Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Animals: Welfare

Thursday 5 February 2026 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions took place on 2026-02-05 regarding Domestic Animals: Welfare
  • Linsey Farnsworth inquired about granting the RSPCA limited powers of entry to rescue animals without delays
  • Lisa Smart discussed constituents' concerns about the impact of fireworks on domestic animals

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Linsey Farnsworth Lab Amber Valley
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Granting limited statutory enforcement powers to the RSPCA

How: We Do Not Have Plans, Such Powers Are Normally Reserved For Public Bodies

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Q2 Lisa Smart Lib Dem Hazel Grove
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Veterans
Context

Autumn is a time when constituents often report distress caused to pets and veterans due to fireworks in the community.

Question

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.

Answer from 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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures like limiting volume or restricting use to licensed displays

How: We Are Aware, Looking At Evidence

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