Posts tagged: animal

After nearly a decade of campaigning by FOUR PAWS and our allies, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 will help end the misery of puppies smuggled into this country. For the past decade, this has been one of the biggest animal welfare issues we’ve been working on. But now, and with your help, smugglers who have profited from so much cruelty and misery have been blocked.

Across Europe, countless puppies are born into appalling conditions – cramped, filthy spaces with little lighting, ventilation or warmth. Torn from their mothers far too young, these frightened pups are stuffed into car boots and driven long distances before being smuggled into the UK.

Often sick and unvaccinated, they arrive with forged or non-existent identification and health documents, posing a risk to both human and animal health in the UK. For too many, their journey ends in an early death.

This vile trade has boomed while its operators have taken advantage of our love of animals. During lockdown, the demand for puppies rose higher than ever. Smugglers grew rich, but the risk of prosecution was low and punishments inadequate. 

That’s all about to change. And you’ve played a part in making it happen.

After years of profiting from cruelty and heartbreak, puppy smugglers will finally face the consequences. Thanks to your support, we’re putting an end to their trade in suffering.

After nearly a decade of campaigning by FOUR PAWS and our allies, the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025 has become law and here’s how we made it happen…