Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee considered a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection regarding the increase in illegally imported dogs and cats dealt with by the Animal Health and Welfare Team. The report proposed some actions that could be taken to strengthen controls at UK borders, which would reduce costs for Animal Health Authorities like the City of London Corporation as they would not need to detain animals inland.

The Director of PH&PP reported that the Animal and Plant Health Agency had been very supportive of the proposals following a visit the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre by the Chief Executive.

In response to a Member’s question, the Director advised that they would work with the Remembrancer’s Department and their contacts in the European Union to develop better controls for animals entering the UK from France.

RESOLVED – That: -

a)    the continuing problem with the illegal importation of pets, and the increasing costs of enforcement, be noted; and

b)    the proposals to strengthen controls at the borders be approved.