VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Animal Welfare

Asked by James McMurdockIndependentDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 12 January 2026UIN 102532

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will list the legislative loopholes relating to animal welfare that will be addressed in the Animal Welfare Strategy.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The Animal Welfare Strategy was published on 22 December and sets out our priorities for animal welfare, focusing on the changes and improvements we aim to achieve by 2030.

The strategy identifies the need to address loopholes in current legislation allowing animals to be bred in and sourced from low welfare settings – such as puppy farms, unscrupulous traders, and unsuitable rescue and rehoming centres.

We will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders to understand if new or emerging issues are identified.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim