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