§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to introduce tighter controls to limit the sale of exotic animals; and if he will make a statement; [108179]
(2) what his policy is in respect of the animal welfare implications of the sale of reptiles in DIY stores; and if he will make a statement. [108178]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienOur policy is to ensure that law is in place to safeguard the welfare of animals offered for sale as pets. This applies as much to reptiles in do-it-yourself stores, as it does to animals sold through other outlets. We intend that the law should be effectively enforced.
We believe that the Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended), together with the Protection of Animals Act 1911 (as amended), meet that objective. Although there is 707W no plan to introduce tighter controls at present, we will keep the situation under review to ensure the law is able to address the issues.
Under the 1951 Act, persons in the business of selling pet animals must be licensed by local authorities. The licence conditions have to cover the suitability and cleanliness of the animals' accommodation, feeding arrangements, and protection from disease and fire. The local authority may inspect licensed premises at all reasonable times, and a breach of licence conditions may result in a fine of £500 and/or three months imprisonment for the offender, as well as his or her disqualification from keeping a pet shop in future.
Under the 1911 Act, it is an offence, punishable by a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment, to cause unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal, and this includes animals kept as stock by persons trading in pets, both before and after their sale.
In addition, some species of reptile may be lawfully kept, after purchase from a pet supplier, only by someone suitably licensed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Others may be threatened species controlled under the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), under which welfare requirements must be satisfied before the animals concerned are allowed to enter the country. There is control over their subsequent movements.