Dogs: Smuggling
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the adequacy of enforcement resources at main border points of entry to prevent the illegal movement of dogs into the UK.
Answered by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
As outlined in its manifesto, this Government is committed to ending puppy smuggling. This Government operates one of the most rigorous and robust pet travel checking regimes in Europe and keeps resource allocation for these checks under review in close liaison with enforcement agencies.
The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 gives the Government powers to introduce measures to strengthen current enforcement mechanisms. This Government will continue to work with UK enforcement bodies as it develops these measures, including on resource impacts.
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