Scrapping of Kept Animals Bill a “betrayal” of farmers – NSA

Farming groups have expressed frustration over the scrapping of the Bill and subsequent uncertainty over key animal welfare issues.

Environment minister Mark Spencer said the Bill risks being extended “far beyond” the original commitments in the manifesto and Action Plan, accusing the Labour Party of playing “political games” by widening the scope of the bill.

Measures in the Bill will now be taken forward individually during the remainder of the the parliament.

Mr Spencer said in a statement: “Having left the EU, we are able to and will ban live exports for fattening and slaughter. There have been no live exports from Great Britain since 2020, but our legislation will ensure this becomes permanent, and we remain committed to delivering it.”

Mr Spencer also said the government looks forward to progressing new measures to tackle livestock worrying.

Responding, the National Sheep Association said it is “extremely frustrated” over the confusion as a result of the government dropping the legislation.

NSA chief executive Phil Stocker says: “To be informed the Kept Animals Bill is to be abandoned without any detail of what might replace it or what might follow is incredibly frustrating for all that have been involved in this piece of legislation.

“It has thrown so much of what our industry was expecting, including the banning of live exports up in the air. NSA had also been waiting for the Bill to deliver greater protection against sheep worrying attacks by dogs, an issue urgently needing attention. Clarification on what will now happen is needed quickly.

“I assume Government had a good reason for this decision but delays and uncertainty will now follow. It’s still highly likely that Government will want to stick to its manifesto promise to ban live exports for slaughter or further finishing and the fact that there is no Border Control Point (BCP) with a live animals facility means that no one should assume this trade will resume.”

NSA research has revealed a concerning steady increase in the number of attacks on sheep by dogs.

Mr Stocker said dropping the legislation at such an imperative time is a “betrayal” of UK farmers, warning that it will increase the risk to animal welfare at a time when dog attacks are becoming commonplace.

He urged Mr Spencer to implement robust and much more significant penalties for those who commit offences against animals.

“NSA is concerned the Government is rolling back on a number of commitments while also having set the scene for the UK being world leading in animal welfare. This risks putting all the pressure and the funding of these higher standards back onto the industry and the marketplace and we are not convinced this will work. The Government needs to step up and commit proper legislation and support through public funds to help farmers deliver and succeed financially,” he concluded.