End to the cruel trade in puppy smuggling moves closer:

An end to the cruel trade in puppy smuggling has moved closer following the announcement of Government support for a new Private Members’ Bill on 29th November 2024.

The Government announces support for the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Private Members Bill.

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill – sponsored by Dr Danny Chambers MP – will make it more difficult and less profitable for traders to fraudulently import animals for sale under the disguise of owners traveling with their own pets, addressing the current abuse of non-commercial rules that compromise animal welfare and biosecurity.

This Bill delivers on a manifesto commitment to crack-down on puppy smuggling by closing loopholes exploited by unscrupulous commercial traders. It will give the Government powers to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months, and dogs and cats that are mutilated or heavily pregnant.

Baroness Sue Hayman, Animal Welfare Minister, said:   

The smuggling of pets is an appalling trade with no place in our society, a nation of animal lovers. We promised safer streets and we will stop these horrific criminals profiting from cruelty.  

This important legislation is the first step in achieving our manifesto commitment to deliver the biggest boost in animal welfare in a generation.

 Danny Chambers MP said:

As a vet, I’ve treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised. There is no excuse for these mutilations in the 21st century.

But this bill is about more than animal welfare. We’re also protecting public health because dogs that have been smuggled into the UK could be carrying terrifying diseases that affect humans, such as rabies. 

By taking advantage of policy loopholes, criminals have been able to traffic vulnerable animals into the UK. This gap in the system has caused the suffering of thousands of innocent animals. As a vet, I think it is time we close this loophole, stop it from being exploited by organised criminals, and put an end to this cruel trade once and for all.

Bill Details here - Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament

 

Next neutering deadline approaches for exempted XL Bullys

Relating to dogs who were at least 7 months of age but less than 12 months on 31st January 2024:

For your Certificate of Exemption to remain valid, you must arrange to have your XL Bully dog permanently neutered. Male dogs must be neutered through castration, and female dogs must be spayed.
You must use the confirmation of neutering form to tell Defra your dog has been neutered. You must provide the completed form to Defra on or before the relevant deadline of 31st December 2024.

The confirmation of neutering form can be found online here: Confirm an XL Bully dog has been neutered - GOV.UK

You must provide Defra with evidence that your XL Bully dog has been neutered on or before the relevant deadline. 

The owner and vet must fill in the veterinary confirmation of neutering form (VCN01) once the neutering procedure has been carried out. The owner should return the form to Defra. 

Defra must receive the form by the relevant deadline.

 If you do not provide evidence that your dog has been neutered by the relevant deadline, your dog will no longer be exempt. 

Fireworks - Parliamentary Debate

 On Monday 9 December, MPs will debate two petitions relating to the sale and use of fireworks.

• Watch the debate (from 4.30pm, Monday 9 December)
• Read the debate transcript (available shortly after the conclusion of the debate).
• Follow the Committee on X, formerly Twitter

Robbie Moore MP, a Member of the Petitions Committee, has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. MPs from all parties can take part, and the Government will send a minister to respond.

Ban the sale of fireworks to the general public

The petition, which has more than 50,000 signatures, states: "Purchasing and owning fireworks should not be allowed for the general public. The Government should introduce a law stating that fireworks should only be permitted for professional shows and events - this will mean they are handled safely, cleanly, and at predictable times."

In its response to the petition, provided on 1 November 2023, the Government said it: "has no plans to ban the sale of fireworks to the public but continues to monitor the situation. We believe the majority of individuals use fireworks safely and appropriately."

Limit the sale and use of Fireworks to licence holders only

The petition, which has more than 75,000 signatures, states: "Fireworks killed our mum, Josephine Smith. Her home was attacked using fireworks. We believe the use of fireworks after sale to the public cannot be policed.
We think all displays should be licensed and sales limited to licence holders only."

The Government will provide a response in due course.

What are petitions debates?

Petitions debates are 'general' debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means MPs will not vote on the request of the petitions at the end of the debate. Instead, the aim is to give MPs an opportunity to discuss the issues raised by a petition, and get a response from the Government.

Petition debates are scheduled by the Petitions Committee. Only e-petitions started on the Parliament petitions site are considered by the Petitions Committee.