Government pressed on future use of dog breed Health Assessment tool

The UK Government has been asked to clarify whether a new “Innate Health Assessment” for dog breeds will be incorporated into statutory licensing rules for breeders, following a written parliamentary question highlighting concerns about extreme canine body shapes and low‑welfare breeding practices.

On 18 March 2026, Plaid Cymru MP Ben Lake asked the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether the assessment tool would form part of future licensing conditions. The tool, developed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, is designed to help breeders and owners evaluate a dog’s innate health traits and reduce the risk of inherited suffering.

Responding on 26 March, Environment Minister Angela Eagle confirmed that the assessment remains voluntary. She noted that it was created to address the welfare problems associated with extreme physical traits and said the Government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, includes a commitment to end low‑welfare dog breeding. The strategy also promises a forthcoming consultation on wider dog‑breeding reforms.

However, the minister did not indicate whether the assessment tool will be embedded into statutory licensing conditions, nor did she provide a timeline for the consultation.

The exchange comes amid sustained concern from vets and welfare organisations about the health problems affecting certain high‑risk breeds, particularly flat‑faced dogs. While the assessment tool is currently optional, industry pressure for clearer standards is growing, and the Government’s consultation is expected to shape the future regulatory landscape for breeders.