§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps his Department takes to ensure that quarantine kennels meet acceptable standards of animal welfare. [81930]
§ Mr. RookerThere are arrangements for MAFF Veterinary Officers to inspect quarantine premises four times a year. The inspections are carried out to check on compliance with the standards set with regard to the physical and disease security of the premises and also to check on compliance with the Voluntary Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs and Cats in Quarantine Premises in respect of those premises that have agreed to comply with the Code. Premises which do not comply with this Code can be removed from the published list of premises which do comply. The Animal Health (Amendment) Act 1998 gives Ministers powers to set welfare conditions in quarantine kennels on a statutory basis.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many quarantine kennels have indicated that they will be unable or unwilling to comply with the Animal Health (Amendment) Act 1998; and if he will list them. [81931]
§ Mr. RookerThe Animal Health (Amendment) Act 1998 gives Ministers the power to make secondary legislation setting welfare conditions for animals kept in quarantine premises. The Government will hold a full public consultation involving all parties with an interest in the welfare of animals in quarantine, including quarantine kennels. It is at that stage that the position of individual kennels—who will have to comply with the legislation—will become clearer.