Maintaining the Highest Levels of Animal Welfare Across the UK

I am proud that the UK already has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world - and these have increased substantially under this Government. The UK has banned the ivory trade, is increasing sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years, has banned insecticides that may be harmful to bees, made CCTV mandatory in abattoirs, banned microplastics which harm marine life, and is proposing to introduce an independent, statutory body to uphold standards post-Brexit.

That being said there is still more to do.  As a proud cat owner myself, I have become involved with many campaigns in Parliament to help improve animal welfare standards.

Keep up to date with all I have been up to below.

News

Government consults on banning plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds

Environment Minister Michael Gove has announced plans to consult on ending the sale of single use plastics products to end build towards a green future. Robert said, "This is very exciting news - banning plastic straws, cotton buds and stirrers is a huge step towards helping clean up our ocean

Robert visits Foxholes with the BBOWT

Robert said, "It was great to visit Foxholes near Bruern recently with representatives from the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust. "We had a really good discussion about the Government's 25 year plan for the environment and how it will help here in West Oxfordshire (learn about this here). 

Government confirms UK ban on ivory sales

The Government is publishing the response to its consultation on a UK ivory sales ban, and confirming robust measures that will be brought into force through primary legislation. The ban will cover ivory items of all ages – not only those produced after a certain date.

Banning of Electric Shock Collars

Robert was pleased join this debate on electric shock collars with Ross Thompson MP. Their use is barbaric and ineffective due to the complexity of canine behaviour.

Robert Courts campaigns to ban shock collars

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity launched its #ShockinglyLegal campaign to help urge the Government to ban the sale of electronic shock collars.

Robert welcomes draft bill to strengthen animal welfare

A new law will ensure animal abusers are jailed for up to 5 years and animal sentience is reflected in domestic law, under plans published by the Environment Secretary today. The Government has published a draft bill - Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) - which would

Robert Courts speak out on Animal Welfare

As I have had many write to me about the recent vote on animal sentience - otherwise known as "New Clause 30" of the EU Withdrawal Bill - I thought it best to post a full, nuanced response below: I am afraid that there has been a great deal of misinformation spread about the vote.

Government to make CCTV in slaughterhouses mandatory in England

In August the Government launched a consultation about proposals for mandatory closed-circuit television (CCTV) to be installed in all areas of slaughterhouses where live animals are present for animal welfare purposes. Following this consultation, we’ve decided to go ahead with making it mand