MBR Acres has been subject to controversy as Camp Beagle are permanently stationed outside (Image: Google Maps)
Concerns are mounting over animal welfare at a beagle breeding facility in Huntingdonshire amid the current heatwave.
MP for Huntingdon Ben Obese-Jecty has written to the government for reassurances about conditions at MBR Acres in Huntingdon, which breeds beagles.
The Met Office issued an "extreme heat" warning for Cambridgeshire this week, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius for multiple days on end.
MBR Acres has long been at the forefront of controversy, with animal rights group Camp Beagle permanently stationed outside the facility in protest.
In a letter to the Minister of State for Security, Mr Obese-Jecty raised concerns about animal welfare during the recent high temperatures.
Ben Obese-Jecty wrote to central government after constituents were concerned for the beagles (Image: Supplied)
He said: "I continue to receive a high volume of correspondence from constituents this week reporting their concerns that the dogs at MBR Acres are at risk during the current heatwave."
He first wrote to the previous Security Minister last year to highlight concerns about the site, which is in his constituency.
Mr Obese-Jecty noted that MBR Acres falls under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA) and must comply with its licensing conditions and the Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals Bred, Supplied or Used for Scientific Purposes.
This code requires contingency plans for temperature extremes, daily welfare checks by trained staff, and sufficient personnel to maintain animal care standards.
Mr Obese-Jecty acknowledged that the Home Office carries out audits to ensure compliance but said no specific measures have been outlined to address the risks posed by high temperatures inside the facility.
He wrote: "As it seems likely that we will continue to experience periods of extreme heat over the summer, I would be grateful if you could provide some reassurance to my constituents that the welfare of the animals is being monitored to ensure they do not suffer unnecessarily."
