§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will review the holding period powers of local authorities in relation to dogs and the minimum incubation period of rabies; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SoamesUnder the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974 local authorities are given the power to seize dogs where there is reason to suspect that the dog may have been landed in contravention of the order. Animals seized may be immediately exported or detained in quarantine for six months. However, if exportation is chosen and there has been a biting or scratching incident the local authority must detain the animal for 15 days observation: an animal may become infective shortly before the disease manifests itself clinically, and it is important to establish whether there is any possibility that the rabies virus may have been introduced into Great Britain.