Queen's Speech references Dorset MP's Animal Welfare 'sentencing' Bill
Jail terms will increase from 6 months to up to 5 years
The hard work of West Dorset MP Chris Loder has raised the profile of animal welfare to the point of royal recognition.
The Animal Rights (sentencing) bill was given royal ascent two weeks ago, and has now been paid reference in her majesty's annual speech to parliament.
The Queen said yesterday, while addressing parliament:
"Legislation will also be brought forward to make sure the United Kingdom has and promotes the highest standards of animal welfare."
The topic has been a general governmental goal for a while and was included in the Conservative party manifesto.
But, Chris Loder says he's been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the issue receives a higher profile.
He told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
"Elated isn't really the word. The fact that her majesty signed my bill into law not two weeks ago and she is here in the house of parliament talking about animal welfare and setting out the government's future legislative agenda is very important.
"Not only have I been campaigning very heavily on the animal welfare sentencing aspect, but I'm also continuing to campaign on banning live animal exports. I think we also need to have a proper national conversation about non-stun slaughter in this country as well."
Mr Loder added:
"This has not been just a flash in the pan type situation. This has been a consistent, cohesive and impassioned campaign which started about animal welfare and sentencing, continuing to other animal welfare areas.
"I think we can expect to see a real animal welfare legislative drive, I think we'll see an Animal Welfare Act, I think we're going to see so many other really good things on that part.
"It does prove that when you continue to work on these important causes, that you can make progress on it.
"You often have to align with other people here in Westminster, because one voice out of 650 can often be drowned out. But when you have a chorus of those voices, that's something that's much more difficult to be drowned out."