UK officials commit against puppy smuggling

The government is in favor of applying strict measures against animal cruelty and illegal pet imports.

The Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has recently shown its support for the Kept Animals Bill, first introduced in the House of Commons in June 2021 and currently on standby.

The proposal includes a wide range of provisions, such as banning the importation of puppies, dogs with cropped ears, and pregnant dogs to the country, and a parliamentary committee launched an inquiry earlier in the year.

“Given the successful progress so far in this parliament of so much single-issue legislation and the pressures that the original bill faced from broader interests beyond the original manifesto commitments, we will be taking forward measures in the Kept Animals Bill individually during the remainder of the parliament—the most effective route possible,” says Mark Spencer, DEFRA’s Minister of State.

New measures

Spencer announced that a new Animal Sentience Committee would be in place soon to act as an advisory body to the government on animal welfare decisions, including those affecting pets.

The government also put forward a consultation for new fines of up to £5,000 (€5,200/$6,200) for those who commit offenses against animals. “This could apply, for example, if an animal is kept in poor living conditions due to a lack of appropriate bedding or shelter,” it says.

There will also be a financial penalty of up to £5,000 (€5281/$6265) after consultation for offenses against animals by people failing to maintain their welfare and protect their health.