RSPCA Chief Executive Chris Sherwood said: “We welcome the publication of the Conservative Party manifesto - and a commitment to bring back some animal welfare policies abandoned in the previous Parliament. We very much hope that whoever forms the next UK Government will address these and other animal welfare issues.

“There are warm words for farmers - and a commitment to protecting them in future international trade deals. The £1 billion increase in farm subsidies to over £4 billion - assuming it is earmarked for Environmental Land Management Schemes (the post-Brexit farming support system based on environmental and animal welfare improvements rather than land ownership) - could encourage more farmers to commit to improving farm animal welfare.

“It is also good to see a renewed commitment to banning the import of hunting trophies and tackling puppy smuggling and livestock worrying after these plans were not completed before the General Election was called.

“Bringing back legislation that will stop many pet owners having to face the heartbreaking choice of choosing between finding accommodation and keeping their pet is a welcome proposal too, after this was also lost in the previous Parliament.

“We continue to urge any future UK Government to complete the consultation on method-of-production labelling on animal products and introduce this in its first year. We have been campaigning for years to give greater transparency to shoppers about how the animal has been cared for and to empower consumers to make an informed choice about the products they buy.

“As the RSPCA celebrates its 200th year, the challenges animals are facing are bigger than ever and any future UK Government must make animals a priority.

“There is so much more that still needs to be achieved to create a better world for every kind of animal and, after July 4, we will continue to work closely with the new UK Government and MPs from across the political divide to make this a reality in the years which follow.”
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