15
Rejected
Local authority funding and capacity issues hinder animal welfare enforcement, causing euthanasia of seized dogs.
Conclusion
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 activities is resulting in capacity issues. Some local authorities struggle to execute warrants as there are insufficient kennel spaces for seized dogs. Sadly, some local authorities are being forced to put dogs to sleep because of lack of capacity and funding.
Government Response Summary
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.
Paragraph Reference
70
Government Response
Rejected
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
The Government takes biosecurity seriously but would not seek to make this change at this time. Disease risk is monitored carefully and is kept under constant review. Where necessary we have the powers in legislation to introduce preventive health measures to protect animal or public health by controlling diseases or infections that are likely to be spread due to the movement of pet animals into Great Britain. We remain aware of the concerns around non-endemic diseases and will consider any further actions as appropriate. Our future policy will be guided by risk assessment. We recommend prospective owners make sure any dog imported from regions where non-endemic diseases are present are tested before arrival.
Source
Inquiry
Pet welfare and abuse
Report
Second Report - Pet welfare and abuse
05 Apr 2024
HC 161
Timeline
Recommendation age
2.2 yrs
Report published
05 Apr 2024