Animal Welfare
Merton is procuring new stray dog services, while Kingston councillors are encouraged to sign an animal welfare pledge.
Merton Council's Cabinet decided in September 2026 to procure new services for stray and abandoned dogs separately from its environmental enforcement contract, which was extended until April 2029. This new procurement exercise is scheduled to begin in April 2027. Meanwhile, Kingston upon Thames' Place Committee agreed in September 2026 to encourage all councillors to sign an RSPCA animal welfare pledge.
Westminster City Council proposed in February 2026 to increase licensing fees by 6% to 7% to cover administrative costs for various regimes, including animal welfare. These fees are set annually to fund the administration, monitoring, and enforcement of licenses for activities involving animals.
Local authorities are responsible for the well-being of animals, including services for stray and abandoned dogs, and for licensing premises that involve animals. This includes ensuring humane treatment and enforcing regulations under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Key facts
- Merton Council's Cabinet approved a two-year extension to its environmental enforcement contract until April 2029, excluding stray and abandoned dog services, in September 2026. Source
- A new procurement exercise for Merton's stray/abandoned dog services is scheduled to begin in April 2027. Source
- Kingston upon Thames' Place Committee agreed to encourage councillors to sign an RSPCA animal welfare pledge in September 2026. Source
- Westminster City Council proposed increasing licensing fees by 6% to 7% in February 2026, including for animal welfare licenses. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.