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Motor Vehicles: Dogs

Asked by Mr Andrew SnowdenConservativeDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 23 June 2025UIN 60977

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what guidance his Department issues to police forces on intervening when dogs are reported to be in distress in locked vehicles during hot weather.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act) police officers and local authority inspectors have broad powers to intervene where an animal is in distress, including where they are enclosed in vehicles during hot weather. The powers are explained in the Act and its Explanatory Note.

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