House of Commons debate on licensing and regulation of animal rescue centres

A Westminster Hall debate on 26 January 2026 revealed cross‑party agreement that England can no longer continue without mandatory licensing for animal rescue and rehoming centres. The discussion, prompted by a petition signed by nearly 110,000 people, underscored growing concern that the current voluntary system leaves animals and adopters exposed to serious risks.

The debate was triggered by a public petition calling for compulsory licensing and regular inspections of dog and cat rescue centres. Petitioners argued that the absence of statutory oversight enables unethical or unsafe operators to flourish. MPs agreed that while many rescues maintain high standards, voluntary frameworks such as RSPCA guidance and the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) code lack the enforceability needed to protect animal welfare.

Several MPs highlighted that England is now the only part of Great Britain without a statutory licensing regime. Scotland introduced licensing in 2021, and Wales is progressing towards its own system. This inconsistency, MPs warned, leaves gaps that can be exploited by poor‑quality or fraudulent operators.

The debate drew heavily on recent high‑profile failures. The most cited was the Billericay case, where 37 dogs were found dead and 20 more in poor condition at a self‑described rescue centre. Local authorities confirmed that no licensing breach had occurred because no licence was required. MPs also referenced a 2024 case in Lincolnshire involving nearly 100 seized animals, as well as numerous examples of pets rehomed without behavioural assessments, medical checks or transparency about their origins.

Welfare, safety and biosecurity concerns

MPs warned that the lack of regulation creates risks across multiple fronts. Welfare failures such as overcrowding, disease outbreaks and long‑term confinement were described as widespread in unregulated settings. Public safety concerns were also raised, particularly around rising dog bite incidents linked to poorly assessed animals. Biosecurity risks, including the importation of dogs carrying diseases such as Leishmania infantum, were highlighted as an increasing problem. Some MPs warned that criminal groups are using unregulated rescues to launder puppy‑farm dogs or raise fraudulent donations.

There was broad support for a publicly accessible national database of rescue centres. MPs argued that a central register would improve transparency, support enforcement and help the public make informed adoption choices.

Protecting small rescues

While backing regulation, MPs urged the Government to avoid repeating mistakes seen in Scotland, where some small foster‑based rescues closed after struggling to meet licensing thresholds. They stressed the need for proportionate rules, tiered fees and transitional support to ensure high‑welfare volunteer‑led rescues are not forced out of operation.

Government to launch consultation

Responding for the Government, DEFRA Minister Angela Eagle confirmed that a formal consultation will be launched as part of the Animal Welfare Strategy published in December 2025. The consultation will examine minimum welfare standards, training requirements, inspection models and enforcement mechanisms, as well as how to ensure proportionality for smaller organisations.

Eagle acknowledged that enforcement is as critical as regulation, noting inconsistent use of existing powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the impact of local authority resource pressures. She also confirmed that DEFRA has commissioned research into the welfare implications of rehoming dogs from overseas, with findings expected later this year.