Vet Dr Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, has taken home the 2025 Animal Welfare Award at this year's Political Purpose Awards. Recognised for his efforts to safeguard the welfare of animals, in particular tackling the scourge of puppy smuggling, Danny has been a leader in speaking out in favour of improvements for animal welfare.  2024 winner Ruth Jones MP and other nominees, Baroness Helic and Steve Race MP, were all shortlisted for the award. 

2025 will be a pivotal year for animal welfare, with the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats & Ferrets) Bill currently progressing through the House of Lords. At the heart of this effort is Dr Danny Chambers MP, the Bill’s sponsor, whose dedication to protecting animals continues to make a significant impact. Recognised for his outstanding work, Danny has been honoured with the Animal Welfare Award, sponsored by FOUR PAWS UK, which celebrates the efforts of UK politicians to advance animal protection both in the UK and abroad.  

After being presented with the award, Dr Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, said: 

“As a vet, I’ve dedicated my life to caring for animals, and now, as an MP, I’m proud to be championing legislation that will help protect thousands more. The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, which passed its Second Reading in the House of Lords last Friday, is a crucial step to crack down on the cruel and exploitative puppy smuggling trade. It is an honour to be recognised for the work behind this Bill, and I’m incredibly grateful to FOUR PAWS UK, not only for presenting me this award, but also for their unwavering support and commitment to improving animal welfare.” 

Set up in 2023 by Nature 2030, the Political Purpose Awards were the first environmental awards for politicians and this year’s awards are the third iteration. Fellow nominees in the category were 2024 winner and host for the evening, Ruth Jones MP for Newport West and Islywn who was recognised  for her work to champion legislation to ban fur imports and sales. Alongside Ruth and Danny was the Baroness Helic who has become a prominent voice for wildlife protection via the introduction of the Hares (Close Season) Bill and Steve Race MP for Exeter who has lobbied for animal testing to be replaced with alternative methods.  

Says FOUR PAWS UK Country Director Sonul Badiani-Hamment: 

“Danny was a clear and deserving winner of the Animal Welfare Award at this year’s Political Purpose Awards, thanks to his unwavering commitment to the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill. Now progressing through the House of Lords, this vital legislation brings us one step closer to cracking down on puppy smuggling, and we hope it will soon receive the Royal Assent it so urgently deserves.  Since being elected for the first time last year, Danny has worked tirelessly to advocate for animals and be their voice in Parliament. On behalf of FOUR PAWS UK, and the thousands of animals this Bill will protect, thank you Danny!”  

The UK Government is currently working on a comprehensive animal welfare strategy which will set out how they intend to make good on their commitment to deliver the biggest boost in animal welfare in a generation. This strategy, combined with Danny’s Bill, will hopefully ensure the UK Government delivers for animals and protects their welfare in 2026 and beyond.