§ Mr. BrowneTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how often the Working Party on Dog Identification has met; what items were on its agenda when it met; who has given evidence or provided reports or submissions to it; what means of dog identification are being considered by it; what methods of enforcement of dog identification are being considered by it; and if it will receive and consider submissions from members of the public. [125874]
§ Mr. HillThe Dog Identification Working Group (DIG) was set up to consider the issues surrounding the permanent identification of dogs in England. The Group will produce a report to reflect a consensus view on all the available options for dog identification and this is expected in the Summer. No decisions will be taken until I have fully considered the report.
The Working Group has met on eight occasions, the first meeting was held on 17 May 1999 and chaired by the then Under-Secretary, my hon. Friend the Member for Mansfield (Mr. Meale). The Agenda items of these meetings have been wide ranging to cover all the issues surrounding dog identification. Among the issues the Group has discussed are existing voluntary schemes, different methods of enforcement, a Dog Registration Consultation Paper from the Pet Advisory Committee, International Experience of dog identification schemes, a public education and marketing strategy and the use of databases. The Group has considered a wide range of evidence relevant to its terms of reference—copies of this will be contained in annexes to the Group's report. All forms of identification are being considered including possible future developments in technology. Enforcement 637W is a matter which will be covered by the Group's report. When I have received the Group's report, I will consider the recommendations and whether any further consultation is required.