Labour’s dedication to improving animal welfare is deeply ingrained, as affirmed by a party insider to The Mirror recently. Notably, the ban on fox hunting implemented by the party in 2004 stands out as a pivotal policy from that era. However, in the years following Labour’s departure from office, there has been a lapse that allowed inhumane practices to persist.
Trail hunting, a practice that simulates traditional hunting by tracking a fox-based scent trail, has continued unchecked. Critics argue that this practice, often attended by prominent figures like Nigel Farage during Boxing Day hunts, serves as a guise for actual hunting, resulting in foxes being viciously attacked by dogs.
With Labour back in power, steps are being taken to close this loophole. A Labour source emphasized that enhancing animal welfare standards across various settings, including homes, farms, and the wild, aligns with Labour’s core values and resonates with the British public’s expectations.
The party’s Animal Welfare Strategy, a cornerstone of their manifesto, pledges to outlaw trail hunting, puppy farming, and the use of snare traps. This proactive stance sets Labour apart from previous administrations, including the Tories and briefly the Lib Dems, who failed to address these issues effectively.
In contrast, the Tories have faced criticism for reneging on commitments, such as abandoning plans to prohibit electric collars for pets. Labour’s decisive actions underscore their commitment to safeguarding animal rights, distinguishing them from Reform UK, where Nigel Farage has condemned the ban on trail hunting as an act of “authoritarian control.”
While there is a political dimension to Labour’s initiatives, particularly in light of the growing influence of the Green Party, the party views this as a moral imperative. The recent visit by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds to a rescue service for animals in Battersea, London, underscores the nation’s compassion for animals and the government’s resolve to address issues like puppy farming.
In addition to ethical considerations, the government acknowledges the economic impact of their plans, with incidents like dog attacks on livestock costing farmers substantial sums. Labour’s proactive stance signals a return to power as a party committed to safeguarding the welfare of cherished animals in the country.