Second Report - Pet welfare and abuse
Select Committee
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 161
5 April 2024
Recommendations
5 results
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.
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.
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.
Conclusions (5) Observations and findings — click to expand
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.
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.
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.