Bromsgrove MP Champions New Law to Regulate Animal Shelters

Bradley Thomas, the Member of Parliament for Bromsgrove and the Villages, is lending his support to a crucial piece of legislation aimed at improving the welfare of animals in shelters across England and Wales.

A Step Towards Better Protection for Animals: MP Supports Shelter Licensing Bill

The proposed law, known as the Animal Shelters (Licensing) Bill, would require all animal shelters to obtain licenses. Currently, licensing is only mandatory for large-scale breeders and kennel owners, leaving rescue centres and smaller shelters operating without the same level of oversight.

The government has acknowledged the "significant variation" in the standards under which animal shelters currently operate. To address this, the Bill was introduced to Parliament following several distressing cases of animal abuse, including the tragic discovery of 37 dead dogs at a property in Essex.

Co-signed by Mr. Thomas and 10 other MPs, the Bill is designed to increase protections for vulnerable animals and empower local councils, the RSPCA, and law enforcement to take faster action when concerns arise.

“We’re a nation of animal lovers, and it's clear that existing laws are not doing enough to protect our animals,” Mr. Thomas said. "The Bill I’m supporting will make licensing mandatory, ensuring shelters meet higher standards and giving authorities the power to intervene sooner."

Thomas believes this legislation will provide the necessary framework to improve conditions for animals in shelters and ensure their safety and welfare are better safeguarded.