Covid-19: Animal Welfare — [Esther McVey in the Chair]

Mr Doogan highlighted the challenges posed by Brexit and Covid-19 on animal welfare, citing a significant increase in commercial import licences for foreign dog breeders following the pandemic. He expressed concern about the inhumane treatment of animals involved in puppy smuggling and theft, which has affected dog health and welfare negatively. Mr Doogan also mentioned the need for better regulation of both domestic and foreign breeders to address these issues. Dave Doogan spoke about puppy smuggling with passion, drawing attention to the Petfished campaign. He also mentioned concerns about pet theft and DEFRA's collaboration with other departments to address this issue.

James Daly highlighted the importance of his private Member's Bill, the Pets (Microchips) Bill, which aims to prevent healthy pets from being euthanised by requiring veterinary surgeons to scan for microchip details before such actions are taken. He also discussed 'Gizmo's law', a cost-neutral measure that would ensure local authorities scan microchipped pet cats and attempt to reunite them with their owners. James Daly discussed Tuk's law and Gizmo's law with Victoria Prentis, emphasizing the Government's support for microchipping of animals and hope for progress in future parliamentary sessions.

He raised concerns about the abnormal value of dogs, particularly springer spaniels and cocker spaniels, leading to increased dog thefts. He proposed better cooperation on dog sales across all regions of the UK to address these issues. The hon. Member for Strangford emphasised the need for a joined-up approach to tackling pet theft across all four UK regions, highlighting significant increases in demand and the potential for animals to be smuggled into the country under harsh conditions.

The MP thanked the lead speaker for her passionate introduction, highlighting the importance of pets to people's wellbeing during lockdowns. He discussed the rise in pet ownership and the risks associated with impulse buying and unscrupulous dealers. The MP emphasized the need for better enforcement and communication of animal welfare laws, including raising the legal imported age to six months and updating the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill to include wild animals and deliberate filming of cruelty. He also called for improved pet theft legislation, veterinary care access during lockdowns, and support for struggling animal welfare charities. Asked the Minister to confirm whether there are organisations that will support animals of individuals fleeing domestic violence, highlighting the power a perpetrator may have over an animal as a means to keep victims in their homes.

Neil Hudson expressed concern about the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare, including increased demand for pets leading to higher prices and unscrupulous breeding practices. He noted an increase in pet smuggling, theft of domestic animals, and reduced vaccinations and neutering surgeries due to the crisis. He also highlighted potential future abandonment of animals as society returns to normal.

Patricia Gibson highlighted the strain that covid-19 has placed on animal welfare charities. She mentioned that Google searches for 'buy a puppy' increased by 166% after the first lockdown, leading to concerns about puppy socialisation and future rehoming. Gibson also pointed out that veterinary care access was limited during lockdowns, causing delays in pet health treatments and potential financial burdens on owners. Additionally, she raised issues related to fundraising challenges for charities due to shop closures and cancelled events. Patricia Gibson spoke about pandemic puppies with concerns over socialisation and unneutered cats, expecting future unwanted litters as a result of the pandemic impact on animal welfare.

Villiers expressed concern about the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare charities and highlighted issues such as increased pet adoptions, potential future pet relinquishments, domestic violence affecting pets, and fraudulent online pet sales. She emphasised the need for charity fundraising events to resume and called for stricter measures against puppy smuggling and illegal imports. Theresa Villiers reminded Members of important legislative issues, advocated for getting new animals from rescue centres, and supported big charitable fundraising events. She also discussed the need to address animal welfare risks.