Welsh MP wants law to stop commercial fur imports

The RSPCA has praised a Welsh MP for proposing new legislation which could ban fur imports.

Ruth Jones, the Labour MP for Newport West and Islwyn, is one of three backbenchers praised by the animal charity for “prioritising animal welfare” in Private Members’ bills.

Ms Jones, Sarah Owen, the Labour MP for Luton North and Danny Chambers, the Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester have all chosen to take forward animal welfare laws after being drawn in a ballot of MPs.

Ms Owen’s bill aims to encourage more responsible use of fireworks, and Mr Chambers’ seeks to tackle puppy, kitten and ferret smuggling.

Animal 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.”

The contents of the proposed laws are not known at this early stage – but the bill on fur is expected to seek to stop commercial fur imports and revisit pledges dropped by the previous Conservative government.

The Bill against the smuggling of dogs, cats and ferrets will focus on stopping the commercial import of puppies and kittens, protecting heavily pregnant pets, and also ban the import of those animals that have been mutilated – such as those with cropped ears, or docked tails.

Loophole

These practices have been banned in the UK – but a loophole exists where these animals can still be imported from abroad.

Plans to legislate around fireworks will look at changing the rules on selling fireworks so that people enjoy them responsibly while reducing the impact on pets, wildlife and farm animals – including limits on noise, the introduction of firework control zones, and restrictions on when fireworks can be sold.

Mr Bowles added: “With Bonfire Night approaching, we know many people will be getting excited by fireworks – but it’s important they are used responsibly, and consider animal welfare.

“Our legislative framework in this area is long due an update, so it’s really welcome to see this being looked at via a Private Members’ Bill.

“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.

“Sadly, moves to better protect pets being imported into the UK also didn’t make it over the line in the last Parliament. We know pets with cropped ears, and other mutilations, are too often imported into the UK and sold; while this loophole can also act as a smokescreen for criminality at home – so it’s really welcome this issue is being raised so early into the new Parliament.”

Ruth Jones said: “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.”