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<p>Defra takes the issue of puppy smuggling and other illegal importations of pets
seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to these animals and puts
the health of pets and people in the UK at risk.</p><p>As per our pet travel and commercial
importation requirements, the minimum age a cat, dog or ferret can be vaccinated against
rabies is 12 weeks old, followed by a 21 day wait when travelling from an EU Member
State or another 'listed' third country. This means that the minimum age a cat, dog
or ferret can enter GB from an EU Member State or another listed third country is
15 weeks old.</p><p>At present, there has been no substantive change to the pet travel
requirements for pets entering Great Britain (GB) from the EU.</p><p>Now the Transition
Period has ended, we have the opportunity to manage our own pet travel and commercial
importation rules. We are actively listening to the concerns of stakeholders and the
Government is considering options to strengthen our efforts to tackle puppy smuggling.
These options will take into consideration the results from our latest disease risk
assessments for GB and recommendations of stakeholders such as the British Veterinary
Association and Dogs Trust, and recent parliamentary work from the Environment, Food
and Rural Affairs Select Committee.</p>
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