Campaigners call on Suffolk Coastal MP to ban the sending of live animals abroad for slaughter
The proposal was in the Conservatives 2019 manifesto but a new law has still not been passed by Parliament
A animal rights organisation is calling on the Suffolk Coastal MP and Environment Secretary Thérèse Coffey to ban the export of live animals - and have held a demonstation outside of her office.
Compassion in World Farming are calling on the government to pass the 'Kept Animal Bill'.
The legislation, described by Parliament as being 'A Bill to make provision about the welfare of certain kept animals that are in, imported into, or exported from Great Britain', has not progressed any further in Parliament since 2021.
Yesterday (March 6), Compassion in World Farming visited the offices of Environment Minister Rebecca Pow, which was the first stop on the charity’s ‘Ad Van Tour’ of the country to key MPs, demanding an end to the cruel live animal exports trade.
Compassion is taking a digital ad van across England before stopping at the Prime Minister’s constituency.
At each stop around the country, the charity will hand over a model animal transport lorry full of the signatures of over 27,000 people who added their names to a recent petition that demands the Kept Animals Bill passes through Parliament and into law without further delay.
James West, from the group, said: “The Kept Animals Bill has not progressed in Parliament since November 2021 and the Government simply aren’t making it a priority, despite calls from the British public and NGOs, including Compassion in World Farming, to do so.
"By taking our campaign to the doorsteps of those who can advance this Bill, we are making it impossible for them to ignore it any longer.
“Live exports cause overcrowding, stress, exhaustion, dehydration, hunger and even death. This cruel trade must end.
"Ministers won’t take the Kept Animals Bill back to the House of Commons to secure a British live export ban, so we are making sure their constituents know about it.
"This legislation has cross-party support and is ready for its final stages in the House of Commons. So, what is the Government waiting for?”
The Conservative Party’s 2019 manifesto promised to ban live exports for slaughter and fattening.
The Kept Animals Bill, which will see the ban come into effect, was published by the Government in May 2021 but has now been stalled in Parliament for over 15 months.
During the Conservative Party leadership contest, Rishi Sunak said he looked forward to ‘championing’ the Bill.
The NFU tell us live exports are a 'tiny part' of the UK livestock trade - with very few farmers in Suffolk or Norfolk involved in the process of exporting animals.
A Government spokesperson said: “We are fully committed to delivering our manifesto commitments on animal welfare, including ending the export of live animals, clamping down on puppy smuggling and banning the keeping of primates as pets.
"The date for the next stage of the Bill will be announced in the usual way.”