New UK Law Targets Illegal Puppy and Kitten Smuggling
A new law aimed at curbing the smuggling of puppies and kittens into Great Britain has been passed by Parliament. The legislation raises the import age limit for dogs and cats to six months to help with age verification and to deter illegal imports. Additionally, it bans the importation of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails at any age.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) will be responsible for identifying animals that are underage and policing the trade. In 2023, seizures at Dover involved 116 puppies and kittens brought in below the age limit, which raised serious concerns about false documentation and potential disease risks.
The government is working with Scotland and Wales to introduce complementary regulations that will come into force alongside these measures. Animal welfare charities support the new law but have expressed concerns regarding unintended consequences such as increased costs for breeders and practical challenges associated with importing rescue animals or specialist breeds.
There is ongoing debate about exemptions for rescue dogs and specialist breeds, with fears that smugglers could exploit these carve-outs. A notable case from September 2025 involved two pups, initially named Pip and Squeak, who were seized at Dover at seven weeks old. They were rescued by Dogs Trust, renamed Elsa and Skye, and have since been rehomed.
