Animals and Pets are not objects, and shouldn't be treated as such under UK law. They are sentient animals are aware of their feelings and emotions, and have the ability to feel pain and to suffer, equally like humans do. 

Post Brexit, the Government still hasn't given animals the protection they got from EU law. It has shocked me that animals still aren't recognised as sentient in 2021.

The Animal Sentience Bill is currently being read in the House of Lords, which, if passed would formally recognise the above and offer animals that extra legal protection they require. As an extra step, I would like the to pledge for high animal welfare standards and for the House of Commons to ensure they debate the following:

- Recognise animals as having feelings under UK law;

- A duty for all Ministers in the UK to fully regard animal welfare in policy making;

- Harsher punishments for animal cruelty;

- Tougher restrictions and monitoring on animal food production to restrict harm to animals. My kitten Penelope passed away due to Pancytopenia, and a link has been found to the pet food she was eating. I therefore wish to ensure there are tougher standards and guidelines imposed on these suppliers in the production of pet food across the UK; especially with the amount of cat deaths that this has resulted in; 

- Any laws impacting animals need to take into account their capacity to suffer.