Moving animals across borders

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 13 Jan 2021 Closed: 26 Jan 2022 Parliament page
As a result of the UK leaving the EU and being granted “national listed status” as a third country, the movement of animals across borders faces a raft of regulation changes. This means that exports of live animals (for slaughter and fattening) from Great Britain (GB) to the EU and … Read more
17 Recommendations
28 Conclusions
1 Report
4 Oral sessions
5 Events
Activity timeline 11 events
16 Dec
2021
Report published
30 Sep
2021
Report published
23 Sep
2021
Formal meeting (private meeting) · Room 21, Palace of Westminster
29 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
29 Jun
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 16, Palace of Westminster
8 Jun
2021
Oral evidence
8 Jun
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
18 May
2021
Oral evidence
18 May
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
20 Apr
2021
Oral evidence
20 Apr
2021
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 15, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 4 sessions
29 Jun 2021
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Gareth Baynham Hughes · Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Rt Hon The Lord Benyon · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
8 Jun 2021
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Christine Middlemiss · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Ian Hewett · Animal and Plant Health Agency Steve Dann · Border Force
18 May 2021
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
David Bowles · RSPCA Jan Rogers · The Horse Trust Maggie Roberts · Cats Protection Mr Ross Hamilton · British Horseracing Authority Paula Boyden · Dogs Trust Roly Owers · World Horse Welfare
20 Apr 2021
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Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
James Russell · British Veterinary Association (BVA) Malcolm Mitchell · Scottish Rural College Mr James West · Compassion in World Farming Professor Tim Morris Stuart Roberts · National Farmers Union Victor Chestnutt · Ulster Farmers' Union
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - Moving animals across borders HC 79 30 Sep 2021 45 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
45 results
1 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Committee sees the introduction of this new regulation as an important step in preventing...
The Committee sees the introduction of this new regulation as an important step in preventing pet smuggling and is pleased the Government has acted on our recommendation.
Government Response
The Government takes the issue of pet smuggling extremely seriously. Outside the EU, we can manage our own pet travel and commercial importation rules for Great Britain. In relation to … Read more
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2 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
We welcome the Government’s commitment to ban the import of pets younger than six-months-old, heavily...
We welcome the Government’s commitment to ban the import of pets younger than six-months-old, heavily pregnant pets, and pets that have been subject to poor animal welfare practices. We recognise the argument that ministers should be able to adapt regulations … Read more
Government Response
The Government takes the issue of pet smuggling extremely seriously. Outside the EU, we can manage our own pet travel and commercial importation rules for Great Britain. In relation to … Read more
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3 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and...
The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and intelligence, but Defra should include a ban on animals younger than six months, heavily pregnant animals, and animals which have been subject to poor welfare … Read more
Government Response
The Government takes the issue of pet smuggling extremely seriously. Outside the EU, we can manage our own pet travel and commercial importation rules for Great Britain. In relation to … Read more
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4 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime.
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime. The UK must improve its deterrents against pet smuggling.
Government Response
The maximum penalty for illegally importing a puppy is 12 months imprisonment or an unlimited fine. In August 2021, the Government launched an 8-week consultation on proposed restrictions to the … Read more
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5 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial...
The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial sentences. Increasing prosecution rates must also be a priority, as prosecution rates are proportionately low given the estimated size of the trade. The Government should … Read more
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6 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
It is the carriers not APHA staff who carry out most checks on pets at...
It is the carriers not APHA staff who carry out most checks on pets at the border. Therefore, Defra should ensure that there is a legal obligation for the individual checking the animal to “visualise” the animal, making sure it … Read more
Government Response
Government Response: Moving animals across borders 5
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7 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Moving the responsibility for checking pets at the border from carriers to a Government Agency...
Moving the responsibility for checking pets at the border from carriers to a Government Agency will prevent the conflict of interests that is inherent within carriers checking the pets of their customers.
Government Response
in Europe. Under existing Pet Travel rules all non-commercial dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Great Britain on approved routes (excluding those travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of … Read more
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8 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The responsibility for checking pets at the border should be shifted from carriers to a...
The responsibility for checking pets at the border should be shifted from carriers to a Government Agency like APHA or Border Force to ensure smuggling is dealt with effectively. (Paragraph 25) 36 Moving animals across borders
Government Response
in Europe. Under existing Pet Travel rules all non-commercial dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Great Britain on approved routes (excluding those travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of … Read more
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9 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling.
Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling. However, this increased policy focus has not been matched by an increased prioritisation of the issue or increased funding within Border Force or APHA. Furthermore, we … Read more
Government Response
APHA is the primary operational delivery agency for pet movements. Defra, Border Force and APHA work collaboratively to share intelligence to support the prevention of illegal imports. Responsibility for conducting … Read more
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10 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Whichever of Border Force or APHA takes responsibility for checking pets must be properly resourced,...
Whichever of Border Force or APHA takes responsibility for checking pets must be properly resourced, and the Department should set out what steps it is taking within Government to ensure that this work is appropriately prioritised and resourced.
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11 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
It is unclear whether travellers have understood the requirements of the new pet travel regulation.
It is unclear whether travellers have understood the requirements of the new pet travel regulation. There is a risk that as travellers wishing to take their pets abroad will be sent home at the border.
Government Response
The EU Commission informed us of their decision to grant the UK ‘part 2 listed’ status late last year. The Government immediately issued comprehensive guidance through GOV.UK in December 2020 … Read more
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12 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Defra should continue its efforts to ensure travellers understand the new pet travel regulations.
Defra should continue its efforts to ensure travellers understand the new pet travel regulations. The current reduction in travel provides an opportunity to ensure no pet owner is turned back home at the border once travel increases.
Government Response
The EU Commission informed us of their decision to grant the UK ‘part 2 listed’ status late last year. The Government immediately issued comprehensive guidance through GOV.UK in December 2020 … Read more
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13 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Regaining ‘part 1 listed’ under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme will make taking pets to...
Regaining ‘part 1 listed’ under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme will make taking pets to the EU and Northern Ireland easier and less costly.
Government Response
The Department has applied to the European Commission to become a ‘Part 1 listed’ third country in relation to non-commercial movements of pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. On Government Response: … Read more
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14 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government should engage with the EU and adopt a pragmatic stance in the pursuit...
The Government should engage with the EU and adopt a pragmatic stance in the pursuit of either ‘Part 1 listed’ status in the EU Pet Travel Scheme’, or an arrangement which is as close to ‘Part 1’ status as is … Read more
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15 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK.
A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK. These pose a serious health risk to the UK pet population. There is a particular risk from street animals being rehomed in the UK and dogs which … Read more
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16 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government should introduce pre-import screening for non-endemic diseases which threaten the UK pet population.
The Government should introduce pre-import screening for non-endemic diseases which threaten the UK pet population. This should be accompanied by the reinstalment of the UK’s tick and tapeworm treatment requirements that existed before the UK joined PETS. The UK should … Read more
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17 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits...
Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits to the UK. The Government must enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses across Europe to protect this industry. An agreement on high … Read more
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18 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’...
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’ horses as quickly as possible. This agreement should be based on a system which is digital by design and easy to use. The Government should … Read more
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19 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
We have been told that there are horses being illicitly moved across Britain’s borders and...
We have been told that there are horses being illicitly moved across Britain’s borders and being sent to slaughter under the guise of being sold for other purposes.
Government Response
The Government is fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitment to end the live export of animals, including equines, for slaughter and fattening. As part of this approach, we are … Read more
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20 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Defra should investigate non-compliant horse movements and quantify the scale and causes of the practice.
Defra should investigate non-compliant horse movements and quantify the scale and causes of the practice. This work should take place in collaboration with industry groups like World Horse Welfare who have developed intelligence and expertise on horse smuggling. Once the … Read more
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21 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose.
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose. Its outdated and fragmented paper systems enable fraud. A digital identification system would help to prevent horse smuggling and enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses. The … Read more
Government Response
The Government is clear that our departure from the EU has provided us with an opportunity to improve the existing equine ID and traceability regime in England. We can act … Read more
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22 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design...
The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design and easy to use, except in exceptional circumstances, such as the studbook network which is vital for the support of native, rare and indigenous breeds. … Read more
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23 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The current lack of border control posts approved to process live animal exports in European...
The current lack of border control posts approved to process live animal exports in European ports is an effective ban on the export of British livestock to mainland Europe. The Government’s strategy of incentivising the construction of border control posts … Read more
Government Response
10 Government Response: Moving animals across borders
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24 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government must work more closely with the EU and commercial partners to ensure that...
The Government must work more closely with the EU and commercial partners to ensure that border control posts capable of processing livestock are built immediately in Northern European ports.
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25 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by...
The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by March 2022. This date is an absolute deadline rather than a target. These posts should be geographically spread around the country and provide appropriate capacity … Read more
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26 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
British breeding stock is an important export.
British breeding stock is an important export. We are concerned that the ban on export for slaughter and fattening has been interpreted as a ban on the export of all live animals, which may have led to EU partners not … Read more
Government Response
Government Response: Moving animals across borders 11 Prior to the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, the Secretary of State wrote to industry stakeholders on 7 June 2021 … Read more
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27 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Within a month of this report’s publication Defra should provide a clear statement of support...
Within a month of this report’s publication Defra should provide a clear statement of support for the ongoing export of British breeding stock, emphasizing that these exports will not be affected by the ban on export for slaughter and fattening.
Government Response
Government Response: Moving animals across borders 11 Prior to the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, the Secretary of State wrote to industry stakeholders on 7 June 2021 … Read more
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28 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has...
The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has existed for generations, has been disrupted by the Northern Ireland Protocol. The residency, scrapie and ear tagging requirements risk jeopardising the genetic integrity of Northern … Read more
Government Response
The Government and the European Commission have come to an agreement on the issue of livestock residency. This will enable cattle, sheep, and goats from Northern Ireland to move to … Read more
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29 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and...
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and ear tagging.
Government Response
The Government and the European Commission have come to an agreement on the issue of livestock residency. This will enable cattle, sheep, and goats from Northern Ireland to move to … Read more
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30 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
However, the Government should monitor the implementation of the new systems to make sure they...
However, the Government should monitor the implementation of the new systems to make sure they are fit for purpose and fully enable the movement of livestock from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. It should review these arrangements within 12 months … Read more
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31 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Furthermore, we welcome that the Government is working on a solution to the scrapie requirements,...
Furthermore, we welcome that the Government is working on a solution to the scrapie requirements, but a solution must be found immediately.
Government Response
Working with the EU, the UK Government has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) within the existing Scrapie Monitoring Scheme (SMS) for breeding sheep, which will facilitate the movement … Read more
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32 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government should work with the EU to agree a derogation from the scrapie monitoring...
The Government should work with the EU to agree a derogation from the scrapie monitoring system, as quickly as possible. This derogation should provide adequate time for farmers to join the system. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical … Read more
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33 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
In the short-term Defra should extend the Movement Assistance Scheme to pay for scrapie testing.
In the short-term Defra should extend the Movement Assistance Scheme to pay for scrapie testing. The new breeding season for sheep is about to start meaning the Government needs to find an immediate solution to allow breeding stock from Great … Read more
Government Response
Working with the EU, the UK Government has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) within the existing Scrapie Monitoring Scheme (SMS) for breeding sheep, which will facilitate the movement … Read more
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34 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
We welcome the ban on export for slaughter and fattening as an important step in...
We welcome the ban on export for slaughter and fattening as an important step in protecting animal welfare. We understand that the number of animal movements this ban will affect is small, however, we are concerned that there may be … Read more
Government Response
slaughter and fattening from Great Britain are minimal in comparison to total volumes of live animal trade for all purposes between Great Britain and the EU. The cost of this … Read more
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35 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Defra should work with the organisations and businesses that will be affected by the ban...
Defra should work with the organisations and businesses that will be affected by the ban on export for slaughter to ensure that the ban is introduced in a pragmatic way that will not adversely affect rural businesses or animal welfare.
Government Response
The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully … Read more
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36 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal...
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a … Read more
Government Response
The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully … Read more
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37 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset.
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset. These businesses should be supported and bolstered through the Future Farming Resilience Fund. Defra should set out and enact its approach to funding the UK … Read more
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38 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial...
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial enterprises.
Government Response
The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully … Read more
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39 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Defra should establish a small working group to assess how effectively and fairly regulations are...
Defra should establish a small working group to assess how effectively and fairly regulations are being applied in small and medium abattoirs. This group should ensure regulations are sensible and maintain food hygiene standards without overloading businesses. This group should … Read more
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40 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed.
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed. They show a lack of understanding in how parts of the agricultural economy work and would have benefited from better co-design and consultation.
Government Response
The Government notes the Committee’s concerns. The public consultation, issued jointly by the UK and Welsh Governments, evoked a range of responses including important considerations about the practical and welfare … Read more
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41 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
We welcome that Defra is rethinking its proposals.
We welcome that Defra is rethinking its proposals. Defra should ensure they work with the industry to develop its new proposals, making sure they protect animal welfare while being practical and realistic. It should publish the updated proposals by December … Read more
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42 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Diseases do not recognise borders.
Diseases do not recognise borders. Enhancing biosecurity protects animal, plant and human health. Although we have full faith in the Chief Veterinary Officer, it would be easier to monitor animal diseases in our closest neighbours if the UK regained access … Read more
Government Response
We agree with the Committee’s recommendations. We retain reporting access with the European Food Safety Agency and continue to share surveillance data for several significant animal diseases. On these issues … Read more
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43 Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals acro…
The Government should work with the EU to regain Britain’s access to the ADNS as...
The Government should work with the EU to regain Britain’s access to the ADNS as a matter of urgency Defra should update this committee on its efforts . (Paragraph 117) 40 Moving animals across borders
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44 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
There is disagreement between Defra, the veterinary sector, and the Chief Veterinary Officer about whether...
There is disagreement between Defra, the veterinary sector, and the Chief Veterinary Officer about whether there are enough veterinarians to carry out the increase in certification work which is required following the transition period.
Government Response
The number of veterinarians registered to practise in the UK is increasing year on year and currently stands at 27,000. The opening of new veterinary schools in the UK means … Read more
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45 Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals acro…
Government should closely monitor veterinary capacity alongside projections of six-month demand and publish statistics on...
Government should closely monitor veterinary capacity alongside projections of six-month demand and publish statistics on a quarterly basis. (Paragraph 123) Moving animals across borders 41
Government Response
The number of veterinarians registered to practise in the UK is increasing year on year and currently stands at 27,000. The opening of new veterinary schools in the UK means … Read more
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