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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with relevant authorities to prevent heat-related deaths of household pets in (a) Romford constituency and (b) England.

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (the Act), owners and keepers must protect their animals from harm and provide for their welfare needs in line with best practice.

The Act is supported by Codes of Practice for Dogs and Cats. The Codes include guidance on providing a suitable environment for the animal, including information on protecting the animal from extreme temperatures and weather conditions.

Local authorities and the police have powers to enforce the Act and can intervene where an animal is suspected to be suffering.