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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (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 Friday, 22 March 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking with local authorities to enhance enforcement against (a) puppy smuggling and (b) the sale of dogs with cropped ears.

Answer

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence in England and Wales to carry out a non-exempted mutilation, including the cropping of a dog’s ears. 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.

Defra regularly engages with stakeholders, including local authorities, on a range of animal welfare issues, including the smuggling of pets into the UK and the cropping of dogs’ ears.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18250
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Animal welfare Enforcement Dogs Local government Sales Smuggling
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk