New UK Law Passed to Tackle Illegal Puppy and Kitten Imports
A new law aimed at combating illegal puppy and kitten imports passed Parliament in December 2025. The legislation raises the minimum import age for puppies and kittens into Great Britain to six months, enabling better identification of underage animals and deterring illegal trade.
The law also bans the import of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails at any age. Enforcement challenges include dealing with false documents and mislabelled microchips, as smuggling incidents often involve these tactics. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has reported horrific conditions for some animals during smuggling attempts, along with associated disease risks.
Charities have welcomed the change but caution about potential unintended consequences. Some groups advocate for exemptions for rescue or specialist-breed dogs, with decisions on such exemptions to be made in regulations developed alongside devolved administrations.
An incident in September 2025 at Dover illustrated the problem when two illegally imported Yorkshire Terriers, Pip and Squeak, were seized. They were subsequently rehomed by Dogs Trust and renamed Elsa and Skye.
Support for the law includes Lib Dem MP Danny Chambers, a proponent, while kennel and breeding groups have raised concerns about increased costs and impacts on breed health. Calls have been made to ensure any exemptions are carefully considered and enforcement remains robust.
