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Written question asked by Steve Darling (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Thursday, 16 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animal Welfare: Pets

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of Battersea’s new Cost of Cute campaign.

Answer

Defra recognises the importance of conformation and genetic health in dogs and cats and supports education of owners and breeders to promote responsible breeding.

As part of the Animal Welfare Strategy, this Government has committed to launch a consultation on dog breeding reform to improve the health and welfare of breeding dogs and their puppies. This Government has also committed to improve our understanding of the size, scale and current management practices related to cat breeding, drawing on expertise from the sector, and consider any further steps which may improve welfare practices in the cat breeding sector.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18204
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Animal welfare Pets Battersea Dogs and Cats Home
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk