New UK Law Raises Puppy and Kitten Import Age and Bans Certain Dog Breeds
A new law in Great Britain raises the minimum import age for puppies and kittens to six months and bans importing dogs with cropped ears or docked tails at any age. The Animal and Plant Health Agency will enforce these rules by identifying underage animals and preventing illegal imports, which pose risks of diseases such as rabies and brucella canis.
The legislation follows incidents like the September 2025 Dover case where two seven-week-old Yorkshire Terriers were seized after being transported for 26 hours from Slovakia. These puppies, named Elsa and Sky, were rehomed by Dogs Trust. In 2023, 116 puppies and kittens were seized at Dover for being under the previous 15-week age limit, prompting the introduction of stricter age controls.
There are ongoing discussions about possible exemptions for rescue dogs and specialist-breed imports, with decisions on exemptions expected in future regulations developed in consultation with groups such as The Kennel Club. While some animal welfare groups voice concerns about enforcement challenges, costs, and practical impacts on breeders and owners, others assert the ban will assist enforcement efforts.
The government is coordinating with Scotland and Wales to develop additional legislation before these measures come into effect. The bill was guided through Parliament by Liberal Democrat MP Danny Chambers. The overall goal of this legislation is to reduce illegal imports, enhance animal welfare, and curb smuggling by making it harder to bring young animals into Britain.
