Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Illegal Puppy Trade

Thursday 4 March 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial discussions with devolved Administrations occur fortnightly to address the illegal puppy trade.
  • DEFRA is considering various measures, potentially including legislative change, to tackle puppy smuggling.
  • Stakeholder recommendations, including those from the Dogs Trust, are informing DEFRA's policy making.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Thomson
Environment
Context

Discussions are ongoing about legislative proposals to address the illegal puppy trade, which has caused significant distress and suffering.

Question

What recent discussions have been had with the devolved Administrations on bringing forward legislative proposals to help tackle the illegal puppy trade?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

Puppy smuggling is abhorrent. We operate a rigorous pet-checking regime and work collaboratively to share intelligence, disrupt illegal imports and seize non-compliant animals. Officials liaise closely with devolved Administration colleagues, and they meet fortnightly to discuss developments, although of course often they speak in between these formal meetings as well.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about legislative proposals was not addressed directly; instead, general collaborative efforts were mentioned.

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Q2 Richard Thomson
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Puppy smuggling is a serious issue that requires tougher penalties to deter the trade. Charities like Dogs Trust are advocating for stronger measures.

Question

Does the Minister agree with charities such as the Dogs Trust that we need tougher penalties right across the UK for those caught smuggling puppies, in order to ensure that there is a real deterrent in place to tackle this horrific trade?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

DEFRA is considering a range of possible measures, which may result in legislative change. We are listening to a group of stakeholders, including the Dogs Trust, and the recommendations that they and the EFRA Committee made relatively recently will inform our policy making in this important area.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about agreement with tougher penalties was not directly confirmed; instead, consideration of measures was mentioned without commitment.

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