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Written question asked by Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 3 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Friday, 22 May 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Cats: Animal Breeding

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the impact on the welfare of cats arising from the absence of regulations on cat breeding.

Answer

Anyone in the business of selling cats and kittens as pets should already have a pet selling licence and must meet strict statutory minimum welfare standards which are enforced by local authorities who have powers to issue, refuse, vary or revoke licences.

Defra officials regularly meet animal welfare stakeholders to discuss the welfare of cats and to further our understanding of the cat breeding sector as set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL254
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Animal welfare Animal breeding Cats
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk