Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Monday, 7 January 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 January 2008. It was answered by Anne McGuire (Labour) on Monday, 21 January 2008 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Industrial Health and Safety: Animal Housing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment of health and safety standards in private kennels will be undertaken prior to the provisions of section 68 of Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 commencing on 6 April 2008; and if he will initiate an inquiry into the health and safety standards at the kennels at which a dog attacked a lady handler in December 2007.

Answer: I am not aware of any plans to undertake health and safety assessments or inspections of kennels in preparation for the implementation of this section of the Act, though kennel operators are free to review their risk assessments and precautions at any time they see fit.Local authorities enforce health and safety legislation at kennels, and may undertake inspections as part of their routine activities.Salisbury district council has already initiated an investigation into the incident at West Grimstead on 14 December 2007.

Secondary information