Dr Neil Hudson MP and Selaine Saxby MP consulted animal welfare experts on the upcoming Pet Smuggling Bill (the Animal Welfare [Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets] Bill) which will have its Second Reading on the 15th March.
Charities and interested groups were able to express their views ahead of the Second Reading of the Bill including representatives from the RSPCA, the Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs & Cats, The Kennel Club, The British Veterinary Association, Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, Cats Protection, Pets at Home, APPG for Dog Welfare and Four Paws.
The formal title is the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, a Bill to make provision for and in connection with restricting the importation and non commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets. In accordance with parliamentary convention, the Government will set out its formal position on this Bill when it receives its Second Reading on the 15th March.
Dr Hudson has consistently provided his veterinary and legislative support to measures that seek to stamp out this cruel and immoral practice. Having triggered an EFRA Committee Inquiry into pet welfare and abuse that covers this topic, visited Animal Welfare charities and the Animal and Plant Health Agency's HQ - Dr Hudson is a strong parliamentary voice for stamping out puppy smuggling that has tragically spiked following the pandemic.
The trade has been industrialised due to higher asking prices for dogs in the UK and can often see animals shipped hundreds of miles with little care for their welfare. These include underage dogs, heavily pregnant dogs, dogs with cropped ears and animals carrying infectious diseases -which has its own implications for the UK’s biosecurity and public health.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP Penrith and the Border said:
"We are a nation of animal lovers and this Bill will improve animal health and welfare by stopping the illegal import of puppies and kittens, heavily pregnant animals and animals that have been horrifically mutilated such as ear cropped dogs and de-clawed cats.
"My thanks to the charities, experts and industry interest groups for providing such important feedback that will help finetune this very necessary Bill. For my part, as the only vet in the Commons, it was a pleasure to add my professional background to the discussion. I must pay tribute to Selaine for her hard work and dedication on this issue, and for utilising a rare Private Members' Bill selection to tackle a cause so close to everyone’s heart."
Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon said:
“I would like to thank the charities, experts and interested groups who attended my Private Members’ Bill roundtable. This was a very positive meeting, and I will relay their views to the Department prior to the Second Reading of my Bill on the 15th of March.
“Whilst I am unable to share the contents of the Bill or the Government’s formal position until after the Second Reading, I am keen that we tackle this important issue in the right manner and I will do everything I can to ensure this legislation becomes a reality on our statute books.”
