Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 103666

Animal Welfare: Licensing

Tabled: 6 January 2026

Answered: 13 January 2026

Question

James McMurdock

Independent — South Basildon and East Thurrock

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will take steps to ensure that animal rescue and rehoming centres are subject to the same licensing requirements as other animal-related establishments.

Answer

Dame Angela Eagle

As set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy, Defra will launch a consultation on licensing domestic rescue and rehoming organisations.