On Friday I took part in the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill debate in the Commons Chamber. The Bill would seek to restrict the importation and non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets into the UK to help promote animal welfare. It takes up some of the provisions that were in a previous, more comprehensive Bill the Government withdrew in 2023 and is an issue they have yet to deliver on despite it forming a part of their 2019 manifesto.

The changes the Bill would seek to make changes to the lower age limit to import a dog or cat, which is just 15 weeks, while pregnant cats and dogs can be imported up to the last 10% of their pregnancy. Up to five dogs and cats can be imported per person so any changes made to these limits can only be entirely good. Ferrets are included in the short title of the Bill in part as a rabies-control measure.

As Britain is a nation of animal lovers, this is a Bill that should be welcomed but it’s hard to see it getting royal ascent by the end of this Parliament.  You can see my contribution to the debate above.