Key Facts

• There are over 300 licensed zoos in England.
• The Zoo Licensing Act 1981 sets licensing requirements for zoos through the standards of modern zoo practice.
• Amendments aim to update conservation requirements and ensure transparency and consultation in drafting new standards.
• Schedule 5 includes technical amendments such as adding the Council of the Isles of Scilly.
• It removes references to circuses due to recent legislation changes.
• The amendment increases penalties and mandates adherence to section 9 standards.
• Amendment 83 aims to make consultation with stakeholders a requirement rather than best practice.
• Amendment 121 requires the Secretary of State to consult the Zoos Expert Committee and publish its advice.
• UK zoos contribute 10% of global zoo conservation funding, supporting over 800 projects in 105 countries.
• Amendments 54, 57, 61, 63, 64, 69, and 70 are being discussed.
• The amendments aim to define 'appropriate national authority' in relation to devolved legislative competence.
• Government new clause 2 pertains to concurrent functions in Wales.
• The amendments address the time limits for prosecuting offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
• A recent administrative court decision cast doubt on the applicability of these time limits to regulations made under the Act.
• The proposed changes aim to resolve legal ambiguity and provide clarity for prosecutors.
• The Government launched the pet theft taskforce in May this year.
• The taskforce produced a report in September.
• Seven out of ten animal thefts are dog thefts.
• The new offence will initially apply only to dogs, but there is a power to extend it to other common pet species in the future.
• Davies welcomes Government action on pet theft.
• MPs are urged to use leg muscles to indicate a desire to contribute during debates.
• Legal definition of 'forming bonds' is complex and debated.
• Amendments 85, 63-70 have been agreed to.
• New clauses include minor amendments to the Animal Welfare Act 2006 extending to England and Wales only.
• Schedule 7B of the Government of Wales Act 2006 is amended to disapply certain restrictions in relation to functions conferred by or under the Bill.
• Clause 5 creates an offence related to taking or detaining a dog in England.
• Clause 6 confers power to extend the new offence to other species if certain criteria are met.
• Clause 7 aims to prohibit the use of sow farrowing stalls by amending the Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations.
• Over 200,000 sows are subjected to farrowing crates each year.
• Farrowing crates prevent natural nest-building behavior in sows.
• An immediate ban on farrowing crates could cause significant industry disruption.
• The new clause requires a review of compensation measures for livestock worrying within 12 months.
• The Secretary of State must carry out a review of dog welfare conditions used for hunting.
• A report with recommendations must be laid before Parliament.
• New clause proposes licensing regulations for keeping hunting dogs.
• Ban on using dogs below ground in stalking or flushing out activities.
• New clause 10 requires individuals who keep one or more hunting dogs to obtain a licence within 12 months of the Bill's passing.
• ITV published an exposé showing hounds being dragged outside and shot, with some not killed by trained professionals.
• The League Against Cruel Sports reported that terrier work continues as a recreational pastime causing harm to foxes and badgers.
• The Animal Welfare Act 2006 puts obligations on all animal keepers to meet welfare needs.
• The maximum penalty for cruelty was raised to five years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine in 2021.
• Dog licensing was abolished in 1988 due to insufficient evidence of welfare benefits.
• Ministers regularly meet with local authorities and key animal welfare groups such as the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Canine and Feline Sector Group, and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
• The importation of pregnant cats and dogs for commercial purposes is proposed to be prohibited but not enacted.
• A ban on sales of dogs with cropped ears in England was suggested but withdrawn.
• 14,000 responses were received from a consultation on the issue of importing mutilated dogs.
• Snare traps are thin wire nooses used to catch foxes, rabbits and stoats.
• New Clause 17 proposes regulation of online animal sales.
• Websites must verify the identity of all sellers advertising on their platform.
• Sellers selling cats or dogs under one year old must publish a photograph with one parent.
• Sellers need to include their licence number for commercial sales.
• The government has banned third-party sales of kittens and puppies.
• The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) Regulations 2018 introduced welfare improvements for pet breeding and sales.
• PAAG was created in 2001 to combat irresponsible advertising of pets.
• Several UK classified websites have agreed to meet PAAG's minimum standards.