The United Kingdom strengthens controls on the import of pets: a new law will restrict the influx of puppies and kittens from abroad

In July 2025, the British Parliament approved the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill, which is currently undergoing its final stage of consideration in the House of Lords. The law is aimed at tackling illegal trade and the uncontrolled import of companion animals from abroad. Once adopted, it will grant authorities the power to impose restrictions on the import of dogs, cats, and ferrets into the United Kingdom.

Until now, the country lacked an effective regulatory mechanism to control the movement of animals based on age, health status, or origin. The new bill fills this gap by giving ministers the authority to introduce rules that can be swiftly adapted to emerging risks and threats.

Specifically, the bill proposes to ban the import of dogs, cats, and ferrets under six months of age, as this category is most often subjected to harsh transport conditions and premature separation from the mother. A ban on importing pregnant females beyond the 42nd day of gestation will also be introduced to prevent circumvention of the age restriction. In addition, the bill will prohibit the import of animals showing signs of banned surgical procedures such as ear cropping, tail docking, or declawing — all of which are forbidden in the UK on humane grounds.

These strict measures are a response to the sharp increase in imported animals in recent years. According to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), over 186,000 dogs were imported into the UK in 2020. By 2022, that number had risen to 267,000 — a 43% increase in just two years. In 2024, the total number of dogs, cats, and ferrets imported under the so-called "non-commercial movement" (PETS) scheme exceeded 368,000 animals. Experts attribute this growth to widespread misuse of simplified import procedures, where animals are registered as personal pets but are in fact intended for resale.

Current rules allow owners to import up to five animals at once, either accompanying them on a journey or arriving within five days before or after the owner. This loophole is frequently exploited by traders who disguise commercial transport as private travel.

The new law will tighten import conditions significantly: a limit of three animals per accompanying person will be introduced. Carriers will also be required to provide evidence that the animals genuinely belong to them or have a demonstrable connection to the named owner. Authorities will be allowed to tailor conditions based on the mode of transport — whether by car, plane, or foot.

Enforcement is another major focus of the bill. Border authorities will gain the power to detain and temporarily seize animals in the event of a breach, place them in quarantine or shelters, and — in severe cases — return them to the country of origin or authorise euthanasia if required for welfare reasons. All associated costs, including transport, housing, and veterinary care, will be charged to the violator.

In addition to administrative measures, the law introduces significant financial and criminal penalties. Offenders may face fines of up to £5,000 and, in the most serious cases, up to six months in prison.

A key strength of the bill lies in its flexible legal architecture: rather than imposing a rigid set of rules, it creates a framework that enables authorities to introduce targeted measures as circumstances evolve. This makes it a powerful tool for responding to shifting patterns of illegal animal importation.

The bill has already received strong support from veterinary associations, animal welfare organisations, and border authorities, all of whom deal with the consequences of unregulated imports. According to veterinarians, mass imports of animals under questionable conditions contribute to health problems, behavioural issues, and rising numbers of abandoned pets. Shelters routinely take in animals whose owners were unable to manage the medical or behavioural complications caused by improper transport and handling.

Once approved by the House of Lords, the law is expected to come into force within months. It represents a significant step by the United Kingdom toward protecting animals, fighting illegal trade, and erecting an effective barrier against those who continue to treat living beings solely as commercial goods.