Vet MP introduces pet smuggling bill to Parliament
“By taking advantage of policy loopholes, criminals have been able to traffic vulnerable animals into the UK” – Danny Chambers.
Legislation to tackle pet smuggling has been introduced to Parliament as a Private Members’ Bill.
The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill will restrict imports and the non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets.
Although details are yet to be announced, the bill is expected to include measures to prevent the import of pets that have cropped ears or docked tails, as well as raising the minimum age for importing a puppy or kitten and banning the import of heavily pregnant dogs and cats.
These measures are similar to a pet smuggling bill, introduced by Selaine Saxby, that failed to make it through the last Parliament in time before the last election.
Private Members’ Bills are put forward by backbench MPs rather than the Government. They can become law if they gather enough support in both Houses of Parliament.
The new bill has been introduced by Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester. Until he was elected to Parliament in this year’s general election, he worked as a veterinary surgeon.
Dr Chambers said: “As a trained vet, I've treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised.
“My bill is not only an animal welfare measure, preventing illegal importation of vulnerable animals, but it is also an important public health measure. By restricting animal imports we will help end illegal pet smuggling and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.
“By taking advantage of policy loopholes, criminals have been able to traffic vulnerable animals into the UK. This gap in the system has caused the suffering of thousands of innocent animals. As a vet, I think it is time we close this loophole, stop it from being exploited by criminals, and put an end to this cruel trade once and for all.”
The proposed legislation has been supported by the RSPCA, which has welcomed the return of pet smuggling legislation to Parliament.
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, said: “Sadly, moves to better protect pets being imported into the UK also didn't make it over the line in the last Parliament.
“We know pets with cropped ears, and other mutilations, are too often imported into the UK and sold; while this loophole can also act as a smokescreen for criminality at home - so it’s really welcome this issue is being raised so early into the new Parliament.”
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
