Written questions

Domestic Animals: Animal Welfare

Commons · Question 71396 · Tabled 29 Aug 2025 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 4 Sep 2025

Question

Asked by Matt Vickers

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has had discussions with animal welfare organisations on tackling the misuse of air weapons against pets.

Answer

Answered by Daniel Zeichner, 4 Sep 2025

Defra regularly engage with animal welfare organisations on a range of issues. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide for its welfare. Anyone who is cruel to an animal, or does n...