With the summer holiday season coming to an end, many of us will be familiar with the strict rules on what we can bring home to the UK from a foreign trip. Whether it’s cheese from France or exotic fruits from more far-flung countries, there are a host of restrictions on what travellers can bring through customs.
So it may come as a shock to readers that hunting trophies – made from the body parts of hunted animals like lions, elephants and cheetahs – can still be legally bought into the country simply by being granted a licence by Government.
This is despite repeated promises from the Government to ban hunting trophy imports, and research consistently showing that more than four in five Brits believe hunting trophy imports should be illegal*.
Whether they live in our gardens or on another continent, wild animals belong in the wild, not on display as souvenirs. That’s why we’re calling on the Government to finally bring in a ban on trophy hunting imports so we can make 2026 the last summer this abhorrent practice is allowed.
Readers can help by signing up to support the campaign being run by Humane World for Animals UK, Born Free and Four Paws UK at:
Dogs may mistake the sudden darkness for an early bedtime, with some pets becoming unsettled, expecting food or attempting to follow their usual evening routine.
Dog owners are being warned that their pets could display unusual behaviour during tomorrow’s solar eclipse, as the sky suddenly darkens across the UK.
TONIGHT, Wednesday 12 August, the Moon will obscure around 90% to 96% of the Sun across the UK and Ireland, making it the most significant eclipse visible from Britain since 1999.
The partial eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 6pm, peak at approximately 7.10pm and finish shortly after 8pm, although exact timings and coverage will vary by location.
While the event poses no inherent danger to dogs, the unexpected change in daylight and temperature could temporarily disrupt the environmental cues they use to understand their daily routine.
Darren Beale, CEO of fresh dog food brand Years, said: “Dogs will not understand that an eclipse is taking place. Instead, they may interpret the sudden drop in light and temperature as an early sunset.
“Some dogs might become quieter, head towards their bed or start expecting their evening meal or walk earlier than usual. More sensitive dogs could appear unsettled, follow their owner around, pace or become unusually alert.
“However, most dogs are unlikely to become seriously distressed. Because tomorrow’s eclipse takes place during the early evening, when many dogs are already beginning to settle down, its effect may be less noticeable than an eclipse happening in the middle of the day.”
The signs your dog may be unsettled by the eclipse
Owners may notice their dog:
Heading to its bed earlier than usual
Waiting near its food bowl or the door
Following family members around the home
Pacing, whining or appearing restless
Becoming quieter or sleepier
Barking at changes outside
Seeking reassurance or somewhere to hide
Darren added: “The eclipse itself may not be the biggest source of anxiety. Unusual crowds, noise and excitement outside could be more unsettling, particularly for nervous dogs or those sensitive to changes in their surroundings.
“The best thing owners can do is keep the evening as normal as possible. Feed and walk your dog at its usual time, behave calmly and make sure it has access to a quiet, familiar place.”
Should dogs wear eclipse glasses?
Owners do not need to purchase eclipse glasses for their pets or attempt to make dogs wear human eye protection.
Dogs do not generally have a reason to stare directly at the Sun. However, owners should never encourage a dog to look towards it for photographs or direct its attention towards the sky.
Darren said: “Trying to put eclipse glasses on a dog could cause more stress than the eclipse itself. Keep your pet comfortable, avoid encouraging it to look upwards and supervise it if you are attending a busy viewing event.
“If your dog is already nervous around crowds or unfamiliar noise, it may be happier staying safely indoors while the eclipse takes place.”
How to keep your dog calm during the eclipse
Years recommends that owners:
Keep meals, walks and bedtime at their normal times.
Close curtains if the changing light appears to unsettle the dog.
Provide access to its usual bed or quiet space.
Avoid taking nervous dogs to crowded eclipse-viewing locations.
Use familiar activities, such as a food puzzle or gentle indoor play.
Remain calm and avoid making the event feel alarming.
Contact a vet if the dog displays severe or persistent signs of distress.
The charity’s animal welfare team walk over two marathons daily caring for Edinburgh’s pets
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is highlighting the vital role it plays in supporting pets and their people across the city, as Keith, a hairy lurcher who arrived at the Home in need of urgent care, prepares to find his forever home.
The charity, which has been part of Edinburgh for more than 140 years, provides expert care for dogs and cats in need while offering advice, support and reassurance to pet owners across local communities.
Keith was brought to police by a member of the public before arriving at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home. He was emaciated, had open wounds across his body and needed medicated treatment for his paws after standing in foul conditions.
Despite everything he’s been through, Keith is now ready to find his forever home. His true personality has started to shine thanks to the expert care and patience of the team at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home.
Once he feels comfortable, Keith is cuddly and affectionate, often laying his head in a lap, and has shown his playful side as he continues to grow in confidence.
As Edinburgh’s Home for pets and the people who love them, the charity provides far more than a safe place to stay. From helping animals recover from neglect, injury or difficult circumstances, to supporting pet owners with advice and guidance, the Home plays a vital role in the lives of people and animals across the city.
Between January and April 2026 alone, the Home received 5,725 calls from members of the public, averaging more than 1,400 calls a month and over 300 every week.
The Home also averages 105 veterinary visits every month, helping dogs and cats access the care they need before they are reunited with their owners or matched with new families.
Amelia Morgan, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said: “Keith’s story is a powerful reminder of why Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is here. He arrived needing care, patience and expert support, and our team has been there for him every step of the way.
“This is what it means to be Edinburgh’s Home. We are here for dogs and cats in need, but we are also here for the people who love and care for them, whether they need advice, reassurance or practical support.”
The work that happens behind the scenes is also significant. The charity’s Animal Welfare Team clocks up around 122,625 steps every day while caring for animals on site, roughly the equivalent of walking more than two marathons.
Amelia added: “Every walk, vet visit, clean bed and kind interaction helps animals feel safe, loved and ready for their next chapter.
“Keith has been through a great deal, but he is affectionate, playful and ready to find the right home. Like every animal in our care, he deserves the chance to move forward and enjoy the life ahead of him.”
Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home continues to support pets and their people across the city through expert care, rehoming, reunification and community services.
We’re incredibly grateful to have received £192,288 through the Future Ready programme, supported by Battersea.
This funding will help strengthen the future of Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, allowing us to grow our impact, improve how we work, and ensure we can continue to be there for dogs, cats and the people who love them across Edinburgh and beyond.
With Battersea’s support, we’ll be able to invest in both our people and infrastructure to help meet growing demand for our services.
We’re hugely thankful to Battersea for their belief in our work, their trust and shared commitment to improving animal welfare. Thanks to their support, we can continue to provide safety, care and second chances for dogs and cats who need us most across Edinburgh and beyond for the next 140 years.
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has published a new toolkit to help voters identify which of Scotland’s political parties are prioritising stricter fireworks regulations, farmed fish welfare, a ban on electric shock collars for dogs and cats, and other key animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues in the Holyrood elections next month.
BVA’s Manifesto for Scotland’s animals, vets, and public health 2026-2031 includes a number of key asks for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) candidates, including a call to implement the recommendations of the Fireworks Review Group and championing the veterinary voice in farming policy. 56% of vets in Scotland believe that the latter should be one of the most urgent priorities for the new Scottish Government, according to a recent BVA Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey.
When asked to pick up to three pledges from a list, 44% of vets also wanted the incoming Scottish Government to prioritise tightening the regulation of fireworks as soon as possible, while 42% want to prioritise a ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats.
Voters who wish to consider animal welfare and veterinary workforce issues when voting next month can use BVA’s new toolkit to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks championing the veterinary voice in farming policy and tightening the regulation of fireworks, as well as five other key calls to action:
Better protect the welfare of farmed fish- Implement legislation based upon the principles of humane slaughter of farmed fish as set out by the Animal Welfare Committee. As an interim measure, we welcome the new statutory guidance issued by the Government under the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.
Teach children about animal welfare- Make animal welfare and sentience part of the national curriculum. Children should learn about animals’ needs, duty of care, and the meaning of sentience so they grow up treating animals and people with compassion and respect.
Support the veterinary workforce– Streamline the visa/sponsorship process for international vets to attract and support veterinary talent from overseas and sustain the vital roles they contribute to in Scotland, including public health.
Ban electric shock collars – Introduce a complete ban on the sale and use of electric shock collars for dogs and cats. Evidence shows that reward-based training is not only the most effective training method for animals but also makes sure they are protected from any pain or suffering as part of their training.
Veterinary education funding: Ensure that veterinary education is properly funded and supported by removing financial barriers for universities and students, so that more homegrown talent, particularly from rural areas, can enter the profession.
BVA Scottish Branch President Vivienne Mackinnon said:“Our manifesto highlights the key animal welfare and workforce issues that matter most to our members across Scotland’s veterinary community.
“We hope that this toolkit will help those who want to consider these issues when voting next month to see how the manifestos of the major parties align with BVA’s key asks for Scotland.”
BVA is the leading body representing vets in the UK, with around 19,000 members, including nearly 2,500 in Scotland. For more details on BVA’s voter toolkit for Scotland, visit www.bva.co.uk/scottish-branch.
As charities across the UK face increasing financial pressure and a decline in overall donations, Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home is thanking its community of regular donors whose ongoing support is helping transform the lives of pets and their owners.
Today, 3,044 regular donors collectively fund approximately one sixth of the charity’s work and aid in ensuring animals receive the care they need all year round.
With rising energy and operational costs placing growing pressure on animal welfare charities, the Home is highlighting the vital role that consistent, monthly donations play in keeping its doors open. It costs around £7,000 per day to run the Home, which receives no government funding and relies almost entirely on the generosity of the public.
Amelia Morgan, CEO at Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, said:“Regular giving allows us to plan for the future and ensure these wonderful animals receive the highest quality of care all year round, no matter what.
“We are endlessly grateful for the continuing support of our regular donors who help us be there for dogs and cats who need us.”
Even small monthly donations have a direct impact, from helping provide food for growing kittens and puppies, to covering essential treatments, specialist diets, and dedicated behavioural training to help dogs thrive.
That ongoing support is what enables the charity to make rehoming stories like Hamish’s possible.
Hamish, an anxious collie, spent almost a year in the Home’s care after struggling to trust new people. The team worked patiently to build his confidence, knowing it would take time for him to truly come out of his shell and find the right person for Hamish.
That moment came when he met his new owner Paul. Visit by visit, trust began to grow, until Hamish was ready to take the next step. Today, he is thriving, full of life, loyal and enjoying the loving home he deserves.
Hamish’s journey is just one example of the impact regular donations make every day. In 2025 alone, the Home accepted 343 animals, rehomed or reunited 318 pets, and provided more than 636,000 meals through community food banks, support that met only half of the demand seen across the region.
As demand continues to grow, the charity says regular giving will play an increasingly important role in ensuring it can continue to support pets and their owners through challenging times.
Amelia added:“Every single regular donation helps us be there for animals like Hamish and the thousands more who need us each year.
“To everyone who already supports us, thank you. You are making a real and lasting difference every single day.”
To donate to the Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home, please visit:
‘It’s not a fight of people versus farmers, but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals’ – James Dalgleish
‘A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars’ – Claire Bass
Humane World for Animals UK (formerly known as Humane Society International UK) was in Edinburgh city centre on April 14 with its campaign to ban farrowing crates. Campaigners installed a life-sized animatronic pig named Penny to highlight the harsh reality faced by tens of thousands of mother pigs on industrial farms.
Penny sparked discussions among members of the public about her presence inside a metal crate, like those used to confine sows while they give birth and nurse their piglets. The striking installation is designed to show the severe restriction endured by mother pigs kept in these systems.
Abdullah from Livingstone, said:“Putting a sentient being in any sort of cage is unacceptable. I think mother pigs should be free to look after their babies, without being confined or exploited, just like we would expect a human mother or a mother from any other animal species.”
According to the latest agricultural census, as of 2025, Scotland is home to 25,600 sows, about half of whom are kept in indoor pig farms that keep mother pigs in these cages. Under current laws, they can be kept for up to five weeks confined in narrow metal cages every time they give birth, typically two or three times a year.
The cages are so restrictive that the animals are unable to turn around and have little opportunity to engage in natural behaviours such as nest-building or moving freely with their piglets, damaging their physical and mental health.
James Dalgleish, Labour candidate for Edinburgh Central, said:“It’s not a fight of people versus farmers but about working with farmers to make sure we can get better protections for animals who can then be healthier and happier.”
Polling commissioned by Humane World for Animals UK revealed that 84% of the Scottish public reject the use of farrowing crates for mother pigs.
Over half of respondents (54%) stated they would be willing to pay more for meat from crate-free pigs, indicating opportunities for farmers to benefit from the highest welfare standards financially.
Humane World for Animals UK warns that some parts of the industry are shifting towards so-called ‘flexible’ farrowing crates, which involve the same extreme confinement for a shorter period (10 days). The organisation says these systems will condemn another generation of mother pigs to unnecessary suffering, and advocates instead for cages to be replaced with free-farrowing pens.
Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns at Humane World for Animals UK, said: “Many people are shocked that such extreme, prolonged confinement is still legal in Scotland. Farmers must end cruel caging, not replace old cages with new ones that would condemn millions more pregnant and nursing pigs to future decades of misery. A cage is a cage, and public opinion is clear: mother pigs don’t belong behind bars.
“With the Scottish election fast approaching, our tour is turning public compassion into political pressure. Voters in Edinburgh and across Scotland are demanding change and joining our call for the next Scottish Government to support farmers to put an end to pregnancy cage cruelty.”
ABOUT HUMANE WORLD FOR ANIMALS
Together, we tackle the root causes of animal cruelty and suffering to create permanent change. With millions of supporters and work underway in over 50 countries, Humane World for Animals—formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International—addresses the most deeply entrenched forms of animal cruelty and suffering.
As the leading voice in the animal protection space, we work to end the cruellest practices, care for animals in crisis and build a stronger animal protection movement. Driving toward the greatest global impact, we aim to achieve the vision behind our name: a more humane world.
With the clocks moving forward this weekend, dog owners may notice small changes in their pets’ behaviour as routines shift overnight.
According to Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, the fresh dog food subscription service, even a one-hour adjustment can affect feeding times, walks and sleep patterns for dogs that rely heavily on routine.
“Dogs are creatures of habit,” says Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, a fresh dog nutrition brand focused on personalised feeding.
“They don’t understand the concept of daylight saving time, so when feeding or walk times suddenly change by an hour, it can feel confusing for them. Some dogs may wake earlier, seem restless, or start asking for food before their owners are ready.”
The clocks in the UK moved forward on Sunday 29 March 2026, meaning mornings will be darker and evenings lighter.
Jo Hinds, COAPE-Certified Behaviourist & Dynamic Dog Practitioner at Years, says the shift can be particularly noticeable for dogs that follow very structured daily schedules: “Dogs learn routines incredibly quickly. If breakfast normally arrives at 7am, their internal clock expects it.
“When that suddenly becomes 8am from their perspective, they can become impatient or unsettled.”
Signs Your Dog Is Adjusting to the Clock Change
Owners may notice small behavioural changes in the days following the time shift, including:
Waking earlier than usual
Asking for food earlier in the morning
Increased restlessness in the evening
Seeming slightly out of sync with walk times
“These behaviours are usually temporary,” Jo explains. “Most dogs settle within a few days once the new routine becomes consistent.”
Tips to Help Dogs Adjust to the Clock Change
Pet experts say small adjustments can make the transition easier:
Shift routines gradually Move feeding and walk times by 10 to 15 minutes over a few days before the clocks change.
Keep exercise consistent Regular walks help maintain structure and reduce restlessness.
Stick to familiar cues Using the same bowls, walking routes and commands helps reinforce routine.
Avoid sudden feeding delays If your dog is clearly expecting breakfast earlier, easing the transition over a few days can prevent frustration.
Maintain evening wind down habits Consistent bedtime routines help dogs adapt to lighter evenings.
“Dogs thrive on predictable schedules,” Jo adds. “A few small adjustments can make the clocks changing far less confusing for them.”
Pet owners are also reminded that lighter evenings often mean longer walks and more outdoor activity for dogs, which can help them quickly settle into the new seasonal rhythm.
PROTESTERS gathered outside Edinburgh Pets At Home (Pets At Home Edinburgh Fort Kinnaird) today and called on newly appointed CEO, James Bailey, to stop live animal sales at all of the chain’s stores.
Live animals are sold in the majority of Pets At Home stores; rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, gerbils, fishes, insects and reptiles.
Newly appointed Pets At Home CEO James Bailey, will start work in the new role on March 30th 2026.
Campaigners representing Rescue Not Retail are calling on James Bailey, the former Waitrose boss, to end the sale of live animals in all Pets At Home stores.
Protestors wore masks and signs were held outside the front of the shop that said “Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop!’ Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!”, “Hamsters are not toys! Just like us!”. “Fishes are not decorations! Just like us!”. “Snakes are not hobbies! Just like us!”.
The protest was part of a nationwide week of action organised by campaign group Rescue Not Retail. Other protests are happening in Edinburgh, Derby, Dorchester, Huddersfield, Leeds, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Portsmouth, Southampton
The week of action has followed an open letter written by Rescue Not Retail to Pets at Home asking for an end to animal sales. The letter was endorsed by Chris Packham, Dame Joanna Lumley, Gail Porter, Peter Egan and other notable figures, including 29 veterinary professionals and 25 animal rescues.
Over the past 6 months, Pets At Home have seen their profits dive, a 25% drop in share price, and their CEO depart with an interim currently in place.
Rival pet store chain Jollyes removed live animals from all of their stores earlier this year, receiving praise from animal rescues.
The UK is in a rescue crisis, exacerbated by the fallout of Covid and the rising cost of living, with an estimated 184,000 small animals given up every year.
LOCALS protested for two hours outside Pets At Home (Edinburgh, Fort Kinnaird) calling for new CEO James Bailey to stop selling live animals. With rescue centres across the country at bursting point and facing funding issues, campaigners are addressing the root cause of this crisis.
Many pet store chains have already stopped selling live animals, James Bailey and Pets At Home are simply being asked to follow suit. A growing number of people are boycotting Pets At Home stores completely due to the conditions the animals are kept in there, likely contributing to the recent slump in profits of the business.
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must end the abuse of animals in shops by halting animal sales across all stores.
“We’re saying loud and clear: ‘Animal abuse in shops! James Bailey, make it stop! Pets at home abuse them daily! End it now James Bailey!“
Chris Rhodes, an animal advocate from Edinburgh said:“James Bailey, the newly appointed CEO of Pets at Home, must take immediate action to end this abuse by halting animal sales across all stores.
“Pets at Home is acting irresponsibly by encouraging the objectification of animals and enabling impulse purchases. There is a troubling lack of transparency within the pet industry—we do not know exactly where the animals sold at Pets at Home come from. Pet mills operate as factory farms supplying animals for the trade.
“Snakes, fishes, and hamsters are thinking, feeling beings with distinct personalities and complex needs. They are not decorations or toys to be bought on a whim and discarded when they become inconvenient. Pets at Home should instead promote adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis..“
Chris Rhodes, animal advocate, from Edinburgh said: “James Bailey, the new CEO of Pets at Home, must end the sale of animals and stop reinforcing the idea that animal exploitation is acceptable.
“Fishes, snakes, and hamsters are sentient beings with the capacity to think and feel. Animals are not objects, decorations, or toys to be purchased for human gratification. Pets at Home should instead champion adoption as a way to help address the ongoing rescue crisis.
“Fishes are not decorations! Hamsters are not toys! Snakes are not ‘hobbies’. Rabbits are not ‘for children’.”
Rescue Not Retail is a campaign group raising awareness of animal suffering in the pet industry.
The organisation’s first aim is getting Pets At Home to stop selling live animals on their shop floors. All animals are complex individuals who have specific care needs that can be very difficult for the average household to meet.
Misinformation during sales leads to many people finding themselves responsible for an animal they cannot properly care for, so the animal ends up either neglected, passed on to a rescue, or abandoned.
In response to the campaign’s recent open letter, naturalist Chris Packham said:“It’s time we stopped treating sentient, feeling animals as products on a shelf. Every small animal sold in a shop is an individual, not a toy or decoration.
Like ourselves, each hamster, rabbit, guinea pig and so on has just one life to live and they deserve not to be commodified. Keeping animals on shop floors encourages people to buy them on a whim, which is fuelling a rescue crisis in the UK.
“If we truly love animals we must end the sale of them in stores.”
Inn collaboration with Animal Rising, Dame Joanna Lumley has launched an animation showing conditions inside MBR Acres and the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.
MBR Acres breeds beagles for use in animal testing, primarily toxicology.
Earlier this week, five individuals were convicted of burglary in relation to the 2022 rescue. 13 more are due to face charges in the same case across three separate trials in early 2026. Another three are due to stand trial for a seperate rescue from MBR Acres in June 2022.
A petition launched by Animal Rising, calling for the closure of MBR Acres and the safe rehoming of the beagle puppies inside, has gained over 41,000 signatures.
The animation has been released on the third anniversary of the rescue of 18 beagle puppies in 2022.
In a pre-Christmas plea for goodwill, Dame Joanna Lumley and Animal Rising have joined forces to call on the Home Office and Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood MP to urgently close down the beagle breeding facility known as MBR Acres and rehome all the dogs still there.
Rose Patterson, 36, Animal Rising Co-Director, from Harrogate and living in Hackney, said: “It is an honour to have a national treasure like Dame Joanna Lumley backing us, and thousands of others, in calling for the closure of MBR Acres and safe rehoming of the beautiful beagle puppies inside.
“It is utterly tragic that we use an animal that we also call ‘man’s best friend’ in horrific, painful, and needless experiments.
“It’s not the Victorian Era anymore; we don’t need to rely on using dogs in experimentation for reliable results. We have so many more options available to us that provide greater reliability, using better science.
“Shabana Mahmood needs to step up and make good on Labour’s manifesto promise to end animal testing as swiftly as possible.”
The animation details some of the procedures beagles undergo at MBR Acres, including “terminal blood sampling” that the facility is licensed to carry out.
This license allows MBR Acres to drain healthy dogs of blood and harvest their organs for other use. It moves on to depict the rescues, on two separate occasions, of dogs from the facility (with five puppies rescued in June 2022 and 18 more in December 2022).
Journal articles over recent years, including multiple in the British Medical Journal, have raised serious questions about the claims made by proponents of animal testing. Critics of animal testing point to drugs that passed testing in animals and later led to, sometimes, thousands of human death.
Nathan McGovern, 26, a defendant convicted in this week’s trial, said: “Not only is using innocent beagle puppies for animal testing cruel and painful, but it’s also just bad science.
“Non-animal methods are surging ahead in both reliability and cost. It’s plain that the future is here now, and we need to move with the times with the immediate shutdown of MBR Acres.
MBR has an absolutely atrocious track record when it comes to animal welfare, with both Italian and US facilities shutting down in recent years. In Italy, three senior employees even got prison sentences.”
Animal Rising is calling on concerned members of the public to sign their petition to shut down MBR Acres and rehome all the puppies there.
Sign the petition to save the beagles and shut down MBR Acres:
Defra announces biggest animal welfare reforms in a generation
UK Government launches new plans to protect and improve the lives of our pets, farmed and wild animals
The UK government will launch its Animal Welfare Strategy today – Monday 22 December, setting out new plans to protect treasured pets and much-loved wildlife across the country.
These generational reforms will end the cruel practice of puppy farming, where breeding dogs are kept in appalling conditions, often overbred, and denied proper care. These inhumane practices often result in puppies suffering from long-term health issues.
The Strategy further enhances protections for dogs and wildlife, building on new laws that put an end to puppy smuggling.
Farm animals in England and Wales will be better protected from dog attacks thanks to new livestock worrying laws. Tougher penalties and greater police powers will help relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities.
Legislation, regulations and current practices need to be reformed as they have not kept pace with the latest evidence, and there have been instances of individuals taking advantage of loopholes.
The Animal Welfare Strategy, launched today by the Environment Secretary, will help fix this and deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation – in line with our manifesto promise.
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers. This government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.
“Visiting Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reminded me that millions of families welcome pets into their homes every year. Our strategy will raise welfare standards for animals in the home, on the farm and in the wild.
“We’ve already acted to improve zoo standards, end puppy smuggling and protect livestock from dog attacks. Now, we’re planning to ban caged hens, cruel snares, trail hunting, and curb low welfare dog breeding.”
The Animal Welfare Strategy sets out how the government will deliver:
Improved welfare for companion animals by:
Reforming dog breeding practices to improve health and welfare, preventing animals from becoming unwell and ending puppy farming
Consulting on a ban on the use of electric shock collars due to the possible harm to our pets
Considering the introduction of new licences for domestic rescue and rehoming organisations to ensure rescues have the right checks in place
Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety
Improved welfare for farmed animals by:
Moving away from confinement systems such as colony cages for laying hens and the use of pig farrowing crates
Addressing the welfare issues that arise from the use of carbon dioxide to stun pigs because of animal welfare concerns
Introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish to spare them avoidable pain
Promoting the use of slow growing meat chicken breeds
Protection for wild animals by:
Banning trail hunting amidst concerns it is being used as a smokescreen for hunting
Banning snare traps because they cause suffering to animals and can catch pets
Introducing a close season for hares which should reduce the number of adult hares being shot in the breeding season, meaning that fewer young hares are left motherless and vulnerable to starvation and predation
The Animal Welfare Strategy builds on this government’s proven track record in delivering reforms for animals. This includes introducing new, world-leading standards for zoos earlier this year and supporting passage of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 and the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act.
The government will work with interested parties to deliver the strategy by the end of 2030.
Thomas Schultz-Jagow, Director of Advocacy and Prevention at RSPCA, said: “The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy is a significant step forward which has the potential to improve the lives of millions of animals.
“People in the UK love animals and they want to see governments leading the way to outlaw cruel practices which cause suffering such as a phase out of cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs.
“As we need a radical rethink about the way we see and treat animals in this country, this strategy leads the way by showing a strong commitment to animal welfare. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to give all animals the protection they deserve.”
Sonul Badiani-Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director, said: “FOUR PAWS UK welcomes the publication of the Animal Welfare Strategy today and the commitments outlined which have the potential to transform the lives of millions of animals.
“Improving animal welfare is not only a moral and ethical imperative, but also essential to building a healthy and prosperous nation. By taking action to end the use of confinement systems in farming, banning trail hunting and tackling the scourge of puppy farming, the government can significantly reduce animal suffering in the UK.
“The priority now must be swift action to deliver on these commitments for animals, and FOUR PAWS UK stands ready to support the Government in doing so.”
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said: “We welcome the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy, particularly its commitment to delivering the measures set out in the recently passed Animal Welfare Bill, which will prevent the import of underage puppies, heavily pregnant dogs and dogs with mutilations.
“We are also pleased that the Government plans to consult on the regulation of rehoming centres. We have seen too many cases of neglect and fatalities involving dogs at the hands of unregulated individuals, and the public strongly supports mandatory licensing and regular inspections.
“We look forward to working with the Government to ensure the Strategy is implemented swiftly and effectively, so that all dogs are properly protected.”
Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns and public affairs at Humane World for Animals, said: “There are hundreds of millions of animals in the UK whose health and wellbeing depends on humans and we welcome this Strategy’s commitment to tackle some of the most indefensible and avoidable forms of suffering.
“The Government’s commitment towards phasing out farrowing crates for mother pigs is in tune with both welfare science and public opinion. Supporting farmers to give animals more of the freedom they need and deserve is a hugely commendable and popular goal.”
Anthony Field, Head of Compassion in World Farming UK, said: “Compassion in World Farming welcomes the UK Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy as a landmark step forward in protecting farmed animals across Britain.
“By committing to phase out cages for laying hens and farrowing crates for pigs, over 7 million hens and 150,000 pigs will benefit annually.
“We are also delighted that the Government’s commitment to improve the welfare of tens of millions of pigs and fish at slaughter. The Government is raising the bar for farmed animal welfare.
“Compassion very much welcomes the Government’s leadership on this and looks forward to working with them to turn these commitments into the much-needed policy changes as soon as possible.”
Michael Webb, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Battersea, said: “Battersea welcomes the Government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy. The reforms laid out in the Strategy will address some of the key issues that we as a charity have been campaigning for over many years, including regulating the rescue sector, tackling bad breeding practices and putting an end to puppy smuggling.
“There is clearly still a lot of detail to work out, and the Strategy does not claim to tackle every problem animals face. However, Battersea is hopeful that it will be the catalyst for real, lasting change and ultimately make a brighter future for future for animals across the country.
“We look forward to working alongside the Government to ensure these promises are implemented effectively and ultimately safeguard the welfare of dogs and cats.”
Charlotte Di Cello, Chief Commercial Officer at Waitrose, comments: ““The Animal Welfare Strategy is an important step towards better lives for farmed animals. Shoppers want higher welfare standards and it is really good to know that some of the more inhumane methods of farming, such as fast-growing chickens, will be consigned to history in the UK.
“Waitrose has led the industry on higher welfare in partnership with British farmers: we stopped selling eggs from caged hens nearly 25 years ago; this year delivered the Better Chicken Commitment for all own-label chicken and all own-label pork will be free range by 2027.
“Our new welfare rating label has been welcomed and we are hopeful the strategy will be a springboard to a mandatory scheme in the future to boost transparency and more conscious choice for shoppers.”
Emma Slawinski, chief executive of the League Against Cruel Sports, said: “The bans already in place in Wales and Scotland marked a pivotal step in acknowledging the unnecessary suffering caused by these indiscriminate and cruel devices, so the government’s announcement that it will implement a ban on the use of snares in England is very welcome indeed.
“Snares pose a constant danger in the countryside, and not just for the animals these traps are laid to catch. The League has compiled case studies over many years where animals such as badgers, hares, and even pet dogs and cats have been caught and killed by snares, often discovered by members of the public left horrified by what they have seen.
“These traps are blunt instruments of cruelty, often used for no other reason than to protect millions of game birds which are later shot just for fun, and have no place in a country committed to taking a progressive approach to animal welfare.
“We commend the government for taking robust steps to ensure we will become such a country by outlawing snares.”
