← Back to House of Commons Debates
Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill
29 November 2024
Lead MP
Danny Chambers
Debate Type
Bill Debate
Tags
No tags
Other Contributors: 2
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 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:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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
Shadow Response
The shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister supports the Bill in line with animal health and welfare goals.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.