Policy Threads

Pet Microchipping and Scanning Policy

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs is advancing mandatory microchipping and scanning requirements for pet dogs and cats in England through the Pets (Microchips) Bill, alongside addressing animal welfare concerns including ear cropping, tail docking, and cat declawing. The policy aims to improve pet traceability, prevent animal cruelty, and close loopholes enabling importation of mutilated animals. The legislation is in active development with consultation responses received and government response published.

7 May 2024 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs linked

EM on EU Regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats (COM(23)769)

The government's summary of proposed EU legislation providing for improved animal welfare standards for dogs and cats and improving their traceability.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ EM on proposed EU legislation on welfare of dog… (7pp)

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↓ Corrigendum to EM (1pp)

3 Sep 2021 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Home Office Ministry of Justice linked

Pet theft taskforce report

This report sets out the findings of the taskforce and the recommendations that the government will be taking forward to tackle the issue of pet theft.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Pet theft taskforce report

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↓ Pet theft taskforce report (PDF version) (35pp)

8 May 2021 | Policy paper Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Home Office Ministry of Justice linked

Pet theft taskforce: terms of reference

Terms of reference for the cross government pet theft taskforce.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Pet theft taskforce: terms of reference