Welfare bill will ensure Brexit works for animals too, says Gove
BREXIT will help Britain improve animal welfare standards and combat problems such as puppy smuggling, Michael Gove has said.
The Environment Secretary said it was “good news” that an agreement had been reached in the first stage of negotiations over Britain’s departure from the European Union, adding that the focus could now turn to trade and the positive outcomes of leaving.
His comments came as a draft bill, enshrining animal sentience into UK law post-brexit and introducing jail sentences of up to five years for animal abusers, was published.
The plans are part of Government efforts to ensure that Brexit works “not just for citizens but for the animals we love and cherish too”, Mr Gove said.
Speaking during a visit to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London on Monday, he told the Press Association: “I think it’s good news that we’ve got an agreement to move to the next stage of the Brexit negotiations, where we can talk about trade and talk about some of the changes that will work in Britain’s interest.
“I’m glad that we’re now at this stage because actually Britain outside the EU can have higher standards on the environment and on animal welfare.
“One of the reasons why people voted to leave is to make sure that we have the rules which ensure there is appropriate welfare and protection for animals and for humans.”
The draft bill says the Government “must have regard to the welfare needs of animals as sentient beings in formulating and implementing government policy”. It also increases the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years in England and Wales.