Animal Charity

Our policy work

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Our work for better animal welfare

Changing legislation to improve the lives of animals on farms, in our homes and in the wild is at the very heart of FOUR PAWS, and something we pride ourselves on. Here are some of the legislative changes we are currently calling for in Government. 

Our work on Farm animal Welfare

Government Food Procurement

Food procurement


For the sake of animal welfare, our health and the planet, we must #MakeFoodKinder. Everyone should share this goal, from individuals and companies to local authorities and Government. Read more about how we are influencing food policy in public institutions like schools, care homes, prisons and libraries.

Ending Live Animal Exports

Live animal exports


We are calling for an end to the long, horrific journeys farmed animals are forced to take. We are supporting the new Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill as it continues its passage through Parliament. You can read more about the current situation on live exports here. 

Banning Imports of Foie Gras

Foie Gras


Foie gras production involves repeatedly force-feeding ducks and geese, causing immeasurable suffering. The practice is illegal in the UK, but we still import around 200 tonnes from Europe each year. The Government has dropped plans to ban foie gras but we are still working to push this issue through Parliament.

Ending The Cage Age

End the Cage Age


We want to End the Cage Age and ban the use of farrowing crates for sows, individual pens for calves and barren, enriched and ‘combi’ cages for chickens by 2027. Email your MP on this matter, and read more in our blog. 

Animal Welfare Standards in Trade

Animal Welfare Standards in Trade


We are calling for a consolidated effort from the Government to ensure that UK trade policy adheres to core animal welfare standards. We are responding to as many government consultations on this matter as possible. We must not import cruelty into the UK. Read more here. 

our work on Wild Animal welfare

Banning trophy hunting imports

Trophy hunting imports


We want to see an end to the cruel sport of trophy hunting once and for all.The UK Government must introduce a total ban on the import of hunting trophies - with no loopholes or exemptions! Find out more.

Banning import and sale of fur

Fur imports and sales 


The barbaric cruelty of fur farming must end. Although illegal here, we still import and sell millions of pounds worth of fur into the UK each year. We want a fur free BritainFind out what we are doing to influence the Government on this issue.

Banning primates as pets

Primates as pets 


Legislation has now been introduced to bring in a licensing scheme which aims to ensure that only private keepers who can provide very high welfare standards will be able to keep primates. However, this will not come into force until 2026 which is not good enough. Read more here. 

Strengthen the Hunting Act and Ending the Badger Cull 

Badger cull/hunting act 


We want the Hunting Act strengthened, with better enforcement and heftier fines. Loopholes, such as trail hunting that ‘accidentally’ end with the death of a fox, should be banned. Furthermore, we support fellow NGOs in ending the badger cull through our work within the Wildlife and Countryside Link coalition.

Improve Zoo Animal Welfare

Zoo animal welfare


We have responded to the Government’s consultation on zoo animal welfare. We are now waiting to hear the responses and the Government’s subsequent plans.

Ending Commercial Tiger Trade 

Ending commercial tiger trade


Whether performing in circuses, bought as pets or killed and turned into traditional medicine, skins or trophies, a lack of regulation in Europe is putting an almost extinct species at risk. At least 1,682 tiger products were seized from 2009-2014 in the UK. Click here to find out more about this cruel trade.  

our work on Companion Animal welfare

Ending the Illegal Puppy Trade

Illegal puppy trade 


The pandemic has seen the illegal puppy trade grow exponentially within the UK. We want tougher restrictions on puppies imported into the UK including increasing import age to six months to ensure they, and the families buying them, do not suffer. Read more about our work here.

Introducing Cat Microchipping

Cat microchipping 


The Government announced in March 2023 that all pet cats in England must be microchipped by 10 June 2024, or owners could receive a £500 fine. With 8 out of 10 stray cats in rescue centres not being microchipped, we hope this will help reunite lost cats with their owners. 

Addressing Pet Theft

Pet theft taskforce


With 170% increase in pet theft since the pandemic began, the Government have promised to set up a taskforce to tackle this crime. However, we must ensure a solution is delivered by this taskforce before Parliament breaks for summer recess. 

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Our work for better animal welfare

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