MPs consult animal welfare experts on pet smuggling bill
Organisations including Dogs Trust and the RSPCA has spoken in support of the bill.
Two MPs have met with animal welfare experts to consult on a new bill that aims to tackle problems around pet smuggling.
Neil Hudson and Selaine Saxby met with representatives from organisations including the British Veterinary Association, Dogs Trust, Battersea, The Kennel Club, Cats Protection, and the RSPCA for a roundtable discussion of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill.
If passed, the Private Members' Bill, which is sponsored by Ms Saxby, would impose new restrictions on importing dogs, cats, and ferrets to safeguard the welfare of animals entering Great Britain.
The exact contents of the bill are yet to be made public, but it is expected to include measures to tackle issues such as the importation of heavily pregnant animals and dogs with cropped ears.
Similar legislation had been part of the government’s Kept Animals Bill, which was dropped last year despite widespread support from veterinary and animal welfare organisations.
The new bill will undergo a second reading on 15 March, when the government will set out its formal position.
Ms Saxby said: “I would like to thank the charities, experts and interested groups who attended my Private Members’ Bill roundtable. This was a very positive meeting, and I will relay their views to the department prior to the second reading of my bill on 15 March.
“Whilst I am unable to share the contents of the bill or the government’s formal position until after the second reading, I am keen that we tackle this important issue in the right manner and I will do everything I can to ensure this legislation becomes a reality on our statute books.”
Dr Hudson, who is a practising veterinary surgeon, added: “We are a nation of animal lovers and this bill will improve animal health and welfare by stopping the illegal import of puppies and kittens, heavily pregnant animals and animals that have been horrifically mutilated such as ear cropped dogs and de-clawed cats.”
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
