Recently appointed prime minister Rishi Sunak has been urged by the BVA president Malcom Morley to prioritise animal welfare legislation.
Having long awaited government attention, the bill is set to address some of the most pressing animal health and welfare issues in the UK.
It will include introducing measures on ear cropping, puppy smuggling, importation of dogs, cats and ferrets and banning the export of live animals for slaughter.
What do we know so far?
Over 106,000 have signed an online petition urging for the Kept Animals Bill to be progressed through parliament as soon as possible.
Despite the high number of signatures, a date to discuss the issue is yet to be agreed.
Dr Morely says “It is imperative that the Kept Animals Bill doesn’t falter during this period of transition, and continues its journey through Parliament and into law.
“[The] BVA has long campaigned for action in areas covered by the bill, including measures to tackle puppy smuggling, prohibit the import of dogs with cropped ears, review zoo standards and impose a ban on keeping primates as pets.
“This new legislation will bring significant positive change for the pets, livestock and wildlife in the UK, addressing some of the most pressing animal health and welfare issues of our time.”
What about Brexit?
In addition to the Kept Animals Bill, a total of 2,417 animal welfare laws need to be reviewed before the end of 2022.
The RSPCA has warned that these laws could be revoked by default unless parliament is proactive in saving them.
This is because an estimated 80% of animal welfare laws were established while the UK was still part of the EU.
Battery Hen and animal testing laws are just some of the many measures under threat.
Choice Vets agree with calls to prioritise animal welfare legislation and look forward to seeing next steps from the government.
Fancy a chat? Get in touch with our wonderful team on 0203 9784 104 or send us an email via [email protected].

Recently appointed prime minister Rishi Sunak has been urged by the BVA president Malcom Morley to prioritise animal welfare legislation.
Having long awaited government attention, the bill is set to address some of the most pressing animal health and welfare issues in the UK.
It will include introducing measures on ear cropping, puppy smuggling, importation of dogs, cats and ferrets and banning the export of live animals for slaughter.
What do we know so far?
Over 106,000 have signed an online petition urging for the Kept Animals Bill to be progressed through parliament as soon as possible.
Despite the high number of signatures, a date to discuss the issue is yet to be agreed.
Dr Morely says “It is imperative that the Kept Animals Bill doesn’t falter during this period of transition, and continues its journey through Parliament and into law.
“[The] BVA has long campaigned for action in areas covered by the bill, including measures to tackle puppy smuggling, prohibit the import of dogs with cropped ears, review zoo standards and impose a ban on keeping primates as pets.
“This new legislation will bring significant positive change for the pets, livestock and wildlife in the UK, addressing some of the most pressing animal health and welfare issues of our time.”
What about Brexit?
In addition to the Kept Animals Bill, a total of 2,417 animal welfare laws need to be reviewed before the end of 2022.
The RSPCA has warned that these laws could be revoked by default unless parliament is proactive in saving them.
This is because an estimated 80% of animal welfare laws were established while the UK was still part of the EU.
Battery Hen and animal testing laws are just some of the many measures under threat.
Choice Vets agree with calls to prioritise animal welfare legislation and look forward to seeing next steps from the government.
Fancy a chat? Get in touch with our wonderful team on 0203 9784 104 or send us an email via [email protected].