A NEWPORT and Islwyn MP has been praised for “prioritising animal welfare” – as she looks to take forward legislation that would tackle the import of fur into the UK.
Ruth Jones (Lab), Newport West and Islwyn MP, is one of three Members of Parliament taking forward proposals for new animal laws as Private Members’ bills in the House of Commons.
Her proposals are expected to seek to stop commercial fur imports and revisit pledges dropped by the previous UK Government.
She has said an import ban on fur products is “long overdue” and believes the UK, which banned fur farming years ago, must end “the hypocrisy”.
Ruth Jones MP joins Sarah Owen MP (Lab, Luton North) and Danny Chambers MP (Lib Dem, Winchester) – who have each chosen to take forward separate animal welfare laws after being drawn in a ballot of Members of Parliament to bring forward backbench legislation for consideration.
MPs are now set to have the chance to consider the new legislative proposals – which also include plans to promote the responsible use of fireworks (brought forward by Sarah Owen MP), and tackle puppy, kitten and ferret smuggling (brought forward by Danny Chambers MP).
The three MPs confirmed their intention to bring forward bills this week.
They were three of 20 Parliamentarians drawn in a ballot to bring forward legislative proposals – meaning a hefty 15% of proposals are focussed on animals and their welfare.
David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “It’s great to see Members of the new Parliament prioritising animal welfare, and using this opportunity to push proposals that could make a real difference for animals.
“We already know 84% of people believe animal welfare should be protected by governments through legislation – so it’s really welcome to see MPs grasp the nettle so early in this Parliament to try and drive positive change, and create a kinder world for every animal.”
Ruth Jones MP added: “This Parliament has great ambition for animal welfare and that has been demonstrated with these Private Members’ Bills. It’s two decades since we banned fur farming in this country and an import ban on fur products is long overdue. It’s high time we ended the hypocrisy and I’m calling on MPs from across the House to support the Bill.”
The RSPCA has teamed up with Humane Society International and Four Paws UK, and has been campaigning for a ban on fur production in the UK and stopping imports of fur.
Presently, the UK is still importing fur that is farmed in methods illegal in the UK.
David said: “Plans to restrict fur imports were sadly abandoned by the last UK Government – and more than 20 years after fur farming was banned in the UK, our import law needs to catch up; particularly amid suggestions that wearing real fur is proving popular with some celebrities again.”
More information on the RSPCA’s campaigning work can be found on the charity’s website.
