§ John McDonnellTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what measures have been introduced by the Government to improve the welfare of animals, with particular reference to enforcement measures. [97129]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Government recognise the need to ensure that existing animal welfare legislation is effectively enforced to ensure compliance with the standards. Co-ordination of enforcement across the different enforcement agencies, such as the state veterinary service and local authorities is a priority task. We have for some time been investing resource to ensure development of closer working relationships between relevant bodies, through for example, regular liaison meetings.
The issue of animal welfare enforcement is one of the key issues under consideration in the new Animal Welfare Bill which will consolidate and modernise domestic and captive animal welfare legislation.