9
Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling.
Conclusion
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 note above the need for responsibility for checking pets at borders to move from the carriers to Government agencies.
Paragraph Reference
26
Government Response
Acknowledged
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
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 pet checks on non-commercial movements is delegated to authorised carriers and pet checkers who can refuse travel to non-compliant animals or share intelligence with APHA who can intercept at the port/border if non- compliance is suspected. Local Authorities are the enforcement and prosecuting bodies 6 Government Response: Moving animals across borders for any offences discovered during the process of smuggling puppies. These roles are not anticipated to change following the introduction of measures under the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill. APHA is working closely with Defra to determine Border Control Post (BCP) resource requirements and provide capacity in readiness for the new 2022 Live Animal Imports regime. There are no plans to provide Local Authorities with additional funding for risk- based checks at this stage.
Source
Inquiry
Moving animals across borders
Report
First Report - Moving animals across borders
30 Sep 2021
HC 79
Timeline
Recommendation age
4.7 yrs
Report published
30 Sep 2021