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<p>The commercial sale of cats as pets is regulated under the Animal Welfare (Licensing
of Activities Involving Animals) (England) Regulations 2018. The 2018 Regulations
set out clear requirements for those who breed and sell cats commercially, including
their importation and distribution. For example, licencees must meet strict statutory
minimum welfare standards which are enforced by local authorities who have powers
to issue, refuse or revoke licences. Any licensee advertising animals for sale will
need to include their licence number in the advert and specify the local authority
who issued the licence. Additional requirements placed on advertisements include that
the age of the animal for sale must be displayed along with a recognisable photograph.</p><p>
</p><p>Additionally, the keeping of dangerous wild animals is regulated by the Dangerous
Wild Animals Act 1976. Keepers of dangerous wild animals listed in the Schedule to
the 1976 Act must get a Dangerous Wild Animals licence from their local authority.
Licences must be obtained by keepers prior to the acquisition of such animals. All
cats are listed in the Schedule to the Act, although several species – such as the
domestic cat – are exempted. Cat hybrids having a domestic cat, or other exempted
species, as one parent and a non-exempted cat as the other parent would require a
Dangerous Wild Animals licence. Subsequent generations, involving a domestic or other
exempted cat as one parent and a hybrid cat as the other parent would not require
a licence.</p><p> </p><p>Licences can only be granted when the authority is satisfied
that it would not be contrary to public interest on the grounds of safety or nuisance;
that the applicant is a suitable person; and the animal's accommodation is adequate
and secure. The effect of the 1976 Act is to restrict the purchase of dangerous wild
animals to those who can keep them safely and provide them with suitable accommodation
and diet.</p><p> </p><p>Influencer marketing is not a new phenomenon, however, the
pace and change on social media platforms has led to a rapidly growing market. This
has created opportunities for users to become influencers, and they in turn can bring
positive impacts to society through campaigning or advocacy. At the same time, there
is evidence of problems in this market. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media
and Sport (DCMS) has programmes of work on Online Safety and on Online Advertising
to ensure the regulatory framework remains appropriate. However, it is the responsibility
of all actors in the supply chain - from brands to talent agencies, platforms and
influencers themselves - to ensure that this is a market that uploads the highest
standards and best practice is improved.</p><p> </p><p>The Government is considering
whether advertising regulation online should be strengthened, recognising the rapid
growth of online advertising. DCMS will be consulting on the Online Advertising Programme
this spring, which will look at whether the current regulatory regime is equipped
to tackle these challenges.</p>
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