Government Response to Petition

The Petition is now closed and reached over 10,000 signatures, calling on the numbers of companion animals euthanised in England to be recorded and published:

Currently there is no accurate data on companion animal euthanasia. We want requirements for veterinarians, rescue organisations and pounds to record and report details on companion animal euthanasia including why, where, gender, breed, age, and breeder information.

This should then be published by the Government.
Government responses to previous petitions have failed to acknowledge that this data is needed.
A large number of companion animals are at risk of euthanasia and/or euthanised due to economic restraints, behaviour issues, lack of rescue spaces and treatable health conditions
Mandatory recording requirements would provide information that can be used to put in place measures to help reduce future risks of euthanasia and provide data leading to awareness and action on areas of concern to the public, such as abandonment, bites and behaviour.
Change does not happen without evidence.
#TuksLaw

Gov Response:

We are not planning to impose new euthanasia reporting requirements on veterinarians, rescue organisations and kennels.

As outlined in previous responses to similar petitions on this issue, making a decision to euthanise an animal is often a complex, emotional and challenging decision, particularly when that animal is a much-loved family pet. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 ensures there are safeguards in place to protect the welfare of animals, including those being euthanised.

Advice about euthanasia is laid out in the guidance underpinning the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons, which all veterinary surgeons practising in the UK must adhere to. We have not seen evidence that veterinary surgeons are not adhering to the Code in respect of carrying out euthanasia.

Euthanasia is an important means to help protect animal welfare by being able to relieve suffering. Whilst this is the primary reason for euthanasia, a veterinary surgeon must also take account of the owners’ wishes and other circumstances.

A reporting requirement carries a considerable resource burden on the sector. We regularly meet with stakeholders to understand issues and trends that affect the companion animal sector. We will continue to do so and remain of the view that the case for a new reporting requirement as called for in this petition has not been established.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

XL Bully type ban - update

22nd December 2023: A court hearing took place before Mr Justice Lane: The King (on application of Licence Me Group) V Secretary of State for DEFRA. An Interim Injunction was applied for and was not granted. Permission for a Judicial Review hearing was granted and this is expected to follow in January.

Also:

19th December 2023: A further Statutory Instrument (new law) has been laid, it applies to England and Wales and part of it is in reference to XL Bully type dogs held by rescue and rehoming organisations

It can be viewed in full here - Statutory Instrument 1407 2023

DEFRA have said that rescue and rehoming organisations can apply for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog from 31 December. The dog must have been held on or before 31 October 2023 and applications must be sent by 15 January 2024.

Dogs obtained after 31 October 2023:

If an XL Bully dog was obtained after 31 October 2023, the rescue or rehoming organisation cannot apply for a Certificate of Exemption.

Petition Signatures Needed - XL Bully TYPE's in Rescues

Please sign this Government Petition HERE

The XL Bully Ban applies to a 'type' of dog - affecting many dogs in rescue and rehoming organisations.

Dogs identified as being a XL Bully Type must be rehomed by 31st December 2023 or put to death, placing enormous pressure and heart-breaking situations on all those who care for them.

Petition Text:

Delay the ban on rehoming and owning XL Bully dogs for 18 months

XL Bully dogs cannot be rehomed after 31/12/23, and will be illegal to own without an exemption certificate from 1/2/24. As a result many Bully dogs are being abandoned or placed in rescue. We want more time for owners to rehome or get exemptions, to avoid dogs being euthanised unnecessarily.

The dogs in rescue are not there through choice. They are there due to abusive owners or neglectful owners, or because the implications of the ban have forced people to choose between their home and their beloved dog. These dogs do not deserve to die and these dogs do not deserve to live out the last 2 months of their lives in kennels. If you extend the amnesty period for them 18 months they may be able to get exemption certificates and find forever homes. They are sentient beings.