Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many unannounced inspections have been carried out at licensed establishments breeding dogs for scientific procedures during periods when heat-health alerts have been in force in each of the last five years.

Under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA), licensed establishments are responsible for ensuring the welfare of animals in their care at all times, including during extremes of temperature. All such establishments must comply with ASPA, the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes, and relevant licence conditions. This includes requirements for daily checks of animal welfare and environmental conditions, and for breaches or potential breaches of licence conditions to be reported to the Secretary of State.

In addition to a programme of announced and unannounced inspections, the Animals in Science Regulation Unit (ASRU) assesses compliance through reviews of establishment arrangements, and regular engagement with establishments. These arrangements are not limited to routine inspections.

ASRU’s regulatory oversight is informed by a risk assessment of the licensed establishment, including factors such as the species held and the type of work conducted. Where appropriate, ASRU may request updates on operational matters and environmental conditions, including temperature monitoring, to ensure that appropriate standards of animal welfare are maintained.

The Home Office does not hold records as to whether inspections coincided with periods when Government heat-health alerts were in force. Inspection frequency is determined in line with the requirements of ASPA and ASRU’s risk-informed approach.