Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Allow exemptions for genuine rescue dogs with cropped ears or docked tails.
Rejected
21 signatures
What the petition asks
We call on Parliament to amend the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill to allow exemptions for genuine rescue dogs with cropped ears or docked tails. Exemptions should apply only to registered organisations with proof of shelter origin.
Without an exemption, the Bill will block otherwise healthy puppies and adult dogs from entering the UK — even when they are victims of mutilation abroad and waiting in shelters for adoption. The consequence will be tragic: thousands of dogs will be left behind in overcrowded kill shelters overseas, facing neglect or euthanasia simply because of their appearance. These dogs are victims, not perpetrators, and they deserve the chance of a safe home.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
You may wish to sign this petition which calls for similar action: Amend law on puppy imports to provide exceptions for rescue organisations
Timeline
| 24 Nov 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 8 Jan 2026 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
21
Status
Rejected
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Rejected
8 Jan 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 27 Jul 2026.