Andy Drozdziak
A leading Catholic animal rights campaigner is hoping that an animal rights Bill backed by Joanna Lumley will not take a ‘back seat’ if a General Election is called.
Proposals to ban the export of livestock for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain have moved closer to becoming law.
The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill bans the export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses, with Environment Secretary Steve Barclay saying it will put a “permanent end to this unnecessary trade”.
The Bill received an unopposed second reading and will undergo further scrutiny at a later date. However, Chris Fegan from Catholic Concern for Animals is concerned that the Bill may be compromised, or dropped, if a General Election is called.
Mr Fegan told the Universe: “People are speculating as to when a General Election will be, and what legislation will fall if the election is called early. What’s worrying is the timescale -who knows when the Prime Minister will call a General Election?”
He added that he feared that Government priorities such as Rishi Sunak’s ‘Stop The Boats’ pledge will ‘knock’ legislation such as the Animals Welfare Bill off the Government’s timescale-‘especially if they call a spring election.’
The Government’s previous attempt to impose a ban as part of wider animal welfare reforms was scrapped earlier this year, with the new Bill more tightly focused on exports.
It will prevent animals being sent to the continent for slaughter from England, but the UK Government plans to work with the administrations in Scotland and Wales to make this apply across Great Britain.
Actress Dame Joanna Lumley has been among those campaigners calling for action to ban live animal exports.
Chris Fegan said he is pleased with the Bill’s progress. “This Bill-we are very pleased to see that it has made the King’s Speech and is starting its process through (Parliament). It has all party support, the two major parties will be supporting it in the Commons. It’s got popular support in the country,” he said.
“The whole thing is unclear, but the legislation is very important. The journey times the animals endure, often badly treated -it’s a horrendous business. Were very supportive of the legislation and hope it passes.”
Steve Barclay told the Commons: “The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill before us today will cement our position as a world leader on animal welfare.”
Picture: OSV News photo/Bob Roller