Animal Welfare: Coronavirus

(asked on 6th January 2021) - View Source

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether the Government has commissioned any research on levels of animal cruelty during the covid-19 outbreak.


Answered by
Victoria Prentis Portrait
Victoria Prentis
Attorney General
This question was answered on 15th January 2021

The animal welfare sector does excellent work, often on a voluntary basis, protecting animals against cruelty and ensuring that unwanted and abandoned animals in the UK are offered the opportunity of a forever home. I am acutely aware that the coronavirus pandemic, and specifically the measures put in place to control the spread of the virus, continue to affect individuals, businesses and charities caring for animals.

The sector has kept us regularly updated of the developing situation, sharing their surveys particularly with respect to the rescue and rehoming of companion animals, and sharing information on cruelty investigations. Information recently provided by the RSPCA indicates a drop in the number of allegations of cruelty and poor welfare.

It has been encouraging to see the sector working collaboratively to safeguard the welfare of animals in their care in the face of financial hardship and uncertainty. The sector continues to keep us informed of the status of the emergency grants schemes they have established to support numerous smaller organisations. These include ADCH's Coronavirus Emergency Fund and the Covid-19 Equine Rescues Emergency Fund established by the Pet Plan Charitable Trust (PPCT) together with World Horse Welfare and the National Equine Welfare Council.

In addition, we have maintained a regular dialogue with the pet industry, local authorities and the veterinary sector who have all been affected. The Government is helping businesses and charities cope in these strained times whilst remaining completely focussed on managing and eradicating the virus. Organisations can apply for the full range of COVID-19 support measures that the government has made available to businesses and charities. Details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support

The Charity Commission has also issued comprehensive guidance on running a charity during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Details can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-the-charity-sector This includes advice for Trustees on managing financial difficulties with respect to use of reserves, restricted funds and provisions to help businesses continue operating and avoid insolvency during this period of economic uncertainty.

In addition to this, we have worked closely with the animal welfare sector through the Canine and Feline Sector Group and National Equine Welfare Council to agree and update guidance to animal rescue and rehoming organisations, and other animal charities and businesses. This has enabled them to undertake core operations as far as possible, whilst maintaining compliance with the social distancing rules and need for hygiene precautions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Defra remains committed to continued engagement with the sector to understand the longer-term impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, monitor the animal welfare implications of this and offer appropriate advice.

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