Yesterday (16th October), alongside the RSPCA, Humane Society International/UK and Four Paws, we held a Parliamentary reception to discuss upcoming issues in the animal welfare sector and to call on the Government to produce a comprehensive animal welfare strategy that will improve the lives of billions of animals. The ‘Animals Matter’ coalition event was hosted by Ruth Jones MP.

Important issues

Topics discussed during the reception included the phasing out of the use of cages and crates for farmed animals, the need for mandatory method of production labelling on meat and dairy products and a shift away from intensive farming towards climate, nature friendly practices.

Animal welfare is of huge importance to the public. This was highlighted with polling carried out in 2023 which revealed that one in ten British people rank animal welfare amongst the top five issues facing the country, and 71% believe that passing good animal welfare laws show compassion and concern for those who don't have the power to protect themselves.

TV and radio broadcaster and animal welfare campaigner Kirsty Gallagher, who spoke at the event, said: “We need to have as our goal a future in which the animals we share this planet with are treated with respect, with compassion. A future in which animals aren’t just kept alive to serve our needs and whims, but where they’re recognised as individuals who deserve to have lives that are worth living.” 

Kirsty went on to highlight that “factory farming is a major contributor to climate change, rainforest destruction and to antibiotic resistance.”

Action is needed

The Animals Matter coalition is calling on the Government to produce a detailed and ambitious Animal Welfare Strategy, which sets out a clear plan to:

• Develop a food and farming strategy to ensure affordable, nutritious food for all, whilst driving up farmed animal welfare standards.
• Protect animals and farmers by introducing core animal welfare standards in trade deals, and stopping the import of cruel products including fur, hunting trophies, and foie gras.
• Stop the illegal puppy trade and introduce mandatory licensing of animal rescues and sanctuaries.

Our Chief Public Affairs Manager, James West, who spoke at the event, said: “The way we treat animals is not only important to voters but also has a significant impact on climate change, nature, pollution, public health, food security and the economy.

“Over a billion animals are factory farmed every year in the UK. If the Government is to fulfil its promise to deliver the biggest boost for animal welfare in a generation, then it can only do so if it introduces policies that implement improved farmed animal welfare. It’s time for the Government to take action, and top of the list should be securing an end to the cage age and the introduction of Honest Labelling. An animal welfare strategy that brings together this and other improvements to the lives of farmed animals is vital. It must be produced swiftly so it can be delivered in full by the end of this Parliament.”

Read more about our work to end factory farming.