In my capacity as a veterinary surgeon, I am compelled to express my thoughts not as the Liberal Democrat candidate for MP, but as a professional dedicated to animal welfare.
The government's decision to axe the Kept Animals Bill at the 11th hour is hugely disappointing. I share in the dismay expressed by the British Veterinary Association, the Dogs Trust, and several other organisations that have worked so hard for so long to get this bill over the line.
The significance of this bill cannot be understated, as it aimed to address critical issues pertaining to animal health and welfare.
Consequently, the repercussions on animal welfare of shelving this legislation cannot be overstated.
These concerns are far from hypothetical. As a practising vet I know it is a common occurrence for dogs with cropped ears, a painful and purposeless mutilation, to be brought into veterinary practices. This cruel procedure is carried out in the UK and abroad by people with no veterinary training merely serves to create an aesthetic image associated with certain breeds.
The bill also included measures to tackle the alarming rise in puppy smuggling, particularly from Eastern Europe. This not only poses a major threat to animal welfare but also carries public health implications, as the imported puppies can introduce diseases that can infect humans such as Brucella canis and rabies.
Dog attacks on livestock cause distress to farmers, anguish to the animals involved, and cost the farming industry over £1.8 million a year - a figure that has been rising year on year.
The pandemic led to a surge in puppy prices, which has also led to a significant increase in the theft of pet dogs. Under current law pets are viewed merely as property with a monetary value. However, this bill aimed to address this issue by advocating for sentences that acknowledge the emotional impact such thefts have on both the animals and their owners, highlighting the unique bond shared between them.
It is disheartening to witness one of the few potential opportunities presented by Brexit being squandered with respect to tightening our national biosecurity and regulating the import of animals.
Danny Chambers BVSc MSc MRCVS
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Winchester
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