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Charities welcome animal welfare proposals
The briefings set out measures to end long journeys of animals going to slaughter.

Queen’s speech outlines plans for new Agriculture Bill

Animal charities have welcomed proposals set out in the Queen’s Speech to protect the welfare of animals. 


In her address to Parliament on Thursday (19 December), the Queen did not specifically mention animal welfare. However, background briefings set out measures to increase maximum sentences for animal cruelty and end long journeys of animals going to slaughter for fattening.

The legislation includes an extension on the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences to five years, and a clear statement in domestic law that animals are sentient beings. It also sets out measures to deliver on commitments on primates as pets, cat microchipping and on the import of trophies from the hunting of endangered animals.


Welcoming the news, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home tweeted: “We’re so pleased to see five-year sentences for animal cruelty in the #QueensSpeech. It’s time to finally see this change become law.”

David Bowles, who heads up the RSPCA campaigns and public affairs work, said: “We @RSPCA_official are delighted that @10DowningStreet set out animal sentience and increased sentencing & sending farm payments to animal welfare in today’s @DefraGovUK programme - looking forward to January.”

The International Fund for Animal Welfare UK added: “We're delighted that the Queen's Speech has included increased sentences for animal abusers and legal recognition of animal sentience. We'll continue to campaign to get these passed swiftly in the new Parliament.”

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

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News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.