Members of Parliament across the South East of England have an opportunity to deliver a “rescue mission” for animal welfare this Thursday (16 November) – according to the RSPCA.
The animal welfare charity hopes local MPs will use a Private Members’ Bill ballot to revive 13 animal welfare policy pledges that have been dropped, abandoned or watered down by the UK Government in recent years.
Shocking analysis by the RSPCA has revealed the host of policies which the UK Government had previously promised to improve the lives of animals – only for these to be consigned to the Whitehall scrapheap.
It comes as the charity’s Animal Kindness Index highlights that more than eight out of ten people (83%) want to see governments protect animals through legislation.
Last week’s King’s Speech confirmed the return of two of these pledges – including plans to ban the live export of animals, and moves to end landlords imposing a blanket ban on pet ownership in the private rented sector.
However, this still leaves 13 policy areas – including some manifesto commitments – whereby the UK Government had pledged to act, but has subsequently failed to do so.
On Thursday, a draw for a ballot of Private Members’ Bills will take place – and the 20 successful MPs will have the chance to bring forward their own proposals for laws, including those which can have a positive impact for pets, wildlife and farm animals.
David Bowles, RSPCA head of public affairs, said: “Thursday’s ballot is a potentially huge day for animal welfare.
“While last week’s announcement on live exports was a big step forward from the UK Government, there are still 13 other policy areas where the UK Government has backslid, U-turned or dropped policy commitments for animals.
“From livestock worrying, and shock collars; to puppy smuggling and ending the import of fur from abroad, we need to see these policies revived.
“In the absence of any further UK Government action, Members of Parliament could offer a rescue mission for animals by proposing one of these 13 pledges as backbench legislation if they’re picked from the ballot draw this week.”
