In memory of Sir David Amess MP
An advocate of animal welfare
We were deeply saddened by the loss of Sir David Amess last week following a shocking attack. FOUR PAWS UK, and many other NGOs, considered Sir David a great ally in our work for animal welfare and are still reeling from the loss.
Under this sad spotlight the team and I want to take the time to reflect on just how much Sir David was part of and to highlight the many achievements he helped attain for animal welfare.
He was patron of the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation
In this role he hailed the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill gaining royal assent as ‘vitally important and necessary to tackle animal cruelty and to ensure that people who harm animals are properly punished.
The end of the dog and cat meat trade
Sir David was one of the MPs who shared our calls for the end to the dog and cat meat trade and took to social media to join our campaign.
He consistently spoke out against fox hunting
Repeatedly Sir David voted in favour of ban and he was a consistent voice standing against animal suffering
The welcoming of Lucy’s Law
Sir David was one of the first supporters of the legislation introduced in England in April 2020 in which puppies and kittens are no longer able to be sold by third parties.
Prided the UK as having the highest animal welfare standards
Repeatedly called for the UK to uphold these standards and the need for other countries to have the same or higher in future trade deals. In his own words: “In 2019, I welcomed the Government’s commitment to improving animal welfare standards in several specific areas, including not compromising on trade deals. Several years later, as we begin to enter numerous free trade agreements, the Government must remain committed to this vision.”
Recognised for his dedication
In 2011 Sir David was awarded the Animal Welfare and Environment Champion for his dedication and playing a leading role in and commitment to animal welfare
Repeatedly supported EDMs (early day motions)
Calling for action on animal welfare, and just some of those that Sir David backed were to address issues relating to:
- Pandemic prevention and wildlife trade
- Real fur imports
- Dog meat
- Dog and cat fur imports
- Shock collars
- Trophy hunting imports
- Asian elephants used in tourism
- Pre-stunning and animal slaughter
- Farming standards for animal welfare
- Foie gras imports
- Global biodiversity
The legacy of Sir David will continue to live on and FOUR PAWS UK will continue to strive for animal welfare, worldwide. Whilst we are devastated he won’t be here to see his work for animal welfare realised, we hope it is known how important his role was in achieving so much for millions of animals. Now the best tribute we can ask for is that his fellow members of parliament and the Government pick up this mantle and join the fight for animal welfare.
