An enormous change for cat and canine homeowners has been introduced as homeowners face new pet guidelines in a crackdown on “illegal and immoral” breeders. The import ban can even apply to closely pregnant dogs and cats or these with mutilations like cropped ears.
Puppies and kittens less than six months old can be barred from coming to Britain underneath a pet smuggling crackdown. Environment Secretary Steve Barclay mentioned: “Pet smuggling is an abhorrent commerce which causes nice struggling to animals.”
There are a big variety of pets imported into the UK yearly, with 320,000 introduced in underneath the Pet Travel Scheme, and 44,000 as business imports final yr. Mr Barclay went on: “As a nation of animal lovers, and a canine lover myself, we won’t settle for this, which is why we’re decided to fulfil our manifesto dedication and produce it to an finish.”
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Harriet Main, Public Affairs Manager on the RSPCA, mentioned: “We know many animal lovers share our concern on the numbers of mutilated dogs and cats; and young and pregnant pets being imported into the nation. So we’re delighted that the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill has handed by way of the Second Reading stage and that we’re one step nearer to dwelling in a rustic with higher safety for our animals.
“This law will take steps towards protecting animals from the suffering they endure as part of this trade, which increasingly involves gangs who are associated with serious organised crime. It will also protect cats and dogs from painful procedures such as declawing and ear cropping, and will place restrictions on the ages that cats, dogs and ferrets can be brought into the country from overseas, clamping down on the lucrative trade in puppies and kittens which often seriously compromises their welfare and wellbeing. As we strive for a better world for animals, we are delighted that this Bill is progressing.”
Paula Boyden, Veterinary Director at Dogs Trust, says: “Dogs Trust has been campaigning for more durable legal guidelines across the unlawful importation of dogs for over 10 years, throughout which era we have now cared for greater than 3,000 puppies caught up on this abhorrent commerce. This Bill will protect numerous dogs and puppies to forestall them struggling by the hands of smugglers. We are delighted that, as soon as handed, will probably be unlawful to import dogs with brutal mutilations, stop closely pregnant dogs from being smuggled in cramped and squalid situations, and ensure puppies are usually not exploited by elevating the age at which they are often imported to 6 months.
“We are grateful to Selaine Saxby MP for taking forward her Private Members Bill and are hopeful with Government backing the bill will be passed into law quickly”
