The next Labour government’s commitment to the cause of animal welfare has been formally recognised in the party’s 2024 general election manifesto, ‘Change’, which is published today. The document outlines key policies that Labour will fulfill, after 14 years of Tory broken promises on animal welfare issues.
Under the section titled ‘Stronger animal welfare’, the manifesto states:
Labour will improve animal welfare. We will ban trail hunting and the import of hunting trophies. We will end puppy smuggling and farming, along with the use of snare traps. And we will partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing.
Elsewhere, ending the badger cull is addressed:
We will work with farmers and scientists on measures to eradicate Bovine TB, protecting livelihoods, so that we can end the ineffective badger cull.
There are further animal welfare policies not explicitly named in the manifesto, but which also form part of Labour package on animal welfare at this crucial election, such as the pledge to ban cruel foie gras products.
Legislation to improve the lives of animals has formed a vital part of the legacies of past Labour governments. LAWS looks forward to working with the new Labour team at DEFRA if Labour takes power on July 4.
