To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many animals were in quarantine in the UK in the latest period for which figures are available, broken down by species; and if he will make a statement. (180425)

The provisional figures for 2007 are set out as follows. The final figures will be included in the next Chief Veterinary Officer’s Annual Report, which will be published on the DEFRA website.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what size of enclosure each type of animal entering the UK is kept in during quarantine; and if he will make a statement. (180426)

DEFRA does not lay down rules specifically for the welfare of animals in quarantine. However, in consultation with premises owners and welfare organisations, we have produced a voluntary Code of Practice on the welfare of dogs and cats in quarantine premises (set out) which outlines recommended minimum internal measurements for individual accommodation units. Premises which comply with this code are awarded a star, and a list of starred premises is available on the DEFRA website quarantine pages. There are regular inspections of quarantine premises by Animal Health Officers (usually at least four times a year, with two visits being unannounced).

i. For small dogs (less than 12 kilograms): sleeping area not less than 1.1 square metres, width and length not less than 0.9 m. Adjoining exercise area not less than 3.7 square metres, width not less than 0.9 metres.

ii. For medium dogs (12 kilograms to 30 kilograms): sleeping area not less than 1.4 square metres, width and length not less than 1.2 metres. Adjoining exercise area not less than 5.5 square metres, width not less than 1.2 metres.

iii. For large dogs (more than 30 kilograms): sleeping area not less than 1.4 square metres, width and length not less than 1.2 metres. Adjoining exercise area not less than 7.4 square metres, width not less than 1.2 metres.

iv. For cats, the individual cat units should be of the walk in type not less than 1.8 metres high. The sleeping compartment plus exercise run must have a total floor area of at least 1.4 square metres, and both the length and width should be at least 0.9 metres. Cat units should contain ample shelf room for climbing and resting, preferably provided both inside and out. A suitable abrasive surface for nail trimming should be provided, such as a scratching post. In shared units, each cat should have its own bed.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what consideration has been given to administering inoculations against rabies to animals in quarantine in the UK. (180427)

All cats and dogs are required to be vaccinated against rabies within 48 hours of arrival in an approved quarantine premise. This vaccination is to protect the animal during quarantine and may not necessarily have any effect on animals already harbouring the disease at the time of arrival.