§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Agriculture how many performing dogs during the past 12 months have, on entry into this country, been exempted from the provisions which require them to be kept in quarantine for a period of six months; what conditions were imposed on their owners on the dogs being so exempted; and, particularly, if any required provision had to be made for their care and welfare whilst in this country?
§ Mr. ELLIOTPerforming dogs are permitted by licence to land in this country subject to quarantine for six calendar months either on approved veterinary premises or on the premises at which they are to perform. Movement from place to place is authorised under prescribed conditions by the endorsement of the licence after inspection of the premises as to their suitability for the isolation of the dogs. Reasonable facilities at the place of detention for the exercise of the dogs are required before movement is authorised. During the past 12 months 61 dogs, the property of 13 owners, were imported under these conditions.
§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, during the past 12 months, any dogs, other than performing dogs, have been exempted from the provisions that a dog shall be kept in quarantine at the premises of a qualified veterinary surgeon for six months after landing in this country; and to what owners and upon what grounds has such exemption been granted and subject to what conditions?
§ Mr. ELLIOTExemption from the normal import regulations in respect of dogs other than performing dogs was granted in the past year in the case of only one dog which, in order to enable research work begun in the United States398W to be continued in this country, was allowed to be quarantined at the Royal Maternity and Women's Hospital, Glasgow. The conditions governing the quarantine were, however, similar to those in operation in the case of a dog quarantined on approved veterinary premises.