Andrew Rosindell (- Shadow Minister, Home Affairs; Romford, Conservative)

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if he will bring forward legislative proposals under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to prohibit the sale of puppies in pet shops.

Jim Fitzpatrick (Minister of State (Minister for Food, Farming and Environment), Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; Poplar & Canning Town, Labour)

DEFRA has no proposals to prohibit the sale of dogs from pet shops. There are currently two independent inquiries underway looking into dog breeding. Both inquiries are expected to report in the next few months. We do not want to pre-empt the recommendations of the inquiries by bringing forward legislation in this area.

In the meantime, the welfare of dogs in pet shops continue to be covered by the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 2006. Under section 9 of the 2006 Act, all owners and keepers must provide for the welfare needs of their animal (the "welfare offence"). Anyone failing to do so could face a maximum penalty of £5,000, or six months' imprisonment, or both. In addition, pet shops have to be licensed by the local authority.