§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what guidelines his Department issues to pet shops and traders on the sale of exotic pets; and if he will make a statement; [10787]
(2) what plans he has to introduce licences for those keeping exotic animals not defined by statute as dangerous; and if he will make a statement. [10784]
§ Mr. George HowarthThe Department has not issued guidelines to pet shops about the sale of exotic pets. The Pet Animals Act 1951, as amended in 1983, controls the sale of all animals as pets from pet shops. The Act requires any person keeping a pet shop to be licensed by the local authority.
Before granting a licence, the authority must satisfy itself that the animals are kept in accommodation that is suitable and clean, that they are supplied with appropriate food and drink and that they are protected from disease and fire. The local authority may inspect licensed premises at all reasonable times.
There are no plans to introduce licences for those keeping animals, including exotic animals. The welfare of exotic animals kept as pets is provided for under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, which makes it an offence to ill treat or cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal.