific knowledge develop, the law can develop to protect animals in the future. Animal rights are expressed as duties on people. One of the main aims of the new law is to make people aware of this and prevent cruelty, but where cruelty does take place to punish those responsible. I was pleased to support the introduction of the Bill and look forward to voting it into law.