Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Recommendation 16
16
Rejected
Paragraph: 71
Local authorities face constraints in consistently enforcing animal welfare legislation due to inadequate resources.
Conclusion
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 authorities to perform key regulatory activities is constrained by a lack of specialist knowledge and training, and inadequate funding and resourcing. This results in an inconsistent approach nationally, and a postcode lottery in terms of levels of understanding and prioritisation of animal welfare issues. If enforcers are unable to meet their statutory duties under LAIA regulations, perpetrators may become emboldened to flout them.
Government response summary AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Paragraph Reference:
71
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government · verbatim extract
Rejected
The Government acknowledges the need for consistency in the training of animal welfare officers and the application of animal welfare legislation and partially accepts the Committee’s recommendation. The LAIA Regulations require that suitably qualified inspectors are appointed by local authorities to inspect any premises on which a licensable activity is taking place. Inspectors are considered suitably qualified if they hold a level 3 certificate granted by a body recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations. Their certificate must apply to that particular type of activity to count as qualified. The training must cover the application of the licensing conditions for all licensable activities and must contain a practical element. Alternatively, inspectors are considered suitably qualified if they hold a formal veterinary qualification recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, together with a relevant continuing personal development record. Early evidence, such as that gathered for the PIR, indicates that this investment in the capability of inspectors has improved their confidence in understanding and applying the regulations to the diverse range of businesses and activities licensed under the LAIA Regulations. Defra will continue to collaborate with local authorities and representative groups to share guidance on best practice for inspection teams, and continue to improve the availability of resources for the welfare needs of specific species. A number of local authorities have reported benefits in developing dedicated animal welfare teams shared between neighbouring councils. We support local authorities in pursuing this approach in a way that best suits their specific local needs. Defra has also worked to assist local authorities in developing and applying best practice in use of new powers. When introducing penalty notices for animal health and welfare offences, Defra worked with local authorities and other stakeholders to develop statutory guidance on how penalty notices should be used in a consistent way. Defra has provided training sessions for local authority inspectors, delivered by the Institute of Trading Standards on the consistent and effective use of penalty notices. The training was well supported and received positive feedback.
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