New Bill promises proper protection for animals 25 July 2007 Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Trevor Sargent, has told ICABS that a new animal welfare bill currently being drafted will "ensure that the welfare of animals is properly protected". The bill will also "significantly" increase penalties for offenders, he revealed. "The Agreed Programme for Government contains a number of very clear commitments in relation to animal welfare, including a commitment to a comprehensive Animal Welfare Bill which will update the existing legislation," he said. "You can be assured of my commitment and that of the government to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare. The role of the Green Party in government brings a new level of commitment to animal welfare. I look forward to doing everything possible to give practical effect to this commitment." "I am entirely satisfied that, when fully implemented, the commitments in the Programme for Government will contribute significantly in this regard," Minister Sargent added. "Please also be assured of my continuing interest in the work of ICABS." ICABS will be lobbying hard to ensure that the new bill will extend protection to the animals abused in blood sports - foxes, hares, deer and mink. See also: Greens poised to ban blood sports Among the animals which urgently need to be "properly protected" are foxes, hares and deer. ICABS hopes that the new Animal Welfare Bill will save these creatures from the cruelty of hunting and coursing. News Menu | Join | Top | Home