Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Second Report - Pet welfare and abuse
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 161
Published 5 April 2024
Recommendations
2
Acknowledged
Mandate DEFRA to enact all provisions from the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
Recommendation
In order to implement much-needed robust animal welfare safeguards, the Department must ensure that every provision from the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill is brought into force during the current Parliament. (Paragraph 8) Pet Breeding
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the recommendation but states the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill fell due to the dissolution of Parliament. They confirm commitment to animal welfare by listing other passed acts and supporting new Private Members’ Bills addressing some measures from the original Kept Animals Bill.
13
Acknowledged
Introduce urgent legislation to close loophole allowing importation of mutilated animals.
Recommendation
Ear cropping, cosmetic tail docking and cat declawing are ethically abhorrent procedures which are likely to have lasting welfare implications for the animals involved. The Government must give priority to closing the loophole that enables the importation of mutilated animals. …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially accepts, stating it maintains close relationships with the kennelling sector and police, and uses these to inform policy, including potential changes to the LAIA Regulations which regulate commercial kennels.
Conclusions (1)
19
Conclusion
Acknowledged
The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill proposed a series of measures including a ban on the import of young puppies and heavily pregnant dogs. These would significantly enhance protections for pets, and there is considerable sector and public support for bringing them forward. It is welcome that the Government is …
Government Response Summary
The government partially accepted the recommendation, stating it is considering the most effective ways to end puppy smuggling and will set out next steps, but much of the response detailed challenges and interim measures for equine identification due to funding pressures.