Dr Neil Hudson MP - the only veterinarian in the House of Commons - lent his professional expertise to a debate on the Animal Welfare (Live Exports) Bill which will ban the export of animals for fattening and slaughter from Great Britain.
Advocating for a landmark shift in the treatment of animals, Dr Hudson helped the bill past its Second Reading in Parliament, which will ban the export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses for fattening and slaughter. This legislative move reflects a commitment to upholding the highest animal welfare standards globally.
The Bill will ensure that animals are slaughtered domestically in high welfare UK slaughterhouses, reinforcing our position as a world leader on animal welfare, boosting the value of British meat and helping to grow the economy. This is backed up with a recent Government announcement of the £4 million smaller abattoir fund to keep local services in place across the entire UK.
This legislation is only possible now we have left the European Union and will stop animals enduring unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury on long journeys.
The Bill, while prohibiting certain livestock exports for fattening and slaughter, allows the continued movement of animals across borders in certain circumstances. For instance, horses for breeding, shows and competitions. However these exports must comply with stringent legal requirements.
Dr Hudson's speech pointed to the animal welfare implications of travelling long distances that range from stress to increased incidence of injury and disease.
He also pointed to the huge numbers of horses still being illegally exported to Europe for slaughter, under the guise of sport, competition or breeding. The Bill goes a long way to stopping that but more data need to be collected nationally.
This bill also boosts UK food security, Dr Hudson said which has been brought into sharp relief by the war in Ukraine and the pandemic. But Dr Hudson urged Ministers not to take their eye off the ball with staffing in the food production, distribution and veterinary sectors.
Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
"We already have some of the highest international standards when it comes to animal welfare - and our Conservative Government is still going further.
" I see no ethical argument for animals to be forced to endure excruciatingly long journeys which can lead to injury and disease, as they are exported to then be slaughtered abroad.
This Bill supports UK domestic food production, delivers on animal welfare and bolsters the economy.
"I can't wait to see it become law."
Banning live exports is just one of the Conservative Government's 2019 manifesto commitments being delivered with widespread public support. Dr Hudson also pointed to the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 which created an Animal Sentience Committee so all legislation must have due regard for animal welfare; the Sentencing Act 2020 which implemented tougher penalties for animal abusers; and brought in the compulsory microchipping of cats.
Other bills currently being tabled span issues from puppy smuggling to livestock worrying.
The Animal Welfare (Live Exports) Bill enjoys cross-party support, highlighting the consensus across political lines on importance of advancing animal welfare standards. With Dr Hudson's endorsement and the backing of fellow MPs, the Bill is poised to make lasting impact on animal welfare practices.
You can read Dr Hudson's full contribution in Hansard here. And watch here.
