§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulations exist in terms of(a) cage size, (b) access to natural light and (c) diet for animals in factory units for fur production; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacleanI have been asked to reply.
There are at present no legal requirements relating specifically to the welfare protection of fur-bearing animals. However, the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 makes it an offence to cause livestock on agricultural land unnecessary pain or distress and the Protection of Animals Act 1911 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal.
Welfare standards for fur-bearing animals are currently being negotiated in the Council of Europe and are expected to be implemented subsequently within the European Community.