Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats & Ferrets) Act

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats & Ferrets) Bill received royal assent on 2nd December and is now law.

The new legislation includes a ban on importing

- dogs and cats who are less than six months old

- animals who are heavily pregnant-dogs and cats more than 42 days pregnant

- those which have been declawed or with their ears cropped or tails docked.

British Veterinary Association President Dr. Rob Williams MRCVS said:  

“Every day, vets in practice see the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling and the loopholes that allow illegal and brutal mutilations like ear cropping and tail docking to continue. After years of tireless campaigning by the British Veterinary Association, the wide-ranging measures in this new legislation will finally stop criminal gangs from abusing pet travel rules for profit as well as tackle rising cases of imported diseases, such as Brucella canis, which are not currently endemic to the UK and which can be passed from pets to people.”  

Dr Danny Chambers, vet and MP for Winchester said:  

“As a vet, I've treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised. Knowing this Bill will help us put a stop to this abuse and have a bigger impact on animal welfare than I could possibly have achieved in a lifetime treating individual animals, demonstrates how important this legislation will prove to be. Thanks to the support of organisations like the BVA and other animal welfare nonprofits, we got the Animal Welfare Bill through the Commons, through the Lords, and today passed into law." 

The new law can be found online here -https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/30/enacted

Animal Sentience Committee report - DDA

The Animal Sentience Committee (ASC) considers how central government policy decisions take account of animal welfare.

The Animal Sentience Committee has published their independent view on whether the government had all due regard to the welfare of animals as sentient beings in relation to the Dangerous Dogs Act.

Full Report – XL Bullies and the Dangerous Dogs Act:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/animal-sentience-committee-xl-bullies-and-the-dangerous-dogs-act-report

The ASC has concluded the following:

The ASC understands that the Government was under substantial pressure to act on this issue. However, we concluded that, because of the lack of adequate data to provide a sound evidence base for this decision, policy makers were unable to fully understand the impact of the policy decision on the welfare of dogs when adding the XL Bully to Section 1 of the DDA.

Despite this, the direct welfare impacts of the DDA are clear. Paying due regard to the way this policy decision would impact on animal welfare would have meant taking every reasonable step to ensure that policies around risks from dogs have a robust evidence base – this goes beyond breed-specific legislation.

Failure to prevent the stagnation of the RDO Taskforce has left an evidence void at the heart of this legislation. The ASC recommends that this group be given a clear remit by government to ensure that the evidence requirements of this policy are fulfilled. This will help enable future policy considerations and decisions to be made in good time, preventing avoidable suffering to high-risk dogs, other animals and the public.

Looking forward, it is clear that some dogs are a danger to humans and other animals, and that policies will need to continue to prevent incidents, as far as possible. Some stakeholders suggested the unification of all dog control-related legislation in the UK into a single Act, coupled with a cultural shift in how dog control is viewed. The ASC believes this is worthy of consideration, particularly if it were to encompass the welfare of all animals. This includes companion animals other than service dogs, farmed and wild animals.

In the more immediate future, ensuring that comprehensive data and information around dog strikes and attacks are adequately obtained, recorded and analysed will help to enable policies, and their implementation, to pay due regard to animal welfare.

Fireworks - Early Day Motion

Reference is EDM 2128 27th October 2025

In regards to Fireworks anti-social behaviour and regulation, it has so far been supported by 26 MP's 

Motion text is as follows:

That this House notes with deep concern the growing impact of fireworks misuse on communities across the UK; recognises that the unpredictable use of high-decibel fireworks causes significant distress to animals, wildlife, and those with sensory sensitivities or neurodiverse conditions; further notes that local councils and police forces lack sufficient powers and resources to manage the increasing volume of complaints from residents; highlights that current firework legislation, much of it dating back to the early 2000s, has failed to keep pace with modern technology and changing patterns of use; acknowledges the calls of animal welfare charities including the RSPCA and Dogs Trust for a reduction in permitted decibel levels, stronger licensing of retailers, and a crackdown on unlicensed pop-up sellers during festive periods such as Bonfire Night; welcomes public campaigns that have highlighted widespread public frustration; and therefore urges the Government to bring forward comprehensive reform of firework regulation to ensure fireworks are used safely, sold responsibly, and enjoyed without causing harm to people, animals, and communities.

Updates: https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/64560

To support the EDM - contact your own member of parliament and ask them to add their signature.

www.writetothem.com 

Remembrance Service for Animals in War

 

ASWA Remembrance Service for Animals in War

The Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals:

Come and join us on Remembrance Sunday – 9th November at 3.00pm at the Animals War Memorial in London to remember the animals who served and continue to serve in times of conflict. 

This is an outdoor service with hymns and prayers and the opportunity to lay wreaths.

Speaker: Drew Tootal MRCVS

Classic FM Radio - Fireworks Season

Help to give your pets some calm this fireworks season returns again this year.

For pets and owners who find fireworks stressful, Pet Classics can provide a audio sanctuary during the bright lights, whizzes and bangs. Tune in for two shows of perfectly picked, relaxing music, and practical tips from the RSPCA.

The first programme will be on Bonfire Night - the 5th of November from 5pm to 9pm.

The 2nd programme will be on Saturday 8th of November also from 5pm to 9pm.

Remove VAT on veterinary fees for pets

Petition text:

Following reports of some pet owners not being able to afford vet fees, we believe it is time for the Government to remove VAT from veterinary fees for pets so that it is no longer charged on animal health care which is essential for their health.

We believe pets are not a luxury but loved and valued companions and contribute to emotional and mental wellbeing for so many including the elderly. Some animal rescue centres may be full and unable to help, resulting in healthy animals being put down or left to suffer without basic care. 

We believe that if VAT is no longer charged on all veterinary fees, it could go a long way to rectifying this situation.

To Sign and Share this UK Government Petition - Click Here

Review and centrally record pet euthanasia - UK Gov petition

Petition text:

With some reports suggesting a rise in euthanasia rates, we think research must be undertaken by government and relevant bodies to centrally record how many dogs and cats are being euthanised: where, why, age, breed, gender and microchip status. All veterinarians must be required to report this data

A potential upcoming loss of rescue spaces could place a greater burden of abandonment on local authorities. Any new restrictions on rehoming from UK rescues and restricted rescuing from abroad could lead to more demand for purchased pups and encourage back street breeding with no Rescue Back Up.

We want Government to centralise data as currently there is no obligation to provide accurate euthanasia numbers outside of local authorities. We believe transparency is needed from all stakeholders

To Sign and Share the Petition - Click Here