Key Facts

• Amendments made to change references from 'Secretary of State' to 'appropriate national authority'.
• New clause 3 introduced to consolidate parliamentary procedures for regulations under parts 1, 2, and 3.
• Clauses 23, 38, and 49 will be removed and replaced with new provisions.
• Clause 24 defines 'keep' and its exceptions.
• A person does not keep a primate if they are in temporary possession or transporting it on behalf of someone else.
• The clause applies to England and Wales.
• The 1953 Act is being updated to modern standards.
• About two thirds of livestock worrying incidents occur when an owner is not present with their dog.
• Clause 27 allows the police to seize and detain dogs under certain conditions.
• Clause 26 enables courts to impose control orders after a conviction if the dog was not under proper control, with an option for appeal.
• Destruction orders can be issued by courts if there is a risk that the dog could attack or worry livestock again post-conviction, also allowing appeals.
• The Bill extends the definition of 'livestock' to include species like alpacas which were not commonly kept in 1953.
• Clause 37 deals with how part 2 of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill binds the Crown.
• The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 does not apply to the Crown.
• Corgis are mentioned as an example, being Welsh dogs from Pembrokeshire.
• Amendment 90 seeks to remove 'or a pack of hounds' from clause 39.
• The move reflects a desire to update language from the 1953 Act.
• Victoria Prentis suggests a general exemption for working dogs while they are being worked.
• The amendment would broaden the definition of 'at large' dogs in fields with livestock.
• It requires non-exempt dogs to be on a lead unless keeping them on a lead poses a risk of harm to the owner.
• Many wildlife organisations support this provision.
• Farmers and police witnesses have called for clearer definitions.
• MP Daniel Zeichner highlights a generational gap in understanding countryside rules.
• The new countryside code was issued during the pandemic by Natural England.
• Two-thirds of dogs are unattended when out walking.
• Amendment 37 adds a definition for 'enclosed deer'.
• Amendments 38 to 42 are minor drafting changes.
• Government amendments clarify the definition of 'relevant livestock' in clause 42.
• There are no poultry exports from Great Britain to the EU for slaughter or fattening.
• Day-old chicks are transported for breeding and under high-welfare conditions.
• Amendment 43 increases the maximum term of imprisonment for export contraventions in Scotland from three months to six months.
• Amendments 46 and 53 clarify regulation-making powers, allowing summary sheriffs to issue warrants.
• Clause 42 removes provisions from the Animal Health Act 1981 related to exporting horses.
• The current proposal allows up to five pets per non-commercial vehicle.
• The Dogs Trust estimates the market value of illegally imported puppies at over £2 million.
• A survey found that 97.7% of dog owners have three dogs or fewer.
• Clause 45 limits the number of dogs, cats, and ferrets moved into Great Britain in single non-commercial movements.
• Commercial importers abuse pet travel rules to bring large numbers of puppies at once for sale, compromising their welfare.
• The new limit is five per vehicle or three per air/foot passenger.
• Amendment would ban the importation into Great Britain of dogs, cats and ferrets aged six months or less.
• Prohibits the commercial importation of heavily pregnant cats and dogs over 42 days pregnant.
• Includes restrictions on fashion-based mutilations such as cropped ears, docked tails, and declawed paws.
• New clause 14 aims to end commercial importation of pregnant cats and dogs.
• New clause 18 seeks to ban imports of mutilated dogs and cats.
• Tick treatment for imported animals was stopped in 2014 but can be reintroduced.
• The RSPCA reports a 621% increase in calls about ear cropping since 2015.
• Animals from Romania and Macedonia may carry canine brucellosis, posing zoonotic risks.
• The Government is using secondary legislation to act swiftly against illegal dog smuggling.
• The consultation launched in August proposes raising the minimum age for importing dogs to six months.
• Regulations will also prohibit the movement of heavily pregnant dogs over 42 days.
• Geraint Davies has the casting vote in the Committee.
• Amendment to ban importation of dogs, cats, and ferrets aged six months or less was proposed.
• Another amendment aimed at prohibiting heavily pregnant cats and dogs for importation was also considered.
• In 2012, UK harmonised its pet movement rules with the EU leading to an increase in illegal puppy smuggling.
• Clause 46 provides powers to introduce restrictions on pet importation for welfare reasons and sets out enforcement processes including penalties.
• The Bill and regulations will work concurrently to crack down on illegal pet trade.