Labour’s commitment to enhancing animal welfare is deeply ingrained in the party’s values, according to a source speaking to The Mirror recently. The ban on fox hunting imposed by the party in 2004 stood out as a significant policy during their time in government. However, in the years following Labour’s departure from power, there was a lapse that allowed inhumane practices to flourish.
One such practice is trail hunting, a method that simulates traditional hunting by tracking a scent trail left by a fox. Despite claims that trail hunting is a benign alternative, it has often served as a cover for actual hunting activities, resulting in foxes being viciously attacked by dogs, including prominent figures like Nigel Farage participating in Boxing Day hunts.
Now that Labour has returned to power, they are taking action to close this loophole. A Labour insider emphasized that improving animal welfare standards across domestic, agricultural, and wild settings aligns with the party’s core principles and resonates with the desires of the British public. The new Animal Welfare Strategy builds upon initiatives started by Labour over 15 years ago, fulfilling the party’s election promises and rectifying the failures of previous governments, including the Tories and briefly, the Lib Dems.
The party’s manifesto outlines clear commitments to ban trail hunting, puppy farming, and the use of snare traps, with the implementation of a comprehensive Animal Welfare Strategy as a testament to their dedication. This move sets Labour apart from other political entities like Reform UK, with Nigel Farage criticizing the government’s stance on trail hunting.
While there is a political aspect to Labour’s animal welfare agenda, particularly in light of the Green Party’s growing influence, the party views this issue as intrinsically moral. Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds’s recent visit to an animal rescue service in Battersea highlighted the nation’s compassion towards animals in need, reinforcing the government’s resolve to protect vulnerable pets from exploitation.
In addition to moral imperatives, the government recognizes the economic implications of their actions, with incidents of dog attacks on livestock causing significant financial losses for farmers. Labour’s proactive stance on animal welfare signals a return to governance that prioritizes safeguarding the well-being of the country’s cherished animals.