We changed the law to protect puppies!
Great news! The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill has passed into law
After nearly a decade of campaigning by FOUR PAWS and our allies, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 will help end the misery of puppies smuggled into this country. For the past decade, this has been one of the biggest animal welfare issues we’ve been working on. But now, and with your help, smugglers who have profited from so much cruelty and misery have been blocked.
Hundreds of thousands of puppies have been illegally smuggled into the UK for sale
Across Europe, countless puppies are born into appalling conditions - cramped, filthy spaces with little lighting, ventilation or warmth. Torn from their mothers far too young, these frightened pups are stuffed into car boots and driven long distances before being smuggled into the UK.
Often sick and unvaccinated, they arrive with forged or non-existent identification and health documents, posing a risk to both human and animal health in the UK. For too many, their journey ends in an early death.
This vile trade has boomed while its operators have taken advantage of our love of animals. During lockdown, the demand for puppies rose higher than ever. Smugglers grew rich, but the risk of prosecution was low and punishments inadequate.
That’s all about to change. And you’ve played a part in making it happen.
After years of profiting from cruelty and heartbreak, puppy smugglers will finally face the consequences. Thanks to your support, we’re putting an end to their trade in suffering.
After nearly a decade of campaigning by FOUR PAWS and our allies, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 has become law and here’s how we made it happen…
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee flags misuse of the PETS travel scheme for puppy smuggling.
FOUR PAWS launches Thanks eBay! campaign to stop the anonymous trade in animals.
Under pressure from FOUR PAWS, Gumtree UK (owned by eBay), introduces mandatory paywall, making sellers traceable.
EFRA launches dedicated inquiry into puppy smuggling and PETS abuse.
Brexit ends UK participation in EU pet passport scheme, and COVID-19 pandemic drives huge rise in UK puppy demand.
The UK Government introduces Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, to restrict dog imports.
FOUR PAWS launches Tracing the Trade report outlining our Model Solution for full traceability across the European online puppy trade. The Veripet model, developed with EuropetNet, is piloted in Ireland, allowing only registered and verified sellers to advertise their puppies on a major classified ad site.
FOUR PAWS runs nationwide CUTE. QUICK. SICK. campaign on the risks of buying a puppy online and how to spot suspicious adverts. The Veripet model is trialled in Switzerland.
FOUR PAWS UK publishes TRICKS OF THE TRADE exposing Europe’s illegal puppy trade and investigations reveal countless puppies sold online have been illegally smuggled into the UK.
The Government drops Kept Animals Bill to the disappointment of campaigners everywhere. But, Selaine Saxby MP introduces Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, which goes on to secure government backing, but falls when a General Election is called.
Newly elected Labour Government backs Danny Chambers MP’s re-introduced Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill.
FOUR PAWS publishes SOCIAL MEDIA VS REALITY report on illicit puppy sales via Meta platforms and launches #ProtectPuppies petition.
July
The Bill successfully passed all stages in the House of Commons and we took over Westminster station to call on MPs to #CrackdownOnPuppySmuggling.
December
Victory! The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act (2025) achieves Royal Assent.
