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
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.
Live animal exports
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill being dropped by Government sadly means this issue is no longer on the Parliamentary agenda. We will continue to lobby for this crucial ban on live animal exports in the next Parliamentary session.
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.
End the Cage Age
We are calling on the Government 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. Read more in our blog.
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 must not import cruelty into the UK. Read more here.
our work on Wild Animal welfare
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.
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 Britain. Find out what we are doing to influence the Government on this issue.
Primates as pets
Despite the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill being dropped by the Government, they have committed to bring forward a consultation on primate-keeping standards which will be applied by secondary legislation. However, we want a total ban on primate-keeping, not just a more rigorous licensing scheme. Read more.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
