Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets Bill – Second Reading

The Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill aims to strengthen protections by banning the import of puppies and kittens under six months old, heavily pregnant animals, and those that have been mutilated, while empowering UK authorities to regulate non-commercial pet imports.

In a show of cross-party unity, the House of Lords has given strong support to the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, which aims to curb the illegal importation of pets and improve animal welfare standards across the UK. The Bill passed its second reading on 5 September 2025 without amendment, paving the way for swift legislative progress.

Introduced by veterinary surgeon Lord Trees and backed in the Commons by Dr Danny Chambers MP, the Bill targets loopholes in current pet travel rules that have been exploited by unscrupulous traders. It proposes a series of measures to prevent the import of puppies and kittens under six months old, heavily pregnant animals, and pets subjected to illegal mutilations such as cropped ears, docked tails, and declawed paws.

One of the key changes is a reduction in the number of pets allowed per non-commercial movement—from five per person to five per vehicle, or three per foot or air passenger. The Bill also mandates that pets must travel within five days of their owner to prevent traders from using proxies to bypass commercial import regulations.

Peers raised concerns about enforcement, particularly whether Border Force and police are adequately resourced to implement the new rules. The Minister assured the House that enforcement mechanisms would be strengthened through secondary legislation, including powers to impose criminal penalties and monetary fines.

The debate also highlighted the plight of rescue organisations, with several Lords seeking clarity on whether rehoming mutilated animals from abroad would still be permitted. The Government confirmed that such cases should follow the commercial import route and would be addressed in future regulations.

Another issue flagged was the potential for smuggling via Northern Ireland, due to differing pet travel rules under the Windsor Framework. The Minister committed to monitoring this route closely and working with EU partners to prevent abuse.

Animal welfare charities including the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, Battersea, and FOUR PAWS International have welcomed the Bill, describing it as a long-overdue step to protect pets and responsible owners from the cruelty of illegal trade.

The Bill also received praise for its biosecurity benefits, helping to safeguard the UK’s rabies-free status and reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases such as brucellosis.

With the Bill now moving to the Committee Stage, the Government will begin drafting detailed regulations to enforce its provisions. These will include criteria for exemptions, enforcement protocols, and penalties for non-compliance. Lords urged the Government to act swiftly, citing delays in previous animal welfare legislation.

If enacted, the Bill is expected to significantly reduce the volume of illegally imported pets and improve standards for animals entering the UK. As Lord Trees put it, “Let’s make this third time lucky”—a reference to previous failed attempts to pass similar legislation.