Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Kennels and Catteries: Economic and Social Contribution

03 November 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Sara Britcliffe Con Hyndburn

EconomyEmploymentBusiness & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sara Britcliffe raised concerns about kennels and catteries: economic and social contribution in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The MP highlighted the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on kennels and catteries due to travel limitations.
  • The Dodding couple's establishment in Hyndburn is an example of a business affected, leading them to set up the UK Alliance of Catteries and Kennels.
  • The minister acknowledged the importance of animals in society but did not provide substantive responses or commitments.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sara Britcliffe Con Hyndburn

The MP highlighted the significant impact of the covid-19 pandemic on kennels and catteries, which offer accommodation to pets year-round but faced restrictions due to travel limitations. She noted that unlike other businesses, kennels and catteries did not quickly recover post-lockdowns as international travel remained restricted. The Dodding couple's establishment in Hyndburn is an example of a business affected, leading them to set up the UK Alliance of Catteries and Kennels advocating for industry support. She read their email outlining issues such as lack of standard industrial classification codes, inconsistent discretionary funding from councils, inaccurate regulatory lists maintained by local authorities, and proposed solutions like creating a new sub-category in SIC codes and establishing a centralised professional body to issue licences and maintain accurate business listings.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jo Churchill Con Basingstoke

    Churchill thanked the lead MP for raising the debate and highlighted the significant contribution of kennels and catteries to society and the economy.

Government Response

Nigel Evans

The minister acknowledged the importance of animals in society but did not provide a substantive response regarding funding, policy commitments, or timelines for addressing the issues raised by the lead MP. The debate was adjourned immediately after acknowledging the contributions.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy