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1138959

registered interest
date	15/07/2019
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 22 May 2019 to Question 257548, what further collaboration his Department is planning with (a) the Animal and Plant Health Agency and (b) Border Force following that meeting with the Immigration Minister.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	277278
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 18/07/2019 answer text <p>The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), as an executive agency of Defra, delivers Defra’s animal health and welfare and plant health policy, including in the area of illegal dog imports, which was discussed at the Ministerial meeting in question. APHA and Defra colleagues are in continual communication about how to best shape and deliver this important policy area.</p><p> </p><p>Regarding further collaboration between Defra and Border Force, we are taking forward our work to disrupt illegal imports of dogs as part of a wider refresh of our engagement at points of entry. Specifically, this includes APHA working more closely with Border Force to further improve operational processes at port, as well as exploring options for more mutual sharing of intelligence and intelligence led work.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 18/07/2019 14:44:05 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1128287

registered interest
date	22/05/2019
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent discussions Ministers in his Department have had with the Immigration Minister on (a) puppy smuggling and (b) collaboration between Animal and Plant Health Agency and Border Force in tackling that activity.
tabling member constituency	Nottingham North
tabling member printed	Alex Norris
uin	257548
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 05/06/2019 answer text <p>Defra takes the issue of the smuggling of dogs and puppies seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to the smuggled dogs and puts the health of pets and people in the UK at risk. We are working hard to tackle the problem, targeting both the supply and demand of illegally imported dogs. This approach includes enforcement, international engagement, tighter regulation and public communications.</p><p> </p><p>A meeting with the Immigration Minister, specifically to discuss puppy smuggling, was arranged a few weeks ago for mid-June.</p><p> </p><p>The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) continues to work collaboratively with Border Force at ports and airports, sharing intelligence in order to disrupt illegal imports.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 05/06/2019 11:39:55 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4641 label Biography information for Alex Norris

1127527

registered interest
date	20/05/2019
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to tackle the unlawful smuggling of dogs and puppies.
tabling member constituency	Chipping Barnet
tabling member printed	Theresa Villiers
uin	256263
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 23/05/2019 answer text <p>Defra takes the issue of the smuggling of dogs and puppies seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to the smuggled dogs and puts the health of pets and people in the UK at risk.</p><p> </p><p>We are working hard to tackle the problem, targeting both the supply and demand of illegally imported dogs. This approach includes enforcement through increased resourcing and partnership working at ports, international engagement, and sales and licensing. We are also helping the public to understand how they can responsibly buy or adopt a dog.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 23/05/2019 12:49:44 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	1500 label Biography information for Theresa Villiers

1108899

registered interest
date	01/04/2019
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2019 to Question 231392, on Dogs: Smuggling, what plans the Government has to (a) develop its long-term strategy for pet travel and (b) to deter puppy smuggling after the UK leaves the EU.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	239339
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/04/2019 answer text <p>Defra is considering a number of options for increased deterrent and improved enforcement as part of a long term strategy for pet travel. Stricter penalties, including the possibility of introducing Fixed Penalty Notices, are being considered. We are also evaluating the benefits of ensuring visual checks on all travelling pets, besides the documentary and identification checks that all pets are currently subject to at the UK border.</p><p>In July 2018, Defra hosted a well-attended workshop with key stakeholders from national and local government, NGOs, transport carriers, veterinary groups and others, including the Animal Health and Welfare Board of England, Border Force, RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Canine and Feline Sector Group.</p><p>Through group discussions throughout the day, ideas for a 2030 vision were identified under five themes: Animal Welfare; Biosecurity; Enforcement; Consumer Demand; Sales &amp; Licensing. These ideas, and others generated through ongoing work in this area, will inform the future long term strategy for pet travel.</p><p>Defra is committed to tackling the puppy smuggling journey from end to end – putting the spotlight on both supply and demand. We continue to work with border enforcement partner agencies, including Border Force, to ensure our enforcement work keeps pace with this evolving crime.</p><p>After the UK leaves the EU, the rules will not change in the short term for pets entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme or commercial import rules. However, looking to the future, leaving the EU will open up new opportunities for managing our own pet travel arrangements, including ensuring there are robust controls on disease and animal welfare. Defra is considering a number of options for increased deterrent and targeted enforcement as part of a long term strategy for pet travel.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley grouped question UIN 239341 question first answered 08/04/2019 16:45:18 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1108902

registered interest
date	01/04/2019
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2019 to Question 231392, on Dogs: Smuggling, what plans his Department has to tighten regulations to tackle the illegal importation of dogs into the UK.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	239341
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 08/04/2019 answer text <p>Defra is considering a number of options for increased deterrent and improved enforcement as part of a long term strategy for pet travel. Stricter penalties, including the possibility of introducing Fixed Penalty Notices, are being considered. We are also evaluating the benefits of ensuring visual checks on all travelling pets, besides the documentary and identification checks that all pets are currently subject to at the UK border.</p><p>In July 2018, Defra hosted a well-attended workshop with key stakeholders from national and local government, NGOs, transport carriers, veterinary groups and others, including the Animal Health and Welfare Board of England, Border Force, RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Canine and Feline Sector Group.</p><p>Through group discussions throughout the day, ideas for a 2030 vision were identified under five themes: Animal Welfare; Biosecurity; Enforcement; Consumer Demand; Sales &amp; Licensing. These ideas, and others generated through ongoing work in this area, will inform the future long term strategy for pet travel.</p><p>Defra is committed to tackling the puppy smuggling journey from end to end – putting the spotlight on both supply and demand. We continue to work with border enforcement partner agencies, including Border Force, to ensure our enforcement work keeps pace with this evolving crime.</p><p>After the UK leaves the EU, the rules will not change in the short term for pets entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme or commercial import rules. However, looking to the future, leaving the EU will open up new opportunities for managing our own pet travel arrangements, including ensuring there are robust controls on disease and animal welfare. Defra is considering a number of options for increased deterrent and targeted enforcement as part of a long term strategy for pet travel.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley grouped question UIN 239339 question first answered 08/04/2019 16:45:18 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1087313

registered interest
date	12/03/2019
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to take further steps to deter dog smuggling into the UK.
tabling member constituency	Romford
tabling member printed	Andrew Rosindell
uin	231392
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 20/03/2019 answer text <p>Defra takes the issue of the smuggling of dogs and puppies seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to the smuggled dogs and puts the health of pets and people in the UK at risk. We are working hard to tackle the problem, targeting both the supply and demand of illegally imported dogs. This approach includes international engagement, enforcement, public communications and tighter regulation.</p><p> </p><p>After the UK leaves the EU, the rules will not change immediately for pets entering the UK under the Pet Travel Scheme or commercial import rules. However, looking to the future, leaving the EU will open up new opportunities for managing our own pet travel arrangements, including ensuring there are robust controls on disease and animal welfare. Defra is considering a number of options to deter dog smuggling as part of a long term strategy for pet travel.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 20/03/2019 14:26:21 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	1447 label Biography information for Andrew Rosindell

1013166

registered interest
date	23/11/2018
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many reports of illegally imported puppies the Animal and Plant Health Agency have been called out to in 2018.
tabling member constituency	Aberdeen South
tabling member printed	Ross Thomson
uin	195121
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 03/12/2018 answer text <p>Enforcement action regarding illegally imported puppies is not within APHA’s remit, but is carried out by Local Authorities.</p><p> </p><p>In 2018 the Animal and Plant Health Agency have been called out 44 times following referrals by carriers or border officials, eight of these related to the importation of puppies.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 03/12/2018 10:39:07 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4599 label Biography information for Ross Thomson

999593

registered interest
date	01/11/2018
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to combat puppy smuggling into the UK.
tabling member constituency	Barnsley Central
tabling member printed	Dan Jarvis
uin	187030
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 06/11/2018 answer text <p>Illegal puppy smuggling is an abhorrent practice that abuses the Pet Travel Scheme (PTS), and we are determined to put an end to it.</p><p>We have increased resourcing at major UK ports. In partnership with Dogs Trust, enforcement bodies and transport carriers, we are identifying non-compliant animals destined for Dover and Folkestone ports. This partnership began in December 2015, and has since then resulted in over 800 puppies being seized and placed into quarantine.</p><p>We are also working to develop long term solutions through an intelligence led task force.</p><p>Many owners do not know the true origin of their pet. We have published guidance for owners on buying a pet responsibly, which includes advice on what to look out for. A wider public communications campaign is also being planned.</p><p>At an international level, we are currently a member of the EU Platform on Animal Welfare, which includes work on illegal dog imports.</p><p>We have also introduced new licensing regulations intended to drive up welfare standards for a range of activities involving animals, including dog breeding, which came into effect on 1 October. We have recently consulted on a proposed ban on third party sales of puppies and kittens. This would mean that those looking to buy or adopt a puppy would need to deal directly with the breeder, or with an animal rehoming centre.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 06/11/2018 17:16:28 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4243 label Biography information for Dan Jarvis

994126

registered interest
date	24/10/2018
answering body	Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept id	13
answering dept short name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
answering dept sort name	Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
hansard heading	Dogs: Smuggling
house id	1
legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, with reference to the Dogs Trust report entitled Puppy smuggling - when will this cruel trade end?, what assessment he has made of the risk posed by the illegal importation to the UK of puppies and dogs from Serbia and other third countries.
tabling member constituency	Hendon
tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
uin	183418
answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 30/10/2018 answer text <p>Defra takes the health and welfare of pet animals coming to the UK very seriously. We share the view expressed by Dogs Trust in their most recent report about puppy smuggling that this is an abhorrent practice that harms the health and welfare of the animals involved. Moreover, we are determined to put an end to the illegal trade in puppies by adopting a zero tolerance approach to those that seek to exploit the Pet Travel Scheme (PTS) for the purpose of profit.</p><p> </p><p>The latest Dogs Trust investigative report highlighted the activities of unscrupulous traders who import puppies from third countries, such as Serbia, using falsified passports that conceal the true age and country of origin of the puppies, presenting a risk to the health of pets and people in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>The Animal Plant and Health Agency’s Intelligence Unit continues to gather information on those importing puppies illegally to quantify the scale of the problem and allow targeted disruption of their activities. Furthermore, Defra is engaged in a process of evaluating the risks to animal health and welfare that illegal imports of dogs pose, and developing long term strategies to better tackle them. We look forward to working with Dogs Trust on the evidence they have gathered to help inform our analysis.</p> answering member constituency Macclesfield answering member printed David Rutley question first answered 30/10/2018 11:16:17 answering member 4033 label Biography information for David Rutley
tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord