Written question asked by George Freeman (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 July 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 September 2011. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 September 2011 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Pets

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps she is taking to ensure that Regulation (EC) 998/2003 on the animal health requirements applicable to the non-commercial movement of pet animals is renewed at the end of 2011; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: As announced to the House by the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Meriden (Mrs Spelman) by written ministerial statement on 30 June 2011, Official Report, columns 63-66WS, the UK will harmonise its rabies entry requirements with the EU-wide pet movement system from Sunday 1 January 2012. Under EU law, the new entry requirements will be directly applicable and will apply as soon as the derogations expire. New domestic legislation is being drafted to repeal the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals (England) Regulations 2004 and to enforce the EU rules when they take effect on 1 January 2012. This legislation will be laid before Parliament in December 2011.On tapeworm controls, following representations made by the UK, the European Commission has come forward with a proposal that would enable us to retain controls with a treatment window of one to five days. We have decided that the evidence doesn't justify maintaining tick controls, though should pet owners chose to do so as part of wider animal welfare considerations they could and we are working with veterinary and welfare organisations to ensure that those travelling with their pets are provided with the necessary advice.

Secondary information