§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will bring forward legislation requiring that all dogs for sale carry an identification tag and the tendering of a written specification prior to sale stating the purpose for acquiring a dog; and if he will give district councils the power to operate a neutering service.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryWe issued a consultation paper on 10 August which set out a package of measures we propose on dog control. We do not propose to impose the requirements in respect of the sale of dogs suggested by the hon. Member. We believe that some local authorities already subsidise neutering under existing powers.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation requiring dogs to be on leads at all times in public places.
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryWe are currently reviewing the operation and scope of dog-control byelaws and orders,250W which include powers requiring dogs to be on leads on highways and other specified areas. The hon. Member's suggestion is one that was made in response to our recent consultation paper on dog control measures and we are considering it as part of our review.