§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the recent increase in the number of convictions for attempting to smuggle animals into the United Kingdom, he will now take steps to increase the penalties for illegally bringing pets into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. JohnThe Rabies Act 1974 and the Rabies (Importation of Dogs, Cats and other Mammals) Order 1974 provide for increased penalties, including prosecution on indictment where any person450W knowingly evades the provisions of the order. The penalties are now, on summary conviction, a fine of £400; or on conviction on indictment 12 months' imprisonment or an unlimited fine, or both. The level of fine on summary conviction is being considered by our Department in the context of a general review of summary fines.