Second Report - Pet welfare and abuse
Select Committee
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 161
5 April 2024
Recommendations
2 results
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.
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.
Conclusions (1) 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.