Second Report - Pet welfare and abuse
Select Committee
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 161
5 April 2024
Recommendations
16 results
2
Acknowledged
Mandate DEFRA to enact all provisions from the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
5
Accepted
Para 30
Publish clearer guidance for local authorities on prohibited dog breeding under LAIA regulations.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
9
Deferred
Introduce new Veterinary Surgeons Act to update outdated 1966 legislation.
Recommendation
The Government should introduce a new Veterinary Surgeons Act to update that of
Government Response Summary
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.
10
Rejected
Para 45
Increase fines for illegal veterinary surgery and issue guidance on reporting concerns.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
11
Deferred
Para 46
Introduce public campaign raising awareness of designer pet welfare issues and harms.
Recommendation
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.
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Government Response Summary
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.
13
Acknowledged
Introduce urgent legislation to close loophole allowing importation of mutilated animals.
Recommendation
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. …
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Government Response Summary
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.
14
Deferred
Legislate to restrict possession, sale, and supply of DIY ear cropping kits.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
20
Accepted in Part
Implement specific measures limiting pet imports and banning puppies, kittens, and late-term pregnant animals.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
21
Not Addressed
Para 93
Illegally imported and rehomed stray dogs pose significant biosecurity risks for pets and humans.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
22
Rejected
Para 94
Mandate pre-import screening and testing for dogs from countries with endemic diseases.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
23
Rejected
Para 95
Introduce mandatory rabies blood tests for imported dogs and extend vaccination waiting period.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
24
Rejected
Shorten tapeworm treatment window, mandate cat treatment, and reintroduce compulsory tick treatments for pets.
Recommendation
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) …
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Government Response Summary
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.
25
Accepted
Concerns exist regarding carriers' conflict of interest in pet import checks and system robustness.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
26
Rejected
Para 112
Move responsibility for border pet checks to Government professionals with 24/7 port staffing.
Recommendation
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 Summary
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.
27
Accepted in Part
Para 113
Lax border controls facilitate fraudulent equine trade for European slaughterhouses.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
28
Accepted in Part
Implement enhanced digital equine identification measures to prevent trafficking of horses for slaughter.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
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.
Conclusions (12) Observations and findings — click to expand
1
Conclusion
Accepted
Para 7
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 Affairs assured us that the Department was “reasonably confident” it …
Government Response Summary
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.
3
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 28
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 enables unscrupulous, low welfare breeding practices to flourish under the …
Government Response Summary
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.
4
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 29
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 taken to ensure that future legislative changes to the breeding …
Government Response Summary
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.
6
Conclusion
Deferred
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 welfare and abuse 35
Government Response Summary
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.
7
Conclusion
Rejected
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 to review how these welfare concerns could be most effectively …
Government Response Summary
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.
8
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 43
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 lay-persons, to the detriment of the animals involved. Unscrupulous Canine …
Government Response Summary
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.
12
Conclusion
Deferred
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 regulations. (Paragraph 47) Abuse and Manipulation
Government Response Summary
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.
15
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 70
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 …
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.
16
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 71
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 enforcement activities that protect animal welfare. The ability of local …
Government Response Summary
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.
17
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 72
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 local authorities to improve collaboration and disseminate best practice. Wales …
Government Response Summary
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.
18
Conclusion
Deferred
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 Summary
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.
19
Conclusion
Acknowledged
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 bringing them forward. It is welcome that the Government is …
Government Response Summary
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.