Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 10 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what her policy is on the tattooing of dogs for identification purposes.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the tattooing of dogs for identification purposes. [138574] Mr. Morley: The Government have considered the option of introducing a dog identification scheme, but have no current plans to do so. Defra promotes responsible dog ownership through byelaws, education and publicity. Tattooing is an option for owners, but is not an option for statutory identification schemes such as pet passports where microchips are used.

Secondary information