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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Answer of 14 February 2019 to Question 218781 on Animal welfare sentencing and recognition of sentience, what his timetable is for the introduction of legislative requirements relating to animal sentience and to increasing the maximum penalties for animal cruelty; what the outcome was of engagement with stakeholders to further refine the Government's proposals on animal sentience; and if he will make a statement.

The Government is committed to further strengthening our world-leading animal welfare standards and fully supports increasing the maximum custodial sentences for animal cruelty offences from six months to five years. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was introduced into the House of Commons by Chris Loder MP on 5 February. Second Reading is due on 23 October. The Government will continue to support it as it makes its way through Parliament.

We have committed to bringing in new laws on animal sentience. 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, Defra is continuing to engage closely with stakeholders to further refine the Government's proposals on animal sentience.