Friday 21 November – The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill has today passed its final stage in the House of Lords, marking a significant milestone for animal welfare in the UK. FOUR PAWS UK welcomes this landmark achievement, which will help protect thousands of animals from exploitation. Under the new legislation, it will be illegal to import puppies and kittens under six months old, or heavily pregnant animals, or those with mutilations such as docked tails or cropped ears into the UK.   

FOUR PAWS UK has long campaigned against the cruelty of puppy smuggling and has championed this Bill since its introduction last year as a vital step toward ending the appalling cross-border trade. In July, the global animal welfare organisation amplified its call for change with a striking campaign taking over Westminster Underground station, urging Parliamentarians to be the voice of animals and support the Bill through its last stage in the House of Commons. Now, as the legislation completes the final stage of its journey before becoming law, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director comments on the significance of this moment.  

Sonul Badiani-Hamment, FOUR PAWS UK Country Director:  

“Today marks a genuine cause for celebration and is a major advancement in the UK’s efforts to strengthen the protection and welfare of animals. By closing legal loopholes that have allowed the cruel and exploitative cross-border puppy trade to persist, we are cracking down on puppy smuggling and sending a clear signal that we will not tolerate cruelty to animals. It is a milestone that speaks to our nation’s shared and compassionate resolve to uphold the highest standards of animal welfare.” 

Dr. Danny Chambers, MP for Winchester, originally tabled this Private Members’ Bill, guiding it through the House of Commons with determination and expertise. In the House of Lords, Lord Trees ensured its passage with equal commitment. Having seen firsthand the suffering caused by the cruel cross-border puppy trade inflicts, these two veterinarians were the perfect guardians for a Bill that will have a profound impact on the safeguarding of vulnerable animals.   

Reflecting on the success, Dr. Danny Chambers says:  

“I am so proud that Parliament has turned words into actions by passing my Bill, delivering stronger protections for animals and cracking down on puppy smuggling. As a vet, I’ve witnessed the suffering caused by illegal puppy imports; young animals torn from their mothers, transported in unsafe conditions and sold purely for profit. This Bill now closes the loopholes that criminals exploit, bans the import of mutilated or heavily pregnant pets and cracks down on a trade built on cruelty.”   

Earlier in the week, 13 MPs joined FOUR PAWS UK to celebrate the moment and how they helped secure a place in history as fighting for animal welfare.