Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make representations to his Vietnamese counterpart on the effect on the international reputation of Vietnam of the killing of domestic dogs in that country for the dog meat industry.

In Vietnam, the sale and consumption of dog and cat meat is legal. In the absence of international norms, laws or agreements governing the trade and consumption of dog meat, it is a matter for the authorities in each country to introduce and enforce the necessary legislation to end the ill treatment of animals. However, the UK takes seriously reports of animal cruelty throughout the world and is committed to raising standards of animal welfare at home and aboard. I will make my views known during my forthcoming visit to Vietnam.