HL Deb 06 May 1980 vol 408 cc1639-40WA
Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What Acts of Parliament regulate, restrict or control the sale of live domestic pets in street markets.

Lord BELSTEAD

In England, Scotland and Wales the Pet Animals Act 1951 provides a general licensing system administered by local authorities which regulates the sale of pet animals in street markets. A similar licensing system is operated in Northern Ireland by the Department of Agriculture under the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.

Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware that domestic pet dealers who supply animals for laboratories are regularly buying at Club Row open street market in Tower Hamlets and whether laboratories in the public sector in London will be cautioned against acquiring animals from this and similar sources.

Lord BELSTEAD

I do not know whether the noble Lord's information is correct but it is not illegal for people to buy animals for laboratories. The Convention on the Protection of Animals Used for Experimental Purposes, which is now being drafted under the auspices of the Council of Europe with the full participation of United Kingdom Government officials, is likely to include provisions for control over the supply of laboratory animals. The convention is expected to provide the basis for legislation in this country in due course.

Lord HOUGHTON of SOWERBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What safeguards exist against cruel exposure of young pet animals in street markets owned and administered by local authorities.

Lord BELSTEAD

The welfare of captive and domestic animals is safeguarded in England and Wales by the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and in Scotland by the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912. Where animals are offered for sale as pets their welfare is safeguarded additionally, in England, Scotland and Wales by the provisions of the Pet Animals Act 1951 and by the local authority licences granted under that Act. In Northern Ireland, the welfare of animals, including those sold as pets, is protected by the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 1972.