§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will permit the new pet passport documentation to act as(a) an export certificate, (b) an import permit and (c) a rabies vaccination certificate; and if he will make a statement. [108176]
§ Ms Quin[holding answer 3 February 2000]: Export certificates for pets are not a requirement of the UK Government, but may be required by countries to which animals are travelling. Such countries are entitled, as is the UK, to set their own requirements for import documentation. There is no requirement for import permits for pet animals entering England under the Pet Travel Scheme. Each such pet will need to be accompanied by a valid Pet Travel Scheme rabies re-entry certificate. Other certification relates to treatment against ticks and tapeworms and no limitation of the pet's travel outside the UK to permitted countries.
The aim of the Pet Travel Scheme is to permit pet owners to bring their animals back to this country without having to undergo quarantine, while maintaining the protection of public health. The scheme which will commence on 28 February is a pilot: the experience gained from it will be used in framing the full scheme which we are committed to implementing by April 2001.