§ Mr. Terry Fieldsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what checks are made on the export of live dogs from the United Kingdom for work abroad; and if he is satisfied that these checks are sufficient to prevent the cruel treatment of these animals in transit and at their destination.
§ Mrs. FennerThe welfare of dogs in transit from Great Britain is protected by the Transit of Animals (General) Order 1973, which makes it an offence to load, carry or unload an animal in a way which is likely to cause injury or unnecessary suffering. The order is enforced by local authorities, and under its provisions an inspector has the power to require animals to be unloaded, when he has reason to believe that the animals are likely to be caused injury or unnecessary suffering if carried. The welfare of animals in their country of destination is, of course, a matter for the competent authorities in the country concerned.