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Written question asked by James McMurdock (Independent (affiliation)) on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 12 February 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animal Welfare: Tourism

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what enforcement mechanisms will be used to ensure compliance with the Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 once the Activity Regulations are in force.

Answer

The Animals (Low Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023 provides a framework for the introduction of future bans on the advertising and offering for sale, in England and Northern Ireland, of low-welfare animal activities abroad.

The Act grants enforcement powers to Trading Standards in England and the Department for the Economy for Northern Ireland to monitor compliance of future regulations.

It is important that any regulations are effective and work in practice, and as set out in the animal welfare strategy published in December 2025, we are continuing to engage with stakeholders including the tourism industry and animal welfare groups to explore both legislative and non-legislative options to stop the advertising of low-welfare animal activities abroad and will be setting out next steps in due course.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
112494
Session
2024-26
Related items
Animal welfare strategy for England
Monday, 22 December 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Animal welfare Enforcement Tourism
Legislation
Animals (Low-Welfare Activities Abroad) Act 2023
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk