Winchester MP Proposes Laws to Deal with Pet Smuggling and Animal Welfare Points

Fur ban, firework utilization and pet smuggling among the many proposals

A Winchester MP has been praised for “prioritising animal welfare” – as he appears to be like to take ahead laws that may deal with the smuggling of canines, cats and ferrets into the nation.

Danny Chambers MP (Lib Dem), Winchester MP – who can be a skilled veterinarian – is one in all three Members of Parliament taking ahead proposals for brand new animal legal guidelines as Personal Members’ payments within the Home of Commons.

His proposals are anticipated to concentrate on stopping business imports of puppies and kittens, defending closely pregnant pets.

They might additionally ban the import of these animals which were mutilated – akin to these with cropped ears, or docked tails. These practices have lengthy been banned within the UK – however a loophole exists the place these animals can nonetheless be imported from overseas.

Danny Chambers MP joins Ruth Jones MP (Lab, Newport West and Islwyn) and Sarah Owen MP (Lab, Luton North) – who’ve every chosen to take ahead separate animal welfare legal guidelines after being drawn in a poll of Members of Parliament to deliver ahead backbench laws for consideration.

MPs are actually set to have the possibility to think about the brand new legislative proposals – which additionally embrace plans to advertise the accountable use of fireworks (introduced ahead by Sarah Owen MP), and plans to ban the import of fur (introduced ahead by Ruth Jones MP).

The three MPs confirmed their intention to deliver ahead payments final month.

They have been three of 20 Parliamentarians drawn in a poll to deliver ahead legislative proposals – which means a hefty 15% of proposals are focussed on animals and their welfare.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs on the RSPCA, stated: “It’s nice to see Members of the brand new Parliament prioritising animal welfare, and utilizing this chance to push proposals that would make an actual distinction for animals.

“We already know 84% of individuals imagine animal welfare needs to be protected by governments by way of laws – so it’s actually welcome to see MPs grasp the nettle so early on this Parliament to attempt to drive optimistic change, and create a kinder world for each animal.”

Danny Chambers MP added: “As a skilled vet, I’ve handled many canines with cruelly cropped ears or docked tails, leaving them bodily scarred and emotionally traumatised.

“My invoice shouldn’t be solely an animal welfare measure, stopping unlawful importation of weak animals, however additionally it is an vital public well being measure. By limiting animal imports we’ll assist finish unlawful pet smuggling and forestall the unfold of illnesses like rabies.

“By profiting from coverage loopholes, criminals have been in a position to visitors weak animals into the UK. This hole within the system has triggered the struggling of hundreds of harmless animals. As a vet, I feel it’s time we shut this loophole, cease it from being exploited by criminals, and put an finish to this merciless commerce as soon as and for all.”

In 2023, 316 stories have been made to the animal charity about suspected unlawful ear cropping.

The charity fears canines with cropped ears have turn out to be extra widespread over latest years attributable to widespread tradition and social media.

David stated: “Sadly, strikes to higher shield pets being imported into the UK additionally didn’t make it over the road within the final Parliament. We all know pets with cropped ears, and different mutilations, are too typically imported into the UK and offered; whereas this loophole may act as a smokescreen for criminality at dwelling – so it’s actually welcome this difficulty is being raised so early into the brand new Parliament.”

Extra data on the RSPCA’s campaigning work will be discovered on the charity’s web site.