As someone who works for an animal charity, I witness the challenges we face when attempting to rehome animals. One significant issue is the lack of a reliable mechanism to check if potential adopters have been banned from keeping animals. This gap in the system risks the well-being of animals and undermines efforts to ensure they are placed in safe and loving homes.

In the UK, the welfare of animals is a priority enshrined in various laws and regulations, yet there is no centralised and accessible database that tracks individuals who have been legally barred from owning animals. Such a database would be instrumental in the fight against animal cruelty and negligence, providing a crucial tool for charities, shelters, and law enforcement agencies to verify the backgrounds of those looking to take responsibility for an animal.

According to the RSPCA, there are thousands of cases each year of animals suffering at the hands of individuals unfit to care for them. Establishing a national database would reduce the risk that those convicted of animal cruelty offences could so easily bypass bans imposed by the courts.

Creating an accessible and secure database would not only help protect animals but also serve as a deterrent to those who might otherwise neglect or abuse them. It would allow for more vigilant and informed decisions by animal welfare organisations and rehoming agencies.

We urge the UK government to implement a national database for individuals banned from keeping animals, ensuring that all relevant parties have the tools needed to prevent animal cruelty. This solution is feasible, practical, and a crucial step toward safeguarding animal welfare.

Together, we can protect vulnerable animals and ensure they are given the safe, loving homes they deserve. Please sign this petition to call on the government to act now and establish this necessary resource.