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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, how many prosecutions or other proceedings on illegally imported puppies taken in by Dogs Trust under its puppy pilot quarantine scheme have begun since 2017.

During 2017, two individuals were prosecuted under the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974 for the illegal importation of puppies by Kent Trading Standards. This action was taken following an interception at Dover Port by Port of Dover Police with the puppies being held at the quarantine premises funded by Dogs Trust.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency continues to work closely with enforcement partners to identify opportunities for enforcement action to be taken both at the port of arrival and point of destination.