Companion Animals

Companion Animal Welfare and Dog Welfare Through Policy

Canine welfare policy at national and international levels shapes the welfare of millions of dogs, making policy engagement a high-leverage welfare strategy.

Key Facts

UK Animal Welfare Act 2006 provides the legislative foundation for companion animal welfare
Lucy's Law banning third-party pet sales was enacted in 2020 and strengthened in subsequent years
XL bully regulations of 2023 addressed dangerous dog welfare with breed-specific measures
International OIE animal welfare guidelines increasingly influence national dog welfare legislation
Policy advocacy by welfare organisations has driven most major legislative welfare improvements

Welfare Considerations

Welfare policy shapes the welfare of millions of dogs simultaneously. Policy engagement is one of the highest-leverage welfare strategies available.

What You Can Do

Engage with dog welfare legislative consultations
Support organisations advocating for stronger welfare legislation
Vote for political representatives who prioritise animal welfare