Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill

A Bill to make provision for and in connection with restricting the importation and non-commercial movement of dogs, cats and ferrets.


This is not the latest version of the Bill

Available Versions

7 Jul 2025
Lords: Committee
HL Bill 117 (as brought from the Commons)
(0 amendments)
15 May 2025
Commons: Report
Bill 239 2024-25 (as amended in Public Bill Committee)
No digital version of this Bill was published by Parliament
27 Nov 2024
Commons: Committee
Bill 028 2024-25 (as introduced)
(29 amendments)

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Page 1

Regulations about bringing dogs, cats and ferrets into the United Kingdom

 
1
Regulations about bringing dogs, cats and ferrets into the United Kingdom
 

Regulations for the purpose of animal welfare

 
 
(1)
An appropriate national authority may, for the purpose of promoting the welfare of
 
 
dogs, cats or ferrets, make regulations about the bringing of any of those animals
5
 
into the United Kingdom.
 
 
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) may (in particular)—
 
 
(a)
prohibit or restrict, by reference to specified criteria, the bringing into
 
 
the United Kingdom of dogs, cats or ferrets;
 
 
(b)
provide that a prohibition or restriction (including a prohibition
10
 
imposed by virtue of subsection (3) or (4) ) is subject to specified
 
 
exemptions, including in cases where a permit issued under the
 
 
regulations is in force;
 
 
(c)
make provision for and in connection with applications for permits
 
 
and the determination of such applications;
15
 
(d)
require a specified fee to be paid on the making of such an application;
 
 
(e)
make provision about enforcement.
 
 
(3)
The first of any regulations about dogs that are made under subsection (1)
 
 
in relation to each of England, Scotland and Wales must prohibit the bringing
 
 
into that part of the United Kingdom of each of the following—
20
 
(a)
dogs that are below the age of 6 months;
 
 
(b)
dogs that are more than 42 days pregnant;
 
 
(c)
dogs that have been mutilated.
 

Page 2

 
(4)
The first of any regulations about cats that are made under subsection (1) in
 
 
relation to each of England, Scotland and Wales must prohibit the bringing
 
 
into that part of the United Kingdom of each of the following—
 
 
(a)
cats that are below the age of 6 months;
 
 
(b)
cats that are more than 42 days pregnant;
5
 
(c)
cats that have been mutilated.
 
 
(5)
The Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers and the Welsh Ministers may
 
 
not make subsequent regulations lifting a prohibition mentioned in subsection
 
 
(3) or (4) unless they have consulted such persons as they consider appropriate
 
 
about the proposed change.
10

Regulations about seized or detained animals

 
 
(6)
An appropriate national authority may by regulations make provision about dogs,
 
 
cats or ferrets that are seized or detained because of a contravention (or suspected
 
 
contravention) of any legislation (including regulations under subsection (1) ) that—
 
 
(a)
relates to animal welfare or animal health, and
15
 
(b)
is concerned with the bringing of dogs, cats or ferrets into the United
 
 
Kingdom.
 
 
(7)
Regulations under subsection (6) may (in particular)—
 
 
(a)
require a specified person to meet the costs of detaining a dog, cat or
 
 
ferret (whether directly or by reimbursing any person);
20
 
(b)
enable ownership of a dog, cat or ferret to be transferred in specified
 
 
circumstances.
 

Regulations about monetary penalties

 
 
(8)
An appropriate national authority may by regulations make provision enabling
 
 
monetary penalties to be imposed in cases involving the contravention of any
25
 
legislation (including regulations under subsection (1) ) that—
 
 
(a)
relates to animal welfare or animal health, and
 
 
(b)
is concerned with the bringing of dogs, cats or ferrets into the United
 
 
Kingdom.
 

Interpretation

30
 
(9)
For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) , a dog or cat has been “mutilated”
 
 
if it has undergone a procedure which involves interference with its sensitive
 
 
tissues or bone structure otherwise than for the purpose of its medical
 
 
treatment.
 
 
(10)
In this section, “specified”, in relation to the making of regulations, means
35
 
specified in the regulations.
 
2
Regulations under
 
 
(1)
Regulations under section 1 may (in particular)—
 
 
(a)
confer a function (including a function involving the exercise of a
 
 
discretion) on a person specified in the regulations;
40

Page 3

 
(b)
make provision about the keeping of records or the provision of
 
 
information;
 
 
(c)
confer a power of entry, whether or not on the authority of a warrant;
 
 
(d)
confer a power of inspection, search, seizure or detention, whether or
 
 
not on the authority of a warrant;
5
 
(e)
authorise, or make provision for the authorisation of, the use of
 
 
reasonable force in connection with the exercise of a power mentioned
 
 
in paragraph (c) or (d) ;
 
 
(f)
make provision for the revocation of a person’s licence, authorisation
 
 
or other approval required under any legislation for the bringing of
10
 
dogs, cats or ferrets into the United Kingdom, where the person—
 
 
(i)
contravenes the regulations, or
 
 
(ii)
obstructs, or fails to assist in, the exercise of a function
 
 
conferred by the regulations;
 
 
(g)
create a criminal offence;
15
 
(h)
modify, repeal or revoke any provision made by—
 
 
(i)
an Act of Parliament (including sections 4 to 6 of this Act);
 
 
(ii)
an Act of the Scottish Parliament;
 
 
(iii)
an Act or Measure of Senedd Cymru;
 
 
(iv)
Northern Ireland legislation.
20
 
(2)
But regulations under section 1 that confer a power to enter a private dwelling
 
 
may not allow for the power to be exercised without the occupier’s consent,
 
 
or with the use of reasonable force, except—
 
 
(a)
in England and Wales, on the authority of a warrant issued by a justice
 
 
of the peace;
25
 
(b)
in Scotland, on the authority of a warrant issued by a sheriff or
 
 
summary sheriff;
 
 
(c)
in Northern Ireland, on the authority of a warrant issued by a lay
 
 
magistrate.
 
 
(3)
Where regulations under section 1 create a criminal offence, they must provide
30
 
that—
 
 
(a)
the offence is—
 
 
(i)
triable summarily only, or
 
 
(ii)
triable summarily or on indictment;
 
 
(b)
the offence is punishable—
35
 
(i)
with a fine, or
 
 
(ii)
with a term of imprisonment or a fine (or both);
 
 
(c)
any term of imprisonment with which the offence is punishable on
 
 
summary conviction does not exceed—
 
 
(i)
in England and Wales, the relevant maximum term;
40
 
(ii)
in Scotland, 12 months;
 
 
(iii)
in Northern Ireland, 6 months;
 
 
(d)
any term of imprisonment with which the offence is punishable on
 
 
conviction on indictment does not exceed 5 years.
 

Page 4

 
(4)
In subsection (3) (c) (i) , “the relevant maximum term” means—
 
 
(a)
in relation to an offence that is triable only summarily—
 
 
(i)
if the offence is committed before the time when section 281
 
 
of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force, 6 months;
 
 
(ii)
if the offence is committed after that time, 51 weeks;
5
 
(b)
in relation to an offence that is triable summarily or on indictment,
 
 
the general limit in a magistrates’ court.
 
3
Meaning of “appropriate national authority” and related provision
 
 
(1)
In section 1 , “appropriate national authority”, in relation to the making of
 
 
regulations, means—
10
 
(a)
the Secretary of State;
 
 
(b)
the Scottish Ministers, so far as provision made by the regulations
 
 
would be within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament
 
 
if contained in an Act of that Parliament;
 
 
(c)
the Welsh Ministers, so far as provision made by the regulations would
15
 
be within the legislative competence of Senedd Cymru if contained
 
 
in an Act of Senedd Cymru;
 
 
(d)
the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in
 
 
Northern Ireland (“DAERA”), so far as provision made by the
 
 
regulations would be within the legislative competence of the Northern
20
 
Ireland Assembly if contained in an Act of that Assembly.
 
 
(2)
DAERA must obtain the consent of the Secretary of State before making any
 
 
provision in regulations under section 1 that, if contained in a Bill in the
 
 
Northern Ireland Assembly, would result in the Bill’s requiring the consent
 
 
of the Secretary of State under section 8 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
25
 
(3)
The Secretary of State must obtain the consent of—
 
 
(a)
the Scottish Ministers,
 
 
(b)
the Welsh Ministers, or
 
 
(c)
DAERA,
 
 
before making any provision in regulations under section 1 that could be
30
 
made in regulations under that section by (respectively) the Scottish Ministers,
 
 
the Welsh Ministers, or DAERA.
 
 
(4)
But DAERA’s consent is not needed under subsection (3) for provision that
 
 
would need the Secretary of State’s consent under subsection (2) before it
 
 
could be made in regulations made by DAERA.
35
 
(5)
Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (general restrictions on
 
 
legislative competence of Senedd Cymru) is amended as set out in subsections
 
 
(6) and (7) .
 
 
(6)
In paragraph 9(8)(b) (exceptions to restrictions relating to reserved
 
 
authorities)—
40
 
(a)
each of the sub-paragraphs numbered (i) and so on (including any
 
 
sub-paragraph not yet in force) becomes an unnumbered
 
 
sub-paragraph;
 

Page 5

 
(b)
omit the “or” after the penultimate of those sub-paragraphs;
 
 
(c)
at the end insert—
 
 
“the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act
 
 
2025.”
 
 
(7)
In paragraph 11(6)(b) (exceptions to restrictions relating to Ministers of the
5
 
Crown)—
 
 
(a)
each of the sub-paragraphs numbered (i) and so on (including any
 
 
sub-paragraph not yet in force) becomes an unnumbered
 
 
sub-paragraph;
 
 
(b)
omit the “or” after the penultimate of those sub-paragraphs;
10
 
(c)
at the end insert—
 
 
“the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act
 
 
2025.”
 
 
(8)
Where any enactment passed or made on or after the day on which this Act
 
 
is passed inserts a numbered sub-paragraph in paragraph 9(8)(b) or 11(6)(b)
15
 
of Schedule 7B to the Government of Wales Act 2006, the enactment has effect
 
 
as if—
 
 
(a)
it instead inserted an unnumbered sub-paragraph at the same place,
 
 
and
 
 
(b)
where relevant, it did not insert “or” before that sub-paragraph or
20
 
omit “or” before the preceding sub-paragraph.
 

Certain movements of dogs, cats and ferrets treated as commercial

 
4
Disapplication of non-commercial rules in certain cases
 
 
(1)
Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12
 
 
June 2013 on the non-commercial movement of pet animals and repealing Regulation
25
 
(EC) No 998/2003 is amended as follows.
 
 
(2)
In Article 3 (definitions), in point (a), at the end insert “(but see Articles 5
 
 
and 5A in relation to dogs, cats and ferrets)”.
 
 
(3)
Omit Article 4.
 
 
(4)
In Article 5 (maximum number of pet animals)—
30
 
(a)
for paragraph 1 substitute—
 
 
“1.
For the purposes of this Regulation, a movement of pet animals
 
 
of the species listed in Part A of Annex I (dogs, cats and ferrets)
 
 
is not a non-commercial movement if the relevant maximum
 
 
is exceeded at any time during the movement.
35
 
1A.
For the purposes of this Article, the relevant maximum is
 
 
exceeded:
 
 
(a)
in a case where the animals are being moved in a motor
 
 
vehicle (including a vehicle on board a train or ferry), if
 

Page 6

 
there are more than five animals of the species listed in
 
 
Part A of Annex I in the vehicle;
 
 
(b)
in any other case, if there are more than three animals
 
 
of the species listed in Part A of Annex 1 accompanying
 
 
the owner or an authorised person.”;
5
 
(b)
in paragraph 2—
 
 
(i)
for the words before point (a), substitute “Paragraph 1 does
 
 
not apply to pet animals if the following conditions are
 
 
fulfilled:”;
 
 
(ii)
in point (a), omit “non-commercial”;
10
 
(iii)
in point (b), for “the authorised person” substitute “an
 
 
authorised person”.
 
 
(c)
in paragraph 4—
 
 
(i)
for “the maximum number of pet animals referred to in
 
 
paragraph 1” substitute “the relevant maximum”;
15
 
(ii)
for “those pet animals” substitute “the pet animals in question”;
 
 
(d)
at the end insert—
 
 
“5A.
In paragraph 1A, “motor vehicle” means a mechanically
 
 
propelled vehicle intended or adapted for use on roads.”
 
 
(5)
After Article 5 insert—
20

Article 5A

 
 
Movement of dogs, cats and ferrets to be within five days of owner
 
 
For the purposes of this Regulation, the movement of a pet animal of a species
 
 
listed in Part A of Annex 1 (dogs, cats and ferrets) is not a non-commercial
 
 
movement if the animal is not accompanied by the owner during the
25
 
movement, unless:
 
 
(a)
the owner:
 
 
(i)
entered Great Britain earlier on the day on which the animal does
 
 
so or at any time during the five days preceding that day; or
 
 
(ii)
is expected to enter Great Britain later on that day or at any time
30
 
during the five days following that day; and
 
 
(b)
the authorised person who accompanies the animal during the movement
 
 
provides evidence, to the appropriate authority’s satisfaction, as to when
 
 
the owner entered or is expected to enter Great Britain.”
 
 
(6)
In Article 25 (format and content of identification document), in paragraph
35
 
3, omit “or the authorised person”.
 
5
Corresponding application of commercial rules
 
 
(1)
In regulation 3 of the Trade in Animals and Related Products Regulations 2011 (S.I.
 
 
2011/1197)—
 

Page 7

 
(a)
for paragraph (1) substitute—
 
 
“(1)
These Regulations do not apply in relation to pet animals where the
 
 
movement of the animals is a non-commercial movement for the purposes of
 
 
the Pets Regulation (see Articles 3, 5 and 5A of the Pets Regulation).”;
 
 
(b)
in paragraph (2), omit the definitions of “authorised person”, “non-commercial
5
 
movement”, “owner”, and “accompanying”.
 
 
(2)
In regulation 3 of the Trade in Animals and Related Products (Scotland)
 
 
Regulations 2012 (S.S.I. 2012/177)—
 
 
(a)
for paragraph (1) substitute—
 
 
“(1)
These Regulations do not apply in relation to pet animals where
10
 
the movement of the animals is a non-commercial movement for the
 
 
purposes of the Pets Regulation (see Articles 3, 5 and 5A of the Pets
 
 
Regulation).”;
 
 
(b)
in paragraph (2), omit the definitions of “authorised person”,
 
 
“non-commercial movement”, “owner”, and “accompanying”.
15
 
(3)
In regulation 3 of the Trade in Animals and Related Products (Wales)
 
 
Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/2379 (W. 252))—
 
 
(a)
in the English language text—
 
 
(i)
for paragraph (1) substitute—
 
 
“(1)
These Regulations do not apply in relation to pet animals
20
 
where the movement of the animals is a non-commercial
 
 
movement for the purposes of the Pets Regulation (see Articles
 
 
3, 5 and 5A of the Pets Regulation).”;
 
 
(ii)
in paragraph (2), omit the definitions of “accompanying”,
 
 
“authorised person”, “non-commercial movement”, and
25
 
“owner”;
 
 
(b)
in the Welsh language text—
 
 
(i)
for paragraph (1) substitute—
 
 
“(1)
Nid yw’r Rheoliadau hyn yn gymwys mewn perthynas
 
 
ag anifeiliaid anwes pan fo symud yr anifeiliaid yn symud
30
 
anfasnachol at ddibenion y Rheoliad Anifeiliaid Anwes (gweler
 
 
Erthyglau 3, 5 a 5A o’r Rheoliad Anifeiliaid Anwes).”;
 
 
(ii)
in paragraph (2), omit the definitions of “mynd gyda”, “person
 
 
awdurdodedig”, “symud anfasnachol” and “perchennog”.
 
6
Consequential provision
35
 
(1)
In Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 577/2013 of 28 June 2013
 
 
on the model identification documents for the non-commercial movement of
 
 
dogs, cats and ferrets, the establishment of lists of territories and third
 
 
countries and the format, layout and language requirements of the declarations
 
 
attesting compliance with certain conditions provided for in Regulation (EU)
40
 
No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council, in Section A of
 
 
Part 3 of Annex IV (model of declaration)—
 

Page 8

 
(a)
omit “or the natural person who has authorisation in writing from the
 
 
owner to carry out the non-commercial movement on behalf of the
 
 
owner ( 1 )” in the first and third places those words occur (that is to
 
 
say, in the paragraph after “I, the undersigned” and the paragraph
 
 
after “Place and date:”);
5
 
(b)
for “his movement” substitute “the owner’s movement”.
 
 
(2)
In Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council
 
 
of 15 March 2017 on official controls and other official activities performed
 
 
to ensure the application of food and feed law, rules on animal health and
 
 
welfare, plant health and plant protection products, in Article 53 (official
10
 
controls not performed at border control posts), in paragraph 1(d)(iv), for
 
 
“which meet the conditions laid down in Article 5 of” substitute “for a purpose
 
 
connected with”.
 
 
(3)
The Secretary of State may by regulations make other provision in consequence
 
 
of provision made by section 4 or 5 .
15

General

 
7
Regulations
 
 
(1)
Regulations under sections 1 and 6 (3) may make—
 
 
(a)
different provision for different purposes or areas;
 
 
(b)
consequential, incidental, supplementary, transitional or saving
20
 
provision.
 
 
(2)
A power of the Secretary of State or the Welsh Ministers to make regulations
 
 
under section 1 or 6 (3) is exercisable by statutory instrument.
 
 
(3)
A power of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
 
 
in Northern Ireland (“DAERA”) to make regulations under section 1 is
25
 
exercisable by statutory rule for the purposes of the Statutory Rules (Northern
 
 
Ireland) Order 1979 (S.I. 1979/1573 (N.I. 12)).
 
 
(4)
Regulations under section 1 are subject to the affirmative procedure, subject
 
 
to subsection (5) .
 
 
(5)
Regulations that contain provision made by virtue of section 1 (2) (d) (power
30
 
to specify fee in relation to permit application) and do not contain any other
 
 
provision under section 1 are subject to the negative procedure.
 
 
(6)
Regulations under section 6 (3) are subject to the negative procedure.
 
 
(7)
Where the Secretary of State, the Welsh Ministers or DAERA propose that
 
 
the same regulations should contain both—
35
 
(a)
provision under section 1 , and
 
 
(b)
provision under other legislation that may be made by regulations
 
 
subject to the negative procedure,
 
 
the provision mentioned in paragraph (b) may instead be made by regulations
 
 
subject to the affirmative procedure.
40
 
(8)
In this section—
 

Page 9

 
“subject to the affirmative procedure” , in relation to regulations made
 
 
by the Secretary of State, the Welsh Ministers or DAERA, means—
 
 
(a)
in the case of regulations made by the Secretary of State, that
 
 
a statutory instrument containing the regulations may not be
 
 
made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and
5
 
approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament;
 
 
(b)
in the case of regulations made by the Welsh Ministers, that a
 
 
statutory instrument containing the regulations may not be
 
 
made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and
 
 
approved by a resolution of Senedd Cymru;
10
 
(c)
in the case of regulations made by DAERA, that the regulations
 
 
may not be made unless a draft of the regulations has been
 
 
laid before and approved by a resolution of the Northern
 
 
Ireland Assembly;
 
 
“subject to the negative procedure” , in relation to regulations made by
15
 
the Secretary of State, the Welsh Ministers or DAERA, means—
 
 
(a)
in the case of regulations made by the Secretary of State, that
 
 
a statutory instrument containing the regulations is subject to
 
 
annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of
 
 
Parliament;
20
 
(b)
in the case of regulations made by the Welsh Ministers, that a
 
 
statutory instrument containing the regulations is subject to
 
 
annulment in pursuance of a resolution of Senedd Cymru;
 
 
(c)
in the case of regulations made by DAERA, that the regulations
 
 
are subject to negative resolution within the meaning given by
25
 
section 41(6) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954
 
 
(c. 33 (N.I.)).
 
 
(9)
In relation to regulations under this Act made by the Scottish Ministers, see—
 
 
(a)
section 27 of the Interpretation and Legislative Reform (Scotland) Act
 
 
2010 (asp 10) (Scottish statutory instruments) for provision
30
 
corresponding to subsections (2) and (3) ;
 
 
(b)
section 33 of that Act (combination of certain powers) for provision
 
 
corresponding to subsection (7) ;
 
 
(c)
sections 28 and 29 of that Act for the meaning of “subject to the
 
 
negative procedure” and “subject to the affirmative procedure”.
35
"Extent, commencement and short title"

Source Bill 028 EN 2024-25

47. Clause 8 provides that Clauses 1 to 7 will come into force on such day or days as the Secretary of State may by regulations appoint.

48. Clause 8 will come into force on Royal Assent.

8
Extent, commencement and short title
 
 
(1)
Sections 1 to 3 and 7 and this section extend to England and Wales, Scotland
 
 
and Northern Ireland.
 
 
(2)
Sections 4 to 6 extend to England and Wales and Scotland.
 
 
(3)
Sections 1 to 7 come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by
40
 
regulations appoint.
 
 
(4)
This section comes into force on the day on which this Act is passed.
 
 
(5)
The Secretary of State may by regulations make transitional or saving provision
 
 
in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.
 

Page 10

 
(6)
Regulations under this section may make different provision for different
 
 
purposes.
 
 
(7)
Regulations under this section are to be made by statutory instrument.
 
 
(8)
This Act may be cited as the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and
 
 
Ferrets) Act 2025.
5
Amendments
Sponsor Amendment 1

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 2, page 3, line 15, after "offence” insert "(but see subsection (2A))"

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 2

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 2, page 3, line 21, leave out "But"

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 3

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 2, page 3, line 29, at end insert— "(2A) Regulations under section 1 may create a criminal offence only in relation to (or in relation to the causing or permitting of)— (a) a contravention of a prohibition or restriction imposed by virtue of section 1(2)(a); (b) where by virtue of section 1(2)(b) such a prohibition or restriction is subject to an exemption, a contravention of a condition attached to the exemption; (c) a contravention of a requirement imposed by any relevant legislation to carry out checks in relation to the bringing of animals into the United Kingdom; (d) a contravention of a requirement imposed by any relevant legislation to provide information or documents, or the provision of false or misleading information or documents in purported compliance with such a requirement; (e) the obstruction of, or a failure to assist, a person acting in the execution of powers conferred by any relevant legislation. (2B) In subsection (2A),“relevant legislation” means legislation (including regulations under section 1) that relates to animal welfare or animal health."

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 4

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 4, page 6, line 8, after “to” insert “a movement of"

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 5

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 4, page 6, line 12, at end insert— "(ba) after paragraph 3 insert— "3A Paragraph 1 does not apply to a movement of pet animals if— (a) the appropriate authority determines that there are exceptional or compelling circumstances that justify the movement's being treated as a non-commercial movement even if the relevant maximum is exceeded; and (b) the movement meets any conditions attached to the determination.""

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 6

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 4, page 6, line 13, leave out paragraph (c) and insert— "(c) In paragraph 4, for the words from the beginning to “those pet animals" substitute "Where paragraph 1 applies and the relevant maximum is exceeded, the pet animals in question”"

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 7

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 4, page 6, line 23, leave out "the movement" and insert "a movement"

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 8

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 4, page 6, line 34, at end insert— "2 Paragraph 1 does not apply to a movement of a pet animal if— (a) the appropriate authority determines that there are exceptional or compelling circumstances that justify the movement's being treated as a non-commercial movement even if— (i) the animal is not accompanied by the owner, and (ii) one or both of the conditions in paragraph 1(a) and (b) are not met; and (b) the movement meets any conditions attached to the determination.”

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 9

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 6, page 8, line 14, leave out subsection (3)

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 10

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 7, page 8, line 18, leave out "sections 1 and 6(3)" and insert "section 1"

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 11

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 7, page 8, line 23, leave out "or 6(3)"

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 12

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 7, page 8, line 33, leave out subsection (6)

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 13

Tabled: 08 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 8 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 7, page 9, line 28, leave out "this Act” and insert "section 1”

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 08 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Sponsor Amendment 14

Tabled: 09 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 9 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED TO

Clause 4, page 5, line 28, at end insert— "(b) in point (b), after “non-commercial movement” (in the first place it occurs) insert “(including movement that would be non-commercial movement but for Article 5 or 5A)”.”

Type: Backbencher

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 09 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)
Opposition Amendment 1

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 2, page 3, line 15, after “offence” insert “(but see subsection (2A))”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment inserts in clause 2(1)(g) a signpost to the new subsection inserted by Amendment 2.

Opposition Amendment 3

Tabled: 14 May 2025
Public Bill Committee Amendments as at 14 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 2, page 3, line 21, leave out “But”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 14 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 2.

Opposition Amendment 2

Tabled: 14 May 2025
Public Bill Committee Amendments as at 14 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 2, page 3, line 29, at end insert—
“(2A) Regulations under section 1 may create a criminal offence only in relation to (or in relation to the causing or permitting of)—
(a) a contravention of a prohibition or restriction imposed by virtue of section 1(2)(a);
(b) where by virtue of section 1(2)(b) such a prohibition or restriction is subject to an exemption, a contravention of a condition attached to the exemption;
(c) a contravention of a requirement imposed by any relevant legislation to carry out checks in relation to the bringing of animals into the United Kingdom;
(d) a contravention of a requirement imposed by any relevant legislation to provide information or documents, or the provision of false or misleading information or documents in purported compliance with such a requirement;
(e) the obstruction of, or a failure to assist, a person acting in the execution of powers conferred by any relevant legislation.
(2B) In subsection (2A), “relevant legislation” means legislation (including regulations under section 1) that relates to animal welfare or animal health.”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 14 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment qualifies clause 2(1)(g) (power to create criminal offences in regulations under clause 1) by setting out the only conduct in relation to which offences may be created.

Opposition Amendment 14

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 4, page 5, line 28, at end insert—
“(b) in point (b), after “non-commercial movement” (in the first place it occurs) insert “(including movement that would be non-commercial movement but for Article 5 or 5A)”.”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment makes a minor clarificatory change in consequence of the other amendments made by Clause 4.

Opposition Amendment 4

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 4, page 6, line 8, after “to” insert “a movement of”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 5.

Opposition Amendment 5

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 4, page 6, line 12, at end insert—
“(ba) after paragraph 3 insert—
“3A Paragraph 1 does not apply to a movement of pet animals if—
(a) the appropriate authority determines that there are exceptional or compelling circumstances that justify the movement’s being treated as a non-commercial movement even if the relevant maximum is exceeded; and
(b) the movement meets any conditions attached to the determination.””

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment allows for the appropriate authority to disapply the limit on the number of animals that can be brought in under the rules applicable to non-commercial movements, where justified in the particular circumstances of the case.

Opposition Amendment 6

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 4, page 6, line 13, leave out paragraph (c) and insert—
“(c) In paragraph 4, for the words from the beginning to “those pet animals” substitute “Where paragraph 1 applies and the relevant maximum is exceeded, the pet animals in question””

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 5.

Opposition Amendment 7

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 4, page 6, line 23, leave out “the movement” and insert “a movement”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 8.

Opposition Amendment 8

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 4, page 6, line 34, at end insert—
“2 Paragraph 1 does not apply to a movement of a pet animal if—
(a) the appropriate authority determines that there are exceptional or compelling circumstances that justify the movement’s being treated as a non-commercial movement even if—
(i) the animal is not accompanied by the owner, and
(ii) one or both of the conditions in paragraph 1(a) and (b) are not met; and
(b) the movement meets any conditions attached to the determination.”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment allows for the appropriate authority to disapply the requirement that an animal’s movement be within 5 days of the owner’s, where justified in the particular circumstances of the case.

Opposition Amendment 9

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 6, page 8, line 14, leave out subsection (3)

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment removes the power to make provision in regulations that is consequential on clause 4 or 5.

Opposition Amendment 10

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 7, page 8, line 18, leave out “sections 1 and 6(3)” and insert “section 1”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 9.

Opposition Amendment 11

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 7, page 8, line 23, leave out “or 6(3)”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 9.

Opposition Amendment 12

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 7, page 8, line 33, leave out subsection (6)

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 9.

Opposition Amendment 13

Tabled: 13 May 2025
Notices of Amendments as at 13 May 2025

This amendment was AGREED

Clause 7, page 9, line 28, leave out “this Act” and insert “section 1”

Type: Opposition

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester) - 13 May 2025
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This amendment is consequential on Amendment 9.

Government Amendment Gov

This amendment was AGREED

Page 8, line 17, that clause 7 be transferred to the end of line 21 on page 5

Type: Government

Signatures: 1

Danny Chambers (LD - Winchester)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Mental Health)

Member's explanatory statement

This motion moves clause 7 so that it comes after clause 3, and is consequential on Amendment 9 (But see also the motion which moves subsection (1) of clause 7 elsewhere.)