PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Ministry of Defence: Animal Welfare (23 March 2017)

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure the welfare of regimental animals in the armed forces; and if he will make it his policy to ensure that regimental animals are properly looked after once they have left active service.

Asked by:
Anna Turley (Labour)

There are currently nine regimental mascots within Her Majesty's Armed Forces, all of them in the Army. Like all animals employed within Defence, each regimental mascot is provided with food, bedding, veterinary services and reasonable accommodation. Professional veterinary advice is provided in relation to each animal's health and welfare needs and each is subject to annual inspection by a veterinary officer. All mascots are cared for by the regiments they serve. Most serve until they are deceased, however for those that do retire, a suitable home is found.

Answered by:
Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative)
29 March 2017