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<p>Animal rescue organisations do excellent work, often on a voluntary basis, protecting
animals against cruelty and ensuring that unwanted and abandoned animals in the UK
are offered the opportunity of a forever home. I am acutely aware that the coronavirus
pandemic, and specifically the measures put in place to control the spread of the
virus, continue to affect individuals, businesses and charities caring for animals.
Protecting the welfare of animals remains a priority for Defra throughout the coronavirus
pandemic.</p><p> </p><p>The sector has kept us regularly updated of the developing
situation, sharing their surveys particularly with respect to the rescue and rehoming
of companion animals, and sharing information on cruelty investigations. It has been
encouraging to see the sector working collaboratively and successfully to support
itself and to safeguard the welfare of equines in their care in the face of financial
hardship and uncertainty.</p><p> </p><p>The latest figures from a survey by the Association
of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) show that although the animal rescue sector has seen
a drop in income during the pandemic the financial sustainability in the sector appears
to be improving. This suggests that rescues have adapted to the new situation either
through fundraising in different ways or taking advantage of grants made available
by the ADCH and other sources. More rescues are now taking in dogs and cats and more
are rehoming. In Quarter 4 of 2020 there was a 24% Year on Year reduction of cat intake
and a 32% reduction in dogs entering rescues. 68% of rescues have reported more people
wish to foster dogs or cats and 58% wish to rehome a dog or cat.</p><p> </p><p>National
equine welfare charities have also kept us closely informed of the status of the Covid-19
Equine Rescues Emergency Fund established by the Pet Plan Charitable Trust together
with World Horse Welfare and the National Equine Welfare Council. The current picture
of equine welfare is better than feared, but we continue to keep things under review.</p><p>
</p><p>We have worked closely with sector groups to update guidance to animal rescue
and rehoming organisations, and other animal charities and businesses. This has enabled
them to undertake core operations as far as possible, whilst maintaining compliance
with the social distancing rules and need for hygiene precautions to help prevent
the spread of coronavirus. Throughout this period, we have ensured that rescue and
rehoming organisations are permitted to stay open, that staff and volunteers can continue
to work and tend to the animals in their care, and that rehoming, fostering and adoption
services can continue in accordance with Covid-19 secure guidance.</p><p> </p><p>We
take the concerns of the sector very seriously and are keeping a close watch on in-take
levels and trends in animal relinquishments. Defra remains committed to continued
engagement with the sector to understand the longer-term impacts of the coronavirus
pandemic, monitor the animal welfare implications of this and offer appropriate advice.</p>
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