Overview

This bill aims to improve the welfare of cats in commercial breeding establishments in England and Wales by introducing a licensing system, regular inspections, and stricter regulations on the sale of kittens. It sets minimum standards for cat care and establishes penalties for non-compliance.

Description

The bill mandates licensing for all commercial cat breeding establishments in England and Wales. Local authorities will grant licenses based on inspections by veterinary professionals and council officers, considering factors like environment, diet, behavior, disease prevention, and emergency preparedness. Specific requirements include suitable housing, adequate food and water, disease control measures, and a minimum age for mating queens (one year old). License holders must keep accurate records, implement enrichment and socialization programs, and may not sell kittens until they are at least 56 days old. The bill also grants powers for inspections of premises, even without a license application, if there is reasonable suspicion of an offence. Offences can result in fines, imprisonment, license cancellation, and disqualification from breeding or owning cats. Appeals against license refusals or conditions are possible through magistrates' courts. The bill defines a commercial breeding establishment as one where three or more litters are born within a twelve-month period, unless it can be proven that the kittens weren't sold or advertised for sale.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures. However, local authorities will bear the costs of inspections. They may recover some of these costs through license application fees and inspection fees, but the net impact on government spending is unclear and likely to vary based on the number of licensed establishments.

Groups Affected

• Commercial Cat Breeders: Required to obtain licenses, meet stricter welfare standards, and face penalties for non-compliance. This could increase their operational costs.
• Local Authorities: Responsible for licensing, inspections, and enforcement. Increased workload and potential costs, partially offset by fees.
• Veterinary Professionals: May be involved in inspections, potentially increasing their workload.
• Cats: Intended beneficiaries of improved welfare standards.
• Pet Shop Owners/Animal Boarding Establishments: Individuals disqualified under existing legislation (Pet Animals Act 1951, Animal Welfare Act 2006, Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963) cannot apply for a licence.

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