Norman Baker MP Member of Parliament for Lewes constituency
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East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
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Local MP Calls For Clearer Government Guidance For Pet Owners Travelling Abroad
Lewes MP and Lib Dem Animal Welfare Spokesman Norman Baker has called upon the Government to provide clearer guidelines to pet owners who wish to take their animals on foreign holidays. Norman raised the issue during a debate at the House of Commons and voiced his concern at the rising number of these pets which are catching deadly diseases as a result of a lack of clear Government guidance to pet owners on the dangers that they could be exposing their animal to.
During the debate, Norman said:
"If we are to relax the rules for pet travel, which I am in favour of, we have to do so hand in hand with an education campaign, so that those who take their animals abroad are aware that they are exposing them to risks that may not be present in the UK and against which they might not have natural defences. What steps is the Minister taking to produce an education campaign in conjunction with the relaxation of pet travel arrangements, so that people are aware of the dangers that their animals might face?"
After the debate Norman said:
"The pet passport scheme allows people who are going abroad to take their pet with them without subjecting the animal to a stressful period of quarantine. Not only is it welcome in this respect but it has also proved particularly invaluable for those people to whom an assistance dog is necessary.
"However, this scheme has now proved so popular - with up to 150,000 pets forecast to travel this year - that it could now present an unacceptable risk to the animals themselves where many well-meaning owners unconsciously allow them to come into contact with potentially deadly diseases.
"The Government must take decisive action to prevent further distress amongst pet owners who have taken their animal abroad and now issue proper guidance through a comprehensive education campaign which will make people aware of the dangers that their pet could face."
For the full transcript of the committee debate please visit www.parliament.uk and follow the links to Hansard and to:
Pet Travel Scheme (Pilot Arrangements) (England) (Amendment) Order 2004
Seventh Standing Committee on Delegated Legislation Tuesday 18 May 2004