FOUR PAWS UK is delighted that this important legislation has today taken another important step towards becoming law, and we thank Selaine Saxby for her tireless work in bringing this Private Members Bill to Parliament. We are delighted that the Government has also committed to supporting this Bill, which is testament to the hard work of so many MPs who stand with us on this important issue.

Right now, many thousands of dogs and cats are illegally smuggled into the UK, often experiencing extreme harm and distress along the way. This Bill would introduce much needed restrictions around importation and movement of dogs and cats and would in turn reduce the suffering these animals face at the hands of unethical breeders. It will also prevent some of the wholly unnecessary and brutal mutilations that many animals illegally brought into the UK suffer.

We are hopeful that ahead of the Bill’s Committee Stage, MPs from across the House will again come together to ensure there is sufficient political will to get this Bill over the line and into law as quickly as possible. The Bill must be robust enough to make a real difference for the companion animals that our nation of animal lovers so dearly cherish, and we are confident that we will soon be able to celebrate a win for cats and dogs across the country.

Sonul Badiani-Hamment, country director, FOUR PAWS UK