Memorandum submitted by the National Mouse
Club
1. Thank you for writing to me and for keeping
the National Mouse Club up to date with the new Government's draft
Animal Welfare Bill. Although we are only a relatively small club
numerically the club has been in existence for over one hundred
years. Our main concern is that over the next few years and before
the Bill is made law, there may be additions, which may make it
impossible for our members to meet and show our mice.
2. Our members are also concerned that other
government departments and the RSPCA may be given the right to
enter and search premises. The police already have these powers,
which is of course right and proper and could accompany any other
party that had a genuine need.
3. All our members are fully aware of the
five points of Freedom, which should apply to all captive animals.
Indeed we pride ourselves that our members exceed this basic duty
in caring for the mice in our care.
4. The Executive Committee of the National
Mouse Club is in the process of going through the Rules and Standards
as we do regularly before they are reprinted. This will ensure
that our rules and Standards far exceed the requirements of the
bill.
5. Thank you once again for your consideration
in this matter and I look forward to hearing from you when any
other additions may be added to the Governments draft Animal Welfare
Bill.
20 August 2004
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