§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many licences have been issued for the export of racing greyhounds to Vietnam in the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [112390]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 1 March 2000]: Licences are not issued for the export of greyhounds to Vietnam or any other destination.
This Department is responsible for the issue of export health certificates to accompany dogs to Vietnam and other destinations. These are provided at the request of the Vietnamese authorities. The health certificate for the export of dogs to Vietnam provides guarantees to the Vietnamese authorities and the importer that the animals are free from signs of disease and are vaccinated against rabies. Export health certificates are signed by 868W government appointed veterinarians. The certificates do not contain information on the breed of dogs being exported.
In the last three years two such animal health certificates for Vietnam have been issued—one for 1997 and one for 1999.
The above figures are not sub-categorised by breed. It is not therefore possible for me to state whether either of these animals were greyhounds or the purpose for which they were intended, for example racing.
This Department provides advice on request to all exporters that they must ensure that exported animals comply with the requirements of the relevant importing country. Where there is a requirement for an export health certificate to accompany a consignment of animals this advice is given.