§ Mr. KeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will consult the Royal Army Veterinary Corps' Cyprus Defence Animal Support Unit about the repatriation of pets belonging to service families; and if he will make a statement. [143123]
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§ Mr. SpellarResponsibility for regulations governing the importation of animals into the United Kingdom rests with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF). Service personnel are individually responsible for ensuring they comply with the regulations and for making travel arrangements for their pets.
My Department is advised by MAFF that Cyprus is expected to be included within the PET Travel Scheme (PETS) early next year although a precise date has yet to be fixed. The Ministry of Defence liaises with the Commander British Forces Cyprus to ensure that any associated issues are properly addressed. The Cyprus Defence Animal Support Unit (CDASU) of the RAVC forms part of the Command and is currently advising service personnel about the veterinary aspects of the scheme prior to its introduction, including Rabies Vaccination/Blood Testing, Micro Chipping and Vaccination records.