Written question asked by David Amess (Conservative) on Monday, 24 January 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 26 January 2011. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 1 February 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Animals: Licensing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent assessment she has made of the effectiveness of arrangements for licensing animal dealers; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The Pet Animals Act 1951 (as amended in 1983) controls the sale of all animals as pets from licensed premises. The 1951 Act requires any person selling pet animals to be licensed by the local authority. Before granting a licence, the authority must satisfy itself that the animals are kept in accommodation that is suitable and clean, that they are supplied with the appropriate food and drink, and are protected from disease and fire.The maximum penalty under the 1951 Act is a fine of £500 and/or three months' imprisonment. If a person is convicted under the Act or for any offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, a court may cancel any pet shop licence or disqualify a person from keeping a pet shop for any period as the court thinks fit. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 is the principal piece of legislation protecting all domestic and captive animals, in England and Wales. Under the 2006 Act, it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to—or fail to provide for the welfare needs of—any domestic or captive animal.I am satisfied that the legislation currently in place relating to the selling of pet animals provides local authorities with the necessary powers to ensure that the welfare of animals is maintained.

Secondary information