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Written question asked by Matt Vickers (Conservative) on Friday, 29 August 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 September 2025. It was answered by Mary Creagh (Labour) on Thursday, 4 September 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Domestic Animals: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of trends in air weapon attacks on domestic animals; what steps he is taking to improve data collection of these incidents.

Answer

Defra does not hold data on cases of domestic animals being attacked with air weapons.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the 2006 Act), it is an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide for its welfare. Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does not provide for its welfare, may be banned from owning animals. They may also face an unlimited fine, be sent to prison, or both.

The Government keeps animal welfare policy under review and is committed to ensuring that animals are protected from unnecessary suffering.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
71395
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Animal welfare Airguns Domestic animals
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk