Written question asked by Brian Jenkins (Labour) on Friday, 20 November 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 November 2009. It was answered by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 December 2009 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pets: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps his Department is taking to reduce the number of abandoned animals.

Answer: Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 owners and keepers of animals are required to keep their animals in a suitable environment. The law on abandonment is therefore robust and those who do not comply can be sent to prison for up to six months, fined and/or disqualified from keeping animals.We have been working closely with animal welfare stakeholders to produce new Codes of Practice on the welfare of cats, dogs, and horses. These new Codes are designed to help people comply with the requirements of the Act. We believe they will help to prevent animals from being abandoned and will be launched shortly.

Secondary information