§ Lord Molloyasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they propose to sign the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals, and whether they will do so without declaring a reservation on Article 10.
The Minister of State, Home Office (The Earl of Caithness)The European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals covers a number of important issues and we have therefore begun detailed consultation with a range of interested bodies about the provisions of the convention, including the question of tail docking. We shall be giving very careful consideration to all the provisions of the convention before deciding how to proceed.