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Parliament launches inquiry into puppy smuggling
The call for evidence will seek to find out whether UK border controls are sufficient and whether tougher import controls can be implemented after Brexit.

Call for evidence to explore tougher border controls 

A parliamentary inquiry has been launched into illegal puppy imports, after a report highlighted flaws in the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS).

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Efra) Committee announced the inquiry yesterday (1 August). It follows on from the committee’s 2017 report on pet welfare in England, which found PETS is providing a vehicle for the illegal importation of puppies.

Defra figures show that dog imports to Great Britain rose to 307,357 in 2018, compared to 287,016 the previous year. This is compared to 85,786 imports in 2011, before the pet travel rules were relaxed.

Closing on 23 September, the call for evidence will seek to find out how many puppies are imported illegally, whether UK border controls are sufficient and whether tougher import controls can be implemented after Brexit. The inquiry will also explore how demand for puppies could be met by domestic breeding, and whether the ban on third party part sales will help to tackle irresponsible breeding and puppy imports.

Commenting on the launch of the inquiry, BVA’s junior vice president Daniella Dos Santos said: “We are very pleased to see the EFRA committee follow up on its 2017 report findings to launch an inquiry to combat the illegal trade in puppies.

“As vets, we see first-hand the tragic consequences resulting from puppies bred in deplorable conditions and taken away from their mothers at a very young age to undertake long, arduous journeys. They often suffer from disease, health problems and poor socialisation, leading to heartache and financial costs for the new owners.

“Whilst the Pet Travel Scheme has made the transport of pets between the UK and mainland Europe easier and more cost effective, the circumvention of legislation by unscrupulous breeders raises serious health and welfare concerns.”

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden also welcomed the move.

“We are delighted that MPs have launched this vitally important inquiry as we have long been urging the government to take forward our clear recommendations to overhaul pet travel legislation, including increasing penalties for those fuelling this despicable trade.

“A lack of visual checks at the borders and insufficient penalties for illegally importing puppies mean there is no real deterrent for puppy smugglers capitalising on the huge demand in this country for desirable breeds such as French Bulldogs, Dachshunds and English Bulldogs. 

“Great Britain remains a target for dealers because of this demand and the vast sums people are willing to pay for such breeds.” 

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.