Committee publication · Correspondence · 24 March 2026

Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding their two new reports on the restrictions of lead in ammunition and the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, dated 13 March 2026

From: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Inquiry: Animal and plant health

Summary

The Animal Sentience Committee chair notifies the EFRA Committee that two new reports have been published: one on lead ammunition restrictions and one on the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022. The Committee, established under the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022, assesses whether government decisions adequately consider animal welfare impacts. Government responses are due by 8 and 9 July 2026 respectively.

Key findings

  • Animal Sentience Committee has published two reports: on lead ammunition restrictions and the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022
  • The Committee's statutory role is to hold government accountable for consideration of sentient animal welfare in ministerial decisions
  • Reports assess whether government has given due regard to adverse effects on animal welfare as sentient beings
  • Government responses to both reports are mandatory and due by early July 2026

Tone

Procedural

Topics

animal-welfaresentienceammunition-regulationanimal-protection

Key actors

Alistair Carmichael, Michael Seals, Animal Sentience Committee, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee

Notable line

The Committee may produce reports containing its views on whether, or to what extent, the Government is having, or has had …

Key Quotes

The Animal Sentience Committee was established by the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022 to furnish accountability to Parliament for consideration of the welfare of sentient animals in Ministerial decisions.
Michael Seals · explaining the Committee's statutory remit
The Committee may produce reports containing its views on whether, or to what extent, the Government is having, or has had, all due regard to the ways in which the policy might have an adverse effect on the welfare of animals as sentient beings.
Michael Seals · describing the Committee's reporting powers
View original document →

Source · parliament.uk record ↗

Correspondence from the Animal Sentience Committee regarding their two new reports on the restrictions of lead in ammunition and the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, dated 13 March 2026 | Beyond The Vote | Beyond The Vote