CAMPAIGN TO STOP PUPPY SMUGGLING CONTINUES

I was delighted to meet with Dogs Trust to discuss the ongoing problem of puppy smuggling which is a very important animal welfare issue.

To have a real impact on the puppy smuggling trade it is vital that the maximum number of pets that can travel to three per vehicle to three per vehicle.

It is also very important to increase the age at which puppies can be imported to 6 months by reintroducing the requirement for a rabies blood (titre) test before entry into the UK, together with a 12 week wait period post vaccination which is in line with the incubation period of rabies.

Another important measure would be to ban the non-commercial transport of pregnant dogs in the last 30% (more than 42 days pregnant) of their gestation period as a minimum as well as a complete ban on the commercial movement into the U.K. of dogs which are pregnant.

In addition we must see a ban on the importation and sale of dogs with cropped ears and docked tails.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with Dogs Trust in Westminster to discuss these important measures and to ensure the cruel and inhumane practice of puppy smuggling stays on the agenda.