§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers he has to regulate the transport of caged rats; and if he will make a statement. [R] [14068]
§ Angela EagleThe Home Office has responsibility for the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Under section 21 of that Act, a Code of Practice for the Housing and Care of Animals in Designated Breeding Establishments is in place, which covers best practice for the care of laboratory animals during transport. Failure to comply with this Code a Practice does not, however, render a person liable to criminal or civil proceedings.
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997 applies to all vertebrates transported for commercial purposes, and under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 it is an offence to convey a captive or domestic animal in such a way as to cause it unnecessary suffering. These pieces of legislation are the responsibility of the Secretary of State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.