Agriculture Minister Nick Brown has said there are no "insuperable obstacles" to new anti-rabies laws using so-called pet passports for animals coming in from the European Union.

Parliamentary Correspondent Dave Wilby: 'A change of heart in parliament'

A pilot project may be introduced ahead of overall reforms, he said, but added public safety would not be compromised.

Former Hong Kong governor Chris Patten and many other pet lovers across the country have long complained about a law that keeps owners apart from their animals for six months when they come to Britain.

Nick Brown: Better alternatives

But others argue it is the only way to ensure the country stays free of rabies.

Scientists have recommended vaccination, microchip tagging and pet passports as viable alternatives.

Opening a debate on the quarantine rules on Thursday night, Mr Brown said the government was "minded to agree to change and reform".

"We can no longer argue that quarantine is the only way of protecting this country against rabies. I do not see how we can keep our present system unchanged when there is a less onerous alternative which gives no greater risk," he said.

He acknowledged the current rules of keeping pets in quarantine kennels at a cost of up to £1,500 for owners were "very harsh".

The Conservatives' new Agriculture spokesman, Tim Yeo, said his party agreed with reform as long as pet owners - not taxpayers - funded the cost and that safety was not put at risk.

Tim Yeo: Taxpayers "should not have to pay for reform"

And the Liberal Democrat spokesman Charles Kennedy also said the current laws were unfair and costly. "It is surely the lesser of two evils to go for a system which is more likely to deliver than it is to stick with a system which is not potentially delivering so well," he said.

But Tory MP and former minister Eric Forth condemned the proposals, saying the measures could lead to more rabies cases in Britain.

He also objected to cross-party agreement on quarantine reform.

"I have an instinctive suspicion of consensus, especially when it is cosy. On those occasions where there is almost complete agreement about something in this House, very often it ends up with a disaster," he said.

'Dog always thrilled'

Arguing for reform and adding a touch of humour to the debate, Conservative MP David Amess said the moves would be popular.

"Many people genuinely do prefer animals to human beings. Now some of us can understand how they feel like that.

"When I go home, my family isn't always thrilled to see me but my dog is and the reason for that, frankly is because it knows that when I come it's going to get taken for a walk," he said, to laughter from all sides.

There was no vote at the end of the debate that highlighted a change of heart in parliament on a law that has been at the centre of keeping Britain rabies-free.

The consultation period on reform continues until the end of the year.