Defra launches animal welfare strategy
8 January 2026
Defra launched its Animal Welfare Strategy in December 2025, setting out new plans to protect the lives of pets, livestock and wildlife in England.
The Animal Welfare Strategy aims to address a range of issues to deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation. Legislation and current practices are intended to be reformed to keep pace with the latest evidence and existing loopholes are to be tackled. To facilitate delivery of Defra’s strategic ambitions, reforms of the veterinary sector are also planned.
BSAVA, through its membership of sector bodies such as CFSG and by working with other veterinary associations, welcomes the new animal welfare strategy as it commits to improving all of the areas that BSAVA Policy has consistently worked to support over a number of years.
These areas are outlined in the Animal Welfare Strategy which sets out how the government will deliver improved welfare for companion animals by:
- Ending poor practices associated with puppy farming and implementing better controls on companion animal imports.
- Consulting on a ban on the use of electric shock collars due to the possible harm to pets.
- Promoting responsible dog ownership to protect public safety.
- Considering steps which could improve welfare practices in the cat breeding sector.
- Protecting farm animals by means of new livestock worrying laws.
- Improving regulatory oversight of pet microchipping databases to ensure that all databases are compliant and meet expected standards.
- Consulting on registration and licensing for dog breeders to improve health and welfare standards, traceability and bring canine fertility clinics, stud dog and whelping services within scope.
The Strategy also recognises that the enhancement and maintenance of animal welfare across all species relies on a well-functioning veterinary sector. Veterinary teams are fundamental to the health and welfare of animals, from pets to livestock, zoo animals and wildlife. Work across Government is progressing to consider options for veterinary sector reform which includes the CMA’s Market Investigation into veterinary services for household pets and also, reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act (VSA). BSAVA is engaged in both process on behalf of small animal professionals in practice.
BSAVA Policy will continue to engage with government departments to support delivery on its commitments to improve animal health and welfare for companion animals and bring about reform of our veterinary sector.
Access Defra’s Animal Welfare Report here and access information about CFSG here.