Written question asked by Chris Coghlan (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Thursday, 15 October 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Birds: Animal Welfare

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will introduce species-specific welfare standards for budgerigars under its Animal Welfare Strategy for England, including regulations on conspecific social housing, restrictions on non-veterinary wing-clipping, reviews of commercial hand-rearing and enforcement of flight guidance for bird retailers.

Answer: As part of this Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, we are committed to working with the sector to improve compliance with existing welfare requirements. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause animals unnecessary suffering. Furthermore, businesses selling animals as pets must meet statutory minimum welfare standards under the Licensing of Activities Involving Animals Regulation 2018. There are no plans to introduce further regulation on the issues raised.

Secondary information