BBC News
Published
image captionMandatory microchipping for cats is one of the measures to be put forward in Parliament
The government has promised the highest standards of animal welfare in the UK as part of the Queen s Speech.
Outlining its plans for the upcoming Parliament, the pledges ranged from improving standards in zoos to mandatory microchipping for cats.
The measures will be covered by three bills introduced over the next year.
No 10 said it wanted to be a global leader on animal welfare and set high standards for others across the world to follow .
The proposals have been welcomed by animal charities, with the RSPCA saying they could make a real and lasting difference .
Source: UK Government
The UKâs world-leading ban on importing, exporting and dealing in items containing elephant ivory in the UK moves a step closer today following the launch of a consultation on the implementation of the Ivory Act.
Once implemented, the Ivory Act, which was a key government manifesto commitment, will introduce a near total ban on the import, export and dealing of items containing elephant ivory in the UK, regardless of their age, allowing only for a narrowly defined set of exemptions.
Elephants are the worldâs largest land mammal and can live past 60 years of age in the wild. However they are commonly targeted for their tusks. The savanna elephant populations declined by about 30 per cent â equal to 144,000 elephants â across 15 African countries between 2007 and 2014. The UKâs landmark Ivory Act will help protect the worldâs elephants by banning sales of ivory that may contribute to poaching.
Culturally significant sculpture Death of Cleopatra saved from export
Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has stopped the export of ivory sculpture, Death of Cleopatra , carved by the artist Henri de Triqueti
From:
The sculpture is valued at £150,000 and dates back to 1860
Artist Henri de Triqueti was admired by Prince Albert and is best known for his work on the Albert Memorial Chapel, Windsor
Culture Minister Caroline Dinenage has placed a temporary export bar on ivory sculpture titled ‘Death of Cleopatra’ by a highly appreciated figure in 19th century art.
Henri de Triqueti was a notable and influential artist of the era who sought patronage among the royal family. His standing and knowledge earned him the respect of Prince Albert, and his greatest works include the marbles produced for the Albert Memorial Chapel.