Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Review and reform laws on keeping wild animals as pets
Open for signatures
39 signatures
What the petition asks
Wild animals are inherently unsuited to life as pets, yet millions are kept in UK homes in conditions that fail to meet their complex welfare needs, with a growing trade and weak oversight. We call for urgent review and reform of laws on the keeping and trade of wild animals as pets.
The current legal framework is fragmented and outdated, failing to protect animal welfare, biodiversity and public health. Online trade and weak regulation are driving growth in the wild pet trade. We call on the Government to review and reform laws in England and Wales, introducing evidence-based measures to prevent harm, close loopholes, strengthen enforcement and meet UK commitments to animal welfare, biosecurity, conservation and public health.
Timeline
| 27 Jul 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
39
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
27 Jul 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 28 Jul 2026.