The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a government department in the UK.

We cover – we make policy and legislation, and work with others to deliver our policies in - areas such as:

• the natural environment, biodiversity, plants and animals
• sustainable development and the green economy
• food, farming and fisheries
• animal health and welfare
• environmental protection and pollution control
• rural communities and issues.

Although we only work directly in England, we work closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and we generally lead on negotiations in the EU and internationally.

Pets

I want to take my pet into the UK / abroad with me. What should I do?

Most European Union (EU) and many non-EU countries have joined the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). PETS can prevent long quarantine periods when pet dogs, cats and ferrets are brought into / back into the UK.

Detailed information about PETS requirements can be found on Directgov

If you are taking your pet abroad please contact the Embassy of the country of destination using the link below to ensure you comply with their import requirements – see the FCO website

Some countries require rabies vaccinations within a specified period before arrival, so re-vaccination may be required before the booster is due. Many countries also require an Export Health Certificate (EHC) and some an import licence. To obtain an EHC please contact the Live Animal Export Team at Central Operations Carlisle on:

Tel: 01228 403600

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Please be aware that the rules for the Pet Travel Scheme will change from 1 January 2012. For further information please see the Travelling with petspages.

The Pet Travel Scheme requires that pets are treated for ticks. What products do you recommend for tick control?

Pets must be treated against the tapeworm Echinococcus multilocularisusing a veterinary medicine whose active ingredient is praziquantel. The tick treatment must be licensed for use against ticks and have a marketing authorisation in the country of use. Some treatments may not be applicable to both cats and dogs (or ferrets) and this should be checked with your vet. A collar impregnated with acaricide is not an acceptable form of treatment against ticks.

How do I apply for a / report a lost horse passport?

Detailed information about applying for a horse passport can be found on Directgov

Information about replacing a lost horse passport can be found on Directgov

Plants

I am travelling from / to another EU country. Can I bring / take plants or seeds with me?

Yes, the free movement of plants and garden plant products between EU Member States for personal use is permitted, providing the plants were grown in an EU country and are free from disease. 

Further information can be found on the Fera website

I am travelling to the UK from a country outside of the EU. Can I bring plants or seeds with me?

In order to safeguard plant health in Britain, there are statutory controls on importing plants and plant products (such as flowers and fruits) into this country.

Information on these controls can be found on the Fera website

For further information and advice regarding the import and export of plants or seeds, you should contact the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA). FERA can be contacted at:

Plant Health
Room 10GA01
The Food and Environment Research Agency
Sand Hutton
York
YO41 1LZ
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1904 465625
Fax: +44 (0) 1904 465628
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Whaling

Why does the government allow whaling? Why doesn’t the government do more to stop it?

The UK strongly supports the International Whaling Commission’s ban on commercial whaling and opposes all forms of whaling.

The government believes whaling is very cruel, and that the only sustainable way to use whales is to go whale watching.

We will continue to take a strong line on conservation and welfare issues, and to oppose whaling at every opportunity.

Wildlife

I want to know about licences to control wildlife (e.g. seagulls, pigeons, badgers & rabbits).

Licences to control wildlife in England are issued by Natural England, the government’s adviser on the natural environment. Further information can be found on the Natural England website.

Natural England’s Wildlife Management and Licensing Service offers free advice. Please find contact details below.

Telephone: 0845 6014523 (local rate)
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Management and Licensing Service
Natural England
Burghill Road
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 6NJ

I want to know about what is being done to protect bees.

Information about what is being done to protect bees can be found on the Fera website

I want to know about import / export & selling / buying of animals or plants listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

CITES licensing is carried out by Animal Health on the Government’s behalf. Information can be found on Directgov.

Please find contact details below:
Telephone: 0117 372 8774
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Wildlife Licensing and Registration Service (WLRS)
Animal Health
1/17 Temple Quay House
2 The Square
Temple Quay
Bristol
BS1 6EB

I want advice on controlling Japanese knotweed

Information about Japanese knotweed can be found on the Defra website.

The Environment Agency offers comprehensive advice about the management, treatment and disposal of Japanese knotweed – see the Environment Agency website.

The Environment Agency’s telephone customer advice line number is 08708 506 506.