The only vet in the House of Commons, Dr Neil Hudson MP has continued his campaign to boost the welfare of pets, following the disturbing rise in animal welfare issues in recent years.
The veterinary MP used his professional expertise to trigger an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Inquiry into Pet Welfare and Abuse which conducted its first session since Parliament resumed this week.
Dr Hudson joined cross-party committee colleagues to quiz Charity leaders and animal welfare experts on a range of animal health and welfare issues. Discussions centred around the breeding of dogs and other pets in the UK and the importation of dogs for pets; the problems of ill-health and suffering amongst those animals; and the risks to public health of zoonotic diseases like Brucella canis.
Dr Hudson honed in specifically on the current vogue for dogs with extreme traits which is leading to consumers turning to unscrupulous breeders , unregulated canine fertility clinics, and immoral puppy smugglers.
Sadly, he heard from panellists about unqualified individuals illegally undertaking veterinary procedures, negative behaviour changes in dog populations, and popular media outlets producing irresponsible depictions of mutilated animals which influence consumers.
Dr Neil Hudson MP, EFRA Committee Member and veterinary surgeon, said afterwards:
“As a vet and a dog owner myself, it was really disheartening to hear from our expert witnesses that a range of truly shocking human-triggered animal welfare issues are increasing in our progressive and forward-looking nation.
“From puppy smugglers taking advantage of unwitting consumers to unscrupulous individuals mutilating dogs and cats; the animal welfare challenges presented since the pandemic can sometimes seem insurmountable.
“But hearing from our brilliant charity leaders, my determination to give a voice to the nation’s voiceless pets is stronger than ever. It has been a privilege to bring forward this critical Inquiry and I look forward to working alongside our Conservative Government to fulfil our animal welfare priorities. It was great this week to receive that very reassurance from the Prime Minister in the House of Commons when I raised this very issue in Prime Minister’s Questions”
Dr Hudson was invited to chair the first evidence session due to his experience. You can read more about this session, the issues facing the Inquiry and Dr Hudson’s background here: www.neilhudson.org.uk/news/dr-neil-hudson-mp-leads-expert-parliamentary-panel-post-pandemic-boom-unacceptably-cruel
You can view the full session here: www.parliamentlive.tv/Event/Index/07574b3f-e073-45d6-afe0-a2d5a9b2d1e3
Expert witnesses included:
Panel 1:
- Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of Companion Animals at RSPCA
- Philippa Griffin, Senior Dog Warden at Worcestershire Regulatory Services
- Marisa Heath, Local Government Animal Welfare Group
Panel 2:
- Bill Lambert, Health Welfare and Breeder Services Executive, The Kennel Club
- Dr Gudrun Ravetz, Chief Veterinary Officer at Pets at Home
- Alexandra Baker, Chief Operating Officer at the Pet Industry Federation
