Liberal Democrats Urge East Riding Residents: Choose Responsible Pet Ownership This Christmas – Stop the Puppy Smuggling Trade!

The Liberal Democrats are leading the call for residents to prioritise responsible pet purchasing and adoption this festive season, urging a commitment to animal welfare and supporting the spirit of the recently passed Puppy Smuggling Bill.

​Christmas is a popular time for families to welcome a new pet, but the Liberal Democrats want to highlight that this is a long-term commitment, not a festive whim. We encourage all residents to carefully consider if they are ready and able to commit to the responsibilities that come with caring for an animal long after the holidays are over.

​Ending Cruel Puppy Smuggling
​Liberal Democrats have long championed the welfare of animals. We are proud to have successfully delivered the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Act 2025, which will now stop the cruel trade of puppy smuggling, ban imports of mutilated animals, and raise welfare standards.

​Speaking on the passing of the landmark legislation, Liberal Democrat MP and vet, Danny Chambers, said: “I am incredibly proud to see this Bill receive Royal Assent and become law. This Act marks a turning point for animal welfare in the UK, stopping pet mutilation in Britain once and for all and eradicating cruel practices that should have been wiped out years ago."
​"We have now successfully closed the loopholes that allowed such abuse to persist. This law finally addresses the serious public health risks associated with illegal puppy smuggling and the importation of dangerous diseases.”

​Support Ethical Breeding and Adoption Locally
​Inspired by this national success,  Liberal Democrats are calling on councils to be more proactive in enforcing the highest standards.

It is absolutely vital that residents only purchase animals from licensed, ethical breeders to ensure high animal welfare standards are upheld, or choose to adopt from accredited rescue shelters. Adopting supports local charities and gives vulnerable animals a second chance.

​By law, all business premises—including residential properties—must hold a council licence to sell animals as pets and to breed dogs for sale. We recommend checking the council’s public registers or demanding proof of a licence when visiting any premises. If you have any doubt about the welfare conditions or breeder's credentials, the Liberal Democrat advice is clear: walk away. Do not feel pressured into buying an animal that may have suffered.

​Act Responsibly: Your Checklist
​Given the high demand, responsible breeders may have waiting lists, but this is preferable to contributing to poor welfare practices.

​​"The Christmas spirit must never overshadow our commitment to animal welfare—the Liberal Democrats believe the welfare of every single pet is absolutely paramount. Following our national success in passing the Puppy Smuggling Bill, we must be vigilant here in East Riding. It is crucial to only purchase pets from licensed, ethical breeders or reputable shelters to guarantee the animals are healthy and treated responsibly, thus starving the market of illegal traders. Our dedicated licensing team strives tirelessly to enforce the highest standards, but I call upon all residents to be our eyes and ears: report any concerns about unregistered or irresponsible breeding immediately to protect these vulnerable animals and uphold the standard set by our new laws.” John Jones -Liberal Action UK.

​Council Information and Action
​Public Register of Dog Breeders: 
Check those licensed to breed and sell dogs on the council’s website at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/business/licences-and-registrations/available-licences/animals/dog-breeding/

​Public Register of Pet Sellers (Cats, Kittens, etc.): Find licensed sellers at https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/business/licences-and-registrations/available-licences/animals/pet-sales-licences/

​Further Guidance: For additional information on safely buying a healthy pet this Christmas, visit the government-backed Petfishing website at https://getyourpetsafely.campaign.gov.uk/

​If you have concerns about illegal dog breeding or pet selling activities, please contact the Licensing Team via emailing East Riding of Yorkshire Council by emai:  licensing@eastriding.gov.uk 
​

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