{"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=2&q=animals&state=recent","first":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?q=animals&state=recent","last":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=4&q=animals&state=recent","next":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?page=3&q=animals&state=recent","prev":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions.json?q=animals&state=recent"},"data":[{"type":"petition","id":767555,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/767555.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Introduce lifetime bans for all animal abusers and DBS checks for pet sitters","background":"Recent cases of animal abuse, including those trusted to care for pets, have exposed gaps in current protections. There is no legal requirement for pet sitters to undergo background checks, and no formal system to prevent individuals with a history of animal cruelty from working with animals.","additional_details":"Data from the RSPCA shows that thousands of cruelty complaints are investigated each year, with hundreds of prosecutions, yet we believe sentencing outcomes remain inconsistent and often do not act as a sufficient deterrent. Currently, there is:\r\n• No requirement for background checks for those working with animals\r\n• No automatic lifetime bans for the most serious offenders\r\n• No system to ensure offenders are prevented from reoffending in animal care roles","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":75,"closing_date":"2026-11-14","created_at":"2026-04-17T10:00:12.741Z","updated_at":"2026-07-08T11:59:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-05-14T09:54:18.113Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-17T16:26:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Seth Corbin","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":765849,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765849.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Require meat to be labelled if religiously slaughtered & stunned or not stunned","background":"We want the Government to require all meat products to be clearly labelled to show whether the animal was religiously slaughtered (RS or NRS) and if the animal was stunned before slaughter or not-stunned before slaughter (SS or NSS).","additional_details":"Current labelling rules do not provide enough transparency. In some cases, animals may undergo a recoverable stun and regain consciousness during the slaughter process. We believe this raises important animal welfare concerns that the public should be fully informed about. \r\n\r\nWe are also concerned that meat from religious slaughter may enter the wider food chain without consumers being aware of the method used. We believe transparency and informed choice are essential.\r\n","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":10705,"closing_date":"2026-11-12","created_at":"2026-03-29T23:02:20.659Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T20:03:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-05-12T15:07:49.675Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-30T07:30:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-07-09T18:27:50.000Z","government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Anthony Stacey","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":767158,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/767158.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban euthanasia of healthy pets, create register of owners who have attempted it","background":"Ban euthanising healthy pets. I personally know of instances where pets have been put to sleep just because they were not wanted, the vets offered to rehome the pet but the owners refused.","additional_details":"Such owners should be banned from owning pets again and be placed on a national register. When an animal is not sick, then euthanasia should not be allowed. Instead of euthanising these pets should be rehomed.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":39,"closing_date":"2026-11-11","created_at":"2026-04-12T17:14:30.905Z","updated_at":"2026-07-05T16:16:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-05-11T08:29:47.378Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-13T10:59:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Shelley Cooper","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":767059,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/767059.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban horse racing in the UK and fund transition to lifelong horse welfare safely.","background":"Pass legislation to prohibit horse racing in the UK, end the commercial use of horses for racing, and create a funded transition plan for horses bred for or leaving racing, including retraining, rehoming, sanctuary placement, retirement care, and enforceable welfare protections during the phase-out.","additional_details":"We believe horse racing causes avoidable suffering through overbreeding and wastage, early weaning, the racing and training of physically immature horses, restrictive husbandry, a high prevalence of gastric ulcer disease, and a well-recognised risk of serious and fatal musculoskeletal injury. We believe these harms conflict with modern animal welfare principles, including the Five Domains framework, which requires good nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and mental state in this industry.","committee_note":null,"state":"open","signature_count":236,"closing_date":"2026-11-07","created_at":"2026-04-11T14:48:04.507Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T15:55:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-05-07T16:15:35.152Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-11T15:13:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Elena Papazoglou","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DCMS","name":"Department for Culture, Media and Sport","url":""}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":766482,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/766482.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Require tracking of companion animal euthanasia to prevent unnecessary deaths","background":"Every day healthy and treatable companion animals are put to sleep not because they are old or because they are beyond help but because there are limited places for them to go\r\n\r\nTheir lives end quietly in pounds, commercial kennels, veterinary practices and rescues, often unseen and unrecorded.","additional_details":"Stray dogs can be PTS after 7 days\r\n\r\nStray cats rely on charities not councils\r\n\r\nHealthy/treatable animals are euthanised with no record, no transparency, no opportunity for reform \r\n\r\nWe call on Government to:\r\n\r\n* Record when healthy/treatable animals are euthanised\r\n* Publish annual data\r\n* Introduce a nationwide system to protect stray cats\r\n* Scan microchips for Rescue Back Up and registered keeper\r\n\r\nWithout this data preventable deaths will continue\r\n\r\nEvery animal deserves the chance to live\r\n\r\nTuks Law","committee_note":null,"state":"open","signature_count":3706,"closing_date":"2026-11-01","created_at":"2026-04-04T19:39:32.538Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T20:04:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-05-01T13:52:45.210Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-05T11:53:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Dawn Ashley and Sue Williams","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":763780,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/763780.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Legalise keeping raccoons as pets","background":"I believe that raccoons should be legal to keep as pets in households, not just in specialized, licensed settings","additional_details":"Raccoons are highly intelligent creatures that can be described as playful and engaging. These animals can be somewhat comparable to mischievous cats. Allowing raccoons to be legally kept as pets without licences or other conditions would allow people to learn more about wildlife behaviour and learn how to care for them. It would also be highly educational and people could gain a new interest in them. It could stop illegal breeding and allow them to be properly cared and looked after.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":23,"closing_date":"2026-10-28","created_at":"2026-03-09T18:23:48.215Z","updated_at":"2026-07-08T12:44:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-28T07:59:16.461Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-09T18:37:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Diana Hamad","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":764706,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764706.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Make it illegal to walk dogs during extreme heat to prevent suffering and death.","background":"Introduce legislation to make it an offence to walk or exercise dogs during dangerously high temperatures (i.e. 25°C and above), to protect them from heatstroke and burned paws.","additional_details":"Every year in the UK, dogs suffer and die from preventable heat-related illnesses. Many owners are unaware that dogs cannot regulate their body temperature effectively and can overheat within minutes.\r\n \r\nHot pavements can also cause severe burns to dogs’ paws. When air temperatures reach 25°C, pavement temperatures can be significantly higher and dangerous.\r\n \r\nAnimal welfare organisations warn against walking dogs in hot weather.\r\n \r\nWe believe this legislation would help prevent unnecessary suffering, raise awareness, and hold owners accountable for avoidable harm.\r\n","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":8110,"closing_date":"2026-10-24","created_at":"2026-03-18T17:56:31.203Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T20:56:10.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-24T14:41:31.237Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-18T19:40:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Sarah Jane Derbyshire","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":765511,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/765511.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Change the law for pet food so manufacturers have to announce recipe change","background":"I want parliament to enforce pet food companies to have to announce when they add or change recipes by adding a sticker to all bags containing this new recipe. \r\nMany animals have allergies and companies change recipes without any warning making pet owners have to figure out why their pets are ill.","additional_details":"My dog has a severe chicken allergy and sensitive foods which start off with no chicken in, secretly add chicken or chicken oil which causes him severe pain, sickness and diarrhoea. Many dogs have this same allergy as well as many others.","committee_note":null,"state":"open","signature_count":55,"closing_date":"2026-10-24","created_at":"2026-03-26T21:43:03.493Z","updated_at":"2026-07-08T12:01:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-24T09:58:23.165Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-26T21:54:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Chloe kelly","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":764647,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764647.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban breeding of specific cats and dogs","background":"The breeding of animals such as Pugs, French bulldogs, Chihuahuas, Munchkins, Scottish Folds, Persians, etc. should be banned as these animals can suffer from prominent health issues. They don't deserve to suffer all the life they have as a result of what we view as unethical breeding.","additional_details":"Our pets don't deserve to suffer from this unethical breeding. The health issues certain breeds have put stress on their owners by having to deal with the cost of keeping their pet healthy and alive by going to the vets. Moreover, an animal doesn't deserve to live its whole life struggling to live normally as it battles the struggles of breathing, walking, jumping and simply living. Unethical breeders have put our precious pets through too much due to what we feel is their greed for money.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":51,"closing_date":"2026-10-20","created_at":"2026-03-18T09:02:27.205Z","updated_at":"2026-07-01T23:26:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-20T10:18:41.060Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-18T09:15:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Liam Smith","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":764270,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764270.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban egg hatching programs in schools and nurseries","background":"We request:\r\n- The immediate ban of all egg hatching programs in schools and nurseries.\r\n- The development and promotion of alternative educational resources that communicate similar concepts without involving live animals.\r\n","additional_details":"We believe egg-hatching projects raise serious animal welfare concerns. Embryos can experience stress during artificial incubation, and many chicks are killed soon after hatching, sending a harmful message about the value of animal life. Incubators misrepresent the natural lifecycle by removing the mother hen, so children miss learning about maternal care and natural behaviour. Schools can teach life cycles effectively through videos, virtual simulations and classroom activities without using live animals.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":2241,"closing_date":"2026-10-16","created_at":"2026-03-13T19:58:09.273Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T21:32:20.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-16T08:29:08.640Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-13T21:25:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Gráinne O’Toole","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DfE","name":"Department for Education","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":764002,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/764002.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Launch a Public Consultation on the Reintroduction of the Eurasian Lynx ","background":"I would like to suggest the government consider backing the reintroduction of the Eurasian Lynx as an option to manage deer populations. ","additional_details":"We believe a reintroduction programme for a native predator such as the Lynx, backed by the government, would be one of the most sustainable ways to balance the ecosystem.\r\n \r\nDeer populations in the UK have been out of control for some time now and one of the major reasons for this is the lack of a natural predator such as the Lynx or the Wolf which were both hunted out of extinction in the UK hundreds of years ago. The Eurasian Lynx naturally hunts Roe deer which could help balance the ecosystem and save our woodlands from further destruction by bringing about stable deer population/behaviour. We believe the effect of Lynx on farm animals would be very small in well fenced/managed farms\r\n","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":46,"closing_date":"2026-10-13","created_at":"2026-03-11T15:29:38.208Z","updated_at":"2026-07-10T16:34:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-13T09:11:08.123Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-11T15:41:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Damian Smith","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":762812,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762812.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban zoos and fund more natural reserves and national parks","background":"The UK should prioritise protecting animals in their natural habitats rather than confining them for display. Parliament should phase out zoos and expand protected natural reserves and national parks.","additional_details":"Many animals in zoos show signs of stress, boredom, and abnormal repetitive behaviours.\r\n \r\nLarge-ranging species (e.g. elephants, big cats) cannot express natural behaviours in limited enclosures.\r\n \r\nMany wild animals evolved for vast territories, complex ecosystems, and natural social structures.\r\n \r\nEven accredited zoos cannot replicate the complexity of wild ecosystems.\r\n \r\nWe believe this conflicts with the spirit of the UK’s high animal welfare standards under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":50,"closing_date":"2026-10-09","created_at":"2026-03-01T11:05:44.429Z","updated_at":"2026-07-08T12:45:10.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-09T15:05:34.891Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-07T09:29:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Despoina Karousou","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":763182,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/763182.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Review and Strengthen Animal Welfare Laws for Farmed Animals and Fish","background":"I am calling on the Government to review and strengthen animal welfare laws for all farmed animals, including fish. I think current farming and fishing practices can cause unnecessary suffering. The UK should ensure higher welfare standards and humane treatment for all animals raised for food.","additional_details":"Scientific evidence shows that animals, including fish, can experience pain and stress. Yet some current practices can allow intensive confinement, stressful transport and inadequate stunning before slaughter. We feel that fish can be excluded from full welfare protections. The UK should lead in phasing out the most restrictive systems, improving humane standards, and supporting higher welfare and plant-based alternatives.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":57,"closing_date":"2026-10-07","created_at":"2026-03-04T18:06:24.887Z","updated_at":"2026-07-09T09:52:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-07T12:09:50.189Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-03-04T20:28:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Amelia Rivers","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":762034,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762034.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Add Meerkats to the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976","background":"Add Meerkats (Suricata suricatta) to the Schedule of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. This will end their unregulated sale in pet shops and require any owner to hold a specialist license and we think, mean only those who can provide for their complex \"mob\" social needs to purchase them.","additional_details":"Meerkats are social animals. In our view, in the UK, they are sold with less regulation than dogs, leading to a \"fad pet\" crisis. For meerkats, isolation from other meerkats can cause self-harm and psychological shutdown. This mirrors primates, which the Govt recently protected due to their social complexity.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":24,"closing_date":"2026-10-02","created_at":"2026-02-21T12:47:02.687Z","updated_at":"2026-06-11T22:06:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-04-02T09:41:33.856Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-21T14:02:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Christopher David Jackson","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":762144,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762144.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban Hunts hounds & hunt members from bridleways & footpaths through private land","background":"Ban any Hunts, Hunt members on horseback or foot and their packs of hounds from bridleways and footpaths going through private farmland or private land without the express written permission of the landowners.","additional_details":"Problems when using bridleways/footpaths to general public & by easy access and trespass to farm animals & wildlife killing cannot be ignored any longer. Ewes in lamb frightened & bunched up as hounds pile through hedges etc making holes to land they are not permitted to be on. People on hunts may trespass, disturb badger setts, their dogs possibly spreading TB from farm to farm (often seen drinking in cattle troughs) Neospora, tapeworm & more from faeces can all cause abortion/livestock problems.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":65,"closing_date":"2026-09-30","created_at":"2026-02-22T15:54:27.253Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T19:55:50.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-31T12:41:26.641Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-23T21:24:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Amanda Ryder","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":762116,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762116.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban non-stun & recoverable stun slaughter of animals","background":"Religious slaughter may require the animal to be slaughtered whilst alive, which is in line with their religious beliefs. In relation to this, stunning needs to be recoverable. Normal slaughter uses a bolt gun that renders the animal brain dead and unable to regain consciousness.","additional_details":"The Government has the power to ban non-stun religious slaughter in this country via legislation. Greece did this in 2021. Many argue that the labelling of meat products via supermarkets is insufficient and can’t be trusted, so we believe a blanket ban on non-stun and recoverable stun animal slaughter is needed. We feel people who disagree with these practices shouldn’t effectively have their rights diminished and shouldn’t be forced to eat meat that has not been stunned-to-kill, due to a lack of options.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":48687,"closing_date":"2026-09-30","created_at":"2026-02-22T09:22:07.864Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T20:56:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-30T09:42:41.248Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-22T09:35:20.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-19T23:18:00.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-06T14:55:21.216Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Philip Weston","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-06","summary":"The government prefers all animals to be stunned before slaughter but respects the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs.","details":"The government encourages the highest standards of animal welfare at slaughter and would prefer all animals to be stunned before slaughter. However, we respect the rights of Jews and Muslims to eat meat prepared in accordance with their religious beliefs. The government therefore has no plans to ban slaughter without stunning.\n\nThe key pieces of legislation which cover matters relating to the handling, stunning and slaughter of different species and other relevant operations are The Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2015 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/1782/contents\n\nand assimilated law Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing\nhttps://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2009/1099/introduction\n\nThe legislation sets out the permitted stunning methods for different species. Some of these, such as controlled atmospheric stunning, will kill the animal, and others, such as certain forms of electrical stunning, will make the animal unconscious (a “simple stun”). A simple stun must be followed as quickly as possible by a killing method, such as bleeding or pithing. \n\nBoth general slaughter and slaughter by the halal method use simple stunning methods. Annex D of the 2024 Slaughter Sector Survey\nhttps://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c5cf0e750837d7604dbdbf/25-02-14_Slaughter_Sector_Survey_2024_REVISED.pdf \nsets out further details of the slaughter methods used during the relevant survey period and shows that, for example, the majority of sheep are electrically stunned whereas cattle are mainly killed by a captive bolt. \n\nFor all stunned slaughter, legislation requires checks to be made that animals do not present any signs of consciousness and sensibility between stunning and death. If animals are not properly stunned, appropriate measures such as a back-up stun must be taken.\n\nWhile there is an exception from stunning for meat for Jews and Muslims, a significant proportion of halal meat comes from animals that are stunned before slaughter. The 2024 Slaughter Sector Survey showed for example that 88% of halal meat chickens in England and Wales were stunned prior to slaughter during the survey week. \n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2026-05-06T14:55:21.211Z","updated_at":"2026-05-06T14:57:00.906Z"},"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":762340,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762340.json"},"attributes":{"action":"NHS for Pets","background":"Create a system whereby animal owners can access free medical care for their pets and not pay extortionate prices by private practices.","additional_details":"Because the government is the only entity that can do this.","committee_note":null,"state":"open","signature_count":87,"closing_date":"2026-09-26","created_at":"2026-02-24T11:27:53.274Z","updated_at":"2026-07-09T12:21:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-26T13:30:36.105Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-24T19:37:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Sophie Ellwood","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DHSC","name":"Department of Health and Social Care","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":761866,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/761866.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Require background checks before customers can purchase an animal","background":"Before anyone buys a pet from a pet shop or breeder, they should be checked if they have all necessities beforehand and have the correct funds + household to look after the pet. They should also make sure that the person doesn’t live with any abusive people so the animal isn’t at risk.","additional_details":"People are buying pets without having the necessities and it leaves the animal in a depressed situation e.g. buying a pet bird but keeping it in a tiny small cage, buying a hamster and keeping it in a tiny small cage, buying a dog without having a field nearby or open garden space, buying any animal and not being able to afford emergency vet bills. These are all basic needs for an animal and you should be examined on what you can afford and making sure you provide a pet with a good environment.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":174,"closing_date":"2026-09-26","created_at":"2026-02-20T08:14:03.737Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T11:38:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-26T10:37:20.576Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-20T11:47:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Jennifer Beirao","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":762122,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/762122.json"},"attributes":{"action":"End slaughter of animals without prior stunning in the UK","background":"We call on the UK Government to require that all animals are rendered unconscious before slaughter, without exception.","additional_details":"We urge the Government to amend animal welfare legislation so that all animals slaughtered for food in the UK must be rendered unconscious before bleeding begins, without exemption. Scientific and veterinary evidence (supported by the RSPCA) shows that slaughter without prior stunning can cause avoidable pain and distress, and that allowing animals to remain conscious during slaughter is incompatible with modern animal welfare standards.","committee_note":null,"state":"open","signature_count":358,"closing_date":"2026-09-26","created_at":"2026-02-22T11:06:50.705Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T12:52:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-26T09:48:47.045Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-22T12:31:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Frances Carpenter","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":761531,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/761531.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Introduce stricter welfare standards and inspections for pets kept in pet shops","background":"There should be clear limits on how many animals can be kept in one enclosure, and regular inspections to ensure standards are being followed. Animals should not be kept in poor conditions either on display or in back rooms.","additional_details":"I would like the Government to introduce stricter minimum welfare standards for animals kept in pet shops and improve enforcement of existing laws.\r\n\r\nAnimals in some pet shops are kept in small enclosures without enough space, enrichment, or stimulation. I believe all animals sold in pet shops should be guaranteed clean living conditions, fresh food and water, appropriate toys or enrichment, and enough space so they are not overcrowded.","committee_note":null,"state":"open","signature_count":116,"closing_date":"2026-09-26","created_at":"2026-02-18T18:55:41.811Z","updated_at":"2026-07-09T16:44:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-26T09:38:58.998Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-22T10:31:10.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Poppy Chesters","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":759752,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/759752.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Introduce Pet Licence for cats and dogs and require reporting cat collisions","background":"Introduce a national Pet Licence scheme for cat and dog ownership, linked to microchipping and responsible care. Amend the Road Traffic Act 1988 to make road traffic collisions involving cats legally reportable, like collisions involving dogs and livestock.","additional_details":"Microchipping improves traceability but does not prevent abandonment, neglect or irresponsible ownership. A Pet Licence scheme would improve accountability and support enforcement and animal welfare. Drivers must report collisions involving dogs and livestock, but not cats. Making cat collisions reportable would help injured cats receive assistance, allow owners to be informed via microchips, and support road safety by identifying collision hotspots and speeding issues.","committee_note":null,"state":"open","signature_count":68,"closing_date":"2026-09-23","created_at":"2026-02-03T05:50:23.807Z","updated_at":"2026-07-08T18:18:00.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-23T17:20:41.885Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-03T19:37:30.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Tyson Martin","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":760721,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/760721.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban the Production and Sale of Lab-Grown Meat","background":"We call on the UK Government to introduce legislation banning the production, sale, and importation of lab-grown (cell-cultured) meat for human consumption, following the precautionary approach already adopted by countries such as Italy.","additional_details":"We urge the Government to prohibit the commercial production, sale, and importation of lab-grown meat for human consumption in the UK in order to:\r\n- Protect traditional livestock farming and rural economies\r\n- Uphold high food safety, animal welfare, and transparency standards\r\n- Apply the precautionary principle to novel food technologies","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":199,"closing_date":"2026-09-20","created_at":"2026-02-10T22:06:43.806Z","updated_at":"2026-07-11T21:40:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-20T14:01:53.099Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-10T23:50:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Leanne hilton","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":760659,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/760659.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Ban the use of choke chains and choke leads on dogs","background":"We call on the UK Government to ban the use, sale, and promotion of choke chains, choke leads, and other aversive restraint devices on dogs, due to their proven risks to animal welfare and wellbeing.","additional_details":"Choke chains and choke leads tighten around a dog’s neck and can cause pain, injury, and distress. They may damage the trachea, spine, and neck, and can increase fear, anxiety, and behavioural problems.\r\n \r\nVeterinary and canine behaviour experts support humane, reward-based training methods, which are safer and more effective. Harnesses and flat collars provide suitable alternatives without causing harm.\r\n \r\nDespite this, choke leads remain legal and widely available. This is inconsistent with modern animal welfare standards and puts many dogs at unnecessary risk.\r\n \r\nWe ask the Government to introduce legislation to ban these devices and promote humane dog training.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":66,"closing_date":"2026-09-19","created_at":"2026-02-10T14:24:04.318Z","updated_at":"2026-07-05T20:56:30.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-19T09:22:05.904Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-10T15:11:40.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Laura Elizabeth Jones","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":760387,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/760387.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Review Dangerous Dog Act 1991 and bring in dog ownership license and dog tagging","background":"I want the Government to review Dangerous Dogs Act to bring in stricter penalties for out of control dogs, and require by law that all dog owners hold a dog owner license and that all dogs are tagged.","additional_details":"We believe ensuring ALL dog owners have a licence will help prevent harm, neglect and abuse towards animals and to ensure animals are in safe hands. Animal victims of attacks should be tackled more seriously to keep them safe. Animals should only be given to an owner who has a valid dog owner licence. Any evidence of harm towards animals should have their licence removed to further prevent harm and abuse.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":841,"closing_date":"2026-09-17","created_at":"2026-02-08T01:44:36.495Z","updated_at":"2026-07-08T12:04:40.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-17T12:29:45.389Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-08T10:39:00.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":null,"government_response_at":null,"debate_threshold_reached_at":null,"debate_scheduled_on":null,"scheduled_debate_date":null,"debate_outcome_at":null,"creator_name":"Blake Alexander David McElhatton","rejection":null,"government_response":null,"debate":null,"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}},{"type":"petition","id":759783,"links":{"self":"https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/759783.json"},"attributes":{"action":"Make a public animal abuser register & automatically ban ownership","background":"Create a public register of all offenders convicted of animal abuse and introduce an automatic, lifetime ban on animal ownership for anyone convicted of animal neglect or abuse. This register should be searchable by vets, breeders, charities and the public to prevent repeat offending.","additional_details":"I clean homes for free for people in need and regularly witness animals suffering under owners with a history for animal neglect or abuse. Currently, bans are discretionary and there is no public register. Abusers can continue acquiring animals. A mandatory ban and register could prevent repeat cruelty and break cycles of harm. Additionally, an immediate automatic lifetime ban could prevent animal ownership being at a judge’s discretion.","committee_note":"","state":"open","signature_count":240889,"closing_date":"2026-09-12","created_at":"2026-02-03T12:04:15.845Z","updated_at":"2026-07-12T20:47:10.000Z","rejected_at":null,"opened_at":"2026-03-12T17:01:57.173Z","closed_at":null,"moderation_threshold_reached_at":"2026-02-03T12:51:50.000Z","response_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-02T17:17:30.000Z","government_response_at":"2026-05-19T14:22:00.374Z","debate_threshold_reached_at":"2026-04-03T22:06:10.000Z","debate_scheduled_on":"2026-06-09","scheduled_debate_date":"2026-06-29","debate_outcome_at":"2026-06-30T16:05:28.105Z","creator_name":"Bea Elton","rejection":null,"government_response":{"responded_on":"2026-05-19","summary":"The government has no plans to introduce an animal abuse register, or an automatic lifetime ban for animal abusers because we already have similar provisions in place.","details":"The government does not think it would be appropriate to introduce a publicly accessible animal cruelty register. The majority of the population comply with our high animal welfare laws. In the upsetting and unacceptable instances where these laws are violated or repeatedly violated, we already have these offences recorded.  \n\nAll prosecutions for animal cruelty offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 are currently stored on the Police National Computer. This information may be shared with appropriate organisations. In cases of concern, the information may be shared with the public when requested, at the Police’s discretion. \n\nIt is important that access to this information is restricted, to protect the information from misuse while ensuring it is available for organisations with a justified need to access the information. This is consistent with the government’s approach to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme and Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme.\n\nThe government does not think it is appropriate to introduce an automatic lifetime ban for animal abusers. Post conviction sentencing powers under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 already include disqualification orders, which can include a lifetime ban, which prevent individuals convicted of animal cruelty from owning, keeping, or participating in the care of animals. Where police or local authorities have concerns that a person subject to a disqualification order may be breaching it, they are able to carry out checks and take appropriate enforcement action.\n\nWhile we note the frustration that disqualification orders are discretionary, it is important that justice is reviewed on a case-by-case basis to remain fair. This is the responsibility of our independent courts and judiciary. The Sentencing Council provides guidelines to support these decisions.\n\nThe government does recognise that there is a disparity in the law between penalties for cruelty to wildlife and similar incidents that involve pet or companion animals and livestock abuse offences. To address this, in the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy, published in December 2025, we committed to review and look to strengthen penalties for cruelty against wildlife so that they are consistent with the higher levels of sentencing available for animal welfare offences against pets and livestock.\n\nDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","created_at":"2026-05-19T14:22:00.371Z","updated_at":"2026-05-19T14:22:52.450Z"},"debate":{"debated_on":"2026-06-29","transcript_url":"https://hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2026-06-29/debates/5EFB5392-372C-41C5-AA65-E6EE5FD09A08/AnimalAbusers","video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/live/VNOGB13OKDk","debate_pack_url":"https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10902/","public_engagement_url":"","debate_summary_url":"","overview":""},"departments":[{"acronym":"DEFRA","name":"Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs","url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-environment-food-rural-affairs"}],"topics":[]}}]}