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<p>We operate one of the most rigorous and robust pet travel checking regimes in Europe.
All non-commercial dogs, cats and ferrets entering Great Britain on approved routes
(every route other than Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies)
under the Pet Travel rules undergo 100% documentary and identity checks by authorised
pet checkers at the point of entry. Carriers can refer suspected non-compliances to
the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).</p><p> </p><p>Animal welfare legislation
requires that when animals are transported their transportation must comply fully
with legal requirements aimed at protecting their welfare, such as, they must be fit
for the intended journey; transported in the appropriate conditions; and, when transportation
is for a commercial purpose, the transporter must hold a GB authorisation. APHA works
collaboratively with Border Force and other operational partners at ports, airports
and inland, sharing intelligence to enforce the Pet Travel rules, disrupt illegal
imports, safeguard the welfare of animals and seize non-compliant animals.</p><p>
</p><p>The Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill was introduced in Parliament on 8 June
2021 and completed committee on 18 November 2021. The Bill allows us to further protect
the welfare of pets by introducing restrictions to crack down on the low welfare movements
of pets into Great Britain and includes powers to introduce new restrictions on pet
travel and the commercial import of pets on welfare grounds, via secondary legislation.
In August 2021, the Government launched an eight-week consultation on our proposed
restrictions to the commercial and non-commercial movement of pets, including rescue
pets, into Great Britain. This included proposals to ban the commercial and non-commercial
movement into Great Britain of puppies under the age of six months, heavily pregnant
dogs and dogs which have been subjected to low welfare practices such as ear cropping
or tail docking. We are currently analysing the responses to the consultation and
will publish a summary response in due course. This will allow us to take onboard
the views of the public and interested groups on puppy smuggling and low welfare imports
in order to shape our future policy.</p><p> </p>
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