To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs pursuant to the answer of 14 January 2008, Official Report, column 856W, on the Animal Welfare Act 2006, when he expects to complete the review of the timetable for the delivery of secondary legislation and codes under the Animal Welfare Act 2006; when he expects to implement secondary legislation in relation to (a) racing greyhounds, (b) pet fairs, (c) primates as pets, (d) wild animals in circuses, (e) the cat code, (f) the dog code, (g) pet shops, (h) game birds, (i) animal (cat and dog) boarding, (j) tethering of horses, (k) livery yards, (l) riding schools, (m) animal sanctuaries and (n) performing animals; and if he will make a statement. (228140)

The proposed timetable for the introduction of secondary legislation and codes under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 has been adjusted so that it takes account of those areas which parliament regards as a priority.

In 2009, the Department will be issuing a commencement order allowing s8(3)-(6) of the 2006 Act to come into force (provisions relating to the recording of animal fights); a cat welfare code; a dog welfare code; and an equine welfare code. In addition, it is proposed to issue the following consultation documents in 2009: draft proposals on regulating the welfare of racing greyhounds; a draft gamebird rearing code; a draft code on the private keeping of primates; and draft proposals on the transposition of EU legislation concerning the welfare of meat chickens.

It remains the Government’s intention to review other animal related activities, in due course.