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Animal Welfare Bill

moved Amendment No. 123:"Page 19, line 4, at end insert—" ““(e) from working with or using animals, (f) from riding or driving animals, (g) from providing any service relating to animals (including, in particular, for their care) which involves taking possession of animals, (h) from taking possession of animals for the purpose of an activity in respect of which a disqualification mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (f) is imposed, (i) from taking charge of animals for any purpose unless no other choice is available. (3)   For the purposes of subsections (1) and (2), disqualification in respect of an activity includes disqualification from any participation in the activity including in particular— (a)   making arrangements in connection with the activity, (b)   being party to arrangements under which the activity may be controlled or influenced, (c)   being concerned (so far as relating to the activity) in the management or control of a body whose business involved the activity.”” The noble Lord said: Clause 33 provides a further power to the courts to remove the perpetrator of a serious breach of animal welfare from contact with animals. The court may disqualify such a person from keeping animals, transporting them and dealing in them. This is another example of good practice from Scotland. My amendment is taken from the Scottish Animal Health and Welfare Bill and would extend this list of disqualifications to include working with animals, riding animals and participating in or organising activities involving animals. This is meant more as a preventative measure than a punitive one. Someone convicted of a serious welfare offence whom the court deems it necessary to disqualify could cause suffering across a range of activities not yet recognised by the clause. I beg to move.