Government Responds to Petition - Animal Euthanasia

Require tracking of companion animal euthanasia to prevent unnecessary deaths:
The Petition is Open for signatures and can be signed here- https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/766482

Government responded to this petition as follows:

"The vast majority of pet euthanasia cases are for health and welfare reasons to relieve suffering. There is no indication of systemic issues that would necessitate new reporting obligations."

Decisions around euthanising an animal are often complex and emotionally sensitive, particularly when the animal is a cherished family pet. Veterinary surgeons play a central role in these considerations, especially in relation to companion animals. Euthanasia serves as a key safeguard for animal welfare by alleviating suffering, where necessary, while surgeons must also consider the owner’s wishes and circumstances.

The requirements within the veterinary profession already provide safeguards against unnecessary euthanasia. Advice about euthanasia is laid out in the guidance underpinning the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons, which all veterinary surgeons practising in the UK must adhere to. Where a veterinary surgeon considers a request for euthanasia is not in the best interest of the animal, they can challenge this.

In 2021, Defra worked closely with the veterinary profession to provide greater assurance that alternatives to euthanasia are explored before a healthy dog or cat is put down. Following these discussions, the RCVS agreed to incorporate the principle of microchip scanning before euthanasia into the guidance that underpins their Code of Professional Conduct. Checking the details on the relevant microchip database can alert the vet to anyone else who may have an interest in the animal, such as a rescue centre. This information can help inform consideration of alternatives to euthanasia. The Code of Professional Conduct also provides guidance on obtaining consent before euthanasia. The person presenting the animal is required to sign a consent form attesting to the fact they are the owner or are authorised by the owner.

Earlier this year, Defra concluded an exercise involving campaigners, the veterinary profession and animal welfare stakeholders, to consider how the new scanning requirements prior to euthanasia have been embedded. Defra intends to issue a response to this exercise later in the year.

In addition, Defra maintains regular contact with key animal welfare stakeholders, including the Canine and Feline Sector Group, which brings together leading welfare charities, veterinary bodies, and trade associations. Through this forum, Defra receives up-to-date intelligence on emerging issues and operational challenges.

We have not seen any evidence that unnecessary euthanasia is occurring on a scale that would justify further research or the introduction of an additional reporting requirement.

For stray dogs, local authorities are expected to keep records on stray dog outcomes, including euthanasia. Clear and consistent data helps to identify trends and provide assurance that decisions are made with regard to animal welfare.

In addition, Defra has updated and published its guidance on stray dogs, following engagement with stakeholders and local authority representatives. The updated guidance, published on 22 September, provides clear, practical advice to support the consistent handling of stray dogs by local authorities and makes clear that euthanasia should be considered only as a last resort in exceptional circumstances.

In relation to stray cats, the government has no plans to introduce a nationwide system for stray cats. Defra welcomes the work of animal welfare organisations who provide trap, neuter and return (TNR) programmes in communities to help limit the spread of disease and control the size of colonies. 

For example, the specialist cat welfare charity, Cats Protection is working to address issues related to stray and feral cats through their community neutering programmes. 

This scheme aims to improve understanding of the unowned cat population nationwide and works with local authorities and local communities to improve cat welfare and support TNR services. Defra will continue to monitor feline welfare through its regular engagement with the sector.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

De-exemption Legal Pathway Petition Response

In response to a UK Government Petition which has reached over 10,000 signatures, the Government has given a written response.

The Petition - Provide a legal pathway to “de-exempt” XL Bully dogs exempted as a precaution can be viewed here - https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/760799

The Government responded:
"Owners with a Certificate of Exemption for an XL Bully dog can now apply to withdraw it if they no longer believe it is an XL Bully."

Defra recognises that some owners applied for Certificates of Exemption during the transition period as a precaution, particularly where they were unsure whether their dog met the XL Bully type standard. Defra understands that there are some dog owners who now believe that their dog is not an XL Bully type and that wish to withdraw their dog’s Certificate of Exemption. 

That is why Defra has launched a service for dog owners in England and Wales to apply to withdraw their dog if they are satisfied, having reviewed the XL Bully conformation standard, that it is not an XL Bully type. The application process is simple and can be done through a dedicated website on GOV.UK. 

Owners can also apply using a paper form if required. Full information on how to apply to withdraw a dog’s Certificate of Exemption can be found on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-to-withdraw-a-certificate-of-exemption-for-a-dog. The withdrawal process fulfils a commitment made to owners when the XL Bully exemption scheme was introduced.

It is up to the owner or keeper to identify whether they think their dog may be in scope of the ban. 

Owners and keepers should refer to Defra guidance on how to check if a dog is an XL Bully, where Defra have provided photographic examples of XL Bully breed types. The guidance can be found by searching for “XL Bully conformation standard” on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog/xl-bully-conformation-standard).

To be considered a type ‘known as the XL Bully’, a dog must meet the minimum height measurements set out in the guidance. If an owner thinks their dog meets the minimum height measurements and has a substantial amount of the physical characteristics set out in the guidance, the dog may be in scope of the ban. 

Defra recommends taking a cautious approach. If owners are unsure if your dog is a XL Bully, they should comply with the relevant requirements and restrictions and not withdraw the dog’s Certificate of Exemption.

Police may carry out some checks and owners should be satisfied that their dog does not meet the standard before applying to withdraw a Certificate of Exemption. 

Withdrawing a Certificate of Exemption for a dog which is found to be an XL Bully is a criminal offence. The dog may be seized, and the owner will have to go through the courts to keep the dog.

Owners can access the most up to date information on the XL Bully ban by searching “Ban on XL Bully Dogs” on GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs).
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs