Government & Legislation

Feb- 2020 -

6 February

Government supports ‘tougher’ sentencing for animal abusers

The government has announced its support of a new law that would mean animal abusers could face up to five years in prison. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was published in Parliament by MP Chris Loder MP on 5 February. The new Bill will enable “tougher” prison sentences for the…

Jan- 2020 -

28 January

Wigan Council launches ‘Paws and Pick It Up’ campaign

Wigan Council has announced the launch of a new campaign to encourage residents to pick up after their pets. The ‘Paws and Pick It Up’ campaign will aim to “crackdown on the small minority of dog owners who flout the law and spoil public spaces”, and the council will release…

24 January

Webbox reveals ‘obscure’ pet laws in the UK

Encouraging your dog to bark the Lancashire Coast could lead to a £5,000 fine and even a criminal record unless instructed to by police, according to a study by pet food company Webbox. Webbox has revealed some of the most “obscure” pet laws in the UK that pet owners might…

7 January

Pet food company pays £75,000 for recycling negligence

Nottingham-based pet food and products manufacturer, Kennelpak has paid over £75,000 to the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and the Erewash Canal Preservation and Development Association for its past failure to meet its packaging recycling obligations. The financial contribution is part of an enforcement undertaking (EU) offered to the Environment Agency for…

6 January

Government to revise pet bans for tenants

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has announced an overhaul of model tenancy contracts in a bid to “make it easier for responsible tenants to have well behaved pets in their homes”. Only 7% of landlords currently advertise homes as suitable for pets, leaving many renters struggling to find homes, says the…

2 January

Government considers compulsory microchipping for cats

The government has urged pet owners to microchip all cats and dogs in a newly launched appeal. In a new statement, the government said that microchipping was a “vital part of being a responsible pet owner”. Some 92% of dogs are now microchipped following compulsory measures introduced in 2016. Since…

Dec- 2019 -

9 December

The Kennel Club creates ‘A Voice for Dogs’ manifesto

The Kennel Club has created ‘A Voice for Dogs’ manifesto ahead of the general election on 12 December. The manifesto calls upon the incoming government to “reshape” the laws surrounding dog welfare and provide “stronger support to their owners.” The nine-point plan highlights the key issues facing dogs and their…

3 December

NOAH releases animal health manifesto

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has released its animal health manifesto ahead of the upcoming general election. It called on MPs to pledge their support of safeguarding pet and farm animal’s health and welfare, and also highlights the importance of the animal health industry. MPs were asked to…

Nov- 2019 -

27 November

BVA praises ‘strong and supportive’ NI vets ahead of Brexit

President of the British Veterinary Association (BVA), Daniella Dos Santos, has praised the “vital” work of vets in Northern Ireland. In its address to key representatives from animal health and welfare organisations and veterinary professionals, the BVA said it was “particularly concerned” about how a no-deal Brexit could impact NI…

6 November

Delays to ‘important’ welfare legislation putting animals at risk, warns Battersea

Animal charity Battersea is warning that “disappointing” delays to important welfare legislation are putting animals at risk. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which would increase maximum sentences for the worst acts of animal cruelty from the current penalty of six months to five years, has now fallen in Westminster for…