"Lack of oversight is putting animals at risk" - Dogs Trust calls for mandatory licensing of rehoming centres following a string of cruelty and neglect cases

• 79% of people wrongly think rehoming centres are already subject to licensing and inspection

• Currently, anyone can set up a rehoming centre, without experience or training
• The UK's largest dog charity renews its call for action following a number of recent cruelty cases
• Call is supported by Richard Holden, MP, who has introduced a Bill in the Commons following an investigation into the deaths of more than 40 dogs at a property in his constituency in Essex.

SHOCKING new figures reveal most Brits wrongly believe dog rescue centres are already regulated – but they're not. In fact, anyone can set one up, regardless of experience, training, or suitability of premises. 

Following a string of recent cases, Dogs Trust, the UK's biggest dog welfare charity, is once again calling on the Government to introduce mandatory licences and inspections for all rehoming and rescue centres in England and Wales. The charity warns that the current free-for-all is putting animals' lives at risk.

New research conducted by YouGov on behalf of Dogs Trust reveals that a massive 79% of people think rehoming centres are already inspected and licensed by law – but this is not the case. Currently, there is no legal requirement for individuals or organisations to hold a licence or meet minimum standards before setting up a rehoming organisation in England and Wales. Anyone can do this, regardless of experience, qualifications, availability of funding, or the suitability of premises. Dogs Trust warns that this regulatory gap is putting the welfare of vulnerable animals at serious risk.

Dogs Trust's call has mass support; research conducted by YouGov on behalf of the charity has found 89% of the public in England believe licences should be required by law, and 90% say regular inspections should be a must.

This renewed call for action follows a number of high-profile cases in which individuals operating as unregulated rescue or rehoming charities have been found guilty of animal neglect or cruelty. Recent examples have involved individuals who have become overwhelmed with the number of animals in their care and are unable to meet their needs, while there have been cases where people simply do not have the experience or skills needed to maintain high welfare levels for the animals in their care. Other cases have involved rogue traders, puppy farms and puppy smugglers who set up a rehoming organisation as a front for their business.

These include:

• Last month, Essex Police charged someone with animal cruelty after more than 40 dead dogs were found at a site claiming to rehome pets.
• 4Paws in South Killingholme, Linconshire, was shut down after owners were found running an "overcrowded and inadequate" centre. They were banned from keeping animals.
• At Little Meadow Animal Rescue in Worcestershire, animals were discovered in shocking conditions. The owner was jailed for eight months and banned from keeping pets for life.
• More than 70 cats, 14 pigs, along with dogs, horses and terrapins were found to be living in appalling conditions on the site of Alternative Animal Sanctuary in Lincolnshire. In October last year, the owner was handed eight-month suspended prison sentence.

Dogs Trust's call is also supported by Richard Holden, MP for Billericay and Basildon. Richard has taking action by tabling the Animal Shelters (Licensing) Bill in the House of Commons, with the aim of with the aim of getting support for the call for better oversight of rehoming centres.  This follows an ongoing police investigation in his constituency, where the bodies of more than 40 dogs were found on a property. Further to this, an online petition calling for the same thing has so far received more than 46,000 signatures.

Dogs Trust warns that without proper rules, rogue traders, backyard breeders, and well-meaning but unqualified individuals are all putting dogs at risk of neglect, illness, and even death.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said:

"There are brilliant rescue centres doing incredible work across the UK – but without licensing, there's nothing to stop someone with no training or experience setting one up and doing real harm.

"Good intentions aren't enough. We need laws in place to make sure all rescue dogs are safe, cared for, and treated with the respect they deserve. Without proper oversight, these organisations cannot guarantee that they are operating in the best interests of the animals in their care.

"Too often we hear heartbreaking stories of dogs that have endured neglect and mistreatment in unregulated facilities. Licensing would create a clear framework to ensure that all dogs are treated with the care, dignity, and compassion they deserve."

Dogs Trust is urging the Government to treat rehoming centres like boarding kennels and pet shops, where licensing already exists – with clear standards, proper checks and trained staff.

Richard Holden MP says: "Reports of so-called rescue centres, where dogs have been found dead or mistreated, have shocked people across the country and exposed a dangerous gap in the law. That is why, working closely with Dogs Trust and the RSPCA, I have today introduced the cross-party Animal Shelters Licensing Bill, backed by MPs from across the Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat benches.

"The Bill will bring rescue and rehoming centres under the same statutory framework that already applies to kennels and breeders, closing the loophole that leaves animals unprotected. Mandatory licensing will drive up welfare standards, weed out rogue operators and give the public confidence that every organisation caring for dogs is properly equipped and held to account."