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Inquiry launched into keeping primates as pets
MPs seeking written evidence on pet trade and keeping

An inquiry has been launched by MPs into the keeping of primates as pets, it was announced yesterday (December 9).

Written evidence is now being sought by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee on three key aspects.

MPs are looking to determine the extent of the trade in primates and primate keeping within the UK, and whether existing legislation and the Code of Practice are sufficient to protect the welfare of primates being kept as pets. Evidence is also required as to whether these are being applied effectively.

In addition to this, the inquiry will look at whether primates should be kept as pets, and if not, how to implement an effective ban.

The news comes just weeks after the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) urged European authorities to draft suitability lists, to specify which species can or cannot be kept by private individuals.

Preliminary findings from a survey of veterinary practitioners, which was launched by the organisation last October, show an increase in the number of exotic and wild animals being kept as pets.

Results also suggested a need to raise public awareness of the risks of keeping exotic pets, such as transmission of zoonotic diseases, as well as animal health and welfare issues.

The RSPCA called for a ban on keeping primates as pets earlier on this year, raising concerns over the growing UK trade.

Those wishing to submit evidence to the new inquiry will be able to do so from early next week until the deadline on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. Visit the Efra Committee website to submit evidence or for guidance on submissions.

http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/environment-food-and-rural-affairs-committee/inquiries/parliament-2010/primates-as-pets/

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.