An evidence session for the inquiry into Pet welfare and abuse
Session to take place at 2.30 pm on Tuesday, 4th July 2023 in Committee Room 6
Attend in person or watch on parliamentlive.tv
Unscrupulous mass “puppy farm” breeding and the unregulated importing of puppies and heavily pregnant dogs and dogs that have had their ears horrifically cropped into the UK will be among the topics to be discussed at the first evidence session in a cross-party parliamentary inquiry into pet welfare and abuse.
The Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee will also look at the cruel and unnatural mutilation of domestic animals - including the ear-cropping of dogs and the de-clawing of cats.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, Member of the EFRA Committee and only veterinary surgeon in the House of Commons said:
“As an MP who is a veterinary surgeon, I am passionate about animal health and welfare. I triggered this Inquiry on Pet Welfare and Abuse so that our cross party committee of MPs can shine a light on unacceptable practices like puppy smuggling, ear cropping in dogs and unregulated canine fertility clinics. By examining these issues we will be able to make recommendations to the Government and the UK public so that we can protect and promote the welfare of animals in our care.”
Some of these phenomena increased during the lockdown periods of the Covid pandemic. The Committee will consider to what extent pet ownership changed during this time
and how an apparent increase in pet behavioural issues, and the current rise in the cost of living, may now be contributing to some newly acquired pets being abandoned.
The Committee will also look at the social and legal context of pet welfare and abuse – and ask if the Government needs to introduce new policies or legislation to tackle some practices.
The session will hear from organisations representing animal health professionals and from charities working on animal welfare.
Witnesses:
Panel-1 – (from 2:30 to c. 3:45pm):
· Dr Justine Shotton, Senior Vice President, British Veterinary Association
· Dr Sean Wensley, Senior Veterinary Surgeon for Animal Welfare and Professional Engagement at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA)
· Sarah Carr, CEO Naturewatch Foundation (campaigners against animal cruelty)
· Dr Melisa Donald, President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
Panel-2 – (from c. 3:45 to c. 5pm):
· Dr Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director, Dogs Trust
· Dr Maggie Roberts, Director of Feline Welfare, Cats Protection
· Becky Thwaites, Head of Public Affairs at Blue Cross (pet welfare and treatment network)
· Jessica Stark, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, World Horse Welfare
