The Pet Industry Federation has raised concerns with Baroness Hayman of Ullock, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at DEFRA, regarding the lack of accurate and consistent animal licensing data across England.

Following a detailed analysis of DEFRA licensing data, required by The Animal Welfare (Licensing of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018, PIF has identified significant issues with local authority reporting, making it difficult to track industry trends and ensure effective regulation.

The organisation's research reveals that in 2024, only 68% of comparable local authority licensing data was received, creating substantial gaps in market analysis. Further complicating the situation are inconsistencies in how local authorities record information, making year-on-year comparisons challenging.

Of particular concern are the dramatic shifts observed within the industry. A 27% decline in licensed kennels over the past year has raised serious questions about the UK's capacity to manage quarantine needs during potential zoonotic disease outbreaks. Additionally, a 23% decrease in licensed pet sellers during the same period has pushed more sales towards unregulated online platforms, where welfare oversight is minimal.

To address these pressing issues, PIF is calling on the government to implement:

• Consistent and meaningful licensing data reporting to ensure effective market monitoring
• Stronger regulation of online pet sales, requiring licence numbers to be displayed for all sellers and introducing a registration system for occasional sellers
• Support for pet shops to ensure they remain a viable and regulated source for small pet purchases, rather than driving sales to unregulated online platforms where welfare standards and consumer protections are lacking.
• The reintroduction of the dog licence, with revenue supporting designated quarantine kennels and industry infrastructure

"Accurate and transparent data is essential for effective regulation and safeguarding animal welfare," said Nigel Baker, CEO of the Pet Industry Federation.

"The decline in licensed pet businesses, particularly kennels and pet shops, could have serious long-term consequences for both the industry and pet welfare. We are calling on the government to take urgent action to improve data collection and enforcement."

PIF remains committed to working with policymakers to strengthen regulation and protect the future of the UK pet industry.