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

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with (a) her global counterparts and (b) animal rights groups on cruelty in the global dog meat trade.

The Government shares the public’s high regard for animal welfare, including the welfare of dogs and we are committed to making the UK a world leader in protection of animals as we leave the EU. The Government has made wide ranging commitments on animal welfare.

Whilst the Government has not held any direct discussions with other governments or animal welfare organisations since the General Election specifically about the dog meat trade, we will continue to influence good animal welfare standards on the international stage through membership of such organisations as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).