Gov Petition - Ban immediately the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures

 

Parliament considers all GOV UK petitions that get more than 100,000 signatures for a debate – this Petition is now currently waiting for a debate date.

Ban immediately the use of dogs in scientific and regulatory procedures

As a first step to end animal testing, we want an immediate ban for dogs. They are commercially bred in what we see as bleak and inhumane factory-like conditions. We believe there is evidence suggesting that dogs are left being unattended for extended periods in a Government-licenced establishment.

In 2023, 2,456 dogs were used in 3,749 scientific procedures, 734 were classified as causing severe or moderate harm. There were 2,593 procedures for regulatory purposes even though there is no UK legislation that mandates animal testing. These procedures can include oral gavage, when a tube is inserted into the dog's throat, up to 3 times a day, to administer liquids to the stomach. There are studies questioning the reliability and human-relevant value of the outcomes of these tests.

Sign the petition here - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/705384

The Government responds to all petitions that get more than 10,000 signatures – this Petition is currently waiting for a response.

Can my landlord prevent me from keeping a pet? (England)

Pet ownership in rented properties - Commons Library

Not to be relied upon as legal advice https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/can-my-landlord-prevent-me-from-keeping-a-pet/

The government proposes to change the law to make it easier for private tenants to keep pets

The Renters’ Rights Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 11th September 2024, would give tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords could not unreasonably refuse. Landlords could require insurance to cover potential damage from pets. The bill’s progress through the parliamentary stages can be tracked through the parliament.uk website: Renters’ Rights Bill.

What if I need a guide or assistance dog?

Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers (including landlords) must not directly or indirectly discriminate against people with a disability. Section 20(3) says they must make reasonable adjustments where a provision, criterion or practice puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person.

What amounts to a reasonable adjustment will depend on individual circumstances. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Guidance for social housing providers (PDF), says a landlord would have to change a tenancy agreement prohibiting pets to allow a tenant to keep a guide or assistance dog as a reasonable adjustment because: “Failure to do so may risk breaching Article 14 of the Human Rights Act (Prohibition of Discrimination).”

Further information

Tenancy Deposit Scheme: A_Guide_to_Pets_in_Rented_Properties.pdf

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: What are your legal rights as a tenant when renting with a pet? (covers England, Wales and Scotland)

The Dogs Trust: Lets with Pets

Commons Library briefings on the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024-25 and the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024-25: Progress of the bill

Fireworks Bill – to restrict fireworks:

The next stage for this Bill, Second reading, is scheduled to take place on Friday 17 January 2025.

This is a Private Members' Bill which was presented to Parliament on Wednesday 16 October 2024 through the ballot procedure.

Luton North MP, Sarah Owen is hoping to ban the loudest fireworks from public sale, and ensure fireworks can only be purchased from licensed shops.

Legislation could be put in place to help reduce stress to animals.

Kirith Entwistle MP said:

This week I met up with Sarah Owen MP to talk about her private members bill on fireworks.

The Fireworks Bill proposes an outright ban on the public sale of F2 and F3 fireworks. Looks to reduce the maximum decibel level of all traditional fireworks from 120 dB to 90 dB. Enhances legislation governing the use and sale of fireworks and tightens licensing laws on the sale of fireworks.

This is a really difficult time of year for many pet owners. We have just seen another fireworks season come and go and as we head towards the New Year, more displays will cause distress for so many animals.

Constant disturbance from fireworks night after night can be an issue for others in our community too. We have a large community of veterans in Bolton, many of whom struggle with PTSD, and there are children and adults who are neurodivergent who are unsettled by the unexpected loud noises.

I’m pleased to show my support for this Bill and I will be doing my bit to encourage the Government to back the introduction of tighter restrictions on fireworks.

Judicial review outcome – XL Bully ban

XL Bully Ban - England and Wales - Upheld

A 42-page ruling was published on 17 December 2024 followed a two-day legal hearing of a judicial review application brought by the Don’t Ban Me Licence Me campaign group.

The Judge found that although the Government did breach their duty under the Equality Act, the decision to ban the XL Bully was not unlawful and the XL Bully ban continues.

Permission to appeal was refused by Mrs Justice Lang.

The full judgment can be read here -https://caselaw.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ewhc/admin/2024/3252

End to the cruel trade in puppy smuggling moves closer:

An end to the cruel trade in puppy smuggling has moved closer following the announcement of Government support for a new Private Members’ Bill on 29th November 2024.

The Government announces support for the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Private Members Bill.

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill – sponsored by Dr Danny Chambers MP – will make it more difficult and less profitable for traders to fraudulently import animals for sale under the disguise of owners traveling with their own pets, addressing the current abuse of non-commercial rules that compromise animal welfare and biosecurity.

This Bill delivers on a manifesto commitment to crack-down on puppy smuggling by closing loopholes exploited by unscrupulous commercial traders. It will give the Government powers to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, and dogs and cats that are mutilated or heavily pregnant.

Baroness Sue Hayman, Animal Welfare Minister, said:   

The smuggling of pets is an appalling trade with no place in our society, a nation of animal lovers. We promised safer streets and we will stop these horrific criminals profiting from cruelty.  

This important legislation is the first step in achieving our manifesto commitment to deliver the biggest boost in animal welfare in a generation.

 Danny Chambers MP said:

As a vet, I’ve treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised. There is no excuse for these mutilations in the 21st century.

But this bill is about more than animal welfare. We’re also protecting public health because dogs that have been smuggled into the UK could be carrying terrifying diseases that affect humans, such as rabies. 

By taking advantage of policy loopholes, criminals have been able to traffic vulnerable animals into the UK. This gap in the system has caused the suffering of thousands of innocent animals. As a vet, I think it is time we close this loophole, stop it from being exploited by organised criminals, and put an end to this cruel trade once and for all.

Bill Details here - Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament

 

Next neutering deadline approaches for exempted XL Bullys

Relating to dogs who were at least 7 months of age but less than 12 months on 31st January 2024:

For your Certificate of Exemption to remain valid, you must arrange to have your XL Bully dog permanently neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed.
You must use the confirmation of neutering form to tell Defra your dog has been neutered. You must provide the completed form to Defra on or before the relevant deadline of 31st December 2024.

The confirmation of neutering form can be found online here: Confirm an XL Bully dog has been neutered - GOV.UK

You must provide Defra with evidence that your XL Bully dog has been neutered on or before the relevant deadline. 

The owner and vet must fill in the veterinary confirmation of neutering form (VCN01) once the neutering procedure has been carried out. The owner should return the form to Defra. 

Defra must receive the form by the relevant deadline.

 If you do not provide evidence that your dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, your dog will no longer be exempt. 

Fireworks - Parliamentary Debate

 On Monday 9 December, MPs will debate two petitions relating to the sale and use of fireworks.

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 9 December)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
• Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter

Robbie Moore MP, a Member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

Ban the sale of fireworks to the general public

The petition, which has more than 50,000 signatures, states: "Purchasing and owning fireworks should not be allowed for the general public. The Government should introduce a law stating that fireworks should only be permitted for professional shows and events - this will mean they are handled safely, cleanly, and at predictable times."

In its response to the petition, provided on 1 November 2023, the Government said it: "has no plans to ban the sale of fireworks to the public but continues to monitor the situation. We believe the majority of individuals use fireworks safely and appropriately."

Limit the sale and use of Fireworks to licence holders only

The petition, which has more than 75,000 signatures, states: "Fireworks killed our mum, Josephine Smith. Her home was attacked using fireworks. We believe the use of fireworks after sale to the public cannot be policed.
We think all displays should be licensed and sales limited to licence holders only."

The Government will provide a response in due course.

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.