Animal Welfare Regulations Post Implementation Review Published

Defra has conducted a Post Implementation Review (PIR) of the Regulations. With reference to the Regulations’ original objectives and impact assessment, we conducted a backward-looking review and considered evidence on the effectiveness of the Regulations, its application and enforcement by local authorities, and its economic costs and benefits.

The Regulations replaced previous regulations to govern a diverse and increasingly innovative range of businesses, and this is the first PIR since they were enacted in 2018. The PIR was informed by extensive engagement with licensable and non-licensable operators and businesses, local authorities and animal welfare groups.

The Regulations will be retained.

The review found that the Regulations are broadly considered to be an improvement on the assorted, often outdated legislation that they replaced. The requirements are clearer, more consistently applied and informed by more up-to-date evidence on the welfare needs of animals. The review also found that local authorities have developed their expertise and capacity to promote animal welfare as a result of the Regulations.

The review also noted significant new developments in regulated sectors since 2018. For example, the growth in commercial activities related to dog breeding. The importance of pet boarding services has also grown in recent years, reflecting changing patterns in pet ownership and lifestyles, as well as increased use of animals for ‘exhibition’ purposes, such as mobile demonstrations and filming. The review finds significant progress in raising standards in these areas.

Areas for improvement were also identified. Key areas included assessing the administrative burden on licensees and inspectors, further support to local authorities to share information and expertise, potential to integrate duties of local authorities e.g. in assessing a licence applicants’ broader record on animal welfare, or considering the safety of children, when issuing licences, and updates to the guidance.