Found: the railway between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace 287 Closed on 13 December 2023 Make pet euthanasia

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what analysis they have undertaken in either of the last two Parliaments of the fiscal implications for the National Health Service and the wider economy of any liberalisation of end-of-life care and assisted dying.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

No assessment has been made of the fiscal implications for the National Health Service, or the wider economy, of any liberalisation of end of life care and assisted dying.

Integrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning palliative and end of life care services that meet the needs of their local populations. This promotes a more consistent national approach and supports commissioners in prioritising palliative and end of life care. To support ICBs in this duty, NHS England has published statutory guidance and service specifications for adults, and children and young people.

Assisted dying is an extremely sensitive issue with deeply held views on both sides of the debate. A vote on any change to the law of England and Wales in this area is a matter for Parliament to decide. It is reasonable to have a discussion on what is an important topic, and it is right that we locate that question within a broader context of how we care for people at the end of their lives. Should the law on assisting dying change, the Government would work with stakeholders to ensure that safeguards were in place, and that the law is enforced in the way that Parliament intended.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether she has made a cost benefit analysis of the implementation of assisted dying.

Answered by Helen Whately - Shadow Secretary of State for Transport

No cost benefit analysis has been made of the implementation of assisted dying.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will take steps to require veterinarians to (a) record and (b) publish information on all animals they euthanise.

Answered by Mark Spencer

Euthanasia of an animal is an important means to help protect animal welfare by being able to relieve suffering. Whilst this is the primary reason for euthanasia, a veterinary surgeon must also take account of the owners’ wishes and circumstances. Advice about euthanasia is laid out in the guidance underpinning the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Code of Professional Conduct, which all veterinary surgeons practising in the UK must adhere to. Where a veterinary surgeon considers a request for euthanasia is not in the best interest of the animal, they can challenge this.

We have not seen evidence of widespread unnecessary euthanasia and we do not consider that the case for a new reporting requirement has been established.

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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of taking steps to implement mandatory reporting by veterinarians of the euthanasia of (a) healthy and (b) otherwise treatable animals.

Answered by Mark Spencer

Euthanasia of an animal is an important means to help protect animal welfare by being able to relieve suffering. Whilst this is the primary reason for euthanasia, a veterinary surgeon must also take account of the owners’ wishes and circumstances. Advice about euthanasia is laid out in the guidance underpinning the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons’ Code of Professional Conduct, which all veterinary surgeons practising in the UK must adhere to. Where a veterinary surgeon considers a request for euthanasia is not in the best interest of the animal, they can challenge this.

We have not seen evidence of widespread unnecessary euthanasia and we do not consider that the case for a new reporting requirement has been established.

Amend legislation and establish a Rehoming Scheme specifically tailored for rehoming banned breed dogs that are of good temperament, collaborate with reputable rescue charities and organisations, ensuring that potential adopters undergo thorough screening and education on responsible dog ownership.

Found: This could help prevent unnecessary euthanasia of dogs.

Found: confirm how many payments have been made to claimants as part of the government's offer to subsidise euthanasia

Found: At the time of your request, we had received 397 valid euthanasia compensation claims for XL Bully dogs

Found: trusted less ▪Disagreement with the charity's actions can lead to distrust, such as the RSPCAs use of euthanasia

Found: compensation have been received by the Scottish Government since February 23, 2024 to a) cover the costs of euthanasia

Found: Bill debate on euthanasia, assisted death and suicide: FOI release

Found: There will be a compensation scheme towards the cost of euthanasia.

Found: Compensation for euthanasia of XL bully dogs: EIR release