§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on licences for walking pet pigs; and what plans she has to bring forward legislation on such licences. [143223]
§ Mr. BradshawPigs spread pig diseases rapidly. In order to track movements and reduce the potential for disease, pet pig walking licenses were introduced in 1995. The first legislation to require these licenses was the Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 1995. The Pigs (Records, Identification and Movement) Order 2003 continues to require these licences to be issued by the local Divisional Veterinary Manager.
§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the number of pet pig walking licences issued; what the cost has been of issuing licences; and what plans she has to require the issue of licences for walking pet sheep. [143224]
§ Mr. BradshawPet pig walking licences are issued as routine work by Defra Local Animal Health Divisional Offices. They allow Defra to minimise the risk of disease spreading from pet pigs to commercial herds. No central record is maintained. To obtain details of the licences issued would result in disproportionate costs.
There are no plans to introduce legislation to require pet sheep walking licences.