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Written question asked by Danny Chambers (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. It was answered by Stephen Morgan (Labour) on Thursday, 3 September 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dogs: Smuggling

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of enforcement resources at main border points of entry to prevent the illegal movement of dogs into the UK.

Answer

As outlined in its manifesto, this Government is committed to ending puppy smuggling. This Government operates one of the most rigorous and robust pet travel checking regimes in Europe and keeps resource allocation for these checks under review in close liaison with enforcement agencies.

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 gives the Government powers to introduce measures to strengthen current enforcement mechanisms. This Government will continue to work with UK enforcement bodies as it develops these measures, including on resource impacts.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
19256
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Borders Enforcement Dogs Standards Smuggling
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk