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Alex Bish reported that an alarming number of over 1,000 illegally imported puppies in the span of five years have made their way to rehoming centers after being intercepted at the British border. Dogs Trust, a charity organization, disclosed that these animals were taken in by their centers after being unlawfully brought through the Channel ports between 2020 and 2024. The charity is optimistic that the introduction of a proposed law, set to be deliberated in the House of Lords, will aid in cracking down on the smuggling of dogs and cats, whereas the government has assured that the new measures will address loopholes exploited by unethical traders.
For several years, campaigners have cautioned about breeders bringing in puppies under the age of 15 weeks into the country, or smuggling in dogs without proper health certifications. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) clarified that the term “illegally landed” does not solely imply smuggling, but encompasses any animal that fails to meet import requirements and would necessitate quarantine in accordance with anti-rabies regulations. Dogs Trust, through its Puppy Pilot initiative, covers the costs of quarantining dogs confiscated at the border to assist APHA in intercepting illegally imported puppies.
The proposed legislation would grant the government the authority to prohibit the import of puppies and kittens below six months. Moreover, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill would proscribe the import of pregnant dogs and cats beyond 42 days of pregnancy, as well as cap the number of animals permitted in a vehicle. Claire Calder, Dogs Trust’s head of public affairs, stressed the significance of the new bill in light of issues such as young puppies being transported under appalling conditions and the exploitation of the pet travel scheme over the years.
Professional dog trainer Ryan O’Meara emphasized the necessity of stringent enforcement at the UK border to deter smuggling activities. Ryan highlighted the importance of not only passing the law but also ensuring its effective enforcement. Danny Chambers, a vet and Lib Dem MP for Winchester, who spearheaded the bill, pointed out the public health risks associated with illegal puppy smuggling and expressed optimism that the legislation would eradicate hazardous practices endangering animals. The bill is slated to proceed to the House of Lords for further deliberation on its journey to becoming law, while a Defra spokesperson underscored the government’s commitment to implementing ambitious measures to enhance animal welfare and impede the cruel exploitation of animals by unscrupulous traders
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