Petition · past parliament
Regulate all Online Animal Rescue Groups
Closed
132 signatures
What the petition asks
After a bad experience with an online animal rescue group, who illegally re-homed my cat, I learned of others who had difficulties with them. Animal suffering was also suggested. Anyone can set up an online rescue group; there are no premises; they need no licence; the RSPCA find it hard to inspect
Animal Welfare legislation is out of date:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare-legislation-protecting-pets
There is no legislation or governing body to check online rescue groups.
People need no prior animal rescue knowledge or experience to start a group.
Immediately a group is set up they can ask for donations regardless of whether they are a registered charity or not. The groups are not accountable to anyone and nor are their financial records.
Many start off with good intent but cannot cope when they are inundated with animals and have a lack of funding.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/animal-welfare-legislation-protecting-pets
There is no legislation or governing body to check online rescue groups.
People need no prior animal rescue knowledge or experience to start a group.
Immediately a group is set up they can ask for donations regardless of whether they are a registered charity or not. The groups are not accountable to anyone and nor are their financial records.
Many start off with good intent but cannot cope when they are inundated with animals and have a lack of funding.
Timeline
| 30 Aug 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 28 Feb 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
132
Status
Closed
Opened
30 Aug 2016
Closed
28 Feb 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.