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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to tackle the unlawful smuggling of dogs and puppies.

Defra takes the issue of the smuggling of dogs and puppies seriously. It is an abhorrent trade which causes suffering to the smuggled dogs and puts the health of pets and people in the UK at risk.

We are working hard to tackle the problem, targeting both the supply and demand of illegally imported dogs. This approach includes enforcement through increased resourcing and partnership working at ports, international engagement, and sales and licensing. We are also helping the public to understand how they can responsibly buy or adopt a dog.