As the UK prepares for a new Labour Leader and Prime Minister, Labour MP Ruth Jones is calling on the incoming leader to prioritise animal welfare, an issue she says is often forgotten. In an opinion piece, Jones, the MP for Newport West and Islwyn, argues that animals across the country and worldwide are suffering exploitation and cruelty at the hands of humans.
Factory Farming and Wildlife Cruelty
Jones highlights specific abuses in the UK, including millions of chickens confined to cages no bigger than a piece of A4 paper, unable to flap their wings, and thousands of pigs confined to crates for up to five weeks, unable to turn around. British wildlife continues to be hunted by packs of hounds or caught in snares, she notes. Globally, endangered species are killed by British trophy hunters, and millions of wild raccoon dogs, foxes, and mink are farmed in appalling conditions for the fur trade.
Benefits of Animal Welfare Reforms
Tackling these issues would improve the lives of sentient creatures and bring additional benefits, Jones argues. Ending factory farming practices benefits the environment by clearing waterways and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Eradicating fur farming promotes public health by reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases like COVID-19. Tackling puppy farming impacts organised crime and prevents families from losing sick puppies.
Popular and Cost-Effective Policies
Jones states that animal welfare policies are popular and cost-effective, with many campaigns focused on ending cruel practices at little financial cost. Polling consistently shows overwhelming support across the country and political spectrum for animal welfare issues. She notes that her Fur (Import and Sale) Bill, which aims to end UK involvement in the fur trade, is supported by more than 200 Parliamentarians. “Animal welfare is an issue that truly unites the country, with Britain often described as a nation of animal lovers,” she writes.
Slow Progress on Manifesto Commitments
In 2024, Jones stood on a manifesto with commitments including a ban on hunting trophy imports, a ban on trail hunting, an end to puppy farming and cross-border puppy trade, and a ban on snare traps. However, as the government approaches its second year, progress has been slow. The puppy smuggling Bill passed last year but has not come into force, and while consultations on trail hunting and colony cage systems for hens have been carried out, many issues remain untouched.
Jones praises Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman for her hard work and commitment, and welcomes the ambitious Animal Welfare Strategy released at the end of last year. However, she emphasises that delivering on these commitments needs support at all levels of government. “I call on our new leader to prioritise delivering on these important commitments,” she says.
Labour’s Animal Welfare Legacy
Jones reminds readers that Labour has always been the party of animal welfare, pointing to past achievements such as ending domestic fur production, ending cosmetic testing on animals, passing the Hunting Act, and the groundbreaking Animal Welfare Act, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. She concludes, “We have an opportunity to deliver the biggest boost to animal welfare in a generation, but that direction must come from the top. I hope that our new Prime Minister will seize on this opportunity and listen to the wishes of millions of animal-loving voters across the nation and deliver a legacy for animals that we can all be proud of.”
