MP speaks out on Animal Welfare

11th January 2006

On Tuesday 10th January 2006, David Amess MP spoke in the second reading of the Animal Welfare Bill.

This Bill, although largely uncontroversial, aims to amalgamate different strands of animal welfare legislation and update its provisions in line with modern scientific evidence. Its redefinition of cruelty has been expanded to include both psychological as well as physical harm to animals which is a much welcomed step. In addition, this Bill aims to enable local authorities to prevent cruelty to animals rather than just punishing those that commit animal welfare offences as is currently the case under the 1911 Act.

Mr Amess, like many of his Parliamentary colleagues, welcomes this legislation but has reservations about the enabling clauses that will allow further regulations to be made in the future. In particular on the issue of tail docking saying,

‘This is a very difficult issue, and I know that one or two hon. Members have said that the Minister has sat on the fence. The Kennel Club welcomes the Bill’s stance on the issue…maintaining that tail docking should remain a matter of choice for the owner. That view is supported by the Essex and Eastern Counties Boxer Club, which insists that the breed of the dog and the purpose of its breeding should be considered is regulations were to be introduced on tail docking. It is a difficult issue and I hope that the House will be given the opportunity to come to a conclusion on it.’
Another practice that may be affected by secondary legislation is that of itinerant pet fairs. These are currently banned under the 1983 amendment to the Pet Animals Act 1951 but clause 11 of this Bill may allow them to operate under a licensing system. Many of these animals, mostly exotic birds, reptiles and small mammals are ripped from their natural habitat and brought to the UK illegally in very cramped conditions for sale to people that often have no experience in handling such animals. Therefore David spoke in support of the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and the Animal Protection Agency in condemning these fairs and against their legalisation.

David concluded by saying that,

 ‘To have the legalisation of itinerant pet fairs or a ban on tail docking put into statute without wider public consultation that takes in the most recent scientific evidence would be a great mistake. However, I think that all animals can celebrate tonight.’