What The New UK Labour Government Means For Animals

The new UK Labour government under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has made bold commitments to improve animal welfare in the country. Plans include banning trail hunting, closing loopholes in fox hunting legislation, ending the ineffective badger cull, and banning the import of hunting trophies. The government also aims to promote biodiversity, protect landscapes and wildlife, and clean up rivers and seas that have been polluted by sewage and manure run-off from animal farms.

Additionally, Labour plans to revive measures from the Kept Animals Bill, including ending puppy smuggling and farming, making it illegal to import dogs with mutilations, and banning the import of foie gras. The manifesto also includes a commitment to work towards phasing out animal testing and finding alternatives to using animals in UK laboratories. These promises have been welcomed by animal rights campaigners who hope for significant improvements in animal welfare under the new government.