Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 29 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Thursday, 26 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Nature Conservation: Fines

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for the Home Department on (a) reviewing and (b) strengthening penalties for cruelty against wildlife.

Answer: The commitment to review and look to strengthen penalties for cruelty against wildlife - so they are consistent with higher levels of sentencing available for animal welfare offences against pets and livestock - was made in the Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025. The strategy notes the importance of working closely with stakeholders and Defra will engage with partners inside and outside of Government to discuss next steps on delivering the strategy.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 109586
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Animal welfare strategy for England
Monday, 22 December 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: Fines Nature conservation
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk