Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what representations she has received from animal enforcement bodies and charities on the Pet Animals Act 1951.

We have received representations suggesting that the Pet Animals Act 1951 could be updated in particular to deal with sale of pets on the internet and banning the sale of puppies and kittens from pet shops. Tthe Act already applies to sales of pet animals over the internet Anyone selling pets commercially from any sort of premises, whether on the high street or on-line from a private dwelling by way of example, is required to be licensed by their local authority.

The welfare of all animals sold from pet shops is provided for, not only in the provisions of the 1951 Act, but also under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 which requires that all owners must provide for the welfare needs of their animals.

Guidance on the Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing assists local authorities with the licensing and inspection of pet shops, whether on-line or not and includes a specific section on dogs. The document was recently updated to take account of the latest welfare standards.