§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what provisions apply to the export of greyhounds;
(2) what steps the Government are taking to enforce the Balai directive in so far as it relates to banning the export of dogs other than from registered centres.
§ Mr. Soames[holding answer 28 March 1994]: The transport of greyhounds both within this country and for export is subject to the provisions of the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1992.
Commercially traded greyhounds intended for export to EC member states are required to be accompanied by official health certification confirming that the animals comply with the animal health conditions laid down in the so-called "Balai" directive—92/65/EEC. In accordance with the directive, the Animals and Animal Products (Import and Export) Regulations 1993 (SI 3247) make it an offence to export commercially traded dogs to another member state unless the animals originate from a holding registered with the Agriculture Departments and the owner or person in charge of the holding has given the undertakings laid down in the directive. Enforcement of the regulations is the responsibility of local authorities.
The health certification requirements for pet dogs, including pet greyhounds, exported to other EC member states and to third countries vary according to the import conditions laid down by the country of destination.
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