HOLMES BACKS NEW ANIMAL WELFARE LAW

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 9th Jan 2006

Paul Holmes will be supporting the most far-reaching piece of animal welfare legislation for almost a century when it receives its 2nd Reading in the House of Commons tomorrow (10th January).

The Animal Welfare Bill will, for the first time, require owners to properly care for their pets and thus prevent thousands of animals from suffering ongoing neglect. Pet owners will be legally obliged to make sure their animals are well nourished, receive veterinary treatment if sick or injured, and are kept in an appropriate environment.

Paul said: "Over many years I have worked in Westminster and locally in Chesterfield with the RSPCA. Each year, RSPCA inspectors have to watch in frustration and sadness as the serious neglect of thousands of pets at risk turns into suffering. Although the owner can face prosecution once a pet is suffering, it is often too late to save the animal from death or lasting injury. I will be voting to ensure that the Animal Welfare Bill reaches our statute books swiftly to help prevent the serious ongoing neglect too many of our pets have been allowed to endure."