Leading human and animal welfare organisations have called on MPs to support policies that recognise the positive impact of the human-companion animal bond on mental and physical wellbeing. The issue was highlighted at a parliamentary event attended by 39 MPs last month (21 Jan 2025). The drop-in session at Westminster was hosted by vets Dr Marc Abraham OBE, Dr Belinda ‘Bin’ Johnston, founder of Our Special Friends (OSF), and Dr Elizabeth Ormerod, Chair of the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS). The session, jointly organised by OSF and SCAS, featured presentations from organisations that promote the welfare of both people and dogs through structured animal-assisted interactions. Read more in this article published in DogsToday magazine.

To learn more about the All-party Parliamentary Dog Advisory Welfare Group (APDAWG) and how you can get involved, visit their official website.