RESCUE DOGS AND UK QUARANTINE REGULATIONS

Early day motion 887, tabled 27 October 2005 by Alan Duncan (Conservative). Signed by 50 members.

That this House recognises and commends the work done by rescue dogs trained in the UK; congratulates the dogs and their handlers for the swift and effective way in which they find victims of earthquakes and other natural disasters in stricken areas; acknowledges that their rapid and selfless response to such disasters saves many lives and has become an essential part of any comprehensive humanitarian aid effort; regrets that the Government still applies six months' quarantine confinement to all such dogs returning from any scene of disaster; notes that a recent World Health Organisation report recommends such quarantine stipulations be lifted on the grounds that they are unnecessary for any dog that is vaccinated and has a microchip; and calls on the Government urgently to change its policy to meet the recommendations of the World Health Organisation report.

Signatures by party: Labour 20, Conservative 15, Liberal Democrat 8, DUP 5, Plaid Cymru 1, UUP 1.