Cautious welcome for animal plan

Shooting groups have given a cautious welcome to the action plan on animal welfare set out by the Government in its recent Queen’s Speech, which outlines its legislative agenda.

George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, said the plan would “take a significant step forwards on animal welfare by formally recognising animals as sentient beings through a new Animal Sentience Bill”. Mr Eustice also announced that the UK would have the world’s strictest ivory ban as well as a ban on the import of hunting trophies to protect “iconic species”.

Other measures include tackling puppy smuggling and pet theft, banning remotecontrolled training e-collars, cracking down on hare coursing and funding various conservation projects at home and abroad.

Conor O’Gorman, head of policy and campaigns at BASC, said: “Improving standards of animal welfare in the UK is a positive move but it is worrying that the Government is conflating animal rights with wildlife management and conservation in its action plan. It is also a concern that its proposals around animal sentience could open up a Pandora’s box of unintended consequences for society. For while we may well be a nation of animal lovers we are also a nation of animal eaters.”

He said that “people with an interest in sustainable shooting and conservation are closely tuned into nature and we care deeply for the welfare of all animals”.

The National Gamekeepers’ Organisation welcomed the commitment to tackle dog theft in the action plan.