Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many prosecutions were brought forward for (a) the illegal import of pets under the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 and (b) knowingly presenting fraudulent information in relation to the import of pets under the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011.

The Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011 and the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulation 2011 are enforced by Local Authorities.

In line with obligations under Section 80 of the Animal Health Act 1981 information is provided by Local Authorities to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on proceedings under this Act. This includes information on the number of prosecutions secured under the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 and the Non-Commercial Movement of Pet Animals Order 2011.

Details of the nature of the offences are not recorded centrally.

The number of prosecutions is set out in the table below.

Prosecutions for illegally importing pet animals for sale may also be brought under legislation governing consumer protection, the sale of pet animals and the importation of rabies susceptible animals.