Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill

A Bill to make provision about the welfare of certain kept animals that are in, imported into, or exported from Great Britain.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

14 June 2023

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill aims to improve how kept animals are treated in Great Britain, including animals that are already here and those imported into or exported from GB. It would introduce new welfare rules and enforcement measures to protect these animals throughout keeping, transport and related activities.

Key Points

Applies to kept animals in Great Britain and to animals imported into or exported from GB.
Seeks to raise welfare standards in keeping and handling of these animals, with clearer duties for those who keep or move them.
Includes enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the welfare provisions.
Has a long parliamentary journey, beginning in 2021 in the Commons, with committee scrutiny and a carry-over in 2022; it is currently at the second reading in the Commons.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons. It has undergone several committee stages and a carry-over, reflecting a lengthy passage through Parliament.

Who is affected?

Owners and keepers of kept animals (including pets)Breeders, importers and exporters of kept animalsPet traders and other businesses involved in the trade and movement of kept animalsAnimal welfare organisations and charitiesVeterinary professionals and other animal welfare regulatorsLocal authorities and enforcement bodies

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

8 Jun 2021

2nd readingCommons

25 Oct 2021

Programme motionCommons

25 Oct 2021

Money resolutionCommons

25 Oct 2021

Committee stageCommons

9 Nov 2021, 16 Nov 2021, 18 Nov 2021

Carry-over motionCommons

25 Apr 2022

1st readingCommons

11 May 2022

2nd readingCommons

11 May 2022

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Animal Welfare (Kept Animals)

7 Jun 2023

The Bill was carried over from Session 2021-22 and was awaiting its report stage and third reading.

Time ran out, under Standing No. 80A (Carryover of Bills) as applied by the Order of the House of 25 April 2022, on 8 June 2023, two years after the bill’s original first reading on 8 June 2021.

On 25 May 2023, the Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries (Mark Spencer) announced that the Government would be taking forward measures from the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill individually during the remainder of this Parliament