Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 2 November 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 November 2010. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 November 2010 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Breeding

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will (a) promote a public education and awareness campaign concerning genetic health problems in pure-bred dogs and (b) publish her estimate of the cost to the public purse of dealing with consequential health problems in such dogs; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: We have no current plans to promote a public education and awareness campaign concerning genetic health problems in pure-bred dogs. We will be looking to the recently created and independent Dog Advisory Council to consider how best to promote public awareness of genetic health problems in dogs.I am not aware that genetic health problems in dogs generate significant costs to the public purse as most of the costs are met by individual owners.

Secondary information