Pet welfare and abuse

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 3 Feb 2023 Closed: 23 May 2024 Parliament page
This inquiry is considering the post-pandemic health and welfare concerns of companion animals, including abuse and mutilation. Read the call for evidence Our call for evidence closed on 14 April 2023.
16 Recommendations
12 Conclusions
1 Report
5 Oral sessions
5 Letters
5 Events
Activity timeline 17 events
20 Dec
2024
Report published
30 Apr
2024
Correspondence
25 Apr
2024
Correspondence
5 Apr
2024
Report published
14 Dec
2023
Correspondence
28 Nov
2023
Oral evidence
28 Nov
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
18 Oct
2023
Oral evidence
18 Oct
2023
Correspondence
18 Oct
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 8, Palace of Westminster
17 Oct
2023
Oral evidence
17 Oct
2023
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 5 sessions
28 Nov 2023
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Marc Casale · Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs The Rt Hon Lord Benyon · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
18 Oct 2023
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Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee
David Martin · Featured Artists Coalition Dr Lawrence Newport · Royal Holloway University of London Dr Samantha Gaines · RSPCA James McNally · Slee Blackwell Solicitors
17 Oct 2023
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Environment, food and Rural Affairs; Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee
David Holdsworth · Animal and Plant Health Agency Gavin Stedman · Heathrow Animal Reception Centre John Keefe · Getlink (Eurotunnel) Nicola Hirst · Animal and Plant Health Agency Steve Lawrie · Brittany Ferries Tim Reardon · Port of Dover
5 Sep 2023
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Oral evidence
Alexandra Baker · Pet Industry Federation Bill Lambert · The Kennel Club Dr Gudrun Ravetz · Pets at Home Dr Samantha Gaines · RSPCA Marisa Heath · Local Government and Animal Welfare Group Pip Griffin · Worcestershire Regulatory Services
4 Jul 2023
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Oral evidence
Becky Thwaites · Blue Cross Dr Justine Shotton · British Veterinary Association Dr Maggie Roberts · Cats Protection Dr Melisa Donald · Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Dr Paula Boyden · Dogs Trust Dr Sean Wensley · PDSA Jessica Stark · World Horse Welfare Sarah Carr · Naturewatch Foundation
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Second Report - Pet welfare and abuse HC 161 5 Apr 2024 28 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
28 results
1 Conclusion Accepted
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Withdrawal of Kept Animals Bill stalled welfare progress, PMB reliance is risky strategy.
The Government’s withdrawal of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill introduced in 2021, has stalled progress on key animal welfare issues. These delays have allowed the continuation of poor animal welfare practices. The then Minister for Biosecurity, Marine and Rural … Read more
Government Response
The government reaffirmed its commitment to animal welfare by noting several Acts that have passed or will come into force, including a ban on livestock exports and primate keeping. It also committed to new legislation for livestock worrying, fully supports the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill to end puppy smuggling, and is developing steps to end snare traps.
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2 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Mandate DEFRA to enact all provisions from the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
In order to implement much-needed robust animal welfare safeguards, the Department must ensure that every provision from the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is brought into force during the current Parliament. (Paragraph 8) Pet Breeding
Government Response
The government acknowledges the recommendation but states the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill fell due to the dissolution of Parliament. They confirm commitment to animal welfare by listing other passed acts and supporting new Private Members’ Bills addressing some measures from the original Kept Animals Bill.
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3 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Insufficient traceability of unlicensed dog breeders enables widespread low welfare practices.
It is estimated that less than half of puppies entering the market are from licensed breeders. Many breeders will be unlicensed because they fall below the three-litter threshold specified under LAIA regulations, effectively making them untraceable. The lack of traceability … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepted the concern but argued against specific measures like listing breeds for whom a licence would not be issued, citing potential unintended consequences. It suggested considering work towards high-welfare and high-health outcomes instead of introducing additional guidance, effectively rejecting specific new stringent safeguards.
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4 Conclusion Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Introduce lower dog breeding litter threshold and publicly available licensed seller list.
The litter licensing threshold for dog breeding should be reduced from three to two per 12-month period. A list of all licensed sellers should be publicly available, which would allow for verification and provide assurance to buyers. Care should be … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, stating that health and welfare of commercially bred cats are already protected. It has commissioned a review and requested views on cat breeding regulation, and will consider further steps only after these reports are published.
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5 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Publish clearer guidance for local authorities on prohibited dog breeding under LAIA regulations.
The Government should produce clearer guidance for local authority enforcers regarding Section six of LAIA regulations, which prohibit the breeding of dogs where there are reasonable expectations that their genetics or health would lead to welfare problems. This guidance should … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges potential risks but states existing legislation, including the Animal Welfare Act 2006, already provides enforcement agencies with powers to protect animals from harm and address welfare needs. It also supports efforts by sector groups and encourages public reporting.
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6 Conclusion Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Extend LAIA legislative safeguards and regulations to cover cat breeding activities.
There are currently few legal safeguards to protect cats and their kittens, as cat breeding is not a licensable activity. Cat breeding should be awarded the same legislative safeguards and regulations as dog breeding under LAIA regulations. (Paragraph 31) Pet … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the recommendation but deflects by stating that updating the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is a significant undertaking for which parliamentary time has not yet been set aside, without addressing cat breeding under LAIA regulations.
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7 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Review puppy yoga welfare concerns with sector organisations for stronger regulations or ban.
There are significant welfare concerns over the ‘puppy yoga’ trend, which involves the use of underage and potentially unvaccinated puppies in a setting that may be highly detrimental to their health and wellbeing. The Department should work with sector organisations … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation, arguing that existing penalties under the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 for illegal veterinary practices are already higher than suggested and provide a suitable deterrent, with unlimited fines and potential imprisonment.
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8 Conclusion Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Rapid rise in unregulated Canine Fertility Clinics raises significant welfare and enforcement concerns.
The rise in Canine Fertility Clinics, from 37 in 2020 to over 400 in 2023, is of significant concern. Many are likely being operated without veterinary involvement, with invasive procedures classed as acts of veterinary surgery being performed unlawfully by … Read more
Government Response
The government shares concerns about designer pets but deflects from the specific issue of Canine Fertility Clinics. Instead, it details existing relationships with canine/feline sectors, online advice, and public messaging campaigns like Petfished, which focus on general pet welfare and brachycephalic breeds.
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9 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Introduce new Veterinary Surgeons Act to update outdated 1966 legislation.
The Government should introduce a new Veterinary Surgeons Act to update that of
Government Response
The government partially accepts but discusses the potential unintended consequences of reducing dog breeding litter thresholds. It states it is considering the impacts in a post-implementation review of the LAIA Regulations and has commissioned an AWC opinion, after which it will consider regulatory options.
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10 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Increase fines for illegal veterinary surgery and issue guidance on reporting concerns.
The current £100 fine on summary conviction for performing acts of veterinary surgery illegally is a derisory deterrent and is well below the cost of most, if not all, veterinary procedures. The Government should bring the fine for individuals illegally … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation, stating that existing penalties for illegal veterinary surgery are already unlimited on summary conviction in England and Wales, and higher than implied elsewhere, thus making the suggested change unnecessary. The request for guidance was not addressed.
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11 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Introduce public campaign raising awareness of designer pet welfare issues and harms.
The Government should work with the sector to formulate and introduce a public information campaign to raise awareness around welfare issues and harms of so- called ‘designer’ pets, particularly brachycephalic breeds, with the aim of discouraging acquisition of these breeds. Read more
Government Response
The government shares concerns about non-exempt mutilations but deflects from the recommendation for a public information campaign. Instead, it highlights that ear cropping is already an offence under existing legislation with tougher penalties, and that advertising standards prohibit such ads.
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12 Conclusion Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Bring stud dogs under Licensing of Activities Involving Animals regulations for welfare.
Stud dogs should be brought within Licensing of Activities Involving Animals regulations. The inclusion of stud dogs would help give traceability and ensure welfare measures apply to male dogs kept for breeding, who otherwise fall outside the scope of the … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the need for consistency in enforcement but deflects from including stud dogs in LAIA regulations. It instead details existing requirements for suitably qualified local authority inspectors and Defra's work to share best practice and provide training for enforcement.
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13 Recommendation Acknowledged
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Introduce urgent legislation to close loophole allowing importation of mutilated animals.
Ear cropping, cosmetic tail docking and cat declawing are ethically abhorrent procedures which are likely to have lasting welfare implications for the animals involved. The Government must give priority to closing the loophole that enables the importation of mutilated animals. … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, stating it maintains close relationships with the kennelling sector and police, and uses these to inform policy, including potential changes to the LAIA Regulations which regulate commercial kennels.
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14 Recommendation Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Legislate to restrict possession, sale, and supply of DIY ear cropping kits.
It is all too easy to purchase DIY ear cropping kits online. This allows unscrupulous individuals to carry out this act of mutilation. Alongside closing the importation loophole, the Government should legislate to restrict the possession, hosting, sale and supply … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the concern but deflects from legislating on DIY ear cropping kits. Instead, it announces support for the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, which will provide powers to prohibit the import of puppies, heavily pregnant animals, and those with non-exempted mutilations.
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15 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Local authority funding and capacity issues hinder animal welfare enforcement, causing euthanasia of seized dogs.
The financial situation faced by local authorities is affecting their ability to undertake activities including inspections, kennelling, investigations and enforcement. At the same time, the number of dogs from low welfare or illegal breeding establishments seized via local authority enforcement … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it would not seek to make changes regarding local authority funding and capacity for seized dogs at this time, instead focusing its response on existing biosecurity measures and disease risk monitoring.
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16 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Local authorities face constraints in consistently enforcing animal welfare legislation due to inadequate resources.
Animal welfare legislation must be consistently and robustly enforced if it is to achieve its statutory objectives and act as a deterrent to unscrupulous breeders seeking to circumvent the law. Local authorities play a vital role in the licensing and … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it has no plans to introduce the recommended requirements for improved local authority enforcement and resourcing at this time, instead detailing existing strict import requirements related to rabies prevention.
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17 Conclusion Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Establish a central unit of suitably trained animal welfare inspectors for local authority use.
A more consistent approach to training and accreditation for animal welfare officers is needed. Existing variations in training and enforcement puts animal welfare at risk. A central unit of suitably trained inspectors should be established which can be utilised by … Read more
Government Response
The government stated it has no plans to implement a more consistent approach to animal welfare officer training or establish a central unit at this time, instead focusing on existing tapeworm treatment policies and tick surveillance.
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18 Conclusion Deferred
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Assess existing kennel space for seized dogs and implement measures to increase capacity.
The Department should work with local authorities to assess the adequacy of existing kennel space capacity for seized dogs and implement measures to increase capacity if needed. (Paragraph 73) Pet importation — incidence and smuggling
Government Response
The government acknowledged the concern about kennel capacity but stated it has no current plans to change border enforcement arrangements, instead detailing its existing robust pet travel checking regimes and collaboration with enforcement agencies.
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19 Conclusion Acknowledged
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Facilitate swift passage of Private Members' bills banning import of young puppies and pregnant dogs.
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill proposed a series of measures including a ban on the import of young puppies and heavily pregnant dogs. These would significantly enhance protections for pets, and there is considerable sector and public support for … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepted the recommendation, stating it is considering the most effective ways to end puppy smuggling and will set out next steps, but much of the response detailed challenges and interim measures for equine identification due to funding pressures.
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20 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Implement specific measures limiting pet imports and banning puppies, kittens, and late-term pregnant animals.
As soon as possible, and certainly by the end of the current Parliament, the Government must ensure the following measures are implemented: • A limit on the number of dogs, cats and ferrets that can be imported by an individual … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts, supporting a Private Members’ Bill that will limit pet imports per vehicle/passenger and give powers to prohibit the import of puppies and kittens under six months, heavily pregnant animals, and those with non-exempted mutilations.
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21 Recommendation Not Addressed
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Illegally imported and rehomed stray dogs pose significant biosecurity risks for pets and humans.
The movement of illegally imported dogs into the UK, and the importation of stray dogs for rehoming, pose considerable biosecurity risks for both pets and humans. Diseases such as rabies, leishmaniasis and Brucella canis may be imported into the UK … Read more
Government Response
The Government acknowledges the biosecurity risks but states it will not make changes at this time, claiming it monitors disease risk carefully and will consider further actions as appropriate, guided by risk assessment, while recommending prospective owners test imported dogs.
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22 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Mandate pre-import screening and testing for dogs from countries with endemic diseases.
The Government should mandate pre-import screening measures to control and restrict the movement of dogs from countries which have endemic diseases, such as Brucella canis and leishmaniasis, that are not present in the UK. Accordingly, all imported dogs from these … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to mandate pre-import screening, stating it will not seek to make this change at this time. It notes existing powers to introduce measures if necessary and advises prospective owners to ensure dogs are tested before import.
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23 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Introduce mandatory rabies blood tests for imported dogs and extend vaccination waiting period.
The Government should introduce a requirement for a rabies blood (titre) test by a veterinary professional before a dog enters the UK. The post-rabies vaccination waiting period should be increased from three to 12 weeks. This would help mitigate the … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to introduce a rabies blood test requirement and increase the post-vaccination waiting period, stating it has no plans for these changes due to the current low rabies risk and existing strict import requirements. It mentions a separate commitment to end puppy smuggling, with next steps to be set out.
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24 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Shorten tapeworm treatment window, mandate cat treatment, and reintroduce compulsory tick treatments for pets.
The Government should shorten the tapeworm treatment window from 24–120 hours to 24–48 hours; introduce mandatory tapeworm treatment for imported cats as well as dogs; and reintroduce compulsory tick treatments for all non-commercial movements of cats and dogs. (Paragraph 96) … Read more
Government Response
The government rejects the recommendation to shorten the tapeworm treatment window, introduce mandatory tapeworm treatment for cats, and reintroduce compulsory tick treatments, stating they have no plans for these changes at this time, but will continue to review the policy.
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25 Recommendation Accepted
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Concerns exist regarding carriers' conflict of interest in pet import checks and system robustness.
Carriers play a key role in the pet importation and checking process. It is likely that there is a conflict of interest inherent in the requirement for carriers to conduct checks on their customers’ pets. It is not evident that … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the concern but states that there are no current plans to change enforcement arrangements, claiming to operate one of the most rigorous pet travel checking regimes in Europe and outlining existing training and collaborative efforts.
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26 Recommendation Rejected
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Move responsibility for border pet checks to Government professionals with 24/7 port staffing.
Responsibility for border pet checks should be moved from carriers to qualified Government agency professionals. This should include a requirement for permanent 24/7 staffing cover at ports of entry.
Government Response
The government acknowledges the concern but rejects the recommendation, stating they have no current plans to change border enforcement arrangements and detailing existing rigorous pet travel checking regimes by authorised pet checkers and agencies.
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27 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Lax border controls facilitate fraudulent equine trade for European slaughterhouses.
We welcome the introduction of new legislation to ban the export of live animals, including cattle, sheep and horses, for slaughter and fattening. There is a low risk and high reward element to the equine trade, with unscrupulous individuals taking … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges concerns and partially accepts the recommendation. While progress on a digitized equine identification system is delayed due to financial pressures, the government has banned the export of livestock and horses for slaughter from Great Britain and is working with industry to prevent horses being exported for slaughter, aiming for an evidence based option in early 2025.
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28 Recommendation Accepted in Part
Second Report - Pet welfare and ab…
Implement enhanced digital equine identification measures to prevent trafficking of horses for slaughter.
Alongside the ongoing Animal Welfare (Live Exports) Bill, stronger control measures are needed to prevent the trafficking of horses for slaughter. By the end of the current Parliament, the Government should ensure it has implemented measures to enhance and support … Read more
Government Response
The government partially accepts the recommendation to enhance digital equine identification. Due to public finance pressures, it is currently unable to progress with the delivery of a digitised system but is considering interim measures to improve the current regime.
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Government Response AI assessment · 28 of 16 classified
Accepted 3
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 3
Deferred 8
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 10
Total 16 recs + 12 conclusions
Correspondence 5 letters
30 Apr 2024 Correspondence from Lord Benyon regarding corrections to the Pet welfare and abuse evidence session, dated 23 April 2024
Parliament page
25 Apr 2024 Lord Douglas-Miller, Minister for Biosecurity, Animal Health and Welfare, regarding the Border Target Operating Model, dated 16 April 2024
Parliament page
14 Dec 2023 Correspondence to Rt Hon Lord Benyon MP regarding the Government’s ban on XL Bully dogs, dated 14 December 2023
Parliament page
18 Oct 2023 Correspondence from the Chief Veterinary Officer of Pets at Home following her appearance before the Committee, dated 19 September 2023
Parliament page
29 Mar 2023 To committee Letter from the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries to the Committee regarding data publication exemptions for certain Animal Health and Welfare Pathway financial assistance schemes, dated 23 March 2023
Parliament page