Shadow DEFRA Minister, Epping Forest MP and veterinary surgeon, Dr Neil Hudson, joined MPs and Peers at a Cats Protection parliamentary reception to discuss some of the UK’s most pressing cat welfare challenges.
The UK’s leading cat charity hosted the event to highlight the issues affecting the nation’s 10.4 million pet cats and the people who care for them.
A major concern raised was the rise in exploitative cat breeding practices. Cats Protection reports that 36% of owned cats in the UK are now pedigrees, up from 23% just five years ago, including a growing number of so‑called “designer cats” bred for extreme physical traits that can cause chronic pain, lifelong health problems and severely reduced quality of life.
The charity is calling for a ban on breeding cats with extreme characteristics, alongside stronger action to tackle the sale of sick or suffering cats online. It recently delivered a petition of more than 60,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street urging the Government to introduce robust cat breeding regulations.
Other issues discussed included Cats Protection’s calls to ban electric shock collars and restrict the use of fireworks to reduce stress and harm to cats. Dr Hudson also met with volunteers and staff to hear about the charity’s vital rehoming, neutering and education work.
As the first veterinary surgeon elected to the House of Commons since 1884 and Co‑Chair of the All‑Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, Dr Hudson has long championed measures to tackle puppy smuggling and strengthen protections for imported companion animals. As co‑sponsor of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act, he has been a leading voice pressing for tougher safeguards and enforcement to stop the trade in poorly bred, illegally imported and exploited animals, including cats that have been horrifically declawed.
Dr Neil Hudson, Shadow DEFRA Minister, Epping Forest MP, and veterinary surgeon, said:
“I am grateful to Cats Protection for uniting Parliamentarians and experts to highlight the urgent action needed to protect cats across the UK.
“Charities are doing extraordinary work, but they cannot compensate for gaps in regulation or weak enforcement. As Shadow DEFRA Minister, I will continue to challenge the Government to deliver a genuinely robust animal welfare framework.”
Madison Rogers, Associate Director of Advocacy, Campaigns and External Affairs, said:
“We were delighted to bring MPs and Peers together at our parliamentary reception to shine a light on some of the most pressing issues affecting cats today.
“From the urgent need for effective cat breeding regulations to prevent exploitation and suffering, to calls for a ban on electronic shock collars and stronger restrictions on fireworks, it’s clear that more must be done to protect cat welfare.
“Cats Protection is proud to make a difference nationally and in local constituencies through the dedication of our employees and volunteers. We look forward to working closely with parliamentarians to ensure cats and the people who care for them receive the protection and support they deserve.”
Cats Protection is the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and helps 191,000 cats through a national network of 182 volunteer-run teams and 31 centres.
