Labour unveils plans to improve animal welfare

ANNING trail hunting and electric shock collars for pets are among UK Government proposals to improve animal welfare.

- DAVID LYNCH and HELEN CORBETT

The animal welfare strategy, launched yesterday, includes plans to ban trail hunting amid fears it is being used as cover for chasing foxes, as well as to tighten protections aimed at stopping cruel breeding practices.

As we reported yesterday, the proposals build on law changes introduced in Parliament over the last year, which crack down on puppy smuggling, and impose larger penalties for worrying livestock.

Westminster environment secretary Emma Reynolds said the UK was "a nation of animal lovers" and claimed the UK Government is "delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation".

She added: "Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild. We've already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now we're planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding."

Ministers are also planning a public safety campaign promoting responsible dog ownership.

Over the last few years there has been growing concern about XL bully-type dogs, a group of breeds which have been banned after they were linked to several fatal attacks.