News Date: Monday 16th January 2006
Tim supports protection of domestic animals
East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tim Loughton has come out in support of the Animal Welfare Bill which is the most far reaching piece of animal welfare legislation for almost a century.
Once the Bill becomes law, pet owners will be liable for prosecution if they do not take good care of their animals and make sure that they are well fed, healthy and are kept in an appropriate environment. Previous laws have only allowed criminal charges to the brought once the animal is in severe pain, now inspectors will be able to step in at an earlier stage and prevent further cruelty.
Tim commented:
"We are in favour of this Bill because it will potentially save thousands of animals from neglect and cruelty. We haven't updated animal welfare laws for domestic animals since 1911 and thus this Bill is long overdue. I will continue to vote for this Bill as it progresses through Parliament as I want to see it placed on the statute books as swiftly as possible."
Note to Editors:
1) To read the Parliamentary debate on the second reading of the Animal Welfare Bill please visit http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmhansrd/cm060110/debindx/60110-x.htm
2) The Animal Welfare Bill was published by the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs on 14 October 2005 and is available at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200506/cmbills/058/2006058.htm
?, Tim Loughton MP , 2006
