MPs back bid to stop 'unimaginably cruel' puppy smuggling trade

A crackdown on puppy smuggling moved a step closer today after MPs backed a bid to ban the "unimaginably cruel" trade. Lib Dem MP Dr Danny Chambers, who is also a vet, put forward legislation to prevent the import of puppies and kittens under six months old and heavily pregnant dogs and cats.

The Bill also halts the import of dogs and cats with mutilations such as cropped ears or docked tails. The move was supported by the Government and will now proceed to the House of Lords.

Dr Chambers said: "As a vet, I've seen the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling.

"It's unimaginably cruel to separate puppies and kittens from their mothers at a very young age, and then bring them across borders in substandard conditions where they're then sold for maximum profit by unscrupulous traders who prioritise profit over welfare."

The Winchester MP added: "Crucially, the Bill places a duty on the Government to use these regulation-making powers to first deliver three key measures - a ban on the import of puppies and kittens under six months old, a ban on the import of heavily pregnant dogs and cats that are more than 42 days pregnant, and a ban on the import of dogs and cats who've been mutilated."

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill clearing the Commons was welcomed by animal charities.

Sonul Badiani-Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK country director, said it was "crucial legislation that has the power to strike at the heart of the ruthless cross-border puppy trade".

She said: "We are delighted that the Bill has successfully passed through the House of Commons, as it not only closes dangerous loopholes but also reaffirms the UK's commitment to becoming a global leader in animal welfare."

Owen Sharp, CEO of Dogs Trust, added: "For too long dogs have suffered at the hands of unscrupulous breeders and criminals who have taken advantage of loopholes to mistreat innocent animals, all to make money with no care for their welfare.

"We are delighted that the Puppy Smuggling Bill has now passed the House of Commons Stage, a huge step for animal welfare, which means we are one step closer to this dreadful trade become a thing of the past."

Ben Parker, public affairs manager at Battersea, said: "Today's result marks a significant milestone in what has been a long fight to end the importation of animals with harmful mutilations like cropped ears, and help tackle the smuggling of underage and pregnant animals. While this isn't the end of the road, it's a vital step forward and clears an important hurdle for any Private Members Bill.

"We're now urging peers and the Government to keep the momentum going and ensure this long-overdue legislation crosses the finish line before the end of the parliamentary session. We can't afford to go back to square one again - and neither can the animals who suffer while we wait."

Environment minister Emma Hardy said: "These measures represent a crucial step forward in our collective efforts to tackle the pet smuggling trade."