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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the Dogs Trust Companion Club third‑party insurance scheme for exempt dogs ceasing on 30 June 2026 on owners’ abilities to comply with the exemption conditions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Defra is working to ensure owners of banned breed dogs can remain compliant with the legal requirement to hold third-party public liability insurance beyond 1 July 2026. The department is working closely with Dogs Trust, the Devolved Governments and the insurance sector to find a workable solution for dog owners.

Defra has published guidance on GOV.UK and contacted all registered owners to inform them that no action is required at this stage. Further guidance will be made available on GOV.UK in June.