A proposed ban on the import of hunting trophies has been delayed but was still "on track", an environment minister has told Parliament. The Government's commitment to the crackdown "remains absolute", said Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park.
His comments follow rumours the Tory administration planned to shelve the measure, something which it has denied. Lord Goldsmith was pressed for an update as peers gave an unopposed third reading to legislation which will introduce a system of financial penalties of up to £5,000 for animal health and welfare offences.
It paves the way for the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill, which has already cleared the Commons, to become law. While Labour frontbencher Baroness Hayman of Ullock welcomed this and other animal welfare legislation in the pipeline, she added: "However, I am concerned, as are many others, about the fate of the Animals Abroad Bill, which would look to ban foie gras, fur imports and trophy hunting imports."
