VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Nature Conservation: Fines

Asked by Ruth JonesLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 26 February 2026UIN 109586

The 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.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

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.

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