Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to reduce the number of dogs being brought illegally into the UK for sale.

The illegal importing of dogs is a serious issue. Defra is currently reviewing enforcement and consulting on new measures to help further crack down on this trade.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is working in partnership with Dogs Trust and other NGOs, enforcement bodies and transport carriers to identify non-compliant animals destined for Dover and Folkestone ports. This partnership began in December 2015 and has resulted in over 700 puppies being seized and placed into quarantine.

In January 2018, APHA established an intelligence database now in use for the receipt, development and dissemination of information covering the range of animal health and welfare work. APHA is also looking into establishing a Task Force to consider the better co-ordination of intelligence with other Government Departments and enforcement bodies.

At the 2nd EU Platform for animal welfare several Members asked for the establishment of a further sub-group on the illegal trade in dogs and cats. The UK would be supportive of a group focusing on this issue. In terms of bilateral engagement, Defra has raised specific abuses of the Pet Travel Scheme with authorities in the relevant countries, and this has resulted in changes to how they implement their pet regulations.

We also recognise the illegal trafficking of dogs is ultimately driven by demand. We have published guidance to follow when purchasing a dog such as buying from a reputable supplier and viewing the animal, its mother and its documentation before purchase. The guidance also highlights the trade in illegal imports.