Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Deferred
Paragraph: 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.
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
46
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government · verbatim extract
Deferred
The Government shares the Committee’s concern about the health and welfare of designer pets, including brachycephalic breeds, and partially accepts the Committee’s recommendation. The Government has strong links with the canine and feline and pet selling sectors and maintains online advice and guidance for dog owners and a public messaging campaign (Petfished) to help potential pet purchasers make informed decisions. Defra supports the work of the UK Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG) and the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG). The BWG, which includes in its membership veterinary academics and associations, the Kennel Club and UK breed clubs, and key animal welfare charities, aims to reduce the number of dogs affected by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome and other brachycephaly-related health problems. PAAG, established in 2001, comprises animal welfare organisations, trade associations, and veterinary associations. PAAG regularly engages with online marketplaces in the UK to assist them in distinguishing between appropriate adverts and those that should be removed. Defra also endorses PAAG’s Advertising Standards which preclude advertisements being accepted by several of the UK’s largest classified websites where there is a reasonable concern for the health and welfare of the animal involved. To support consumers and reduce the opportunities available to unscrupulous breeders and sellers, Defra’s Petfished national communications campaign raises awareness of issues associated with low-welfare and illegal supply of pets. This includes providing advice on the impact of purchasing decisions based on the dog’s physical appearance. The Government will maintain these relationships, as well as others, to protect animal welfare and consumers. Recommendation 6: The Government should introduce a new Veterinary Surgeons Act to update that of 1966. This should include the regulation of Canine Fertility Clinics. The Department should work with local authorities and relevant sector bodies to draft and publish guidance covering the training and knowledge that would be required for local authority enforcers to effectively regulate Canine Fertility Clinics.
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