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Written question asked by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 April 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 18 April 2024. It was answered by Mark Spencer (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Cats and Dogs: Imports

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with relevant stakeholders on the potential ban on importing dogs and cats under the age of six months; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of that ban on levels of illegal pet trade.

Answer

Defra regularly engages with relevant stakeholders, on tackling the illegal pet trade, including prohibiting the import of puppies and kittens under the age of six months.

The Government supports the Private Members’ Bill, Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, introduced by Selaine Saxby MP 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 puppies under six months old. By its very nature, it is difficult to assess the full extent of the illegal pet trade. The measures in the Bill will close loopholes ​exploited by ​unscrupulous traders, help reduce the low welfare movement of pets into Great Britain and crack down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
22115
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Dogs Imports Regulation Smuggling Cats
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk