Animal lovers across the UK are deeply worried that after the seven-day statutory holding period, many healthy stray dogs are not being offered for adoption but are instead euthanised - often without clear accountability.
Andrew Rosindell MP called on the Leader of the House to make time for Members to examine whether stronger reporting requirements and safeguards are needed to protect these animals.
Should councils and contracted shelters face stricter transparency rules?
Animal lovers across the country— most especially Katie Amess, the daughter of our late dear friend, who is continuing the battle for animal welfare across the country—are raising concerns that after the seven-day statutory period, many healthy dogs are not being offered for adoption and are instead euthanised without transparency. One shelter that receives dogs from several councils lists only a handful that are available for rehoming despite its far higher intake figures. That lack of accountability is deeply troubling. Will the Leader of the House make time for Members to examine whether stronger reporting requirements and safeguards are needed to protect those animals, and may we have a debate on the welfare of stray dogs transferred by local authorities to contracted shelters?
Andrew Rosindell M.P., Member of Parliament for Romford
The hon. Gentleman is right to raise these sad and often abhorrent cases. Should he seek a debate, he could amplify his message, and others could join him, so that anyone who is engaged in these practices recognises the scale of concern. If they cannot change the way in which they operate, the Government will need to consider whether legislation is adequate.
The Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Campbell M.P., Leader of the House of Commons
