New Strategy to Transform Animal Welfare in Rochdale
Rochdale, Greater Manchester — Pets, farm animals, and wildlife across the borough are set to receive sweeping new protections under a major government strategy backed by the town’s MP, Paul Waugh.
The ambitious Animal Welfare Strategy, launched today by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and supported by actress Dame Joanna Lumley and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, outlines a comprehensive package of reforms designed to improve protections for animals in homes, on farms, and in the wild.
Mr. Waugh, who represents the constituency which spans urban neighbourhoods, farmland, and the moorland of the Pennine hills, said the reforms reflect the realities of life across Rochdale.
“I’m proud to welcome this new Animal Welfare Strategy, which will improve the lives of animals at home, on farms and in the wild”, he said.
“From ending puppy farming and snare traps to improving farm animal welfare and banning trail hunting, these reforms close long-standing loopholes and raise standards in line with what people expect”.
Crackdown on Puppy Farming and Pet Welfare
The strategy targets the commercial breeding of dogs, with proposals to end puppy farming, tighten breeding regulations, and stop the illegal pet trade.
In a move to support tenants in the private rental sector, the government will also look to support renters who want to keep pets.
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Further measures include a confirmation that the government will consult on banning electric shock collars, a device widely criticised by animal welfare groups.
Farm Animal Reforms
For Rochdale’s farming communities, the strategy commits to phasing out colony cages for laying hens and working with producers to end farrowing crates for pigs.
The plan also includes consultations on more humane slaughter methods for farmed fish and tackling the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs.
Wildlife Protection
The reforms take a hard line on practices affecting wild animals. The government intends to ban trail hunting—a practice often cited by hunt saboteurs as a cover for illegal fox hunting—end the use of snares, and introduce a close season for hares to protect them during breeding.
Ending Animal Testing
The strategy also sets sights on the scientific research sector. Mr. Waugh highlighted a commitment to end animal testing where safe alternatives exist.
“By backing new technologies and alternative methods, we can reduce animal suffering while supporting life-saving research and keeping the UK at the forefront of ethical science”, he said.
Road to 2030
The Animal Welfare Strategy is not an immediate overhaul but a roadmap to be developed through legislation, consultation, and industry partnerships leading up to 2030.
Residents and stakeholders in Rochdale are expected to be consulted as the specific measures are rolled out in the coming years.
The ambitious Animal Welfare Strategy, launched today by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds and supported by actress Dame Joanna Lumley and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, outlines a comprehensive package of reforms designed to improve protections for animals in homes, on farms, and in the wild.
Mr. Waugh, who represents the constituency which spans urban neighbourhoods, farmland, and the moorland of the Pennine hills, said the reforms reflect the realities of life across Rochdale.
“I’m proud to welcome this new Animal Welfare Strategy, which will improve the lives of animals at home, on farms and in the wild”, he said.
“From ending puppy farming and snare traps to improving farm animal welfare and banning trail hunting, these reforms close long-standing loopholes and raise standards in line with what people expect”.
Crackdown on Puppy Farming and Pet Welfare
The strategy targets the commercial breeding of dogs, with proposals to end puppy farming, tighten breeding regulations, and stop the illegal pet trade.
In a move to support tenants in the private rental sector, the government will also look to support renters who want to keep pets.
.jpg)
Further measures include a confirmation that the government will consult on banning electric shock collars, a device widely criticised by animal welfare groups.
Farm Animal Reforms
For Rochdale’s farming communities, the strategy commits to phasing out colony cages for laying hens and working with producers to end farrowing crates for pigs.
The plan also includes consultations on more humane slaughter methods for farmed fish and tackling the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs.
Wildlife Protection
The reforms take a hard line on practices affecting wild animals. The government intends to ban trail hunting—a practice often cited by hunt saboteurs as a cover for illegal fox hunting—end the use of snares, and introduce a close season for hares to protect them during breeding.
Ending Animal Testing
The strategy also sets sights on the scientific research sector. Mr. Waugh highlighted a commitment to end animal testing where safe alternatives exist.
“By backing new technologies and alternative methods, we can reduce animal suffering while supporting life-saving research and keeping the UK at the forefront of ethical science”, he said.
Road to 2030
The Animal Welfare Strategy is not an immediate overhaul but a roadmap to be developed through legislation, consultation, and industry partnerships leading up to 2030.
Residents and stakeholders in Rochdale are expected to be consulted as the specific measures are rolled out in the coming years.
.jpg)
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