ANIMALS NEED A PROTECTION COMMISSION TO ENSURE NATURAL JUSTICE - NORMAN BAKER MP

Norman Baker MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary and Animal Welfare Spokesperson, today launches the Party's new Animal Welfare policy paper, Respecting All Animals.

Mr. Baker said: "Once again, the Liberal Democrats are way ahead of the Government. Their animal welfare consultation paper has been stalled for over a year, with no sign of legislation being brought forward.

"Respecting All Animals shows the Liberal Democrats are serious about creating the conditions where the basic needs of animals are respected. Establishing an autonomous Animal Protection Commission will go some way to giving animal welfare the priority it deserves.

"We humans depend on animals in so many ways. We have a duty to ensure their welfare is of as high a standard as possible. We should seek to expose and eliminate cruelty and any unnecessary exploitation of animals wherever we find it.

"Britain should lead the way in improving the international standards of animal welfare, through the EU, WTO and other international institutions.

"The use of animals in experiments must be reduced, refined and eventually replaced so we can eliminate the scientific procedures which cause animals pain, suffering or distress."