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Report calls for 'pet-friendly officer' to support homeless dog owners
The report highlights the barriers facing homeless pet owners, such as access to safe accomodation and support.

'Pet-Friendly Paw-licy' highlights barriers to accessing safe accommodation and support. 

Animal welfare organisations and housing groups have joined forces with Jack Sargeant MS to highlight the importance of keeping homeless people with their pets.

The Member of the Senedd for Alyn and Deeside has submitted the ‘Pet-Friendly Paw-licy’ to the Welsh Government, which is focussed on the importance of supporting homeless people with dogs to access safe accommodation.

The report highlights the barriers facing homeless pet owners and recommends a number of steps to increase the available options for accommodation and support, including the creation of a 'pet-friendly officer'.

It follows discussions with the Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, homelessness charities The Wallich and Shelter Cymru, Cymorth Cymru (the umbrella body for providers of homelessness support in Wales), and the National Residential Landlord’s Association.

Mr Sargeant said: “My involvement in this was inspired by a conversation with a homeless man about his pet. His story about not being able to access accommodation and keep his dog really struck a chord with me.

“I hope the Welsh Government will act on our recommendations and create a position for a pet-friendly officer to increase accommodation and support options for pet owners by working with accommodation providers across Wales.”

Under the Housing (Wales) Act 2014, local authorities must produce a homelessness strategy. Research by the RSPCA, however, found that no currently published strategy makes references to pets or animal welfare.

Welcoming the report, RSPCA public affairs advisor, Lewis Clark, said: "We urge the Welsh Government to work with local authorities and providers of accommodation for homeless people to ensure the fear of losing pets is not providing a barrier to vulnerable individuals accessing services.

“Sadly, many people currently face the harrowing choice of having to abandon pets to access services - which can be a catastrophic decision for them and the animal.”

 

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.