Source · Select Committees · Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
First Report - Moving animals across borders
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
HC 79
Published 30 September 2021
Government response
Fifth Special Report - Moving animals across borders: Government Response to the Committee’s First Report of Session 2021–22 · published 16 Dec 2021
Recommendations & Conclusions
3
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 13
The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government states its Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill addresses pet smuggling and includes a proposal to ban the movement of dogs more than 42 days pregnant, but indicates these measures will be implemented through secondary legislation rather than on the face of the Bill as recommended.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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4
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 23
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime.
Recommendation
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime. The UK must improve its deterrents against pet smuggling.
Government Response Summary
The government is exploring increased penalties for pet smuggling through a consultation and the Welfare of Animals (Kept Animals) Bill, with analysis of responses ongoing. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has also appointed two temporary officers to coordinate investigations and disrupt illegal imports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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5
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 23
The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government is considering increased penalties for pet smuggling through the Welfare of Animals (Kept Animals) Bill and a recent consultation, the results of which are being analysed. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has also appointed two temporary officers to coordinate investigations and disrupt illegal pet imports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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15
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 40
A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK.
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The Government agrees with the committee's findings, has made B.canis infection reportable, and is considering additional steps for commercial pet imports and proposes changes to regulations to tackle low-welfare imports.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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17
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the benefits of streamlining equine movements and commits to exploring potential flexibility and continuing to work towards a satisfactory solution for ‘high health status’ horses, despite the EU Commission's stance on third-country rules.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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22
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design...
Recommendation
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. …
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Government Response Summary
The government will launch a new public consultation early in the new year to improve equine ID and traceability, focusing on digitisation and ease of record updates, while preserving studbook arrangements. However, there is no commitment to a funded action plan for enforcement.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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25
Recommendation
Accepted in Part
Para 75
The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by...
Recommendation
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the need for live animal border control posts (BCPs), stating the Sevington BCP will be operational from 1 July 2022 (later than the recommended March 2022 deadline), with a second Kent facility identified and further BCPs to be designated once complete.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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28
Conclusion
Accepted in Part
Para 87
The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has...
Conclusion
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 …
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Government Response Summary
The government has reached an agreement with the EU on livestock residency but notes that livestock identification remains an outstanding issue, with ongoing discussions to find a solution. The government will continue to monitor implementation and report back within 12 months.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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