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Written question asked by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 March 2024. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 March 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Import Controls

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department has taken help tackle the import of dogs with cropped ears since 1 January 2024.

Answer

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is already an offence in England and Wales to carry out a non-exempted mutilation, including the cropping of a dog’s ears or the docking of their tails. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 creates tougher penalties for anyone convicted of such an offence face, either being sent to prison for up to five years, or receiving an unlimited fine, or both.

The Government supports the Private Members’ Bill, Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, introduced by the hon. Member for North Devon on restricting the importation and non-commercial movement of pets. The Bill will contain powers that will enable future regulations for commercial and non-commercial movements of pets into the United Kingdom including prohibiting the import of dogs with cropped ears.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18081
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Animal welfare Dogs Import controls
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk