The Biggest Animal Welfare Reforms in a Generation
- Adam Jogee MP
- Dec 22, 2025
- 2 min read
The Government has set out the biggest package of animal welfare reforms in a generation. I support these changes because they are practical, long overdue, and rooted in a simple principle – that how we treat animals reflects who we are as a society.
Last week in the House of Commons, I spoke about why this moment matters – the ambition of these reforms and the way they are delivered. Raising animal welfare standards should go hand in hand with supporting farmers, rewarding those who already do the right thing, and ensuring changes are implemented properly, fairly, and at pace.
This strategy strengthens protections for pets, raises standards for farmed animals, and tackles practices that cause unnecessary suffering, while recognising the importance of getting delivery right.
Better protection for pets
Millions of families share their lives with pets, yet the law has not always kept pace with modern understanding of animal welfare. For too long, dogs have been bred in poor conditions, sold too young, and treated as commodities rather than animals.
These reforms will:
Crack down on unethical breeding, including puppy farming
Strengthen regulation of pet breeding, selling, rescue, and rehoming
Consult on banning electric shock collars for dogs
Higher welfare standards for farmed animals
Animal welfare must extend beyond our homes.
The strategy includes plans to:
Phase out outdated confinement systems for hens and pigs
Strengthen protections for livestock, including tougher penalties for livestock worrying and irresponsible dog ownership
Improve welfare at slaughter
Support farmers to transition to higher-welfare systems
A particularly welcome development is the new strengthened protections for livestock from dog attacks. The introduction of unlimited fines for livestock worrying, alongside enhanced enforcement powers, sends a clear message that attacks on farm animals are serious incidents and must be treated as such.
Improving welfare standards supports healthier, more productive livestock, better outcomes for farmers, and maintains the high standards British consumers expect.
In Newcastle-under-Lyme and across Staffordshire, we have farmers who already work to the highest British standards. These reforms should support them, reward good practice, and help British farming continue to lead the way on animal welfare.
Stronger protections for wildlife
The reforms also improve protections for wild animals by:
Ending trail hunting
Banning snares
Introducing close seasons for hares
Wildlife protection should be guided by evidence and compassion, preventing unnecessary suffering while supporting biodiversity.
Like many people, I know the joy animals bring to our lives. Animal welfare is not an abstract issue – it is about making sure our laws reflect the evidence and the values people hold.
These reforms raise standards, close loopholes, and protect animals in our homes, on farms, and in the wild. That is why I believe this package of reforms is both necessary and welcome.
