The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and it is right for us to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar. Since 2010, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has consistently demonstrated its commitment to animal welfare through various reforms. Such achievements include banning conventional battery cages for laying hens, implementing mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses across England, prohibiting the use of wild animals in circuses, enacting the world's strongest ivory ban, requiring mandatory microchipping of dogs, establishing new regulations for minimum standards for meat chickens, and modernising the licensing system for dog breeding and pet sales.

I am pleased that the new Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act is now in effect, allowing for more substantial prison sentences for individuals engaged in severe acts of animal cruelty. This significant change extends the maximum sentence from six months to five years, sends a resounding message that such behaviour will not be tolerated. The maximum five-year sentence is one of the toughest punishments in Europe, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare.

I am proud that this Government will take advantage of our status as an independent nation outside the EU to go further in protecting our animals. In May 2021, Ministers unveiled a wide-ranging plan for driving forward reforms in the first-of-its-kind Action Plan for Animal Welfare, setting out future forms for this Parliament and beyond. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 raises the maximum sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 formally recognises animals as sentient beings in domestic and establishes the Animal Sentience Committee, consisting of experts within the field, to ensure that animal sentience is considered when developing policy across Government.

Moreover, legislation requiring the microchipping of cats has now been passed, requiring cat owners to microchip their cat by the 10th of June 2024. This measure aims to make it easier to reunite lost or stray cats with their owners, ensuring their safe return home. Furthermore, we have expanded the Ivory Act to encompass five endangered species: hippopotamus, narwhal, killer whale, sperm whale, and walrus.

Lastly, the Government supports the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, which will ban the import of hunting trophies for specific species, as well as the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill, which will prohibit the advertising and sale of inhumane animal welfare activities abroad. Both of these bills are progressing positively through Parliament.

Thank you once again for all those who shared their concerns around animal welfare. I can assure you this is a top priority for Government, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to protect and care for animals in the UK.