Political Opinion: A kinder nation
Monthly column by Alex Mayer, MP for Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard constituency
I believe how we treat animals is a mark of how civilised a nation is. It’s something I cared about before becoming your MP and continue to champion today.
That’s why I speak out about animals kept in unsuitable cages, firework misuse and the outrageous way lobsters can be boiled alive.
I’ve campaigned for chickens. Did you know nearly one in five UK eggs still come from hens kept in cages, politely called “enriched”? That makes them sound like a feathered yoga retreat. In reality birds are crammed into a cage about the size of an A4 sheet of paper.
Thankfully, the Government has just confirmed that caged eggs will be completely phased out.
It's part of a package of really positive measures. And I’m pleased to share the good news.
Cruel snares are being banned. These devices cause extreme distress and pain to the animal caught in them and can lead to a slow, lingering death.
Alongside this, the Government is taking steps to end the brutal practices of puppy farming and the use of electric shock collars.
Plus I’m delighted that this Labour Government is finally finishing the job on fox hunting and ending trail hunting which is in my view a smokescreen for cruel and illegal activity.
The Government’s new animal testing strategy has also been published, and it's been welcomed by animal welfare organisations including the RSPCA. Backed by £75 million of funding, it sets a clear timetable for change. This year, all animal testing for skin and eye irritation will end. Next year, DNA-based methods will replace tests on mice used to check whether human medicines have been contaminated. By 2030, the use of dogs in studies will be dramatically reduced.
Britain is the country that founded the world’s first animal welfare charity. We were also the first in the world to introduce animal protection laws, way back in 1822. I'm proud to continue that tradition today. So I was honoured to be named Cruelty Free International’s Animal Welfare MP of the Year.
My email box is always full of people contacting me about animal welfare issues so I know compassion runs deep across Dunstable and Leighton Buzzard constituency. I share your determination to make things better.