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Henry Smith

Member of Parliament for Crawley

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Animal Welfare

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Animal Welfare

I have consistently called for stronger laws against those who cause animals pain and inflict suffering needlessly. In June 2015 I was named Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare and I have highlighted the need for greater protections throughout my nine and a half years in the House of Commons.

In 2015 I led a Commons debate on the importance of CCTV in UK slaughterhouses; this is an issue I have pursued in Parliament and was delighted when the Government adopted this as law.

I have additionally called for the end of live exports of animals for slaughter, and welcome the Government’s action to launch a call for evidence on this important animal welfare issue.

More recently we have also seen action on increasing sentences for animal cruelty tenfold to five years, banning of back street puppy breeders, ending the third party sales of puppies, and publishing updated animal welfare codes.

In June 2018, I was pleased to lead a House of Commons debate calling for a ban on imports of foie gras; a ‘product’ derived from fatty livers of ducks or geese after they have been force-fed maize repeatedly, by having a metal tube inserted down their throats two or three times a day.

While domestic production of foie gras is thankfully banned in this country, the importing of it is still allowed – a double standard we need to put right. After leaving the EU’s single market, Britain will be able to make the decision to ban imports of this so-called delicacy. I urge the Government to take this action in line with the progress we have seen in recent years in the area of animal rights.

I have also served on the Public Bill Committee of the Government’s Ivory Bill. This legislation will help protect the approximate 20,000 elephants slaughtered each year for their ivory.

One area I have worked alongside the Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation on is the campaign to end the exporting of live animals for slaughter.

I welcome the Government’s announcement that it will be restricting live animal for slaughter journeys. It is vital that we provide such protections after leaving the EU and its single market.

Please click here to sign up for email updates about my work on animal welfare.

News

Henry Smith MP backs pet renter's rights bill

Henry Smith MP backs pet renter's rights bill

Thursday, 25 February, 2021

Henry Smith MP has reiterated his support for a Bill which calls for an end to blanket ‘no pets’ clauses in rented accommodation.

Henry Smith MP leads cross-party call for BBC to consider animal welfare

Henry Smith MP leads cross-party call for BBC to consider animal welfare

Thursday, 17 December, 2020

Henry Smith MP has organised a cross-party letter signed by 50 MPs urging the BBC to ensure animal welfare practices are taken into account when making decisions on programming.

Enhancing animal welfare protections upon Brexit

Enhancing animal welfare protections upon Brexit

Wednesday, 16 December, 2020

Henry Smith MP Crawley News 24 article.

Henry Smith MP at a Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation event which called for an end to live animal exports, January 2018

Henry Smith MP welcomes historic animal welfare victory

Thursday, 3 December, 2020

Henry Smith MP has warmly welcomed Government plans to end the live export of animals for slaughter.

Henry Smith MP joins Puppy Smuggling Taskforce to tackle horrifying trade

Henry Smith MP joins Puppy Smuggling Taskforce to tackle horrifying trade

Monday, 16 November, 2020

Henry Smith MP has joined forces with the UK’s largest dog welfare charity to call on the Government to stop the illegal importation of puppies into the UK.

Britain must show international leadership on wildlife and the environment

Britain must show international leadership on wildlife and the environment

Thursday, 23 July, 2020

Henry Smith MP ConservativeHome article.

Henry Smith MP pledges support for increased maximum sentences for animal cruelty

Henry Smith MP pledges support for increased maximum sentences for animal cruelty

Monday, 17 February, 2020

Henry Smith MP attended Battersea's reception in Parliament to reiterate his support for changing the law to increase the maximum sentences for animal cruelty.

Stronger sentences for cruelty to animals

Stronger sentences for cruelty to animals

Monday, 17 February, 2020

Henry Smith MP Crawley News 24 article.

Henry Smith MP supports RSPCA campaign to improve animal welfare among young people in Crawley

Henry Smith MP supports RSPCA campaign to improve animal welfare among young people in Crawley

Wednesday, 29 January, 2020

Henry Smith MP joined the RSPCA in Parliament to support their Generation Kind initiative which helps teach compassion to new generations.

Henry Smith MP welcomes Queen's Speech to address the People's Priorities

Henry Smith MP welcomes Queen's Speech to address the People's Priorities

Thursday, 19 December, 2019

Henry Smith MP has welcomed the Queen’s Speech which has unveiled the Government’s priorities including delivery of Brexit, enshrining in law the largest ever NHS funding settlement and making sure serious offenders serve proper custodial sentences.

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Henry Smith Member of Parliament for Crawley

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