Parliament has now debated (and passed at Second Reading) the Hunting Trophies (Import Prohibition) Bill, brought by Henry Smith MP, which will prohibit the import of hunting trophies into Great Britain.
During the debate, Laura spoke in support of the Bill saying that to many people it would "extraordindary" that the importation of hunting trophies had not yet been banned and that hunting in this way was still practiced. Laura also recognised that the Bill was part of the Government's sustained and concerted effort to improve animal welfare standards, following earlier legislation such as:
- the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act, which increased sanctions for the most serious perpetrators of animal cruelty from the previous maximum of six months to five years.
- the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act, which recognises animals as sentient beings and sets measures for ensuring the welfare of animals is taken into account by Government policy.
- the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which is progressing through the House currently and will introduce additional protections for pets, livestock and kept wild animals.
You can find out more about the Bill here.