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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 8th April 2022
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Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill passes final stage in parliament
After receiving Royal Assent, the Bill will come into law, and will be known as the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022.

UK will soon recognise animals as sentient beings.

The Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill passed through the final stages in parliament yesterday (7 April), and will become law, after it has received Royal Assent.

Drafted to replace the animal welfare legislation of the European Union after Brexit, the Bill recognises that animals are sentient and require protection in law. 

The Bill, which initially only covered vertebrates, was amended to include decapods and cephalopods – marking the first time that animals such as crabs and lobsters have been recognised as feeling pain in animal welfare law. 

Crustacean Compassion, an organisation which has been campaigning for fairer treatment of decapod crustaceans, stated in a post on social media: “As part of our campaign, we joined the #BetterDealForAnimals coalition. 

“We’re SO pleased that our combined efforts have resulted in the legal recognition of both decapods and cephalopods as sentient in UK animal welfare legislation.” 

The Bill officially passed as Lord Herbert of South Downs removed his amendment to the motion. 

In the Consideration of Commons amendments, which took place in the House of Lords yesterday, Lord Herbert of South Downs stated his opposition to the Bill: “When the Bill started, that measure applied only to vertebrates; now it applies to cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans. That was one of the few amendments made to the Bill, and that was by the Government. 

“At the height of a pandemic which has killed thousands of people and cost our economy billions, we have decided to devote time to passing a law to ensure that no government policy can hurt the feelings of a prawn.”

Many animal welfare charities and organisations are celebrating the Bill passing its final stages through parliament, including Battersea Cats and Dogs Home, World Horse Welfare, Animal Equality UK, World Animal Protection UK, Wildlife and Countryside Link, Cats Protection and numerous others.

Humane Society International UK posted on social media: "We did it! Parliament just approved the #SentienceBill so it will soon be law!

"This will give animals more of the protection, consideration and compassion they deserve in Parliament. Thank you to our amazing supporters for fighting for this change with us every step of the way!"

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.