2nd Report - Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the draft Animal Welfare (Sentencing and Recognition of Sentience) Bill

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government says it is committed to delivering both the sentencing and sentience measures "as soon as possible", and "will set out how we intend to take forward the measures" in the draft Bill "in due course".

• On the impact assessment, the government says an assessment is only required where a policy adds or removes significant regulatory burdens on business, but it has produced a draft regulatory triage assessment on the sentience provisions, with a final version to be published "when the Bill is introduced".
• On Clause 1 (sentience), it "notes" the Committee's concern, is "actively looking at drafting solutions" and is "carefully considering" the concerns over accountability mechanisms. It has also asked the Farm Animal Welfare Committee for advice on definitions and key concepts.
• On extending higher sentences beyond the 2006 Act offences, the government considers a five-year maximum "disproportionate" for less serious offences such as neglect, because current sentencing practice does not suggest the six-month maximum "is too low".
• On the Committee's recommendation to separate Clause 1 into a stand-alone Bill, the response "notes" the recommendation and says the government remains committed to delivering both sets of measures, without stating that it will separate them.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error