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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to prevent kittens being sold younger than eight weeks of age.

Defra is currently reviewing the animal activities licensing schemes and have made several proposals that will help modernise the laws that regulate the breeding and selling of certain pet animals. One such proposal will require local authorities to use the Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing which, if carried forward, will mean that local authorities will need to apply these conditions when inspecting a pet shop. The Model Conditions for Pet Vending Licensing include a requirement that any kittens for sale must be aged eight weeks or over.