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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will (a) reconsider the ban on the commercial import of dogs, cats and ferrets from Romania, and (b) enable imports from agencies that diligently adhere to regulations and public health responsibilities.

HM Government has made the difficult decision to extend the temporary suspension of commercial cats, dogs, and ferrets (including rescue animals) dispatched or originating from Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, and Poland for a further eight weeks to the 29^th October 2022.

We continue to engage with competent authorities in impacted countries, the European Commission, and external partners (including rescue and rehoming charities based here and abroad, veterinary experts and carriers) to gather data and information to enable us to keep the biosecurity risks to Great Britain under review. The measure is under constant review based on the evidence provided and discussion with external partners to ensure it is proportionate to the risks posed.

HM Government appreciates the work of rescue and rehoming organisations who work to ensure that unwanted and abandoned animals are given the opportunity to find a forever home whilst complying with our animal health and welfare legislation.

This is a temporary measure, to ensure that we protect our biosecurity at this challenging time. Given the consequences of getting this wrong, I hope you will understand why we are being cautious.