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Animal Rescue Centres
26 January 2026
Lead MP
Irene Campbell
North Ayrshire and Arran
Lab
Responding Minister
Dame Angela Eagle
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Word Count: 9952
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Irene Campbell raised concerns about animal rescue centres in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Irene Campbell asks the Government to introduce statutory codes for rescue centres and enforceable standards to prevent unethical practices, improve accountability, and ensure rescued animals receive proper care.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The petition has gathered almost 110,000 signatures calling for mandatory licensing and regular inspections of animal rescue centres to protect welfare. Current voluntary frameworks do not provide sufficient oversight, with examples of rescues operating without clear legal oversight and risking public trust and animal welfare.
Bayo Alaba
Lab
Southend East and Rochford
Raises concerns about the lack of regulation for rehoming centres and supports the Government’s work on improving animal welfare, including tackling puppy smuggling and farming.
James McMurdock
Ind
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Discussed an incident in his constituency involving the remains of 37 dogs and 20 ill animals, raising concerns about existing laws not being enforced adequately. Suggested a focus on effective enforcement rather than expanding licensing regimes. Mentioned the case in Billericay, stressing the importance of proportionate licensing and enforcement.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Highlights the need for investment in capacity and funding of animal rescue centres to ensure consistent standards across the UK. Questions whether relying on individuals like David Carter to raise funds puts the regulation and licensing of animal rescue centres at risk.
Johanna Baxter
Lab
Paisley and Renfrewshire South
Welcomes the debate and declares interest as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on cats, highlighting the need for robust regulation of rehoming centres.
Patrick Hurley
Lab
Southport
Rescue centres currently operate without a clear national licensing framework, unlike kennels and breeders. Introducing such a system would bring England in line with best practice across the rest of the UK where licensed animal shelters exist.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
The hon. Member thanked his constituents who signed the petition and highlighted an incident in Crays Hill where dozens of animals were found dead at a property posing as a rehoming centre.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West and Islwyn
Welcomed the Welsh Labour Government’s commitments to introduce regulations for animal rescues and encouraged the Minister to learn from the work done in Wales. Highlighted incidents of unregulated rescue centres leading to harm.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Bournemouth East
Supported the need for a publicly accessible national database of animal welfare establishments to truly support rescue and rehoming centres.
Government Response
Dame Angela Eagle
The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Acknowledged the strength of public support behind the petition and cross-party consensus about the state of sections of the rescue and rehousing sector. The Government is concerned about neglect in organisations that pose as animal rescues and lack of transparency, especially highlighted by the case in Billericay. They are taking seriously risks posed by illegitimate rescues and will consider what can be done to increase protection for animals. Last month we published our animal welfare strategy which sets out priorities to deliver by 2030. It introduces the most ambitious reforms in a generation. We recognise the work of organisations like Battersea Dogs and Cats Home who rescue and rehome animals while promoting best practices. The Government values partnerships with those working in key sectors, ensuring dedication across many species and complex areas. Pet welfare standards must keep pace as the pet population grows, to ensure all animals are safeguarded throughout their lives. We will end puppy smuggling and farming through existing legislation enforcement with local authorities and stakeholders. A consultation on licensing domestic rescue and rehoming organisations will launch to set welfare standards being met and enforced across licensed centres proportionately. The consultation will address questions about scope and timings, ensuring we do the most good and least harm in this diverse sector.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.