A House of Commons select committee has launched an inquiry into how Brexit regulations will affect pet travel and live animal exports.
Building on its evidence sessions on the illegal trade in smuggled puppies, the cross-party group of MPs will ask if current checks on the movement of domestic animals are strong enough to prevent this activity.
Over the course of its ‘moving animals across borders’ inquiry the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs select committee will assess how leaving the EU pet travel scheme will affect pet owners wishing to take domestic animals to continental Europe or Northern Ireland. The movement of horses, ponies and donkeys for breeding and racing will also be considered.
Committee member and veterinary surgeon, Dr Neil Hudson MP, said: “Thousands of animals, from pets to racehorses to farm animals, are moved between the UK and the EU every year. Recent new rules for pet passports – and incoming ones for livestock and equines – provide us with an opportunity to clamp down on the illegal pet trade and improve the health and welfare of animals in transit.
“Also, in terms of biosecurity and disease prevention, we have the opportunity to protect and improve the health status of animals here in the UK.
“We need our new rules to be underpinned by the best possible evidence, and our inquiry will hold the government to account on this.”
Chair of the committee, Neil Parish MP, said: “The committee has called for stronger action to tackle the cruel illegal trade in puppies numerous times. Now that we are seen as a third country by the EU, we need to examine how this will affect both legal and illegal pet travel..
“We want to ensure that the Government is taking the right actions to ensure the best possible animal health and welfare, alongside supporting business and pet owners.”
