Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has hailed the inclusion of the proposed Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill in the King’s Speech delivered on the 7th November. The Bill will ban the export of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain, stopping unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury caused by exporting live animals. Mr Loder has persistently campaigned for a permanent ban to prevent any future exports.
Speaking about the proposed Bill, the local MP said: “The UK was the first country in the world to pass legislation to protect animals and we are currently joint top of the World Animal Protection’s Index. This Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill builds on our proud animal welfare record further by preventing unnecessary journeys of animals being exported abroad.”
He continued: “I’ve been a vocal campaigner for the animal welfare cause: I’m a proud member of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation and in 2021, my Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act became law, increasing maximum sentences from six months up to five years for animal cruelty.”
Alongside the proposed legislation, the Government is supporting local farmers in West Dorset to improve animal welfare conditions, with investment for new equipment and upgraded farm infrastructure. It was recently announced that a total of over £176,000 has been awarded to farmers across West Dorset who applied for the first round of Animal Health and Welfare grants as part of the Farming Investment Fund.
