ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION

Early day motion 634, tabled 1 February 2005 by James Paice (Conservative). Signed by 62 members.

That this House believes that existing animal welfare legislation fails to provide animals with an appropriate level of protection from neglect and cruelty and is in urgent need of updating; supports the creation of a welfare offence as proposed in the draft Animal Welfare Bill but considers that such an important Bill and the proposed powers contained therein demand proper legislative scrutiny and parliamentary time in order that the opportunity to improve animal welfare is not missed; and regrets that the Government has failed to introduced the Bill in time for this to take place before a possible election in May.

Signatures by party: Conservative 48, Liberal Democrat 9, UUP 3, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.