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Dogs: Animal Welfare

Asked by Ruth JonesLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 26 February 2026UIN 113988

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment has she made of the impact of the Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 in potentially reducing the a) financial burden on and b) kennel capacity of i) Scottish Local Authorities and ii) dog homes caring for dogs seized under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 without court order.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

In Defra’s recently published Animal Welfare Strategy, this Government committed to undertake a review to ensure the appropriate tools and frameworks are in place to deliver a proportionate and robust enforcement system. This would include powers to seize or rehome animals where necessary.

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