BANNING trail hunting, puppy farming and electric shock collars are among a raft of government proposals set out in a new animal welfare strategy launched today.

The plans include a ban on trail hunting, amid concerns it is being used as cover for chasing live foxes, alongside tougher protections to prevent cruel breeding practices.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said Britain was “a nation of animal lovers” and claimed the government is “delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.”

Measures to protect pets include a consultation on banning shock collars and a public safety campaign promoting responsible dog ownership.

For farmed animals, proposals include moving away from colony cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs, as well as introducing more humane slaughter methods for farmed fish.

Wild animal measures include banning snare traps and introducing a closed hunting season for hares.

Downing Street rejected claims the reforms amounted to a “war on the countryside” and dismissed criticism from Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who called Labour “authoritarian control freaks” over the plans to ban trail hunting.

RSPCA’s Thomas Schultz-Jagow welcomed the strategy as a “significant step forward” that “has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.”

Green MP Adrian Ramsey also welcomed the strategy but said it “must have real teeth to deliver for animals.”

He said: “Ministers must set clear timescales to phase out crates and cages, properly support farmers through the transition and not allow imports that don’t meet UK standards.

“Puppy legislation must end breeding for extreme, unhealthy traits in dogs.

“The strategy could go further for animals, particularly by ending greyhound racing, as the Welsh government is doing.”