UK Passes New Law to Curb Illegal Importation of Puppies and Kittens
In December 2025, the UK Parliament passed a new law aimed at curbing the illegal importation of puppies and kittens into Great Britain. The legislation raises the minimum import age to six months and bans the import of dogs with cropped ears or docked tails at any age.
Enforcement of the law will be led by the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Data from Dover in 2023 highlighted the scale of illegal imports, with 116 puppies and kittens seized for being under the previous 15-week age limit.
Charities have described the measures as a game-changer but have also warned of potential unintended consequences and possible exemptions for rescue or specialist-breed dogs. Any such exemptions will be determined through future regulations.
The government is working closely with authorities in Scotland and Wales to pass additional legislation prior to the new rules taking effect.
An example of enforcement success includes the seven-week-old Yorkshire Terriers, Pip and Squeak, seized at Dover in September 2025 and subsequently rehomed by Dogs Trust as Elsa and Skye.
