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Kennel Club welcomes commitments to tackle puppy smuggling
Imported puppies are often bred in unsanitary conditions and transported across great distances without space to move.
Legislation will restrict puppy and dog imports on welfare grounds

The Kennel Club has hailed new government commitments to tackle puppy smuggling as “an important step forwards for animal welfare”.

The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, announced on Monday (8 June), includes legislation that will restrict puppy and dog imports on welfare grounds, such as increasing the minimum age of imported puppies and restricting imports of dogs with cropped ears. 

The Kennel Club has long campaigned against the unethical trade of puppy smuggling and its devastating consequences. Imported puppies are often bred in unsanitary conditions and travel great distances without enough food, water or space to move.

Dr Ed Hayes, head of public affairs at The Kennel Club, said: "With the suffering caught up in the illegal import trade, and unscrupulous importers greedily rushing to fill the gap during the pandemic puppy boom, the new commitments and measures from the government to crack down on this are absolutely essential. 

“The Kennel Club has also always been against ear cropping, leading the ban in the UK over 100 years ago, so the steps outlined to restrict the import of dogs with cropped ears are an important step forwards for animal welfare.”

Dr Hayes also welcomed reforms on sheep worrying, that will give new powers to the police to provide greater protection to livestock from dangerous and out of control dogs. 

“With more people enjoying the great outdoors during the pandemic, alongside the reported increase in dog ownership, it’s crucial that everyone understands their responsibilities and there is clear messaging and laws to ensure the safety of people, animals and the environment,” he said. 

“We look forward to seeing further details and working with DEFRA and MPs to finalise this important and wide-ranging bill, for the sake of the nation’s much-loved pets.”

 

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

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.