North Devon MP launches bid to ban puppy smuggling

North Devon’s MP is bidding to end puppy smuggling into the UK by bringing a private members bill before Parliament.

Selaine Saxby’s Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill was presented to the House of Commons on Wednesday, December 6 and is set to be read on February 2.

It seeks to restrict the importation and non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets.

This ban will not only ban young sick puppies and kittens coming into the country, but it will also ban young animals being taken away from their mothers too soon and the import of heavily pregnant dogs and cats.

Ms Saxby has attended multiple events organised by Dogs Trust at the House of Commons where the charity called on the Government to take urgent action to end the cruel practice of puppy smuggling and has been supporting the cause since being elected in 2019.

Most recently she welcomed the Government’s ban of electric shock collars in May, something she had championed for some time.

She said: “As a dog owner myself, it is horrific to hear stories of puppies being smuggled across the border and the poor conditions they have to endure. Pets are family, not property.

“Since being elected in 2019, I have continuously supported the Government’s Kept Animals Bill, however, due to the lack of parliamentary time this has been unable to become law.

“As part of the Dogs Trust’s Puppy Smuggling Taskforce, I experienced the documentary and identity checks currently in operation at the border first hand. I saw for myself the tactic's smugglers employ to avoid detection and explain why adding a visual check to this process is crucial to tackling this abhorrent trade.

“The bill will safeguard the welfare of thousands of puppies, dogs, cats and ferrets that come into Great Britain from overseas each year. It will also prevent the heartache of families who unknowingly buy young and ill pets that often come with hidden health conditions.”

Dogs Trust chief executive Owen Sharp welcomed the news. He said: “We are delighted Selaine has committed to taking forward a bill to finally put an end to the cruel puppy smuggling trade.

“We have been campaigning for more than 10 years to end the suffering of countless numbers of dogs caught up in this abhorrent trade, and we hope this marks a real step forward for dog welfare in the UK.”

David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, added: “Currently, there is little protection around the import of pregnant dogs, dogs with cropped ears can still be imported even though it is illegal in the UK and the age for puppies needs to be increased to six months to improve their welfare.

“All these measures would help crack down on the illegal, well organised and cruel puppy trade. Mums and puppies are still forced to travel long distances and sold to unsuspecting members of the public who often have to deal with poorly puppies and dogs with behavioural issues.”