Winchester MP Proposes Legislation to Tackle Pet Smuggling and Animal Welfare Issues

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Fur ban, firework usage and pet smuggling among the proposals

A Winchester MP has been praised for “prioritising animal welfare” – as he looks to take forward legislation that would tackle the smuggling of dogs, cats and ferrets into the country.

Danny Chambers MP (Lib Dem), Winchester MP – who is also a trained veterinarian – is one of three Members of Parliament taking forward proposals for new animal laws as Private Members’ bills in the House of Commons.

His proposals are expected to focus on stopping commercial imports of puppies and kittens, protecting heavily pregnant pets.

They could also ban the import of those animals that have been mutilated – such as those with cropped ears, or docked tails. These practices have long been banned in the UK – but a loophole exists where these animals can still be imported from abroad.

Danny Chambers MP joins Ruth Jones MP (Lab, Newport West and Islwyn) and Sarah Owen MP (Lab, Luton North) – who have each chosen to take forward separate animal welfare laws after being drawn in a ballot of Members of Parliament to bring forward backbench legislation for consideration.

MPs are now set to have the chance to consider the new legislative proposals – which also include plans to promote the responsible use of fireworks (brought forward by Sarah Owen MP), and plans to ban the import of fur (brought forward by Ruth Jones MP).

The three MPs confirmed their intention to bring forward bills last month.

They were three of 20 Parliamentarians drawn in a ballot to bring forward legislative proposals – meaning a hefty 15% of proposals are focussed on animals and their welfare.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “It’s great to see Members of the new Parliament prioritising animal welfare, and using this opportunity to push proposals that could make a real difference for animals.

“We already know 84% of people believe animal welfare should be protected by governments through legislation – so it’s really welcome to see MPs grasp the nettle so early in this Parliament to try and drive positive change, and create a kinder world for every animal.”

Danny Chambers MP added: “As a trained vet, I’ve treated many dogs with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them physically scarred and emotionally traumatised.

“My bill is not only an animal welfare measure, preventing illegal importation of vulnerable animals, but it is also an important public health measure. By restricting animal imports we will help end illegal pet smuggling and prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.

“By taking advantage of policy loopholes, criminals have been able to traffic vulnerable animals into the UK. This gap in the system has caused the suffering of thousands of innocent animals. As a vet, I think it is time we close this loophole, stop it from being exploited by criminals, and put an end to this cruel trade once and for all.”

In 2023, 316 reports were made to the animal charity about suspected illegal ear cropping.

The charity fears dogs with cropped ears have become more popular over recent years due to popular culture and social media.

David said: “Sadly, moves to better protect pets being imported into the UK also didn’t make it over the line in the last Parliament. We know pets with cropped ears, and other mutilations, are too often imported into the UK and sold; while this loophole can also act as a smokescreen for criminality at home – so it’s really welcome this issue is being raised so early into the new Parliament.”

More information on the RSPCA’s campaigning work can be found on the charity’s website.

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