Written question asked by Ruth Jones (Labour) on Friday, 20 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Thursday, 26 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many dogs seized under Section 18 (5) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 were held in a a) dog home or b) council facility for longer than i) three months, ii) six months, and iii) 12 months over the last five years.

Answer: Defra does not collect data on the financial costs to police forces associated with waiting times for Section 20 hearings under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, nor does it hold records on the number of dogs seized under Section 18(5) of the Act, or the length of time such dogs are held in dog homes or council facilities. These matters are operational responsibilities of police forces and local authorities, and any relevant information would be held by those bodies.

Secondary information