Kate Osborne MP: Animals deserve care, safety and respect for the companionship and loyalty they bring

Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of visiting some brilliant local organisations and businesses that put animal welfare at the heart of what they do. I know how important our pets are to all of us, and that’s why I am particularly proud of the changes and help the Labour Government have made in terms of animal rights.

But first some of our local pet highlights from the last few weeks, at Emersons Pet Centre in Felling, I met Nina the dog, who completely stole the show, I kept her with me during the entire visit, whilst checking out the exceptional care given to animals there, including their rare and beautiful birds.

At Garden Feathers in Boldon Colliery, I met more extraordinary birds and spoke with passionate, knowledgeable staff who are deeply committed to high welfare standards. Their enthusiasm for the animals in their care, and their commitment to responsible ownership, was genuinely inspiring.

And, of course, my team would never let me forget the cats (between my staff they have eight cats!) so we loved seeing all our feline friends at Cats Protection. From rescue to rehabilitation and rehoming, the dedication of staff and volunteers there, makes a real difference to animals and their rehoming.

As a dog owner myself, I know how deeply animals become a part of our lives. Ada and Maya, like so many pets, offer my family companionship, comfort, routine and joy.

For many families across our constituency, pets are not just animals, they are loved members of the household. They help children learn empathy and responsibility, provide comfort to older people, and offer friendship to those who might otherwise feel alone.

I care strongly about ensuring animals are treated with kindness, dignity and respect – whether they are pets, farm animals, or wildlife in our countryside and communities.

So, I’m very encouraged by the government’s newly published Animal Welfare Strategy for England. It sets out a wide-ranging programme of reforms designed to improve the lives of millions of animals and represents a meaningful step forward after years of missed opportunities and outdated legislation.

Measures such as cracking down on puppy smuggling and low-welfare breeding, banning cruel snare traps, ending trail hunting, and strengthening protections for companion animals will help tackle some of the worst practices that cause suffering and exploitation.

These reforms will also make a real difference for responsible pet owners. Proposals to reform dog breeding will help clamp down on puppy farming, ensuring dogs are bred in humane conditions and reducing the risk of health problems caused by irresponsible practices.

Consulting on a ban on electric shock collars for cats and dogs is another welcome step, helping to ensure training methods prioritise welfare and positive reinforcement rather than pain or fear.

Plans to improve licensing and oversight of rescue and rehoming organisations will also help ensure animals are cared for responsibly, while supporting the excellent work already being done by charities and community groups.

Labour’s Renters’ Rights Act is an important step forward. Too many responsible pet owners have faced unfair barriers when trying to rent a home, often being forced to choose between stable housing and keeping a beloved animal. Making it easier for tenants to keep pets recognises the reality that stable housing is vital not only for people, but for the animals who depend on them.

But supporting animal welfare also means being honest and principled – including when that means challenging my own party.

Recently, I rebelled in a vote on changes to protest laws linked to animal testing. I believe peaceful protest has a long and legitimate role in shaping ethical and scientific standards, those protesting outside venues that have been described as torture camps for Beagles – animals need us to speak out for them and I will continue to do so.

Criminalising non-violent demonstrators at animal-testing facilities risks undermining fundamental democratic rights, including the right to peaceful protest.

I will continue working closely with local organisations, national charities, vets, campaigners and community groups to ensure these animal welfare reforms are delivered in full. I want to see our constituency continue to lead by example, showing that high standards of animal care can go hand in hand with thriving local businesses, community spirit and responsible ownership.

Our animals give us so much: companionship, comfort, loyalty and joy. It’s only right that we give them the care, safety and respect they deserve.

And maybe I need to start asking constituents to all share pics of their pets when they email me questions or bring them along to casework surgeries - animals make every conversation better!