Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department is considering measures to restrict those convicted of animal abuse from purchasing animals.

Post‑conviction sentencing powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 already include disqualification orders, which prevent individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning, keeping, or participating in the care of animals. Where police or local authorities have concerns that a person subject to a disqualification order may be breaching it, they are able to carry out checks and take appropriate enforcement action. While the Government continues to keep all animal welfare measures under review, there are currently no plans to introduce additional measures.