Yesterday, the Senedd gave consent to a Legislative Consent Motion on the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill. This will close existing loopholes that are currently being exploited by puppy and other animal smugglers.
The Bill will tackle the illegal importation of cats, dogs, and ferrets, who are often transported in conditions that severely impact their health and wellbeing. Some of the animals being smuggled are heavily pregnant, too young to be separated from their mother, or have been mutilated, such as through ear cropping or being declawed, practices that are banned in the UK.
Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Welsh Parliament for Aberconwy, welcomed the Bill.
Commenting on the LCM recommendation, Janet said:
“We are a nation of animal lovers. The regulations set out in the LCM will enact a former UK Conservative manifesto commitment to close the loopholes that animal smugglers are exploiting.
“Too often, these poor animals are smuggled into the UK in horrendous conditions. This cannot be allowed to continue, and this Bill will address it.”
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
