Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, has thrown his support behind new legislation that would introduce a legal requirement for all animal shelters in England to be licensed, closing a dangerous loophole that currently leaves some unregulated and .
Dr Hudson joined a cross-party group of MPs and Peers at a Westminster photocall recently in support of the Animal Shelters (Licensing) Bill – a Private Member’s Bill introduced by fellow Essex MP Richard Holden MP, which proposes a licensing scheme to ensure minimum standards are met in all shelters.
Licensing for animal shelters already exists in Scotland, and the Welsh Government has committed to introducing its own system. England is now at risk of being left behind, with devastating consequences. In one recent case, 41 dogs were found dead at a so-called ‘rescue’ facility, with limited powers for local authorities or the RSPCA to inspect the site before high evidential thresholds were met.
The campaign for change has received the backing of leading animal welfare charities, including the RSPCA and Dogs Trust, and a petition calling for Parliamentary debate has already gained over 54,000 signatures.
As a Shadow DEFRA Minister, Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Animal Welfare and a veterinary surgeon by background, improving animal welfare is a vital part of Dr Hudson’s Parliamentary work. In recognition of this, he was awarded the RSPCA’s Massingham Advocacy Award last year as part of the prestigious PawPrints awards. His recent efforts to improve animal welfare standards include actively campaigning against the cruel practice of ear cropping and co-sponsoring the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Epping Forest, said:
“As a veterinary surgeon, I know all too well the vital work animal shelters across the country do to rescue and rehome pets. However, unlike breeders and kennels, there is currently no requirement for them to be licensed or inspected.
“The Animal Shelters (Licensing) Bill will help to close that loophole and bring in a licensing system to protect animals and support responsible shelters. It’s already in place in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are following suit; it’s time England caught up."
Harriet Main, Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, said:
"Many owners of sanctuaries and other animal welfare establishments do an amazing job for animal welfare, but the current lack of regulation and oversight has long been a major concern for the RSPCA.
"Our officers have too often dealt with situations that have spiralled out of control, and animal welfare pays the price. Capacity, governance and financial issues are all a reality for many sanctuaries and other establishments, but regulation could really help fix this.
"That's why we welcome any proposals looking to regulate, providing oversight and scrutiny, and helping drive up welfare standards. It could help give the public additional assurances that all animal welfare establishments right across England are checked and are up to the job."
