Three animal welfare laws included as MPs ‘grasp the nettle’ in backbench push

Fur ban, firework usage and pet smuggling among the proposals

Members of the new Parliament have been praised for “prioritising animal welfare” – with proposals for three animal laws set to be taken forward as Private Members’ bills in the House of Commons.

Ruth Jones MP, (Lab, Newport West and Islwyn) Sarah Owen MP (Lab, Luton North) and Danny Chambers MP (Lib Dem, Winchester) have all chosen to take forward animal welfare laws after being drawn in a ballot of Members of Parliament to bring forward backbench legislation for consideration.

MPs are now set to have the chance to consider new legislative proposals that could ban the import of fur, encourage more responsible use of fireworks, and tackle puppy, kitten and ferret smuggling.

• Ruth Jones is proposing the PMB on fur;
• Sarah Owen is proposing the PMB on fireworks
• Danny Chambers is bringing forward a PMB about protecting dogs, cats and ferrets

The three MPs confirmed their intention to bring forward bills this week.

They were three of 20 Parliamentarians drawn in a ballot to bring forward legislative proposals – meaning a hefty 15% of proposals are focussed on animals and their welfare.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “It’s great to see Members of the new Parliament prioritising animal welfare, and using this opportunity to push proposals that could make a real difference for animals.

“We already know 84% of people believe animal welfare should be protected by governments through legislation – so it’s really welcome to see MPs grasp the nettle so early in this Parliament to try and drive positive change, and create a kinder world for every animal.”

The exact contents of the proposed laws are not known at this stage – but the bill on fur is expected to seek to stop commercial fur imports and revisit pledges dropped by the previous UK Government.

Legislating against the smuggling of dogs, cats and ferrets will focus on stopping commercial imports of puppies and kittens, protecting heavily pregnant pets, and also ban the import of those animals that have been mutilated – such as those with cropped ears, or docked tails. These practices have long been banned in the UK – but a loophole exists where these animals can still be imported from abroad.

Meanwhile, plans to legislate around fireworks will look at changing the rules on selling fireworks so that people enjoy them responsibly while reducing the impact on pets, wildlife and farm animals – including limits on noise, the introduction of firework control zones, and restrictions on when fireworks can be sold.

David added: “With Bonfire Night approaching, we know many people will be getting excited by fireworks – but it’s important they are used responsibly, and consider animal welfare. Our legislative framework in this area is long due an update, so it’s really welcome to see this being looked at via a Private Members’ Bill.

“Plans to restrict fur imports were sadly abandoned by the last UK Government – and more than 20 years after fur farming was banned in the UK, our import law needs to catch up; particularly amid suggestions that wearing real fur is proving popular with some celebrities again.

“Sadly, moves to better protect pets being imported into the UK also didn’t make it over the line in the last Parliament. We know pets with cropped ears, and other mutilations, are too often imported into the UK and sold; while this loophole can also act as a smokescreen for criminality at home – so it’s really welcome this issue is being raised so early into the new Parliament.”

MPs react

Sarah Owen MP, Member of Parliament for Luton North, said: “Change to firework law is long-overdue. Though better enforcement of existing rules is needed, it is not right that extremely loud rockets and firework fountains can be purchased all year round by the public.

“I have received hundreds of letters and emails from concerned residents, frankly fed up of having their sleep and lives endlessly disrupted. Loud fireworks are also a huge cause of stress for pets, and can be distressing people with PTSD, bringing back painful or traumatic memories. It’s time to tighten the rules.

“I look forward to working with animal welfare and veterans charities, as well as MPs from across Parliament, in getting this crucial change through.”

Ruth Jones MP, Member of Parliament for Newport West and Islwyn, added: “This Parliament has great ambition for animal welfare and that has been demonstrated with these Private Members’ Bills. It’s two decades since we banned fur farming in this country and an import ban on fur products is long overdue. It’s high time we ended the hypocrisy and I’m calling on MPs from across the House to support the Bill.”

More information on the RSPCA’s campaigning work can be found on the charity’s website