Stuart Anderson MP has urged Ministers to clampdown on animal cruelty. He has called for the better enforcement of animal welfare penalties, which the last government had helped to introduce.
Stuart's call comes ahead of National Pet Day on Friday 11th April, an annual celebration of the joy that pets bring into the lives of people and their families. Stuart has said that his support for better animal welfare has only strengthened since he adopted a labrador, called Monty who celebrates his birthday on Sunday, 13th April.
Last January, legislation introduced the option to issue fixed penalty notices of £5,000 for a range of animal health and welfare related offences. These offences include keeping animals in a poor living environment, overdue testing for Tuberculosis (TB), or animal breeders operating without a licence.
This is in addition to the existing range of enforcement measures, which includes warning letters, statutory notices, or movement restrictions to prevent animals and ensure animal keepers follow the law.
In February 2021, Stuart spoke in a debate on the Third Reading of the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill. He said that the legislation would give "a welcome powerful additional enforcement tool, providing authorities with an extra measure that could be used alongside warnings and criminal prosecution."
In response to a recent written question tabled in Parliament by Stuart, Ministers confirmed funding to train enforcement authorities such as local authorities and the police. This will support the effective implementation of penalty notices within their enforcement regime and their effective use as an enforcement tool.
Ministers have also committed to publishing a consolidated report on how many penalty notices have been issued. The first annual report is due in June 2025. Stuart said this will help parliamentarians hold the government accountable on progress to clampdown on animal cruelty.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"My dog Monty, who celebrates his birthday on 13th April, brings so much joy and pride to our family home. I am fully committed to the highest standards of animal welfare, both here in the UK and internationally. I am proud of the proactive action that the previous government took to clamp down on animal cruelty. This included the introduction of animal welfare penalities, which were designed as a powerful enforcement and educational tool against this form of appalling behaviour. Ahead of National Pet Day on 11th April, I am glad to have secured commitments from Ministers for their effective enforcement – including an annual report on how many penalty notices have been issued. I hope Ministers follow the example set by the last government to ensure standards of animal welfare remain a top priority."
