Register to get free articles
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The Kennel Club has welcomed recent efforts by the UK government to tackle puppy smuggling in the country.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has introduced new laws to tackle puppy smuggling and placed restrictions on ear cropping.
In response, Dr Ed Hayes, head of public affairs at The Kennel Club, said: “We’ve long voiced serious concerns about cruel puppy smuggling and its devastating consequences – imported puppies are often bred and reared in appalling conditions, and subjected to long journeys across Europe, with no consideration for their welfare or health.
“With the suffering caught up in the illegal import trade, and unscrupulous importers greedily rushing to fill the gap during the pandemic puppy boom, the new commitments and measures from the government to crack down on this are absolutely essential.”
He added: “The Kennel Club has also always been against ear cropping, leading the ban in the UK over 100 years ago, so the steps outlined to restrict the import of dogs with cropped ears are an important step forwards for animal welfare.
“We similarly welcome the government’s plans to replace and improve the current livestock worrying legislation.”
