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Government urged to tackle puppy smuggling
MPs pointed out that Brexit offers an opportunity to change the Pet Travel Scheme.
Parliamentary debate sees MPs calling for greater action 

Cross-party MPs have urged the government to do more to tackle puppy smuggling, during a debate in parliament yesterday (2 April).

Conservative MP Nigel Huddleston, who called the debate, asked the government to consider introducing on-the-spot fines for those caught illegally importing dogs, as well as improving the presence of border officials at ports.

There was much support in the House of Commons for carrying out visual checks at all hours of the day, every day of the week, as the current disparity in border presence during office hours and evenings and weekends, “can all too easily be exploited by smugglers”, Mr Huddleston added.

MPs pointed out that Brexit offers an opportunity to change the Pet Travel Scheme - reintroducing the rabies test, setting a limit on how soon after the test dogs can travel and increasing the age at which dogs can legally enter the country to, say, six months. Mr Huddleston said this would make it easier for officials to accurately assess the dog’s age and reduce the incentive to smuggle puppies, as older animals are less desirable to the public.

Some MPs also called for vehicles to be confiscated when illegally smuggled puppies are seized at the borders.

There was clear frustration in the House over delays in bringing forward new legislation to ban third party puppy sales and increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty to five years.

Responding to the debate, animal welfare minister David Rutley said he had pledged to be a part of the Dogs Trust’s campaign to end puppy smuggling, along with 137 other MPs.

“Since my appointment as minister, it has become increasingly clear to me that we need to tackle the abhorrent puppy smuggling trade from end to end by looking at both supply and demand,” he added.

The minister confirmed that the 10-fold increase in the maximum sentence for animal cruelty would be brought forward “very shortly”. Meanwhile secondary legislation for the ban on third-party puppy sales will be laid later this spring, he added.

Mr Rutley said the government is also open to looking at the effectiveness of on-the-spot fines and 100 per cent visual checks of all dogs travelling, as well as educating the public and exploring changes to the Pet Travel Scheme after Brexit.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.