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

To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to the need to introduce legislation to ban the importation of F1 and F2 hybrid cats.

Pet dogs, cats and ferrets are strictly defined within the pet travel legislation as Canis lupis familiaris (domestic dog), Felis silvestris catus (domestic cat) and Mustela putorius furo (ferret). Movements of these pet animals must be accompanied by documentation verifying identification, valid rabies vaccinations, a rabies blood test (if required) and, if relevant, treatment against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularis.

Under the current legislation, documentation can only be issued to domestic dogs, cats and ferrets. Other species are not permitted to travel under the pet travel or commercial import rules. We consider that the legislation governing these movements is fit for purpose.

Animals other than domestic animals must be entered into a zoo-approved quarantine premises and an import licence is required.