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<p>Defra takes the issue of puppy smuggling and other illegal importation of pets
seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to puppies and puts the
health of pets and people in the UK at risk. We have legislation in place to ensure
those guilty of offences are duly punished.</p><p> </p><p>We are listening to the
concerns of stakeholders around future requirements and the Government is developing
a range of options to strengthen our efforts to tackle puppy smuggling, taking into
consideration the recommendations of stakeholders such as Dogs Trust. The end of the
Transition Period may open up new opportunities for managing our own pet travel arrangements.
As part of our wider work in this area, we have conducted a renewed rabies risk assessment
and have commissioned assessments to understand the risks posed by tapeworms, as well
as ticks and tick-borne disease. The results of these will be used to inform our future
policy options.</p><p> </p><p>Regarding specific sentencing options, the end of the
Transition Period will again present new opportunities. We want to ensure that there
are robust controls on disease and animal welfare whilst allowing pet owners to continue
to be able to travel to and from the EU with the minimum of disruption.</p>
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