Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals on animal sentience before the end of the transition period.

The Government is committed to further strengthening our world-leading animal welfare standards. We have committed to bringing in new laws on animal sentience following a clear manifesto commitment. Any necessary changes required to domestic legislation will be made in an effective and credible way and will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows.

In the meantime, the Government’s policies on animal welfare continue to be driven by our recognition that animals are sentient beings. We ensure animal welfare needs are met by placing direct obligations on keepers of animals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Our commitment to the protection of animal welfare is demonstrated by the Government’s continued support for the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, sponsored by Chris Loder MP, which passed its second reading in the House of Commons on 23 October.