ANIMAL lovers are being urged to stand up to puppy smugglers amid fears the illicit trade in dogs could thrive due to a legislation oversight.

Dog protections charity Dogs Trust is urging people in Brighton to write to their MP, asking them to “plug the gap in animal welfare laws that is allowing dogs to be trafficked into the UK”.

Legislation set to be introduced under the Animal Welfare bill will not require puppies to be seen by customs when entering the United Kingdom, according to the charity.

It fears this will undermine the new bill, designed to ensure the welfare, safety, and legality of imported animals.

Owen Sharp, Dogs Trust chief executive, said: “It’s a dangerous and ludicrous situation that’s contributing to smuggling on an industrial scale.

"I think the public would be shocked to know that ferry or Eurotunnel staff don’t have to physically see the dogs entering the UK.

The Argus: Customs officials will not be required to carry out visual checks on puppies under new rulesCustoms officials will not be required to carry out visual checks on puppies under new rules

“Turning a blind eye to puppy smuggling is not an option. By not requiring visual checks, the door is left open for organised criminals to continue to profit from the suffering of puppies.

“Dogs are being transported thousands of miles in cramped, dirty conditions, with little or no food or water. Many are too young to legally enter the UK via the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS) and to receive vital preventive healthcare.”

PETS is set of rules which allows animals to travel between countries without having to go through quarantine. Dogs travelling under PETS must be at least 15 weeks old, microchipped, vaccinated for rabies, treated for tapeworm and have a pet passport.

The charity is now in its seventh year of operating the Puppy Pilot scheme, which rehomes puppies seized at UK borders.

The Argus: Puppies must be at least 15 weeks old before being imported into the UKPuppies must be at least 15 weeks old before being imported into the UK

In its busiest two years, 2020 and 2021, the programme saw 1,018 animals rescued, with a combined estimated street value of £1,742,000.

It is feared that the legislation loophole will also see a rise in dogs with cropped ears, a “barbaric” act currently banned under UK law.

“The government must not miss the opportunity to put the necessary measures in place to protect dogs and send the very powerful messages to smugglers, that the UK is closed to their abhorrent trade,” said Owen.

“Email your MP and ask them to urge the government to stamp out puppy smuggling.”

Further information can be found here.