I was pleased to support and sit on the committee for the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Bill, sponsored by Angela Richardson MP, which passed its Committee Stage on 9th March.
This Bill, when passed, will ban the advertising and sale of tourist experiences abroad which are conducted in such a way that involves the low welfare treatment of animals. This could include elephant rides, swimming with dolphins and photoshoots with animals such as the big cats. This Bill will demonstrate the Government’s commitment to animal welfare, and sends a strong message that the UK does not tolerate the abuse of animals in the name of tourism.
The next step is Report Stage and Third Reading and I look forward to supporting this important Bill through into the Lords’ Stages.
