After a significant increase in animal welfare injuries in imported puppies, the British government wants to tighten the rules.
London – The minimum age for imported puppies is to be increased from 15 weeks to 6 months, as the Environment Ministry announced on Saturday. In addition, the importation of dogs with docked tails or ears as well as highly pregnant animals should be banned.
The practice of docking has long been prohibited in many countries, including Germany. State Secretary for Animal Welfare, Zac Goldsmith, said: "Puppy smuggling is a cruel business and we want to take decisive action against it."
Last year, 66,000 animals were imported into the UK for commercial purposes, according to the relevant health authority. Last year, the border authorities discovered 843 animals in which animal welfare standards had been violated. This corresponds to an increase of around 260 percent compared to the previous year. dpa
