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New Animal Welfare Strategy Positive Step Forward, But Still More To Do, Says Dogs Trust
1 month ago 
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Following the publication of the UK Government’s long-awaited Animal Welfare Strategy, Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, says:
“We welcome the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, particularly its commitment to delivering the measures set out in the recently passed Animal Welfare Bill, which will prevent the import of underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations. We are also pleased that the Government plans to consult on the regulation of rehoming centres. We have seen too many cases of neglect and fatalities involving dogs at the hands of unregulated individuals, and the public strongly supports mandatory licensing and regular inspections.
“It is also positive that the Government intends to consult on banning the use of cruel and unnecessary electric shock collars. However, we are disappointed that the proposals stop short of committing to a full ban on the sale of shock collars and other aversive devices.
“The Strategy does not include clear timescales, stating only an ambition to make progress by the end of 2030. We strongly believe that some of the measures, such as those set out to tackle puppy smuggling under the Animal Welfare Bill, must be implemented as soon as possible and cannot be delayed by up to five years. We are therefore keen to understand when these measures will be delivered. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Strategy is implemented swiftly and effectively, so that all dogs are properly protected.”
Licencing of rehoming centres
Research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Dogs Trust reveals that a massive 79% of people think rehoming centres are already inspected and licensed by law – but this is not the case. Currently, there is no legal requirement for individuals or organisations to hold a licence or meet minimum standards before setting up a rehoming organisation in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. Anyone can do this, regardless of experience, qualifications, availability of funding, or the suitability of premises. Dogs Trust warns that without proper rules, rogue traders, backyard breeders, and well-meaning but unqualified individuals are all putting dogs at risk of neglect, illness, and even death.
Dogs Trust’s call has mass support; research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the charity has found 89% of the public in England believe licences should be required by law, and 90% say regular inspections should be a must.
This call for action follows a number of high-profile cases in which individuals operating as unregulated rescue or rehoming charities have been found guilty of animal neglect or cruelty. Recent examples have involved individuals who have become overwhelmed with the number of animals in their care and are unable to meet their needs, while there have been cases where people simply do not have the experience or skills needed to maintain high welfare levels for the animals in their care. Other cases have involved rogue traders, puppy farms and puppy smugglers who set up a rehoming organisation as a front for their business.
These include:
- Earlier this year, Essex Police charged someone with animal cruelty after more than 40 dead dogs were found at a site claiming to rehome pets.
- 4Paws in South Killingholme, Lincolnshire, was shut down after owners were found running an “overcrowded and inadequate” centre. They were banned from keeping animals.
- At Little Meadow Animal Rescue in Worcestershire, animals were discovered in shocking conditions. The owner was jailed for eight months and banned from keeping pets for life.
- More than 70 cats, 14 pigs, along with dogs, horses and terrapins were found to be living in appalling conditions on the site of Alternative Animal Sanctuary in Lincolnshire. In October last year, the owner was handed eight-month suspended prison sentence.
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:
“There are brilliant rescue centres doing incredible work across the UK, but without licensing, there’s nothing to stop someone with no training or experience setting one up and doing real harm.
"Good intentions aren’t enough. We need laws in place to make sure all rescue dogs are safe, cared for, and treated with the respect they deserve. Without proper oversight, these organisations cannot guarantee that they are operating in the best interests of the animals in their care.
“Too often we hear heartbreaking stories of dogs that have endured neglect and mistreatment in unregulated facilities. Licensing would create a clear framework to ensure that all dogs are treated with the care, dignity, and compassion they deserve.”
Shock Collars
Dogs Trust has been calling for a ban on Electric Shock Collars for many years. Electric Shock Collars are designed to work by punishing unwanted behaviours through the application of a shock to the dog’s neck. In order to change unwanted behaviour, the shock administered needs to be strong enough for the animal to want to avoid feeling that painful sensation again.
Studies have shown that the use of shock collar devices have serious impacts on the welfare of animals. This includes behavioural and physiological signs of distress and the exacerbation of, or development of, new, unwanted behaviours. Robust research evidence shows that such techniques are not needed; positive reinforcement is just as effective at changing behaviour.
Dogs Trust has long campaigned for cruel electronic shock collars to be banned. They were banned in Wales in 2010, and it’s time this ban was replicated across the UK.
Puppy Smuggling
The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, also known as the Puppy Smuggling Bill, which received Royal Assent just a few weeks ago, gives the Government new powers to ban the importation of young puppies, heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations, as well as introduce tougher penalties for illegal importers. Dogs Trust wants the Government to exercise these powers as soon as possible to finally bring an end to this cruel trade.
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