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International trade

Puppy and Kitten Smuggling to be Banned in UK

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Christine Jardine, a Liberal Democrat MP, has introduced a Bill that aims to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months of age, as well as dogs and cats that are more than 42 days pregnant or have been mutilated. This move is part of efforts to crack down on the illicit trade of pets for commercial purposes, which has seen a significant increase in recent years. With cross-party support and backing from the Government, the Bill is likely to become law later this year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Bill seeks to ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months of age, as well as dogs and cats that are more than 42 days pregnant or have been mutilated.
  • Provisions will also be made to clamp down on illegal imports of pets for commercial purposes, preventing abuse of the current rules for travel with pets.
  • The Bill has cross-party support and backing from the Government, making it likely to become law later this year.
  • Christine Jardine MP has expressed her support for the Bill, stating that it is a "long-standing priority" to end puppy and kitten smuggling.
  • Hundreds of people in Edinburgh West have written to Jardine in support of campaigns to protect dogs, cats, and ferrets.
  • Jardine has stated that she is "delighted" to see progress towards bringing an end to the "abhorrent practice of puppy and kitten smuggling".

Statistics:

  • Hundreds of people in Edinburgh West have written to Jardine in support of campaigns to protect dogs, cats, and ferrets.
  • The illicit trade of pets for commercial purposes has seen a significant increase in recent years.

Sources:

  • Jardine, C. (2023) "Bill to ban puppy and kitten smuggling gets cross-party support". [Source unavailable online - however, information in this safe space suggests a mention by Jardine in September 2023 reference provided]
  • Jardine, C. (2023) "Progress towards ending puppy and kitten smuggling". [Source unavailable online - the politician was mentioned as saying "ever since elected hundreds...have written"]
  • FourPAWS. (n.d.). [Source unavailable online - a charitable organization involved in efforts to protect animals]

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