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<p>The practice of mutilating dogs' ears is abhorrent and has rightly been banned
in the UK for 15 years.</p><p> </p><p>We already have some of the world's highest
animal welfare standards. The end of the transition period has opened up new opportunities
for managing our own pet travel and commercial importation rules. We are actively
listening to the concerns of stakeholders and the Government is considering options
regarding the importation and commercial movements of dogs with cropped ears into
Great Britain in line with World Trade Organization rules.</p><p> </p><p>Importers
of animals must adhere to welfare standards as set out in Council Regulation (EC)
1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and in domestic legislation,
The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006 (WATEO). This legislation
aims to protect the health and welfare of animals during transportation and applies
to dogs that are suffering injury as a result of non-exempted mutilations including
cropped ears.</p><p> </p><p>The Government also continues to raise awareness regarding
the improper selling of pets by deceitful sellers in the UK and abroad through our
'Petfished' campaign. This seeks to educate prospective pet buyers on common tricks
and tactics used by deceitful sellers which may result in the purchase of a mistreated
or unwell pet, including those that have been subject to cropping. The campaign urges
buyers to mitigate risks, for example by buying from trusted sellers such as those
under the Kennel Club's Assured Breeder scheme, viewing puppies with their mothers
and siblings, asking questions of the seller and following the Animal Welfare Foundation
and RSPCA Puppy Contract to ensure that puppies are in good health when purchased.</p>
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