Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 28 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 June 2005. It was answered by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Tuesday, 5 July 2005 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pet Markets

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) if she will make it her policy to ban exotic pet markets;

Answer: The scope of the prohibition on pet markets and similar events in public places under the Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended 1983) is in need of clarification. The Animal Welfare Bill will provide an opportunity to supply this clarification. We are currently in contact with parties with an interest in the sale of animals at pet markets. Once we have had an opportunity to consider the responses to this first consultation, it is our intention to prepare proposals which will be subject to a wider public consultation, before any legislation is introduced.It is for local authorities to enforce the Pet Animals Act 1951, including the licensing of pet markets. Data on enforcement action taken under this Act are not collated by my Department.

Secondary information