Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Pet Travel — [Rushanara Ali in the Chair]

02 December 2021 · 3 other contributors · 8,003 words

Opened by Sheryll Murray Con South East Cornwall

Responding minister: Rebecca Pow

ImmigrationEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sheryll Murray raised concerns about pet travel — [rushanara ali in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the lack of focus on cats by DEFRA and the potential for an illegal trade in cats similar to that of puppies.
  • A specific ask is to raise the importation age of cats to six months to protect their welfare.
  • The minister acknowledged concerns but noted limited evidence of significant illegal trade in cats and highlighted ongoing consultations and enforcement efforts.

Key requests to Government

I would like us to raise the importation age of cats to six months. Not extending the provisions proposed for dogs to cats threatens their welfare by risking having pregnant cats imported to meet increased demand. Public communications from DEFRA on banning the importation of mutilated animals should have a clear focus on cats as well, such as through the practice of declawing, which is illegal in the UK under section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Sheryll Murray Con South East Cornwall

I am concerned that a lack of focus on cats by DEFRA could result in a missed opportunity to stop the illegal trade in cats and kittens before it reaches the scale and cruelty of the illegal puppy trade. There is an estimated population of 10.7 million pet cats in the UK, with 24% of adults owning a cat. Cats Protection's report found that more recently obtained cats are significantly more likely to be pedigrees: 36% compared with just 16% for those obtained over five years ago. The number of cats seized at the UK border more than doubled between 2019 and 2020, with a large increase in high-value breeds such as Scottish Folds, Maine Coons and Bengals.

Other contributors (3)
  • Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge

    Discussed the inconvenience and costs faced by pet owners due to changes in pet travel regulations post-Brexit, highlighting the need for improved negotiation with EU countries for better status. Mentioned that animal health certificates are required even for trips within Northern Ireland. Asked the Minister about additional burdens such as £150 costs and 10-day quarantine periods making life more difficult for constituents.

  • Peter Grant SNP Glenrothes

    Mr Grant highlighted the importance of protecting animal welfare during pet travel and expressed concerns about the loopholes in existing legislation that allow for the mistreatment of animals. He also raised petitions regarding airplane cabin travel for pets, a common travel area between Great Britain, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland for guide dogs and assistance dogs, and rejoining the EU pet passport scheme. I could not honestly tell the Minister how many cats have owned me in the past, expressing concerns about leaving pets with neighbours and the unfairness of imposing on others.

  • Rushanara Ali Lab Bethnal Green and Stepney

    Reminded Members to wear face coverings and adhere to testing guidelines as per Government and House of Commons Commission rules.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

Acknowledged the concerns raised about extending measures to cats but noted limited evidence of significant illegal trade in cats. Shared statistics on movements of cats into Great Britain, noting that cats made up only 9% of total commercial movements in 2020 and 12% of non-commercial movements. Mentioned an ongoing eight-week consultation with over 14,000 responses from stakeholders and the public. Noted enforcement efforts through collaboration between agencies like APHA and Border Force to disrupt illegal imports and seize non-compliant animals.

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