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Pets have their FEELINGS protected by new law in Queen’s Speech
PETS are to have their feelings protected by a new law, announced today in the Queen's Speech.
The Animal Sentience Bill will give animals "with a backbone" the "right" to feel happiness, as well as suffering and pain.
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It forms part of the government's plan to help improve "the highest standards of animal welfare" in the UK.
The Bill will increase protection for all pets, sporting and farm animals.
Battery cages for laying hens will be banned, as well as sow stalls and veal crates, and CCTV will be installed in all slaughterhouses in England.
It will also end the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter, bring in more effective powers to tackle live stock worrying, and improve standards in zoos.
The new rules, set out by the monarch, 95, at today's State Opening of Parliament, will "eradicate cruel practices" and strengthen the penalties for those who abuse animals.
Maximum sentences will increase from six months to five years under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021.
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As well as the sentience bill, an Animals Abroad Bill will be introduced to ban the import of hunting trophies from endangered animals abroad.
Low welfare experiences abroad will also cease to be advertised in the UK.
And the world's toughest ban on dealing in elephant ivory will be built upon, alongside further steps to limit the trade and sale of foie gras.
A Kept Animals Bill will prevent animal exports and prohibit Brits keep primates as pets.
All three measures "take advantage of our status as an independent nation outside the EU and "eradicate cruel practices".
Ministers also want to crack down on pet theft by getting all 10 million cats in the UK microchipped.
Cat owners may have to chip their furry friends or face a £500 fine to stem a growing black market in stolen pets.
Animals rights campaigners welcomed the "fantastic" news.
Vanessa Amoroso, World Animal Protection’s external affairs advisor, said: "It’s fantastic news that animal sentience has finally been recognised by the government which will help legally protect animals when new laws, policies or trade deals take place.
"We are now urging that the new Animal Welfare Committee must be independently chaired, made up of the leading and diverse animal welfare experts in the country and be able to meaningfully hold Ministers to account."
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Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International said: "We welcome the UK government formally addressing many critical welfare issues such as ending the live export of farm animals; restrictions on cruel rodent glue traps; and taking action on the trade in fur.
"However we are concerned to see some commitments, like a ban on the import of hunting trophies, already being watered down.
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"Britain prides itself as a nation of animal lovers, and the Action Plan has the potential to right many wrongs for animals.
"However, the devil will be in the detail, and delivering meaningful change for animals requires real commitment from across Whitehall and a resolve not to buckle in the face of those with vested interests in inhumane products and practices."
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