Animal Welfare Bill

moved Amendment No. 43:"Page 7, line 7, at end insert ““in which to live, play and exercise””" The noble Duke said: The purpose of this amendment is to ensure that animals kept as pets have the space necessary for rest and relaxation. A golden retriever or an Alsatian kept by a single person in a fourth-floor flat formed from the top of an old flour mill might have plenty of room to walk, stretch out and play with a rubber bone, and it might have immediate access to open country to run free. However, the same animal in a Parker Knoll, standard, fourth-floor flat in a council block may be extremely constrained. If it has to share the flat with a family, it may also be subject to noise and movement all around. Other animals also require adequate space and some peace and quiet. A newspaper column written by a vet or an animal expert will often contain advice concerning the conditions in which to keep pets; whether rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, cats or dogs. Included in the recommendations will be good advice on whether to get a companion for an existing animal, on the volume of cage space required and the amount and type of play to be provided. All that is in addition to the strictures on food, water, hygiene and medical care. Considering the wording of this section, we did not feel that,"““to exhibit normal behaviour patterns””" covered the situation that gave us cause for concern. I beg to move.