Animal welfare reforms welcomed in Rochdale as new government strategy unveiled

Tuesday, 6 January 2026 12:23

By David Murphy

L to R - influencer and animal welfare advocate Faye Winter, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds MP, Dame Joanna Lumley at the launch event at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home

Pets, farm animals and wildlife across Rochdale are set to benefit from sweeping new animal welfare reforms backed by the town’s MP, Paul Waugh.

The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, launched by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds with support from Dame Joanna Lumley and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, outlines a wide-ranging package of reforms to improve protections for animals in homes, on farms and in the wild.

Paul Waugh, Member of Parliament for Rochdale, said the reforms reflect the realities of life across the borough, which stretches from urban neighbourhoods to farmland and moorland along the Pennine hills.

“I’m proud to welcome this new Animal Welfare Strategy, which will improve the lives of animals at home, on farms and in the wild,” he said.

“From ending puppy farming and snare traps to improving farm animal welfare and banning trail hunting, these reforms close long-standing loopholes and raise standards in line with what people expect.”

Among the measures set out in the plan are proposals to end puppy farming, tighten breeding regulations and stop the illegal pet trade. The government also confirmed new steps to consult on banning electric shock collars and will support tenants who want to keep pets in rented homes.

The strategy commits to phasing out the use of colony cages for laying hens and working with farmers to end farrowing crates for pigs. There will also be consultations on more humane slaughter methods for farmed fish and tackling the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs.

On wildlife, the government intends to ban trail hunting, end the use of snare traps, and introduce a close season for hares to protect them during the breeding period.

Rochdale’s rural communities and local pet owners are expected to be directly affected by the reforms, which apply to both urban and countryside areas.

Mr Waugh said the move to end animal testing where safe alternatives exist is equally important. “By backing new technologies and alternative methods, we can reduce animal suffering while supporting life-saving research and keeping the UK at the forefront of ethical science,” he said.

The Animal Welfare Strategy sets out legislation, consultation plans and industry partnerships to be developed through to 2030.

Donate to Roch Valley Radio

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

New milestone hit on major energy project

A huge energy storage project in Rochdale has hit a new milestone. An infrastructure agreement has been made between the National Grid and battery energy storage (BESS) operator Root-Power.
Closures at Big Lamp Roundabout

Closures at Big Lamp Roundabout
Kingsway Park High School closed on Wednesday 7 January

Kingsway Park High School will be closed to all students and staff on Wednesday 7 January 2026 due to issues with the heating and building management system.
Market Street closure for five months begins

A busy main road in Bury town centre will be shut for five months from today Monday, January 5, as part of a £6m active travel overhaul. Market Street will be closed to traffic until June 26 as the council carries out works to introduce new cycle lanes and crossing signals.
'There's a 14-year-old girl with a man in the hotel, and we need the police to come'

Police in Greater Manchester say they are now acting faster and more effectively to protect vulnerable children following past failures, with one recent hotel incident showing how joined-up safeguarding is making a difference.
Man in his 20s arrested after two seriously injured in Wardle bus stop crash

Police have confirmed the arrest of a man following a serious crash at a bus stop in Wardle that left two people in hospital with fractured limbs.
Police cordon in place at Norton Grange Hotel and Spa

Police are dealing with an incident at the Norton Grange Hotel and Spa in Castleton this morning, with part of the site sealed off and a visible emergency presence on Manchester Road.
LIVE: Snow updates, traffic and travel for the 'first day back' in 2026

Greater Manchester is expecting disruption this morning as snowfall and freezing temperatures combine with the first major commuter and school run of 2026.
M60 closed near Prestwich after multi-vehicle crash saw two rushed to hospital

Traffic halted and delays expected following collision between junctions 16 and 17
Multiple pedestrians seriously injured after car hits bus stop on Wardle Road

Emergency services closed Wardle Road in Rochdale following an ongoing incident this afternoon. 4 January, causing disruption for drivers in the area.
Woman injured after fall from M66 bridge in Bury

A woman has been taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after falling from a bridge onto the M66 motorway in Bury. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Saturday 3 January.
M66 traffic stopped southbound due to ongoing Police incident

Traffic was stopped this evening on the M66 southbound between the A56 and Junction 1.