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Recommendations for dangerous dogs law
Efra report suggests cover for protected animals

Cats Protection has welcomed the Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee's suggestion that the law on dangerous dogs be extended to cover animals.

While the Draft Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Bill is currently out for scrutiny, Efra has recommended in a report that the law should include dog attacks that injure any protected animal – including cats.

Protected animals are defined as any animal with a backbone, other than man. Therefore, this includes mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians but does not apply to animals in foetal, larval or embryonic form.

Jacqui Cuff, advocacy manager at Cats Protection, said: "We very much welcome this recommendation and are pleased that the issue was raised in yesterday's House of Commons debate.

"On average there is one reported fatal dog attack on a cat every week in England alone and, tragically, the current law does not provide adequate protection from such attacks."

The Department for Food, Environment and Rural Affairs (Defra) has not yet responded as to whether the Bill will be extended to cover protected animals.

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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.