Petition · past parliament · Department for Education, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Set new guidance and requirements for animals in early years settings
Closed
59 signatures
What the petition asks
Animals are used in nurseries and pre-schools as “pets” or demonstrations. We believe welfare standards for these animals are often not met, such as adequate food and housing, and long-term care provision. We want new guidance and requirements, including for lifelong care plans, to be introduced.
There is currently a rehoming crisis, and birds hatched in educational settings contribute to this crisis.
Besides which, we believe current practice teaches young children that animals should be disposed of when they are no longer cute, useful, or seasonally relevant (ie. after Easter), and that this sets an atrocious example.
Already this year hundreds of ducklings and chicks are in search of homes having been hatched in educational settings with zero forward planning.
Besides which, we believe current practice teaches young children that animals should be disposed of when they are no longer cute, useful, or seasonally relevant (ie. after Easter), and that this sets an atrocious example.
Already this year hundreds of ducklings and chicks are in search of homes having been hatched in educational settings with zero forward planning.
Timeline
| 9 Apr 2024 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 29 May 2024 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
59
Status
Closed
Department
Department for Education, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
9 Apr 2024
Closed
29 May 2024
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.