Animal welfare

Animals to be formally recognised as sentient beings in UK law

Set of government measures will include halting most live animal exports and a ban on hunting trophy imports

Fiona Harvey Environment correspondent

12, May, 2021 @5:00 AM

What made it into the Queen’s speech, and what was left out

UK government’s to-do list includes planning reforms, voter ID and limits on right to protest, but sidesteps social care and rental reform

Peter Walker Political correspondent

11, May, 2021 @1:52 PM

Animals farmed: Foie gras backlash, the ‘toughest job in farming’ and salmonella outbreaks

Welcome to our monthly roundup of the biggest issues in farming and food production, with must-read reports from around the web

Tom Levitt

10, May, 2021 @3:01 PM

Budget’s $371m biosecurity boost will put ‘protective ring’ around agriculture, PM says

Measures to be announced on Tuesday come three years after Coalition’s failed attempt to introduce biosecurity levy on industry

Sarah Martin, chief political correspondent

03, May, 2021 @5:30 PM

RSPCA wants woman convicted of animal cruelty extradited from New Zealand

South Australian Dora Ryan has been found guilty of 33 charges and is believed to have fled with a number of animals

Calla Wahlquist

03, May, 2021 @3:41 AM

A creature of mystery: New Zealand’s love-hate relationship with eels

Native species have been revered, feared, hunted and tamed. Now experts hope revulsion can give way to fascination

Elle Hunt in Auckland

23, Apr, 2021 @8:00 PM

Brexit: ponies held for month in Belfast port freed after court ruling

Judge urges Brussels to review rule on quarantining animals and ‘to allow scope for application of common sense’

Lisa O'Carroll Brexit correspondent

22, Apr, 2021 @4:42 PM

‘We love foie gras’: French outrage at UK plan to ban imports of ‘cruel’ delicacy

UK officials are exploring restrictions on product after minister described it as ‘unbearably barbaric’

Kim Willsher in Paris

17, Apr, 2021 @6:00 AM

Conservation legend Roy Dennis: ‘We’re facing an ecological crisis, but it’s exciting too’

Dennis has devoted his life to returning eagles, osprey, red kites and red squirrels to Britain. But, he says, there is still plenty to do. And he is thrilled by the can-do attitude he gets from young people today

Patrick Barkham

16, Apr, 2021 @11:38 AM

Cat owners may be forced to microchip pets as UK thefts soar

Owners could face fines of up to £500 for unregistered cats to combat black market activity

Sarah Marsh

15, Apr, 2021 @1:34 PM

Dog-bite Britain: the problem with the pandemic puppy explosion

Over the past year, dog ownership has surged, and they have brought many of us untold joy. But the lack of proper training or socialisation has led to a growing danger of attacks

Simon Usborne

15, Apr, 2021 @5:00 AM

Animals farmed: heat stress, happy cows and foie gras bans