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<p>The Government has zero tolerance for unscrupulous dealers and breeders who abuse
the Pet Travel Scheme to traffic underage puppies into the UK. This is an abhorrent
trade which causes suffering to the smuggled dogs and puts the health of pets and
people in the UK at risk. Defra is working hard to tackle the problem through a comprehensive
approach that seeks to target both the supply and demand of illegally imported dogs.
This approach includes international engagement, enforcement, public communications
and tighter regulation.</p><p> </p><p>We are considering a number of options for improved
enforcement as part of a long term strategy for pet travel. This includes the possibility
of introducing Fixed Penalty Notices.</p><p> </p><p>We are committed to the highest
standards of animal welfare and the Government has announced that it will increase
the maximum custodial penalty for animal cruelty from 6 months to 5 years imprisonment
as soon as Parliamentary time allows. This will help deter those motivated to traffic
underage puppies into the UK at the expense of their welfare.</p>
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