Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Scrap the proposed ban on importing puppies under 6 months old

Closed 43 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge Parliament to stop the part of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill that bans puppy imports under 6 months. We would like the Government to maintain the current legal age of 15 weeks, to allow families to reunite with puppies safely and lawfully.
We believe the current minimum age is already the upper limit for safe emotional development. We believe delaying reunion until 6 months may cause trauma — for both puppies and families. We feel this law punishes love while real trafficking could still continue. We are concerned puppies may become victims of bureaucratic fear, and families may be treated as criminals. We believe no dog deserves to suffer under this policy.

Timeline

16 Jun 2025 Petition opened for signatures
16 Dec 2025 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 43
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 16 Jun 2025
Closed 16 Dec 2025

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 20 Aug 2026.