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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will implement the recommendations of the Dogs' Trust report, The Puppy Smuggling Scandal, published in November 2014.

The Dogs Trust’s report highlights that responsibility for stopping the illegal movement of puppies begins in the country where they are born. The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has written to the authorities in the countries highlighted in the report to remind them of their duty to ensure that the welfare of pets intended for sale is safeguarded. Investigations were launched in both countries and appropriate action was taken against vets found to be at fault, including the suspension of licences. We will continue to alert the authorities in any Member State where we become aware of issues in relation to the operation of the pet travel scheme.

The UK carries out more checks on pets at the border than most other EU member states and stringent penalties are in place where people are found to be breaking the rules.

The illegal trade is driven by demand for cheap, pedigree puppies and we have published guidance on the steps pet owners can take to avoid buying an illegally imported pet. See: https://www.gov.uk/buying-a-cat-or-dog.