Gove dismisses claims in row on animal pain

MICHAEL GOVE has dismissed accusations that the Government does not recognise the ability of animals to feel pain following a row over its position on animal sentience.

Animal welfare campaigners expressed outrage earlier this week after MPs voted down an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill that would enshrine the wording of a treaty describing animals as “sentient beings” into UK law.

Conservatives Ministers argued that animal sentience was already covered by the 2006 Animal Welfare Act – but this was called into question by activists who accused politicians of denying that animals are capable of suffering.

But in a statement issued yesterday, Mr Gove sought to draw a line under the row, as he stressed that the Government is committed to “strengthening” animal welfare rules.

“It has been suggested that the vote last week... somehow signalled a weakening in the protection of animals – that is wrong,” the Defra Secretary said. “Voting against the amendment was not a vote against the idea that animals are sentient and feel pain.

“This Government’s policies on animal welfare are driven by our recognition that animals are indeed sentient beings and we are acting energetically to reduce the risk of harm to animals.

“[We] will ensure that any necessary changes required to UK law are made... to ensure animal sentience is recognised after we leave the EU. The Withdrawal Bill is not the right place to address this.”

The Green MP Caroline Lucas, who tabled the amendment, dismissed the statement as “silly”.