§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if a licensed establishment would need to obtain permission from his Department to cut the vocal cords of dogs. [106656]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienAny procedure performed on a living animal at an establishment designated under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 for an experimental or other scientific purpose that might have the effect of causing pain, suffering, distress or lasting harm to that animal would require a licence. This would include the cutting of the vocal cords of dogs. However, if that procedure was performed as an act of veterinary surgery, and not for an experimental or other scientific purpose, a licence under the 1986 Act would not be required.
Commercial dog breeding establishments and licensed pet shops, that sell dogs to the general public, are subject to licensing control under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 as amended by the Breeding and Sale of Dogs (Welfare) Act 1999. The Home Office has issued detailed guidance to local authorities on the legislation but it has no role to play in enforcing this legislation, which is the responsibility of the local authorities.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many pigs were used in the xenotransplantation research carried out in the UK during(a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998 and (d) 1999; [106659]
(2) how many deaths of primates there were in kidney and heart xenotransplantation research carried out in the UK during (a) 1996, (b) 1997, (c) 1998 and (d) 1999; and what was the reason for each death. [106658]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienMy officials are seeking to collate these data but require more time. I will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to review and improve the regulations concerning the standards of care and welfare of circus animals; and if he will make a statement; [106662]
(2) if he will make it his policy to require circus trainers to undertake formal courses in animal care and welfare; and if he will make a statement; [106664]
(3) if he intends to restrict circus trainers to the use of a positive reinforcement approach when training animals; and if he will make a statement; [106667]
(4) if he will take steps to require more precise record-keeping in respect of the welfare of individual circus animals; and if he will make a statement; [106663]
(5) if he will introduce standards of care and welfare for circus animals to ensure that all performance routines are extensions of natural behaviour and within the capability of the animal; and if he will make a statement. [106666]
218W
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government are considering recommendations about circus animals submitted by the Associate Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare, at this time. We have not prepared new regulations or requirements concerning the training and welfare of such animals, but a draft code has been prepared by the Association of Circus Proprietors. This seeks to promote best practice on all aspects of the care of circus animals and, as part of that approach, it requires trainers to be suitably qualified and to use positive reinforcement methods. We are examining the draft.
There is likely to be little opportunity for Government legislation on the matter in the near future, but it is already an offence under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 to cause any captive animal unnecessary suffering. Further protection is provided by the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925. Under this, police and local authority officers have inspection powers and recourse to magistrates courts, which may make orders prohibiting or restricting the use of performing animals that have been cruelly treated when trained or exhibited.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of controls on pet suppliers; and if he will make a statement. [106660]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienWe consider the existing controls to be adequate and have no plan to review them at the moment.
Pet shops are licensed by local authorities under the Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended in 1983), and subject to licence conditions to safeguard the health and welfare of the animals in their charge. In addition, it is an offence under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 to cause unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal—this applies to pet shop keepers as to anyone else. Certain endangered animals imported for the pet trade are also protected under European Wildlife Regulations, which implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). In addition, some exotic pets can only lawfully be sold to people subject to stringent licence controls imposed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, and there are statutory restrictions on trade in United Kingdom wildlife species.
The Pet Care Trust has produced a code of practice for retailers of pets. This highlights key licence conditions, and includes a recommendation that, where appropriate, customers of pet shops should be given leaflets or other literature containing advice on how to care for the animals they have purchased.