Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to help increase the affordability of cat neutering services.
Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Competition and Markets Authority, which is independent from Defra, is currently undertaking a market investigation into veterinary services, which includes the cost of veterinary care. Defra will review any recommendations that are made by the CMA when their process concludes in 2025. Some animal charities support the cost of neutering in certain circumstances.
Asked by: Mark Sewards (Labour - Leeds South West and Morley)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle the abandonment of domestic animals.
Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
Defra regularly meets animal welfare stakeholders to understand issues and trends that are affecting the sector, including the impact of the rise in the cost of living on pet keepers and welfare organisations. Defra welcomes the support that the animal sector has provided through pet food banks and financial support with veterinary treatment.
The animal sector offers helpful advice to potential pet owners on the responsibilities that come with pet ownership including free guides on the estimated lifetime costs of owning a pet.