Animal Welfare Groups have welcomed a new proposal to enshrine animal sentience in law.

Animal welfare groups welcome move

Animal Welfare Groups have welcomed a new proposal to enshrine animal sentience in law.

Labour MP Kerry McCarthy today (3 April) introduced an Animal Sentience Bill - an initiative the government had promised to bring forward ahead of Brexit, but has not yet acted upon.

Speaking on Tuesday (2 April), Kerry Mccarthy said: “It’s now over 500 days since the Government promised to recognise animal sentience in UK law before our departure from the European Union. Yet here we stand with the clock ticking down and no legislation in sight.

“That’s why I’m introducing my Animals (Recognition of Sentience) Bill on Wednesday to acknowledge that many animals are capable of feeling pleasure, pain and suffering. The Government said it was looking for a vehicle to bring forward the legislation. I’ve provided it, now they should back it.”

David Bowels, head of public affairs for the RSPCA said: “While we very much welcome the Animal Sentience Bill brought forward by Kerry McCarthy MP, we are extremely disappointed that the UK Government has not acted on its promise and introduced its own legislation.  

“Such an important issue should not have to rely on backbench MPs bringing forward legislation. The Government should stand squarely behind such a law and present it themselves.

“With research showing that eight out of 10 British people (81 per cent) believe that animal welfare laws should be maintained or strengthened post-Brexit, the government risks an outcry if it doesn’t uphold its promise to the UK’s animal lovers.

“It’s time for the Westminster government to act on its commitment to introduce meaningful Animal Sentence legislation so animals have the same or better protection post-Brexit than they do now.”