The deadline for the EFRA Committee call for evidence on Pet Welfare and
Abuse in England has been extended to 14 April 2023
You can submit your views on pets and companion animals and
read the full terms of reference online here: https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3043/
While there are many responsible pet breeders and loving
owners, there are, unfortunately, some serious exceptions to the rule.
In particular, unscrupulous breeders, including criminals,
sought to exploit the increased demand for pets during the pandemic.
Other
issues include the rise of “designer pets”, that result in dogs having genetic
deformities. These are often due to unregulated canine fertility clinics. There
continue to be concerns about illegal mutilation practices, such as the ear
cropping of dogs and the de-clawing of cats.
Separately, some who acquired a pet during the pandemic are
finding that they are unfortunately no longer able to fully care for their pets
as home working opportunities decrease, and the cost of pet care and living
more generally increase.
All this is raising serious concerns about animal welfare,
and leading to increased pressure on vets and pet charities.
Terms of reference
The Committee invites submissions on the following:
Unscrupulous breeding and importation:
1. What risks to biosecurity and public health are posed by
abhorrent practices such as unscrupulous breeding, including “puppy mills” –
which are characterised by poor conditions and rapid breeding – both here and
those overseas from which dogs are then imported, often in large numbers in a
single vehicle,
the importation of dogs, including heavily pregnant bitches,
and cats, and “rescue dogs” (some of whom are misrepresented as such);
as well as similar practices for other species of companion
animals? Is the occurrence of such activities changing?
2. What risks do unregulated and illegal Canine Fertility
Clinics present to dog welfare, including the breeding of so-called “designer”
dogs? What is the appropriate role and regulation of assisted breeding
techniques in dog breeding?
Abuse and mutilation:
3. Is the ban on mutilation – such as ear cropping (or
docking) of dogs, and de-clawing in cats – under the Animal Welfare Act 2006
effective? How prevalent are practices such as illegal ear cropping, and the
importation of dogs whose ears have been cropped overseas or cats that have
been de-clawed (which remains legal)?
Ownership and animal welfare:
4. There was a marked increase in pet ownership during the
pandemic. What is the situation for companion animals’ welfare post-pandemic,
especially given recent factors such as
a. adverse changes in the cost of living?
b. a decrease in home working?
5. What are the pressures currently facing those dealing
with companion animal welfare including
a. the veterinary sector?
b. the charitable animal welfare sector?
Current preventative measures:
6. Is the current regulatory and legal framework to both
support the welfare and prevent the abuse of companion animals fit for purpose?
Do the available penalties – and the probability of prosecution – act as a
sufficient deterrent?
7. Will the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill (as currently
drafted) take a significant step to tackling poor pet welfare and abuse,
including those issues stated above?
8. What additional measures should the Government take to
stop bad practices, improve overall domestic pet welfare, and assist those
involved in supporting domestic pet welfare?
A “companion animal” is usually defined as a domestic pet,
including cats, dogs and horses, for example. This inquiry is focused on pet
welfare in England, although horses may be included as they have been impacted
in the pandemic, in terms of homing/caring issues, as well as other companion
animals.
