Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what conversations has she had with HM Courts and Tribunal Service regarding the potential impact of court delays on a) the welfare of dogs seized under the Animal Welfare Act, b) the Local Authorities and c) dog homes which care for them.

There have been discussions at official level between Defra and HM Courts and Tribunal Services regarding the potential impact of court delays. These discussions have included issues in relation to taking animals into possession, as well as other related matters.