The history of legislation in the United Kingdom for the prevention of cruelty to animals leaves no room for doubt that in this country, whatever may be the case elsewhere, the subject is deeply rooted in public policy. It has been for a long time regarded as one of the fundamental interests of society about which Parliament is expected, when the need arises, to legislate.

Opinions of the Lords of Appeal Appellate Committee 28 November 2007 (para. 85)

Animals give the human race loyalty and love and we are the better for sharing this world with them. We also owe them duties of care, understanding and compassion.

Tony Banks, Lord Stratford (1943 – 2006)

Banning things that should never have been allowed: handguns, cosmetic testing on animals; fur farming; blacklisting of trade unionists and from summer next year, smoking in public places.

Prime Minister Tony Blair (2006)

Animal welfare is largely a matter for the law. This means that to Parliament we must go. That is where laws are made and where the penalties for disobedience and the measures for enforcement are laid down. There is no complete substitute for the law. Public opinion, though invaluable and indeed essential, is not the law. Public opinion is what makes laws possible and observance widely acceptable.

Lord Houghton of Sowerby (1976)