Labour has been criticised for failing to implement any of its promised animal welfare policies in its first year in office, with campaigners also pointing to weakened protections for chickens. Among the pledges not enacted are bans on foie gras imports, hunting trophies, and the sale of animals with cropped ears, as well as a prohibition on trail hunting in England and Wales.
The government has also faced backlash over an amendment removing a legal protection that prohibited carrying chickens and turkeys by their legs, a practice that causes pain and suffering. The change takes effect on 22 July. Edie Bowles, executive director of the Animal Law Foundation, said the decision “laid bare” the government’s willingness to change the law when it becomes inconvenient to protect animals.
Claire Bass of Humane World for Animals UK noted that “during a full year in office the government has found no parliamentary time to introduce the promised stronger protections”. Before taking power, Environment Secretary Steve Reed had pledged “the biggest boost for animal welfare in a generation”, including ending illegal puppy farming and banning imports of mutilated pets.
Abigail Penny of Animal Equality UK urged the government to uphold its word, stating: “Keeping political promises is the foundation of a functioning democracy.” A Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson said it had “wasted no time” and pointed to plans to crack down on puppy smuggling and an upcoming animal welfare strategy.
