Bill to protect pets passes first hurdle

PROPOSALS to crack down on the "unscrupulous" commercial trade of puppy, kitten and ferret smuggling have cleared their first hurdle in the Commons.

Conservative MP Selaine Saxby said the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill will ensure that pets are not sold or traded as objects.

The Private Member's Bill, which has the backing of Government, proposes to ban dogs and cats under six months from being brought into the UK. It also prohibits the importation of heavily pregnant animals and those with mutilations, such as cropped ears or a docked tail.

Ministers also heard during the debate that Disney Pixar films such as Up and celebrity culture are normalising ear cropping in dogs, from Conservative MP Neil Hudson.