Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Puppy Smuggling

Thursday 23 June 2022 · 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 Department is working on the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill to tackle illegal puppy smuggling.
  • Consultation results on measures to restrict puppy smuggling will be published soon.
  • Bill Committee involvement highlights the long-standing interest in this issue.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The illegal smuggling of puppies into the UK is a growing concern, with issues related to animal welfare and biosecurity. Charities like the Dogs Trust have raised alarms about the impact on public health.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle the illegal puppy smuggling trade. The proposed measures in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill are needed urgently. I, as a vet, along with the Dogs Trust and others, am deeply concerned about biosecurity risks if smugglers continue exploiting legal loopholes. Will my hon. Friend commit to introducing visual checks at entry points and pre-entry health checks for dogs?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

We are delivering on our manifesto pledge to crack down on the smuggling of dogs and puppies through the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which includes powers for further restrictions. We have consulted on these measures and will publish the report soon.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to visual checks at entry points and pre-entry health checks

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Q2 Neil Hudson Con Epping Forest
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The illegal smuggling of puppies into the UK is a growing concern, with issues related to animal welfare and biosecurity. Charities like the Dogs Trust have raised alarms about the impact on public health.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to help tackle the illegal puppy smuggling trade. The proposed measures in the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill are needed urgently. I, as a vet, along with the Dogs Trust and others, am deeply concerned about biosecurity risks if smugglers continue exploiting legal loopholes. Will my hon. Friend commit to introducing visual checks at entry points and pre-entry health checks for dogs?

Answer from Victoria Prentis

My hon. Friend has long taken a particular interest in this matter, particularly during his involvement in the Bill Committee. We will publish the results of our consultation dealing with these issues soon and look forward to seeing the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill back on the Floor of the House.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to visual checks at entry points and pre-entry health checks

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