Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to tackle the (a) import, (b) drugging and (c) trafficking within the UK of dogs for use by multiple street entertainers.

The Government takes the issue of the illegal importation of dogs and puppies seriously. All dogs entering the UK must be compliant with specific documentary and health preparations intended to safeguard their welfare and the biosecurity of this country. We have one of the most rigorous pet travel checking regimes in the world and any dogs found to be non-compliant with import rules may be refused entry or detained until compliant.

Anyone who illegally administers drugs to dogs to be used for begging or as part of street entertainment would be in breach of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 by causing unnecessary suffering or administering injurious drugs. The maximum penalty for either of these offences is six months’ imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine. However, the Government has already announced that it will increase the maximum custodial penalty for these offences to five years’ imprisonment. Anyone who has concerns about the health and welfare of a dog or any other animal used by beggars or street entertainers should report it to the relevant local authority or the police who have powers to deal with such matters, or to the RSPCA who will also investigate.