§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the animal welfare implications of importing exotic animals into the United Kingdom for commercial purposes; and if he will make a statement. [10788]
§ Mr. Morley[holding answer 28 July 1997]: This Government give high priority to the welfare of all animals, whatever their origin.
115WThe Protection of Animals Act 1911 protects domestic and captive animals from cruelty. Exotic animals kept for farming purposes are further protected by the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 which makes it an offence to cause or allow unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress. The keeping of certain exotic species is also subject to the licensing requirements of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976.