Every parliamentary written question tabled by Becky Gittins this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 1–3 of 3 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Food and Rural Affairs, when he will publish the animal welfare strategy.
This Government was elected on a mandate to introduce the most ambitious plans to improve animal welfare in a generation. The Prime Minister announced that we will be publishing an animal welfare strategy later this year.
Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the microchipping database system in reuniting dogs with their owners.
Pet microchipping policy is a devolved matter. In 2021, Defra carried out a post implementation review of the Microchipping of Dogs (England) Regulations 2015. This review concluded that microchipping had had a positive effect on reunification rates and was identified as a leading means of reunification.
Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to regulate online pet sales.
Defra endorses the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG) to combat growing concerns regarding the irresponsible advertising of pets for sale, rehoming, and exchange. Defra have backed a set of Advertising Standards that PAAG developed which several of the UK’s largest classified websites have agreed to meet. Under current regulations, anyone who is in the business of selling animals as pets or breeding and selling dogs needs a valid licence from their local authority. Licensees must meet strict statutory minimum welfare standards which are enforced by local authorities. Any licensee advertising animals for sale must list certain details in the advert, including their licence number and the local authority which issued the licence.