Tories have broken 15 promises on animal welfare since election, says RSPCA

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery The charity issued the list of 15 broken pledges to coincide with the start of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this week, warning that the government’s “once-promising animal welfare agenda is in tatters” and millions of animals were paying the price. open image in gallery Dame Joanna Lumley hands in a petition to 10 Downing Street calling for a ban on the export of live animals But earlier this year the Bill was dropped as ministers reportedly caved in to a faction within the party who claimed wider anti-cruelty measures could be inserted into the legislation. open image in gallery Plans for a consulation on food labelling have been axed The charity lists the 15 broken promises as: 1) Caged farm animals: The government had promised to consult on banning the cages in which millions of farm animals are kept in England. “We are proud to have some of the highest animal-welfare standards in the world and the government has a strong track record in raising the bar for these standards even further – such as by banning cages for laying hens, increasing the maximum custodial penalty for animal cruelty and introducing a bill to recognise animal sentience in UK law.