§ Mr. Nigel GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many communications he has received during the consultation on deregulation on the European convention No. ETS 125 for the protection of pet animals; how many were in favour and how many against; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what representations he has received to (a) raise the age at which a child can buy an animal from a pet shop to 16 years and (b) license animal sanctuaries, in order that the United Kingdom can sign and ratify the European convention No. ETS 125 for the protection of pet animals.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe Department has received 14 responses to its consultative letter on the European convention for the protection of pet animals. Nine were in favour of the United Kingdom ratifying the convention and five argued against.
In addition to responses to the consultative exercise, the Department has, since January 1992, received one letter from the public arguing that the minimum age at which someone may be sold a pet animal should be raised to 16 years; and one letter proposing that animal sanctuaries should be licensed.