Massive boost to pup ban proposal

Minister backs import age hike

A TORY minister has backed plans to increase the age of imported pups to six months.

Zac Goldsmith told the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Commons Select Committee the case to act was “compelling” – giving a major boost to the Mirror’s Ban Puppy Imports campaign.

Lord Goldsmith said: “By moving to a six-month limit there is no doubt there would be problems solved or at least it would be easier to solve these problems.

“I can’t make a commitment here but this is an area we are taking very seriously.”

The move will allow blood tests to help detect serious diseases that can be passed from dogs to other animals, as well as humans. It will also exceed the maximum incubation period for rabies.

Dogs Trust veterinary director Paula Boyden, who was giving evidence, also wants imported pups to be at least six months old.

And she urged MPs to seize the moment after Brexit, which will let us set our own rules.

Ms Boyden said: “Suddenly this really does become within our grasp as EU legislation becomes UK legislation. What we’d like to see is an increase of the minimum age of entry.”

The Mirror told yesterday how Brits and their pets are at risk of rabies and other diseases.

TV vet Marc Abraham, leading the Ban Puppy Imports campaign, said in evidence to MPs puppies bred abroad only get jabs “once if at all” against rabies, “giving rise to potentially fatal health risks in the UK”. On watching the inquiry, he said: “Lord Goldsmith was unable to give his government’s full commitment but his response was positive and very welcomed.”