Thank you for writing to me concerning the smuggling of pups.
The smuggling and illegal farming of puppies are morally abhorrent practices, and I regret that they have become more prevalent since the pandemic.
Welsh Conservatives welcomed the Welsh Government’s action in 2021 to crack down on puppy farming, making it illegal for a commercial seller to sell a puppy they have not bred themselves at their own premises and without the mother present. Breeders are now required to apply for a licence through their local authority, who in turn will inspect their premises. The banning of the third-party sale of puppies has cut the supply chain of irresponsible breeders both in the UK and abroad.
I note that the UK Government also undertook a GB-wide consultation last year on proposed changes to the commercial and non-commercial movement of pets into Great Britain. Amongst other measures, I know that the consultation proposed an increase to the minimum age at which dogs can be brought into Great Britain. Such a measure will surely help Ministers to safeguard the welfare of the thousands of puppies and dogs that come into Great Britian from overseas every year.
My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I will continue to put pressure on the Welsh Government to do everything in their power to tackle this despicable trade here in Wales.
I thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind regards,
