Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill

29 November 2024 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Danny Chambers raised concerns about animal welfare (import of dogs, cats and ferrets) bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Bill aims to address illegal puppy smuggling into the UK by closing loopholes in pet travel rules.
  • It seeks to prevent animal mutilations and protect public health through disease prevention measures.
  • The Bill has cross-party support and backing from the veterinary profession.

Key requests to Government

Question put and agreed to.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Danny Chambers Lib Dem Winchester

The Bill aims to address the illegal smuggling of puppies into the UK by closing loopholes in current pet travel rules. It seeks to prevent mutilations such as ear cropping and tail docking, protect public health through disease prevention measures like rabies testing, combat organised crime associated with puppy smuggling, and improve animal welfare standards. The Bill has cross-party support including the veterinary profession.

Other contributors (2)
  • Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest

    Emphasises the importance of animal health and welfare, stating that the Opposition strongly supports the Bill. As a veterinary surgeon himself, he aligns with the goals set out by the lead MP.

  • Mary Creagh Lab Coventry East

    Announces full Government support for the Bill and outlines measures to crack down on pet smuggling, including reducing import limits from five pets per person to five pets per vehicle or three pets per foot or air passenger. Also sets a minimum age of six months for puppies and kittens to be imported into Great Britain.

Shadow Response

Neil Hudson

The shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister supports the Bill in line with animal health and welfare goals.

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