HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 c1268
81. Mr. Messer

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider a relaxation of the quarantine regulations which are strictly enforced on individual owners of dogs coming into this country, in view of the special treatment afforded to foreign owners of dogs trained for public performances, by which they can escape quarantine by giving an undertaking to keep their dogs in confinement?

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. W. S. Morrison)

Every dog imported from abroad is without exception required on landing to undergo a period of six months strict isolation on premises approved by the Minister which must not be the premises of the owner of the dog. Dogs, other than performing dogs, must be detained for the prescribed quarantine on the premises of a veterinary surgeon. Those imported expressly for public performances are required to be isolated either on the premises of the theatre where they are engaged to perform, if proper accommodation exists there, or on veterinary premises, subject in either case to frequent inspection. I am satisfied that no relaxation of these regulations would be justifiable.