Animal Welfare Advocates Demand Action on Factory Farming and Broken Promises

Actress Diane Morgan, known for her role in AfterLife, has urged the government to address the mistreatment of factory-farmed animals. She highlighted the suffering endured by millions of animals annually, including confinement, mutilation, and separation from their young. Morgan emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of existing animal welfare laws, noting that very few complaints lead to prosecution.

Morgan supports a mandatory licensing and labeling system for all UK farms, believing that consumers have a right to know the conditions in which animals are raised. This call for action comes amid criticism of the Labour party for failing to fulfill its animal welfare promises made during the election.

Campaigners have pointed out that several pledges, such as banning the sale of animals with cropped ears, prohibiting hunting trophy imports, and banning foie gras imports, have not been implemented. They are urging the government to prioritize animal welfare plans and allocate parliamentary time to ensure that these ambitions are realized.

The government has also been criticized for failing to enforce the Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act of 2023, which aims to halt the promotion of holiday venues that exploit animals. Critics argue that this inaction undermines the Act's purpose and the protection of endangered species.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has responded by stating its commitment to improving animal welfare, citing plans to enhance zoo standards and combat puppy smuggling. They also announced the upcoming publication of an animal welfare strategy.