PAC says: Pet Travel Scheme.

The Pet Travel Scheme has been in operation in pilot form since 28^th February 2000. According to Government figures, the first eleven months of the pilot scheme saw over 12,500 cats and dogs enter the UK successfully. In August 2000, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food (MAFF) announced that fifteen rabies-free islands would be added to the scope of the scheme. It added to this figure at the beginning of 2001 when it announced that a further thirteen rabies-free islands would be included from the end of January 2001. This means that the Government has delivered on its commitment to extend the Pet Travel Scheme to rabies-free islands ahead of its target date of April 2001.

While welcoming the introduction of the Pet Travel Scheme, and the progress that has been made since February 2000, the PAC has registered several concerns with DEFRA. The Committee felt that the Government had departed from several of the points in the report by Professor Kennedy, published in October 1998, which recommended the setting up of the scheme.

For example, the PAC believes that treatment 7 to 28 days before travel, as well as 24-48 hours before the importation of the animal, supports the view expressed by the Kennedy Report that two treatments are the best option. We are also concerned that, bearing in mind the varying journey times, the issues of animal welfare and hygiene while in transit need to be highlighted. For example, where foot passenger’s animals are concerned, the PAC believes that the provision of adequate kenneling facilities is important to the successful operation of the scheme. The Committee also has other concerns with regard to the monitoring and enforcement of the scheme, and we are encouraged by indications that these will be looked at as part of the Government’s review of the pilot scheme.

The PAC has communicated these and other concerns to Government, both in writing and in person. Representatives of the Committee met with Baroness Hayman, the Minister with responsibility for the scheme at the time, on the 30^th March 2001 to discuss both the scheme itself, and our concerns surrounding it. We were encouraged by the Minister’s willingness to respond to our concerns, and look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue with the Government over the coming months. In the meantime, we continue to stress to pet owners the need to ensure that they have complied with all of the veterinary requirements before attempting to travel with their animal.