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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department will take steps to (a) review and (b) increase the powers available to (i) the RSPCA and (ii) other animal welfare organisations to intervene in cases of suspected neglect.

There are no current plans to review or increase the powers the RSPCA or other animal welfare organisations have. The RSPCA has strong working relationships with the Police and Local Authorities who support them in protecting animals where needed.

The Government recognises the valuable work the RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations do to improve the welfare of animals. The Government remains committed to working with the RSPCA, and other animal welfare organisations, so that our high animal welfare standards are maintained and offenders are subject to appropriate penalties.