Battersea Dogs & Cats Home is pleased with an Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee report on the welfare of domestic pets released today, 16 November.
The issue of backstreet dog breeding is one on which Battersea has long campaigned for change, and the new report addresses this subject, making several recommendations for change. Among other things, the EFRA report calls for a licence for anyone breeding more than two litters in a year, mandatory registration for all breeders, and the licensing of everyone selling animals online.
Battersea knows only too well the consequences of irresponsible breeding, having to deal with the dogs affected it by it on a daily basis. The charity gave evidence in Parliament and in writing, and hosted several EFRA members at its London centre to demonstrate to them first-hand the awful impact backstreet breeding has on dog welfare.
The EFRA report also covers a number of other key animal welfare issues, including raising the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences to five years, closer working between the Government and charities such as Battersea to understand how the puppy trade works, and further research on improving welfare around the sale of cats.
Claire Horton, Battersea’s Chief Executive, said: “Battersea welcomes this report and we are encouraged to see the Committee take up so many of our recommendations. The commitment displayed in this EFRA report to tackle some of the most serious problems in animal welfare is welcomed, particularly the inadequate maximum sentences for shocking cruelty offences that we see here at Battersea far too often.
“Their recommendations demonstrate a clear understanding of how best to tackle some of the problems around the sale of dogs and puppies, especially online, and we welcome their endorsement of the Pet Advertising Advisory Group’s minimum standards for online animal adverts.
“Battersea sees dogs coming through its gates every day that are the innocent victims of irresponsible and illegal breeding and we will continue to work closely with both this Committee and the Government to help bring an end to such unnecessary animal suffering.”