Labour has not implemented a single animal welfare pledge, say campaigners
Among the pledges that have not been implemented are banning the sale of animals with cropped ears, prohibiting imports of hunting trophies and banning imports of foie gras. Some relate to the UK as a whole, others to England, Wales and Scotland and the proposed ban on trail hunting just to England and Wales.
Additionally, earlier this month, the Labour government laid an amendment regulation in parliament to take effect on 22 July removing a legal protection under European regulations that prohibits the carrying of chickens and turkeys by their legs, which causes pain and suffering.
Edie Bowles, the executive director of the Animal Law Foundation, said: 'As an animal lawyer I have become accustomed to the disregard shown towards animal protection legislation, whether that be the broken promises around creating the much-needed improvements, through to enforcing the laws that are in place.
'In fact the government's decision to dilute a legal protection for chickens and turkeys has laid bare something that should cause concern among anyone who cares about animals. The government has shown that should it ever become inconvenient to follow the law to protect animals, the government will simply change the law to allow the practice.'
The government has recognised that there is 'much evidence to suggest that upright catching by the body is the optimum handling method to directly minimise welfare harms.' But it raised concerns about the cost implications.
Claire Bass, the senior director of campaigns and public affairs for Humane World for Animals UK, said: 'During a full year in office the government has found no parliamentary time to introduce the promised stronger protections for animals, such as a ban on hunting trophy imports.'
Shortly before coming into power, Steve Reed, now environment secretary, promised the Labour government would deliver 'the biggest boost for animal welfare in a generation'. As well as the policies mentioned above, he said Labour would:
End illegal puppy farming and the smuggling of animals including dogs, puppies and kittens.
Prohibit the importation of dogs and cats with fashion-based mutilations.
Ban the use of snare traps.
Ban the importation of heavily pregnant cats and dogs.
Accelerate the phasing out of animal testing.
Notwithstanding backing a Liberal Democrat MP's private member's bill to ban low welfare imports of cats, dogs and ferrets, the government has not introduced legislation to any of the pledges.
Abigail Penny, the executive director of Animal Equality UK, said: 'Keeping political promises is the foundation of a functioning democracy and there is still time for the government to uphold its word, rebuild dwindling public trust, and act in line with public will. The animals have waited for far too long already.'
A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said: 'We have wasted no time in delivering the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation.
'This includes improving animal welfare standards in zoos and plans to crack down on puppy smuggling.
'We will build on this progress by publishing an animal welfare strategy later this year.'
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