25 Accepted

Concerns exist regarding carriers' conflict of interest in pet import checks and system robustness.

Recommendation
Carriers play a key role in the pet importation and checking process. It is likely that there is a conflict of interest inherent in the requirement for carriers to conduct checks on their customers’ pets. It is not evident that carriers are striking the right balance between speed, checks, profit and identifying non-compliance. We also have strong reservations that checking manifests on an ad hoc basis is an appropriate measure for a rigorous system. We have concerns about the robustness of a pet importation system that is based on 100% documentary checks at ports. (Paragraph 111) 38 Pet welfare and abuse
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the concern but states that there are no current plans to change enforcement arrangements, claiming to operate one of the most rigorous pet travel checking regimes in Europe and outlining existing training and collaborative efforts.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
The Government acknowledges the Committee’s concern; however, we have no current plans to change enforcement arrangements at the border at this time. We operate one of the most rigorous and robust pet travel checking regimes in Europe. All non-commercial dogs, cats and ferrets entering Great Britain on approved routes (every route other than Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Isle of Man and Channel Islands) under the Pet Travel rules undergo 100% documentary and identity checks by authorised pet checkers. Authorised pet checkers working with the carriers are trained prior to being granted approval and receive annual audits by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) of their checking and processing to ensure they uphold our requirements. They also receive refresher training and are encouraged to liaise with their APHA contacts to identify non-compliance trends and additional training requirements. The carriers also work closely with operational colleagues at APHA and Border Force. Engagement with the carriers has indicated that they are committed to preventing illegal imports of pet animals. Observations made by APHA (during required quality assurance checks) on pet travel movements, including levels of compliance and carrier knowledge and behaviours, show good awareness of the pet travel rules. APHA works collaboratively with Border Force and other operational partners at ports, airports and inland, sharing intelligence to enforce the pet travel rules, disrupt illegal imports, and seize non-compliant animals. APHA teams at the border work core hours Monday to Friday on a rotating shift (Day Shift and Late shift) but also provide out of hours cover where they respond to referrals. UK Border Force (UKBF) operate 24/7 and APHA receive and triage calls from UKBF colleagues undertaking routine vehicle checks in these ports and will attend those assessed as posing a potential welfare risk to the animal(s) and/or health in Great Britain.
Timeline
Recommendation age 2.2 yrs
Report published 05 Apr 2024