Canine & Feline Sector Group

PIF sits on the Steering Committee of this influential group of welfare, veterinary and enforcement organisations which reports to DEFRA. It meets on a monthly basis and works collaboratively on a number of areas of animal health and welfare to make recommendations to Government and to be the voice of the canine and feline sector. It is working actively on a number of areas including dog walking, pet grooming, canine fertility clinics, imports of dogs as well as having key role in the review of the Animal Activities Licensing Regulations 2018.

PIF is the only industry representative on the Steering Committee and we ensure that members’ views are heard and that a commercial reality is built into responses which go forward.

PIF’s policy work is not ‘one track’ – we don’t aim to lobby Government on single issue areas. Instead, we use the position that we hold within CFSG to work collaboratively on a number of different areas of canine and feline health and welfare which represent our members’ interests. Through survey responses and conversations with members, we gauge member opinion and use this to inform our responses.

All-Party Group for Animal Welfare

PIF is also involved in the influential group of MPs which considers animal welfare issues, called the All-Party Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW), as a member of the advisory board. 

APGAW develops policy on any issue relating to animals with the aim of obtaining legislation to improve welfare standards. The Group holds regular roundtable meetings in Parliament providing an opportunity for those with a common interest in animal welfare to meet and debate their views. Most recently, PIF’s work with APGAW revolved around the development of a Rabbit Code.