I was very sorry not to have been able to attend the debate, as it clashed with another debate about fairer school funding.  I view the trade and consumption of dog meat as abhorrent, particularly where it involves cruelty to animals. The Government has ensured that the UK continues to raise concerns with countries that engage in these practices.

While these countries are aware of the view the British people take on this matter, there are unfortunately no international norms, laws or agreements governing it. This makes it difficult for us to intervene or take trade measures against countries where eating dog meat is regarded as culturally acceptable.

I do, however, very much welcome the work that non-governmental organisations such as Animal Asia Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals conduct in Asian countries to protect dogs’ welfare.