Meon Valley MP Flick Drummond has given her support in parliament to a new bill outlawing the smuggling of puppies, kittens, and other animals into the country.
Flick spoke about the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill on Friday.
The legislation proposes to ban people selling pets from importing puppies under six months old. Heavily pregnant dogs would also not be allowed to travel, while ‘mutilated’ animals, such as puppies with cropped ears, would also be stopped.
“I have had an incredible number of emails regarding the Bill, which shows the strength of feeling on the topic,” Flick told MPs.
“Ending the smuggling of dogs, puppies, cats and ferrets was an important part of the 2019 Conservative manifesto on animal welfare commitments, and the Bill will fill the gaps in current legislation that pet smugglers are abusing.
“We know that for smugglers, this illegal business model is highly lucrative. It was estimated to be worth around £150 million in 2021, with the prices of dogs ranging from £500 to £7,000.
“Puppy farms in places such as Romania, Hungary and Poland breed dogs and separate them from their mothers while too young to travel, meaning their immune system cannot withstand infections.”
The MP explained smugglers were disguising the commercial movements of pets as non-commercial to avoid the more stringent requirements of a pet passport. This means the pet travel scheme is being abused.
She added that smuggled pets are unlikely to have had rabies vaccinations and parasite treatments necessary for legal entry to the UK – leading to a public health risk.
“The cruel business of pet smuggling cannot be allowed to continue any longer. I am fully supportive of the Bill, and I look forward to seeing it proceed through this House,” Flick added.
The Private Members Bill, has been introduced by North Devon MP Selaine Saxby.
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