Jenny Riddell-Carpenter

The hon. Member has put her comments on the record. I will ask the Home Office to write to her directly on those points. I am aware that there is support for the creation of a specific animal protection disclosure scheme more broadly. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is already working with the Home Office to support the effective use of the existing domestic violence disclosure scheme for animal cruelty offences. The scheme provides guidance for police to use existing powers to disclose information about an individual’s history of violent or abusive behaviour where that information is relevant to protecting a victim or potential victim from domestic abuse. Police can also make a disclosure proactively where they believe someone may be at risk. Importantly, disclosures are not limited to criminal convictions or domestic abuse offences; the police may disclose information relating to animal cruelty where they assess it is relevant to the risk posed to an individual. I understand that the Home Office is currently reviewing how the scheme works in practice to ensure it is applied consistently and effectively across police forces. I am sure the points that have been raised in this debate have been noted—they are on record, and I am sure they will be heard. I also welcome the proactive approach that the RSPCA has taken in exploring how information on animal cruelty can be shared more effectively with the police. It recognises that the information gathered by its inspectors can have a much wider role in protecting both animals and people. The RSPCA is working with the Home Office and the police to explore how that relevant information from its visits and investigations can be shared more effectively to support safeguarding and risk assessment processes.