FOUR PAWS UK is thrilled that this important legislation has cleared another step in the process to becoming law. By ensuring this historic Bill has made the necessary progress through the House of Commons, Parliament has sent a strong signal that the UK is committed to taking a lead on the world stage for animal welfare.

For too long, cattle and sheep have faced horrific journeys from British ports, where they are held in small cages, crammed full, with little space to sit, stand or lie down. Often surrounded by their own excrement, animals are then shipped or taken by road for many thousands of miles, where they are slaughtered on arrival, or fattened ready for slaughter. This is as unethical as it is unnecessary and puts animals at real risk of extreme suffering and distress.

Enough is enough, and we are delighted that Parliament agrees with us that this barbaric practice must stop. We hope the Bill now moves quickly through the House of Lords, and will receive rapid Royal Assent, enabling it to become law as quickly as possible. Animals cannot wait.

Sonul Badiani-Hamment, Country Director, FOUR PAWS UK