There is a touch of irony in the fact that Tynwald ’threw out’ a Manx Animal Welfare Bill a few weeks ago, whereas last week’s Queen’s Speech revealed some very forward-thinking plans for animal welfare in the UK.

The ManxSPCA has written to Geoffrey Boot, the Minister responsible for the Bill, asking what happens next and when â?¦ and we await his response.

Meanwhile, here is a precis of the intended primary and secondary legislation that is being proposed in the UK.

International animal welfare:

The UK plans to use trade negotiations to influence other countries that allow practices that are illegal In the UK - practices such as fur-farming, the production of foie gras, and the sale of sharks’ fins. It will use its independent seat at the World Trade Organisation to help improve standards.

Farm animals:

The UK is proposing to ban the live export of animals for fattening and slaughter, alongside placing greater regulations around maximum journey times, space allowances and temperature controls for animals being transported within the UK.

It will also develop more informative food labelling, and higher levels of animal welfare in slaughter houses (having recently introduced compulsory CCTV coverage in slaughter houses).

Wild animals:

The proposed legislation will prohibit primates as pets and introduce greater control over other wild and exotic animals being kept as pets; and there will be more scrutiny of zoos and the conservation work they undertake.

Interestingly, given the recent, understandable public outcry on the Isle of Man about mountain hares having no legal protection, and common and brown hares having a limited amount of protection in that you have to obtain a licence before you can shoot them, the UK legislation proposes year-round protection for mountain hares.

They are clearly seen as an essential part of the ecosystem and a fundamental aspect of biodiversity.

Pets and sporting animals:

The UK proposals seek to reduce the number of dogs, cats and ferrets that can be imported, and increase the minimum age of dogs being brought into the country in an attempt to control the puppy trade.

A ’pet theft taskforce’ will be created to address the pandemic-fuelled increase in dogs and cats being stolen by organised crime gangs, and cats will need to be compulsorily microchipped.

The microchipping of cats is something we feel very strongly about at the ManxSPCA because a chipped stray cat is so much easier to reunite with its owner, even if it comes to us as a dead cat after a road accident.

The cattery team offers a ’no hassle’ microchipping service for just £15.00 per chip. All you have to do is call them on 851672, extension 2, and make an appointment (please leave a message on the answer machine if no-one is available to take your call straight away).

We very much hope that the Isle of Man can move forward with its animal welfare legislation, and that it will mirror the UK Government’s stated intention of wanting ’to use the opportunities we have to introduce tangible, enduring change which elevates the way we treat animals to the next level’.

We simply can’t allow animal welfare legislation on the Isle of Man to sit on a shelf for another five years.