The United Kingdom (UK) announced on Wednesday it would ban the live export of animals for slaughter and fattening. It will introduce the new ‘Animal Sentience Bill’ to parliament on Thursday.
They’re also thinking of ending the sale of foie gras and formally recognizing animals as sentient beings as part of a post-Brexit welfare plan.
The government said it would strengthen animal welfare standards as it gains greater powers since leaving the European Union.
“We are a nation of animal lovers and were the first country in the world to pass animal welfare laws,” said environment minister George Eustice.
“As an independent nation, we are now able to go further than ever to build on our excellent track record,” Eustice added.
Other measures include the mandatory microchipping of cats and tackling puppy smuggling. They will also form a task force to crack down on theft as the pandemic saw thieves steal pets to extract money.
Additional proposals include looking into a ban on importing hunting trophies from endangered animals, ending the import and export of detached shark fins and boosting the welfare of farm animals as they are transported.
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