PRESS RELEASE
Roger Gale M.P.

Contact: 07623 978479 (24 hr Pager/Messages)

01843 848588 (a.m.)

I.S.D.N: 0207 222 3936/

01227 720015

Issued: 19 July, 2005.

Pet Markets - MP Questions Minister on Government plans

The President of the Conservative Animal Welfare Group, Roger Gale MP (North Thanet) is questioning Government proposals that would re-introduce markets selling domestic and wild-caught animals, birds and reptiles.

The measures, contained within the Government`s proposed Animal Welfare Bill, would effectively reverse the amendment to the Pet Animals Act by the Conservative government in 1983 and once again legalise such sales.

"If this measure were to proceed" says Roger Gale "it would be a very retrograde step indeed. As a result of the 1983 amendment the Pet Fair market in reptiles has been virtually eliminated and there has been a significant reduction in the fairs selling domestic and (illegally) wild caught exotic birds. It is very regrettable that the Minister responsible (Ben Bradshaw) appears to be supporting legislation that has the potential to reverse much of the progress that has been made".

In written parliamentary questions appearing on the Order Paper today (Tuesday) for answer on Thursday - possibly the last day upon which this parliament will sit - Roger Gale is calling upon the Minister to make available, under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the advice upon which DEFRA has reached its conclusions and the scientific basis for the Minister’s decision.

"Aside from the obvious animal welfare implications presented by Pet Fairs" says Roger Gale "there are serious public health considerations also. The trade in smuggled birds and exotic animals not only threatens endangered wild species but has the potential to introduce into the UK diseases from other countries - including avian flu.

I believe that it is time that the Government - which still has a few days to run - made its intentions clear and gave reasons for a decision that seems to be at best perverse and at worst dangerous". (ENDS)

Contact: Roger Gale - 07623 978479