Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 93774
Animal Welfare: Standards
Tabled: 24 November 2025
Answered: 2 December 2025
Question
Mr Richard Holden
Conservative — Basildon and Billericay
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what enforcement powers are available when local authorities fail to meet minimum animal welfare standards.
Answer
Dame Angela EagleIn cases of local authorities’ failure to meet animal welfare standards, Defra retains the necessary powers and scope to intervene under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.