Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Thursday, 5 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2026 (named day). It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animal Welfare: Fines

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to answer 109832 of 4 February 2026 on Animal Welfare: Fines, what conversations she has had with the Leader of the House regarding the planned timetabling for the introduction of legislation to strengthen 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. Any strengthening of penalties for cruelty against wildlife will require primary legislation, and Defra will seek to deliver this change as soon as a suitable primary vehicle is identified. The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs has not yet held conversations with the Leader of the House regarding the planned timetabling for the introduction of this legislation.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 111195
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Animal welfare strategy for England
Monday, 22 December 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords; Animal Welfare: Fines
Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Animal welfare Fines Wildlife Timetabling of bills
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk