Holly Spindler
We look at what the election result means for the animals and what promises were made.
The election is over and the results are in. With a Conservative government retaining its place, we look back at the Conservative Party manifesto to see what they promised pre-election on farm animal welfare.
Within their manifesto, the Conservative policies that impact farm animals include:
Introducing tougher sentences for animal cruelty.
With this promise, The Humane League UK expects to see individuals convicted of animal cruelty facing increased sentences.
Following undercover work done in factory farms, we have seen the reality of the suffering inflicted to animals behind closed doors. We hope that stricter sentences for animal cruelty will act as a deterrent for the abuse that is happening to animals raised for food.
Bringing in new laws on animal sentience.
The Conservatives have promised that new legislation on animal sentience will be brought in. This will replace current EU legislation, which they do not plan to carry over after Brexit.
Current EU legislation recognises animals as sentient, and demands the EU and its Member States “shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals”. When leaving the EU, animals would lose this legal protection unless the Conservative party deliver on their promise to bring in new, UK specific laws.
Ending excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening.
If the Conservative party deliver what they promised, we should see a move to end to the export of live animals for slaughter for fattening (but not breeding). However, the manifesto is not explicit on the detail - watch this space!
High standards of animal welfare are one of the hallmarks of a civilised society. We have a long tradition of protecting animals in this country, often many years before others follow. Under a Conservative Government, that will continue.
Conservative election manifesto
We at The Humane League UK are on a mission to end the abuse of animals raised for food. We are fighting to end the worst factory farming practices.
Unfortunately, the Conservatives have no policy on tackling the very serious welfare implications of standard-practice intensive farming systems. They have no plans to ban existing systems like cages.
But we won’t stop - we will continue campaigning for legislative change to improve the lives of animals. Join us and be part of the change - sign up to receive our emails.
