Recommendation 7

HM Government · verbatim extract Rejected

The Government acknowledges there could be potential risks to the health and wellbeing of puppies participating in such activities, as outlined in the inquiry findings. However, existing legislation can be applied by enforcement agencies to protect affected animals. Dog owners, handlers and breeders, whether licensed or not, are required under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to protect their animals from harm, and to provide for their welfare needs in line with best practice. Anyone convicted of failing to protect their animals from harm, including causing them unnecessary suffering, may be imprisoned for five years, receive an unlimited fine, or both. Anyone convicted of failing to ensure that their animal’s welfare needs are met may be imprisoned for six months, receive an unlimited fine, or both. Additionally, assimilated Council Regulation EC No 1/2005 applies throughout GB to transport in connection with an economic activity and requires that no person should transport any animal in a way likely to cause injury or undue suffering to them. It also prohibits the movement of dogs that are less than 8 weeks of age unless accompanied by their mother. Defra keeps abreast of animal activities that are not licensed, including puppy yoga, and works closely with the Canine and Feline Sector Group and enforcement agencies to ensure appropriate messaging is circulated to discourage inappropriate activities. We also support efforts by the RSPCA and animal welfare groups to raise public awareness of the welfare risks posed by these activities. We would encourage members of the public to carefully consider welfare conditions in these environments. Should members of the public come across puppies or kittens being used in inappropriate settings, they should report this to their local authority, who have the necessary powers to investigate.