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Written question asked by Scott Mann (Conservative) on Friday, 2 September 2016, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 September 2016. It was answered by Lord Sharma (Conservative) on Thursday, 8 September 2016 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

China: Dogs

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Chinese government on the treatment of dogs during that country's Yulin Dog Meat Festival.

Answer

The United Kingdom Government takes seriously all reports of animal cruelty. We are committed to raising standards of animal welfare and to phasing out cruel and inhumane practices both in the UK and overseas. However, there are limits to what the UK can do. Consumption of dog meat is legal in the People’s Republic of China and the UK has no legal grounds to intervene or take trade measures to prevent this.

We have instead focused our efforts on co-operation with China to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. We also work through the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), to promote the welfare of a range of species internationally, such as stray dogs and farmed animals. We encourage China, as a member of OIE, to meet the required standards.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
44110
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Animal welfare China Dogs Meat
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk