Recommendations & Conclusions
45 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Committee sees the introduction of this new regulation as an important step in preventing pet smuggling and is pleased the Government has acted on our recommendation.
Government response. The Government takes the issue of pet smuggling extremely seriously. Outside the EU, we can manage our own pet travel and commercial importation rules for Great Britain. In relation to Northern Ireland, our proposals set out in the Command Paper …
2
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
We welcome the Government’s commitment to ban the import of pets younger than six-months-old, heavily pregnant pets, and pets that have been subject to poor animal welfare practices. We recognise the argument that ministers should be able to adapt regulations as science and intelligence evolve. However, we see no future …
Government response. The Government takes the issue of pet smuggling extremely seriously. Outside the EU, we can manage our own pet travel and commercial importation rules for Great Britain. In relation to Northern Ireland, our proposals set out in the Command Paper …
3
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and intelligence, but Defra should include a ban on animals younger than six months, heavily pregnant animals, and animals which have been subject to poor welfare practices on the face of the Bill, rather than secondary …
Government response. The Government takes the issue of pet smuggling extremely seriously. Outside the EU, we can manage our own pet travel and commercial importation rules for Great Britain. In relation to Northern Ireland, our proposals set out in the Command Paper …
4
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime. The UK must improve its deterrents against pet smuggling.
Government response. The maximum penalty for illegally importing a puppy is 12 months imprisonment or an unlimited fine. In August 2021, the Government launched an 8-week consultation on proposed restrictions to the commercial and non-commercial movement of pets into Great Britain. We …
5
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial sentences. Increasing prosecution rates must also be a priority, as prosecution rates are proportionately low given the estimated size of the trade. The Government should make use of its full suite of investigatory and enforcement …
Government response. The maximum penalty for illegally importing a puppy is 12 months imprisonment or an unlimited fine. In August 2021, the Government launched an 8-week consultation on proposed restrictions to the commercial and non-commercial movement of pets into Great Britain. We …
6
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
It is the carriers not APHA staff who carry out most checks on pets at the border. Therefore, Defra should ensure that there is a legal obligation for the individual checking the animal to “visualise” the animal, making sure it matches the paperwork and microchip presented.
Government response. Government Response: Moving animals across borders 5
7
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Moving the responsibility for checking pets at the border from carriers to a Government Agency will prevent the conflict of interests that is inherent within carriers checking the pets of their customers.
Government response. in Europe. Under existing Pet Travel rules all non-commercial dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Great Britain on approved routes (excluding those travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands) must undergo 100% documentary and …
8
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The responsibility for checking pets at the border should be shifted from carriers to a Government Agency like APHA or Border Force to ensure smuggling is dealt with effectively. (Paragraph 25) 36 Moving animals across borders
Government response. in Europe. Under existing Pet Travel rules all non-commercial dogs, cats, and ferrets entering Great Britain on approved routes (excluding those travelling from the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, and the Channel Islands) must undergo 100% documentary and …
9
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling. However, this increased policy focus has not been matched by an increased prioritisation of the issue or increased funding within Border Force or APHA. Furthermore, we note above the need for responsibility for checking pets at …
Government response. APHA is the primary operational delivery agency for pet movements. Defra, Border Force and APHA work collaboratively to share intelligence to support the prevention of illegal imports. Responsibility for conducting pet checks on non-commercial movements is delegated to authorised carriers …
10
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Whichever of Border Force or APHA takes responsibility for checking pets must be properly resourced, and the Department should set out what steps it is taking within Government to ensure that this work is appropriately prioritised and resourced.
Government response. APHA is the primary operational delivery agency for pet movements. Defra, Border Force and APHA work collaboratively to share intelligence to support the prevention of illegal imports. Responsibility for conducting pet checks on non-commercial movements is delegated to authorised carriers …
11
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
It is unclear whether travellers have understood the requirements of the new pet travel regulation. There is a risk that as travellers wishing to take their pets abroad will be sent home at the border.
Government response. The EU Commission informed us of their decision to grant the UK ‘part 2 listed’ status late last year. The Government immediately issued comprehensive guidance through GOV.UK in December 2020 to support pet owners who wish to take their pet …
12
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Defra should continue its efforts to ensure travellers understand the new pet travel regulations. The current reduction in travel provides an opportunity to ensure no pet owner is turned back home at the border once travel increases.
Government response. The EU Commission informed us of their decision to grant the UK ‘part 2 listed’ status late last year. The Government immediately issued comprehensive guidance through GOV.UK in December 2020 to support pet owners who wish to take their pet …
13
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Regaining ‘part 1 listed’ under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme will make taking pets to the EU and Northern Ireland easier and less costly.
Government response. The Department has applied to the European Commission to become a ‘Part 1 listed’ third country in relation to non-commercial movements of pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. On Government Response: Moving animals across borders 7 3 December 2020 the EU’s …
14
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government should engage with the EU and adopt a pragmatic stance in the pursuit of either ‘Part 1 listed’ status in the EU Pet Travel Scheme’, or an arrangement which is as close to ‘Part 1’ status as is possible within the current political context environment.
Government response. The Department has applied to the European Commission to become a ‘Part 1 listed’ third country in relation to non-commercial movements of pet dogs, cats, and ferrets. On Government Response: Moving animals across borders 7 3 December 2020 the EU’s …
15
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK. These pose a serious health risk to the UK pet population. There is a particular risk from street animals being rehomed in the UK and dogs which have been smuggled in. Leaving the EU gives the UK …
Government response. The Government agrees with the Committee’s findings. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a marked increase in pet ownership. These animals include a proportion of rescued street dogs from Eastern Europe. Linked to this, we have …
16
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government should introduce pre-import screening for non-endemic diseases which threaten the UK pet population. This should be accompanied by the reinstalment of the UK’s tick and tapeworm treatment requirements that existed before the UK joined PETS. The UK should also introduce the rabies titre test as a way of …
Government response. The Government broadly agrees with the Committee’s findings. On tick treatment, there is a greater risk that the brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, might become established because of increasingly mild winters. However, the prevalence and incidences of other ticks and …
17
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits to the UK. The Government must enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses across Europe to protect this industry. An agreement on high health status horses would benefit all parties involved and has …
Government response. The Government acknowledges the benefits to industry of streamlining equine movements between the UK and the EU, and notes that our robust animal health controls have not changed since we left the EU. We will explore any potential flexibility that …
18
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’ horses as quickly as possible. This agreement should be based on a system which is digital by design and easy to use. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical stance in pursuit of this …
Government response. The Government acknowledges the benefits to industry of streamlining equine movements between the UK and the EU, and notes that our robust animal health controls have not changed since we left the EU. We will explore any potential flexibility that …
19
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
We have been told that there are horses being illicitly moved across Britain’s borders and being sent to slaughter under the guise of being sold for other purposes.
Government response. The Government is fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitment to end the live export of animals, including equines, for slaughter and fattening. As part of this approach, we are working closely with devolved nations and the key industry organisations …
20
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Defra should investigate non-compliant horse movements and quantify the scale and causes of the practice. This work should take place in collaboration with industry groups like World Horse Welfare who have developed intelligence and expertise on horse smuggling. Once the scale of the issue has been identified, Defra should set …
Government response. The Government is fully committed to delivering its manifesto commitment to end the live export of animals, including equines, for slaughter and fattening. As part of this approach, we are working closely with devolved nations and the key industry organisations …
21
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose. Its outdated and fragmented paper systems enable fraud. A digital identification system would help to prevent horse smuggling and enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses. The mandatory microchipping of equines facilitates a digital identification system, which …
Government response. The Government is clear that our departure from the EU has provided us with an opportunity to improve the existing equine ID and traceability regime in England. We can act on our own national priorities for robust equine health and …
22
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design and easy to use, except in exceptional circumstances, such as the studbook network which is vital for the support of native, rare and indigenous breeds. It is our understanding that these systems already exist within …
Government response. The Government is clear that our departure from the EU has provided us with an opportunity to improve the existing equine ID and traceability regime in England. We can act on our own national priorities for robust equine health and …
23
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The current lack of border control posts approved to process live animal exports in European ports is an effective ban on the export of British livestock to mainland Europe. The Government’s strategy of incentivising the construction of border control posts by providing information on the value of the sector has …
Government response. 10 Government Response: Moving animals across borders
24
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government must work more closely with the EU and commercial partners to ensure that border control posts capable of processing livestock are built immediately in Northern European ports.
Government response. The UK has a well-established and effective assurance system to ensure that relevant agri- food legislation remains fit for purpose. The UK food and farming sector is one of the most highly regulated in the world, meeting the strict requirements …
25
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by March 2022. This date is an absolute deadline rather than a target. These posts should be geographically spread around the country and provide appropriate capacity to meet market demand to prevent overly long journey 38 …
Government response. The UK has a well-established and effective assurance system to ensure that relevant agri- food legislation remains fit for purpose. The UK food and farming sector is one of the most highly regulated in the world, meeting the strict requirements …
26
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
British breeding stock is an important export. We are concerned that the ban on export for slaughter and fattening has been interpreted as a ban on the export of all live animals, which may have led to EU partners not prioritising suitable border posts. This could damage the export of …
Government response. Government Response: Moving animals across borders 11 Prior to the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, the Secretary of State wrote to industry stakeholders on 7 June 2021 clarifying the scope of the live exports ban. The Secretary …
27
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Within a month of this report’s publication Defra should provide a clear statement of support for the ongoing export of British breeding stock, emphasizing that these exports will not be affected by the ban on export for slaughter and fattening.
Government response. Government Response: Moving animals across borders 11 Prior to the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, the Secretary of State wrote to industry stakeholders on 7 June 2021 clarifying the scope of the live exports ban. The Secretary …
28
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has existed for generations, has been disrupted by the Northern Ireland Protocol. The residency, scrapie and ear tagging requirements risk jeopardising the genetic integrity of Northern Irish breeding stock. Although it is a small number of …
Government response. The Government and the European Commission have come to an agreement on the issue of livestock residency. This will enable cattle, sheep, and goats from Northern Ireland to move to Great Britain to participate in events such as shows and …
29
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and ear tagging.
Government response. The Government and the European Commission have come to an agreement on the issue of livestock residency. This will enable cattle, sheep, and goats from Northern Ireland to move to Great Britain to participate in events such as shows and …
30
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
However, the Government should monitor the implementation of the new systems to make sure they are fit for purpose and fully enable the movement of livestock from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. It should review these arrangements within 12 months of their implementation and report back to this committee.
Government response. The Government and the European Commission have come to an agreement on the issue of livestock residency. This will enable cattle, sheep, and goats from Northern Ireland to move to Great Britain to participate in events such as shows and …
31
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Furthermore, we welcome that the Government is working on a solution to the scrapie requirements, but a solution must be found immediately.
Government response. Working with the EU, the UK Government has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) within the existing Scrapie Monitoring Scheme (SMS) for breeding sheep, which will facilitate the movement of breeding sheep from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Once …
32
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government should work with the EU to agree a derogation from the scrapie monitoring system, as quickly as possible. This derogation should provide adequate time for farmers to join the system. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical stance in pursuit of this goal.
Government response. Working with the EU, the UK Government has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) within the existing Scrapie Monitoring Scheme (SMS) for breeding sheep, which will facilitate the movement of breeding sheep from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Once …
33
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
In the short-term Defra should extend the Movement Assistance Scheme to pay for scrapie testing. The new breeding season for sheep is about to start meaning the Government needs to find an immediate solution to allow breeding stock from Great Britain to enter into Northern Ireland. As such, the Movement …
Government response. Working with the EU, the UK Government has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) within the existing Scrapie Monitoring Scheme (SMS) for breeding sheep, which will facilitate the movement of breeding sheep from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Once …
34
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
We welcome the ban on export for slaughter and fattening as an important step in protecting animal welfare. We understand that the number of animal movements this ban will affect is small, however, we are concerned that there may be unintended consequences. Particularly, that it may create longer journeys, which …
Government response. slaughter and fattening from Great Britain are minimal in comparison to total volumes of live animal trade for all purposes between Great Britain and the EU. The cost of this reduced trade is estimated to be around £8.4m across the …
35
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Defra should work with the organisations and businesses that will be affected by the ban on export for slaughter to ensure that the ban is introduced in a pragmatic way that will not adversely affect rural businesses or animal welfare.
Government response. The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully committed to working with industry to ensure that the UK …
36
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a network of small and medium abattoirs spread geographically around the …
Government response. The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully committed to working with industry to ensure that the UK …
37
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset. These businesses should be supported and bolstered through the Future Farming Resilience Fund. Defra should set out and enact its approach to funding the UK abattoirs network as a strategic national asset within six months.
Government response. The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully committed to working with industry to ensure that the UK …
38
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial enterprises.
Government response. The Government acknowledges the important role that small abattoirs play in rural economies and the benefits to animal welfare that reduced journey times to slaughter can have. We are fully committed to working with industry to ensure that the UK …
39
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Defra should establish a small working group to assess how effectively and fairly regulations are being applied in small and medium abattoirs. This group should ensure regulations are sensible and maintain food hygiene standards without overloading businesses. This group should be established by December 2021.
Government response. The Government notes the Committee’s concerns. The public consultation, issued jointly by the UK and Welsh Governments, evoked a range of responses including important considerations about the practical and welfare implications of these proposals. We have listened carefully to people’s …
40
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed. They show a lack of understanding in how parts of the agricultural economy work and would have benefited from better co-design and consultation.
Government response. The Government notes the Committee’s concerns. The public consultation, issued jointly by the UK and Welsh Governments, evoked a range of responses including important considerations about the practical and welfare implications of these proposals. We have listened carefully to people’s …
41
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
We welcome that Defra is rethinking its proposals. Defra should ensure they work with the industry to develop its new proposals, making sure they protect animal welfare while being practical and realistic. It should publish the updated proposals by December 2021. (Paragraph 111) Biosecurity
Government response. We agree with the Committee’s recommendations on biosecurity. ADNS has now been replaced by the ADIS system for EU Member States and we continue to engage with the Commission to facilitate access. This is part of a wider negotiation which …
42
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Diseases do not recognise borders. Enhancing biosecurity protects animal, plant and human health. Although we have full faith in the Chief Veterinary Officer, it would be easier to monitor animal diseases in our closest neighbours if the UK regained access to the Animal Disease Notification System. ADNS is a quick …
Government response. We agree with the Committee’s recommendations. We retain reporting access with the European Food Safety Agency and continue to share surveillance data for several significant animal diseases. On these issues we will continue to work closely with our colleagues in …
43
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
The Government should work with the EU to regain Britain’s access to the ADNS as a matter of urgency Defra should update this committee on its efforts . (Paragraph 117) 40 Moving animals across borders
Government response. The number of veterinarians registered to practise in the UK is increasing year on year and currently stands at 27,000. The opening of new veterinary schools in the UK means that the numbers of veterinarians being trained here continues to …
44
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
There is disagreement between Defra, the veterinary sector, and the Chief Veterinary Officer about whether there are enough veterinarians to carry out the increase in certification work which is required following the transition period.
Government response. The number of veterinarians registered to practise in the UK is increasing year on year and currently stands at 27,000. The opening of new veterinary schools in the UK means that the numbers of veterinarians being trained here continues to …
45
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Government should closely monitor veterinary capacity alongside projections of six-month demand and publish statistics on a quarterly basis. (Paragraph 123) Moving animals across borders 41
Government response. The number of veterinarians registered to practise in the UK is increasing year on year and currently stands at 27,000. The opening of new veterinary schools in the UK means that the numbers of veterinarians being trained here continues to …