Animal Welfare Bill leaves gaping hole in area of animal experimentation - Norman Baker MP

9.05.15pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 31st Jul 2004

Norman Baker MP says the draft Animal Welfare Bill does not go far enough

Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Animal Welfare Spokesman, has welcomed the draft Animal Welfare Bill, but has warned that it does not go far enough. He said:

"This legislation has tried to be all things to all animals. There are a number of welcome measures including the tightening up of who can own pets and the regulation of the sale of pets over the Internet.

However, the Government has failed to take this once-in-a-generation opportunity to deal with some crucial animal welfare issues.

There are half-hearted measures such as licensing circuses - instead of outlawing the use of animals other than horses and dogs. And there are gaping holes in the area of animal experimentation."