The Island’s RSPCA has called on Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely for support in ensuring a new animal welfare bill is passed by Government.
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is draft legislation about the welfare of certain kept animals – including puppies and primates – that are in, imported into, or exported from Great Britain.
Campaigners including the RSPCA are concerned that progress on the Bill appears to have stalled and that it could be dropped altogether. Island RSPCA branch manager Suzanne Pugh has written to Mr Seely asking for his support in ensuring the legislation is moved forward.
She said:
“I was delighted to hear the Government had released an action plan for animals, giving them the spotlight they deserve and positioning the UK as one of the global leaders in animal welfare. However, I was incredibly disappointed to see that all activity on this landmark Bill appears to be coming to a grinding halt.
“While I understand Government has pledged to carry the Bill over to the new parliamentary session, I am deeply concerned that this Bill will disappear from Ministers’ agendas, breaking huge promises to thousands of British people, and to the countless animals that need our help. The Government must keep its word and retain the trust of animal lovers across the country?”
Mrs Pugh said Mr Seely had previously been a supporter of the Island’s RSPCA branch particularly during COVID-19 when he raised funding issues with Government.
Suzanne adds:
“It is clear that Bob is very much concerned with animal welfare and that is why we have called upon him now to help keep the Kept Animals Bill firmly on the agenda.
“Given the variety and volume of issues encompassed within the Kept Animals Bill, we cannot let this crucial legislation run out of time again. We need to ensure that this milestone Bill keeps its promises.”
Responding to the call, Mr Seely has said:
“I am very keen to see this Bill progress through Parliament. It promises to bring in some of the world’s strongest protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals. I am working with The Wildheart Trust which is, among other things, seeking an amendment to the Bill to include the banning of breeding exotic felids with domestic cats.
“I am very happy to work with the RSPCA as well. Indeed, I have written to the Environment Secretary, George Eustice, to ask if he could indicate when the Bill will return to the Commons for its Report Stage. The sooner the Bill is brought in the better.”
If enacted, the Bill would, amongst other things, tighten up controls and regulations around the keeping or primates in domestic settings, and the import of dogs – often very young puppies – from abroad – a practice that grew during Covid restrictions.
The Bill also brings the banning of live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, a step closer.
To include banning imports of foie gras and fur?
No because the rich and famous like those type of products, maybe Bob would like to elaborate on which “kept animals” he is trying to protect.
I’m glad that seldom seen has actually replied to someone
Anything that helps animal welfare is a positive in my book. Very pleased to hear Bob is doing his bit. Well done RSPCA IOW who go above and beyond.
I fully agree, although the animal skin furniture item in the photograph seems somewhat ironic!
All for anything which helps animals who can’t speak up for themselves.
Having done nothing to deserve it, Bob Half a Sausage gets another photo opportunity! After todays by-election results, he must be expecting an election to be looming.