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