HC Deb 24 January 2000 vol 343 cc15-6W
Jane Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action his Department is taking to regulate intermediaries who sell on animals bred on puppy farms, with regard to certification of the animals' health. [105342]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

Under the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999, which came into force on 30 December 1999, the keeper of a licensed dog breeding establishment can only lawfully sell a dog either from his or her own premises direct to a person who it is believed will not be selling it on, or to the keeper of a licensed pet shop or a Scottish rearing establishment.

A certificate of health is not required and there are no plans to introduce such a requirement into transactions, the conditions of which are essentially for the parties involved. The permitted sales outlets are, however, subject to stringent local authority licensing controls aimed at safeguarding the health and welfare of the animals involved. In addition, dogs sold through licensed pet shops/rearing establishments must wear a collar and identifying tag, to ensure that the originating breeder can be traced in all cases and not least by prospective purchasers wishing to make checks on a dog's provenance.

The Home Office has recently issued guidance to local authorities about the administration and enforcement of this legislation.