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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Monday, 20 April 2020, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 April 2020. It was answered by Baroness Prentis of Banbury (Conservative) on Monday, 27 April 2020 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cats and Dogs: Meat

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs,what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the statement by officials in Shenzhen, China, on the reasons for a proposed ban on the human consumption of dog and cat meat in their city.

Answer

The Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare, including the welfare of dogs and cats, and we are committed to making the UK a world leader in protection of animals now we have left the EU.

The Government is appalled by the prospect of dogs and cats being consumed. However, it is already illegal to sell dog and cat meat for human consumption and the Government has seen no evidence that dog and cat meat is being sold or consumed in this country.

We are confident that the current position in this country sends a clear message that the slaughter and consumption of dogs and cats will never be acceptable. Indeed, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office raises concerns about the welfare of animals with other Governments and international authorities at every suitable opportunity and we are pleased to hear that authorities in China are proposing to ban the consumption of cat and dog meat.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
37500
Session
2019-21
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Consumption China Dogs Meat Cats
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk