Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Domestic Animals Welfare 2026-02-05

2026-02-05

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Linsey Farnsworth Lab
Amber Valley
▸ Context
A constituent's cat suffered due to an unexpected hospitalization of the owner and delays in accessing the flat. The RSPCA could only provide basic care through a letterbox while waiting for legal entry.
Will the Minister consider granting the RSPCA limited powers of entry in order to rescue animals faster, without delays caused by constraints on police time and resources?
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
I am sorry to hear about the trauma related to my hon. Friend’s constituent. We recognise the RSPCA’s vital role in promoting animal welfare, but we do not have plans to extend statutory enforcement powers at this stage. Such powers are normally reserved for public bodies that have formal lines of accountability. We want to ensure that any future approach maintains clear oversight while preserving the RSPCA’s important charitable and advocacy functions.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Granting limited statutory enforcement powers to the RSPCA
We Do Not Have Plans Such Powers Are Normally Reserved For Public Bodies
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Lisa Smart LD
Hazel Grove
▸ Context
Autumn is a time when constituents often report distress caused to pets and veterans due to fireworks in the community.
One of the topics that constituents get in touch with me about a lot, particularly over the autumn, is the impact that fireworks can have on domestic animals—both the number and volume of displays and kids deploying fireworks in the street or their back gardens. Those cause distress to animals, and also to people who have suffered trauma or have served as veterans. I urge the Department to look at limiting the volume of fireworks or restricting their use solely to licensed displays.
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Dame Angela Eagle)
We are aware of the welfare issues around fireworks, and we are looking at the evidence to see whether any such changes would actually make a difference.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific measures like limiting volume or restricting use to licensed displays
We Are Aware Looking At Evidence
Response accuracy