The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare brings MPs and Lords together to undertake evidence based inquiries to produce policy that provides solutions to welfare issues.  

APGAW works by taking a focused interest in key topics and running inquiries to ensure an evidence based position on its aims and objectives. Key experts are invited into Parliament to form the working groups around the topics including NGOs, vets, industry and academics.  The inquiries take the form of roundtables with witnesses attending to answer questions and written evidence is sought too. The sessions are usually closed but individuals with an interest are often welcomed and minutes are taken. APGAW pursues the topic until outcomes are achieved whether updates to existing legislation, new Parliamentary Bills or industry led guidance and best practice.

APGAW is funded by three sources; the RSPCA are the main sponsor, UK Petfood are the second key sponsor and then other organisations such as British Veterinary Association, Cats Protection, IFAW, CIWF and many others all pay an annual membership fee each year which goes towards the running of the Group.

Whilst APGAW is sponsored by these organisations, it is run independently of them by the political officers who are elected each year. The MPs and Lords decide the position of the Group on the different issues and will listen to all stakeholders equally. APGAW makes a point of inviting a wide range of stakeholders to its meetings to hear different views.

APGAW publishes full financial records for the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards which are recorded on the Parliamentary website. Further information on this can be found here: www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-financial-interests/parliamentary-commissioner-for-standards/registers-of-interests/register-of-all-party-party-parliamentary-groups/

You can also find a short overview of income and expenditure here