Animals are to be formally recognised as sentient beings in UK law

Animals are to be formally recognised as sentient beings in UK law for the first time, as the government set out a suite of animal welfare measures today (12 May 2021).

Some of the proposed measures include:

  • The compulsory microchipping of cats
  • Banning the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening
  • Improved farm welfare
  • Stopping the practice of keeping primates as pets
  • Increased protection for animals abroad
  • A crack down on pet theft
  • A ban on electric shock collars

George Eustice, the environment secretary, said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and were the first country in the world to pass animal welfare laws. Our action plan for animal welfare will deliver on our manifesto commitment to ban the export of live animal exports for slaughter and fattening, prohibit keeping primates as pets, and bring in new laws to tackle puppy smuggling. As an independent nation, we are now able to go further than ever to build on our excellent track record.”

The full report can be read here.

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